Archive of Our Own

One of the joys about having a kid is celebrating each new milestone they accomplish. For most families that involved things such as first step, first word, first lost tooth. But when you don't get your kid until they are far beyond those momentous firsts, about all you can get is birthdays. Birthdays signal another year survived, and when dealing with severely traumatized and abused kids, that truly is a big occasion to celebrate. 

After getting Shinsou as an emergency foster placement, and figuring out just how much his past has lacked, Hizashi went straight into planning mode. They had years to make up for, afterall. Years that passed Hitoshi up with nothing to signal that his foster families even realized he was slowly growing. Hizashi was going to make it up to the kid, even if he had no real experience. He was determined to make this the best damn birthday he could, with anything a kid could ever imagine. He even made an assignment for his students to write about their dream childhood birthday party, using the fact that it was to be written in English as an excuse to extract their knowledge and ideas. Some were helpful, others not as much, but it gave him ideas to let his own excitement fill in the gaps. After all, between 5 collective jobs, and now governmental assistance, money was never really an issue. Though, right about now, Shouta may have been regretting not setting a hard limit. 

It started simple enough, Hizashi made invites and everything, even if they only went to Nemuri, Emi, and Izuku. He hoped one year they would be able to invite many more, but with only just getting Hitoshi, they really only had their own friends to invite. But that was ok, he figured anyone was better than the no one he had for so long. Initially it started small, just a few friends, some foods they noticed Hitoshi seemed to prefer, a small cake for him to wish upon, and maybe a few small games like pin the tail on the donkey. Nothing extreme, nothing overboard. Then they figured out that Hitoshi did not even realize his birthday was coming up due to not really celebrating it. That small detail was enough to send Hizashi overboard with the planning. 

First, he had to figure out what exactly the theme should be. That one took a bit longer, but the answer was screaming them in the face the entire time. It would be hero themed, not only every kids dream, but also a great way to introduce Hitoshi to their hero personas, especially since he somehow managed to not connect the dots yet despite neither really hiding their identities. With a theme in mind, everything else seemed to fall into place. He even got Emi and Nemuri to agree to come in full costume and to dress Izuku up as his choice hero. Getting Hitoshi to dress up would be a bit more of a challenge, but all they needed was to figure out his favorite hero, how hard could that be? 

With a theme and costumes in mind, up next was what they would do during the part. Hizashi rented a darker hero documentary, a balance between the hero theme, and the kids' love of scary things and documentaries. Definitely not what he would expect for a kid, but it was HItoshi’s big day. So even if he would rather something light and fun, a children's movie featuring heroes, this was what the kid would actually enjoy more. It was one that looked at underground hero work and vigilantism. 

Then was planning activities. First it was simple games like pin the nose on the Nedzu, one that the adults would surely get a laugh out of. He also downloaded some theme music from popular hero movies to play musical chairs with (he was most excited to force Shouta into this one). Then, he rented a life sized jenga and wrote little true false hero facts on the pieces. Eventually though, his activities changed to renting blow up obstacle courses, bounce castles, and a slip and slide. Shouta really should have thought before putting Hizashi in charge. 

Once way too much was planned for the few hours, next he had to plan on food. This one should have been easy, they had started to pick up on the kids preferences based off what he happily ate, and what he tried to get out and down as fast as possible. While Hitoshi had never specifically said anything, or complained at all, they had already started to notice the trends and started fazing those items out of their meals. But Hizashi had years to make up for here, so just foods he liked would not pass, even if Hitoshi would not give them anymore than that. After watching, studying, he could still only make his best guess as to what they could do. Logically, this only meant he had to go overboard with the cake. He got a layer in every flavor he could think of, just to make sure they actually got his favorite flavor, each expertly separated in case there was one he did not like. He had it professionally decorated with all the top heroes, but made them cat themed. He absolutely lost it when he saw Edgeshot with little cat ears and tail. This was specifically done to mash another one of his favorite things with the theme. The cake was nearly as tall as the kid himself, again, Shouta should have been having a bigger hand in planning. He would surely regret that once he saw everything his husband was planning. 

If all of that was not too much, Hizashi had also went overboard on the gifts. Shouta had kept some of the clothes they had gotten before, and picked up a new cat pillow for the kid. Hizashi though? He had an actively growing pile of gifts for him. In the time leading up to his birthday he had picked up anything that made him think of the kid, as well as things that his students indirectly recommended. After all, the kid had a room that was still in desperate need of personalization, and as they figured out more about him, it was getting easier to pick up things he could wager he would like. 

It was not until the charges started appearing that Shouta realized what a mistake he had made. He had a few silent signed arguments with his husband over it, afraid that actually yelling would set the kid off (which was a safe bet). In the end, to make up for it, they agreed to make it a combined birthday with Izuku since their birthdays were only 2 weeks apart. He initially wanted it to only be for Hitoshi, so the kid could have something of his own, but seeing how far his husband went it would honestly just be shitty to the other foster kid if they did all this for Hitoshi and his guardians could not do the same. While Nem and Emi were pretty well off themselves, it would just be illogical to place that sort of expectation on them. 

That's how they ended up here, everything being set up at a park they rented out since it would not all fit in their backyard, while they tried to get hitoshi to dress up before meeting the other family and walking over. 

Hizashi was the only one who knew what each of the kids were dressing up as, and he also knew this would be Hitoshi’s first time seeing their hero costumes. Simple to say, he had his camera ready and was recording. This would be too great to miss out on. He bounced lightly as he waited, an impossibly wide smile on his face. 

Shouta adjusted his capture weapon and raised an eyebrow at his husband, unsure exactly what he had planned. “Should I be concerned?” He finally voiced. 

“Just wait~” Hizashi hummed out before the door cracked open, signaling Hitoshi was done and ready. “Come on out, kiddo” He chimed out. 

“But I… mmm” Hitoshi pouted out slightly, his voice still quiet and gravely, but it was leagues better than his silence. He took a deep breath before stepping out, face red in embarrassment. He did not know everything they had planned, just that it was a small birthday thing for him and Izuku, so he figured it was the green haired boys want to have them dressed as their favorite heroes. But while Izuku probably had an easy time choosing, Hitoshi struggled a lot more. After years of praying, begging, for a hero to whisk in and save him, just to have to face another day of abuse… He had an odd relationship with heroes. He kept his eyes cast down as he stepped out, fiddling with his own little grey scarf. 

Shouta couldn’t help the small gasp that left him before lightly smacking his husbands chest, “You said he was dressing as his favorite hero” he scolded lightly, seeing the kid in essentially a closet cosplay of himself. 

“I am” Hitoshi spoke up a bit louder, “I know he isn’t a big name one, but-” He cut off as he finally looked up, seeing the two adults dressed up as well. “He’s your favorite too? Oh wow those goggles look so authentic. You are really good at crafting” Hitoshi bit his bottom lip slightly, wide wonder filled eyes taking in both their outfits. “You guys got these together really quick” he was trying to work around all his own questions that were raising through his head. 

Shouta looked at his husband again before directing his attention back to Hitoshi, crouching down some to get on his level as he handed over the goggles for him to look at closer. “Kid, we didn’t make these, support did all the hard work… Remember how they told you we are heroes? And so are Auntie Nem and Emi?” 

Hitoshi took the goggles in hand, unable but to help the wide smile forming on his face before looking up at Shouta. It was like watching the lightbulb turn on in his mind, the final piece of the puzzle slotting together, it really was a wonder how it took him this long. “You… And… and” he looked down at the goggles again, swallowing hard as tears pricked in his eyes. He was having a hard time wrapping his brain around it, the two heroes he had grown up listening to, hoping would save him, dreamed about rescuing him, were standing in front of him, who did exactly that, and he did not even realize it despite all the major tells. God, Izuku even tried telling him, if only he paid more attention. He felt more than a little stupid, but also awe struck. It was a very confusing feeling, and he really did not know how to deal with them. 

“Kid?” Shouta was not really sure why the kid was starting to cry, definitely not the expected reaction. Shock? Maybe. Excitement? That was plausible. But this? This was not a reaction he ever really expected. 

Hizashi quickly dropped down as well, getting down with Hitoshi. “Hey, sorry I didn’t explicitly tell you before, but the adults are dressing up as our hero personas while you and Izuku dress up as your favorite heroes. That is on me. Can you ever forgive me?” 

Hitoshi looked up at his other life long idol, just being filled with more embarrassment. He assumed Hizashi was just a massive fan too, it helped explain the similar speech patterns. He quickly signed a quick apology before pulling back and retreating back to his room, quickly closing the door. He just needed a moment to situate his thoughts, and well get over some of the embarrassment over not realizing sooner. He needed to sort out his emotions before facing them again. 

Shouta stood back up and shot Hizashi a look, “Thin ice” He warned, even though they both knew it was an empty threat. They both waited a minute before going over to his door and knocking softly. 

“Hey, kiddo, I think it's pretty cool that your favorite hero is Eraserhead, he is my favorite to '' Hizashi started, leaning an ear against the door as he tried to listen for a response. “I know it's super embarrassing to match with someone when you go out, but honestly I think your outfit is better. Can’t get upset when yours looks more authentic. Want me to make Shouta change? We can probably get him to dress as Best Jeanist, think I may have an old jean jacket” He offered, not wanting Hitoshi to be upset on his special day.

“No!.. I mean…” Hitoshi pulled open the door again, almost making Hizashi fall, but Shouta caught him. “I didn’t know, which is dumb, Izuku even told me, I was a bad host and I didn’t listen, I should have… I should have realized” He quickly got quieter as he talked, this being the most he has really spoken at once in a very long time, and the strain was clear in his voice. Shouta made the mental note to look into voice therapy. 

Shouta thought for a moment before pulling off his capture scarf, “How about we trade for the day? Don’t beat yourself up kid, you haven't seen our costumes yet, and you mostly only know his radio persona, which is even more excitable than in person, if you can believe it. Plus, I’m honestly surprised you knew me at all. I mean I am an underground hero who really does not get media attention” he offered, still honestly a bit surprised that the kid knew him, let alone knew him enough to make him his favorite. He absently wondered if there was a correlation to the fact that the two foster kids he knew both not only knew him, but idolized him. 

Hitoshi looked between the capture weapon and Shouta a few times before quickly pulling off the gray scarf and his yellow swim goggles and switching them off. He held the weapon for a moment in his hands before shakily pulling it on, struggling a bit with its extra length around his small shoulders. He then pulled the goggles over his eyes, hiding the building tears again before looking up at the two men, earning a small squeal from Hizashi.

 “Better be careful, kids are going to start asking for signatures” Hizashi teased before grabbing his phone from where it was recording, snapping a quick picture before turning it off. “We should get going, Don’t want our other guest of honor to be waiting too long,” He added, reaching down for Hitoshi’s hand, who quickly grabbed it. 

___

It was a relatively short drive over to the other families house. Once their, they were greeted by Izuku dressed in an All Might onesie inbetween Ms. Joke and Midnight. The two females snapped a few pictures of the other family as well as HItoshi and Izuku together, absolutely losing it over the matching outfits, especially once told that Hitoshi did not know they would be matching. Soon enough, they were on their way to the park. It was only a few minute walk from the girls house. They let the two kids walk ahead while they quietly discussed about the day, careful to not spoil any surprises incase teh kids overheard them. 

“So… All Might” Hitoshi slowly said, wanting to know why the other boy chose the number one hero, but not wanting to ask directly. Though he supposed that was probably a more expected answer than his own choice. God, he still couldn’t believe that his new fosters were THE Eraserhead and Present Mic. 

“Yeah! All Might is the best hero hands down, he can change the tide of whole wars and do so with a smile” Izuku started off, eyes practically sparkling as he started going on about the hero. 

Hitoshi really did try to pay attention like a good person, he really did, he just didn’t like the number one hero all that much, and with all this walking he was growing increasingly tired. He stifled a yawn and tried to focus on keeping his pace up with the other kid. “Mhm.. I guess” he pulled the goggles off his face finally, but really only to rub at his eyes. “I guess he is number one for a reason” 

“I mean I hope that I can one day inspire thousands with just a smile. Plus he doesn’t intentionally do it for the fame like other heroes” Izuku continued, hardly noticing that the other was hardly paying attention. He was not used to others really openly trying to communicate with him in a positive manor, and he was loving the responses and pushes to keep going. Heroes and quirks were a special interest of his, and most just laughed at him over them, or openly targeted him for it. Especially since he was quirkless himself. 

Shouta watched his kid stumble a bit and couldn’t help but to frown slightly. Poor kid must have had more nightmares last night and not slept much. He would have to look into getting some sleep aides from Chiyo for the bad nights. That had to be why the kid was always so exhausted, he hoped it would get better being with them, that those sleepless nights would dwindle, but it seemed the kid was constantly battling exhaustion. He thought the nightmares were getting better, could it be something else? Perhaps he would bring it up with his doctor at their appointment. 

___

Once at the park, Hitoshi looked back at the adults, chewing on his bottom lip out of bad habit, a tell that Shouta quickly realized was linked with his anxiety. “Surprise kid” Shouta started before letting his husband take over, after all he was the one who arranged all of this, which he will add again was way too much for two kids. 

Once Hizashi gave them the run down and released them to play some before they would start their games, the adults went over to a set of picnic tables, where they could easily observe but also still talk and relax. 

Hitoshi stared for a moment, his mind already racing about how much this all was, both amount wise, but also financially. How was he ever going to repay this, did they really have that much money that this was nothing? Didn’t they know that he was fine with nothing? That he didn’t deserve all this stuff? He was quickly pulled from his thoughts as Izuku grabbed his hand and pulled him over to the blow up obstacle course. 

“Come on, lets race! I bet I can finish before you” Izuku explained, excitement bubbling over. Sure he had overboard parties before since being fostered by the two heroes, but he never really had a friend to share it with, which made this extra special. 

Hitoshi stared for a moment, trying to let his sleepy brain catch up before nodding softley, agreeing to the race. 

Neither really did well, Izuku easily bounced off the climbing parts, having accidentally ran full force into them, and Hitoshi may have climbed with ease, but when he did fall, he just laid on the soft blow up ground for a moment before Izuku jumped near him, sending him bouncing. By the time either reached the end, Izuku was giggling excitedly and Hitoshi couldn’t help but to smile. Something about the bubbly boy just made his mind go to ease. Helped those anxious filled thoughts slow down. He may not have wanted to grow attached, but Izuku did not get the memo. 

After running the course a few times, Hitoshi climbed his way into the bounce house just to lay down for a bit. He flopped down on the bouncy ground much like he did in the course, simply taking in the calm moment before Izuku joined him, the green head flopping down next to him. “So why Eraserhead?” Izuku finally asked, rolling over to look at the other boy with his own wide smile. 

“Because he helps without needing fame and money… Plus uh… we both don’t have flashy big quirks, and he still is a hero… It gives hope to those who may not be able to punch a hole through the ground. When I was a kid, I read about him in the library, some old articles, made me realize I could still be a hero” Hitoshi closed his eyes, the exhaustion of the day finding him. “Mmm… I'm gonna nap now” He quietly mumbled out, hoping Izuku would take the hint and either be quiet or not take offense. 

“That's what I want to do for quirkless kids one day, I want to be the first quirkless hero, show those in the future that it's possible” Izuku hummed out before laying back down again, “ok, I will make sure you are up for the games” He stayed there for a moment, directing his gaze up to the clouds to see if he could find any fun shapes. He felt a little bad for tiring out his new friend, but he had also seen how tired the other kid always was, so he really was not that pressed. This was sort of how all their outings went. So he would patiently wait, even if he wanted to run around and try all the fun activities that were set up for them. They just were not as fun alone, not after getting a taste for how it was with another person that was not one of his moms. 

After about 30 minutes, Hizashi made his way to set up the games, as well as the Endeavour Pinata that he managed to get. Yet another thing that matched thematically, but the adults would get an extra kick from. Once all was set up he called out for the kids and sat back, waiting for them to make their way over. 

Izuku carefully shook Hitoshi, knowing from experience that he was probably a little jumpy with touch when waking up. 

Hitoshi grumbled but slowly got up, making a little grumpy face as the sun burned at his sleep filled eyes. But he knew it was rude to sleep when they spent so much money on them, so he did get up. Not wanting to change up the whole day just because his body always decided to crave sleep during the waking hours of the day. 

The two kids made their way over to the section that had the games setup. First was pin the nose on the Nedzu, One that Hizashi made all of them try. After a few failed attempts, Izuku was starting to get frustrated. He didn’t understand how it could be so hard to even get it on the little hybrid. “I give up” He finally huffed, but before any of the adults could step in Hitoshi did. 

Hitoshi fidgetted a bit nervously, but blocked the adults path from getting to the clearly upset and frustrated Izuku. Nemuri and Emi were worried about a full meltdown, but also were a bit curious as to what the other boy was going to offer as a solution. “How about we try something different” He leaned down and whispered to Izuku, side eyeing his dads with a glint of determination. 

The adults all watched as Izuku lit up and nodded quickly, his own mischievous smile forming. 

“New game. Kids vs Moms vs Dads. One blindfolded, the other has to direct them through the obstacle course, then they have to do ten spins, then pin the nose on the monster rat thing. Winner gets to pick desert for a week” Hitoshi spoke with a fierce determination that neither Shouta not Hizashi had seen before. 

“Blindfolded? Are you sure?” Shouta asked cautiously, but the kids seemed excited, so he would go along with it even if they would surely make a fool of themselves. Perhaps he should warn the adults to take it easy, afterall as pro heroes they were bound to have better communication skills than two kids. 

“Positive” Hitoshi said simply, winking back at Izuku who was practically vibrating from whatever Hitoshi told him. “Shouta, and…” He looked back to Izuku to fill in which parent he wanted blindfolded. 

“Mama Emi” Izuku filled in, watching as Hitoshi handed the two adults a blindfold before handing one to Izuku. 

“Are you absolutely sure? I don't want you to feel uncomfortable” Hitoshi asked cautiously, a new wave of anxiety washing over him. 

“Absolutely. Lets beat them” Izuku offered before pulling on the blindfold, smiling impossibly wide. 

Hizashi and Nemuri shared a slightly more concerned look as their partners pulled on the blindfolds. It was obvious the kids had some trickery planned, something that Hitoshi offered but was growing anxious around. It did not sit well with the heroes, but also now they were more curious than anything, so they set up at the start of the blow up obstacle course and tried to mentally prep for whatever shenanigans the kids could get up to. 

Once all set up, Hitoshi turned to Izuku, holding his shoulders lightly. “Are you absolutely sure?”. Izuku nodded quickly, earning a gentle squeeze to the shoulders from the taller kid. “I need a verbal response, for… consent reasons” He quickly glanced over at the growing concern on the adults faces. “Are you ok with this?” 

“Abso-” Izuku suddenly stopped mid speaking, which really did not help the adults calm down at all. 

Hitoshi took a quick shaky breathe and stepped back, anxiously ringing his hands before starting. “Turn 30 degrees” 

As Izuku did the exact turn, something most kids did not understand, Hizashi and Nemuri started to realize maybe they were underestimating these kids, no matter how young and untrained they were. 

As they started up, Hizashi tried to keep an eye on his kid as he tried to guide his blinded husband through the course, something that was much harder given the moving nature of the course, on top of the issues with it being made more for kids than anything. He looked up again and quickly noticed that Izuku was flying through it, even if his motions looked a bit more stuttery. Blindfolded, he seemed to be doing better than when he watched him and Hitoshi do it earlier. He also knew for a fact these blindfolds were not see through given how much the two adults were struggling. It truly was amazing, and made a proud feeling bubble up. His kid must have been damn good at giving instructions. He was even asking questions earlier. This truly was a step forward. 

If he knew exactly what the kids were up to, he may have actually died from being so overwhelmingly proud. Though, maybe he would have been a bit more cautious around this specific activity. 

In damn near record time Izuku placed the nose on the perfect spot, exactly where it should have been. Shouta had only just stumbled out of the obstacle course, and Emi was still only about half way through, evidently struggling the most. Once the nose was pinned, Hitoshi suddenly collapsed, and Izuku quickly followed suit. Izuku looked more dazed before a look of awe overcame him. He quickly ran over to his bag and grabbed out his notebook, immediately starting to write something down before running back over and helping Hitoshi into a sitting position. 

Immediate concern filled Hizashi as he ran over. “Are you ok?!” He barely was able to contain his quirk as panic filled him, not knowing what exactly happened. 

Hitoshi moved his hands up to message at his temples, wincing at the sudden volume as he leaned against Izuku. He pinched his eyes closed as he was shifted, Hizashi grabbing him by the shoulders to look him over. 

Shouta quickly joined, crouching next to his husband as he took in the scene. “Your head hurts?” He offered, speaking much quieter than his husband. 

Hitoshi nodded slightly before lurching forward, dry heaving slightly from the slight movements. 

“What happened, kid?” Shouta offered, glancing over to Izuku also, who was aggressively writing in his notebook with an impossibly wide smile. He knew that book anywhere, in fact he had to answer probably close to a hundred questions about his quirk before with Izuku and that book. “Was that your quirk?” He cautiously asked, knowing it was a voice based one, but they never knew more than that. Based off how rigid Hitoshi went after he asked, he could guarantee that it was. “Do you always get headaches after use?” 

“No… Haven't used it in awhile… not for that long '' Hitoshi grumbled, leaning forward to burrow his face in his foster dads chest. 

“I am proud of you for using it… But why?” Shouta chose his words carefully, not wanting to set off the kid, but he was really concerned about him using it for something like a game. PLus there was still the question of what exactly it was. 

“He was upset… doesn't matter” Hitoshi slowly pulled back, looking over at Izuku. No, he wasn’t getting attached, but he hated seeing the kid so upset, and well he knew the kid was more than a little obsessed with quirks and had been bugging him about his for so long. It was a dangerous bet, especially given how most people reacted to being brainwashed, but he had a feeling Izuku was different. But what about the other adults? Would they think he was a villain? Think he was dangerous? They had been so nice, but they didn’t know what he could do. 

“Kid, breathe” Shouta guided, noticing how Hitoshi’s breaths were picking up pace. Perhaps he should add anxiety onto the list of concerns. 

“That was really cool! You’re going to make an amazing hero with a quirk like that!” Izuku chimed out, adoration practically dripping from his voice. “I bet you could even surpass Kacchan, the practicality in both battle and rescue is amazing” He continued, shifting a bit closer to put the notebook between them so Hitoshi could read his theories and applications that he was already working on. “Does it require a question? Or is it just a response? Do you even need that form of communication…” Izuku started muttering to himself as he looked over his already started notes, just running through possibilities in his mind and letting them filter through his mouth. 

“I… hero” Hitoshi blinked as he watched Izuku. “Most people are scared when they lose control… or” he swallowed harshly, looking up at his dads. 

“Kid, what exactly is your quirk?” Shouta couldn’t help but to ask, he just needed a little more context here. 

“I… um…” Hitoshi bit his lip harshly, drawing small pricks of blood before quickly signing instead, showing honestly just how nervous he was to tell them. ‘ Brain ’ he paused a moment before continuing, ‘ wash ’. He quickly looked away, expecting them to blow up, or leave, or anything really. He never had a good reaction to his quirk before, but it was honestly fun to use it again, especially on a more than willing participant, considering most times he used it were accidental, times of high emotion or desperation. 

“Brainwashing… That's pretty unique kid. I would love to help you train it so you can avoid these headaches in the future” Shouta offered, gently tugging Hitoshi into a hug. “Izuku is right, you could stay far away from danger and still save the day. Plenty of hero potential. Just don't push it over something like a game” He pulled out a small packet of pain medicine, one he was planning on having to take himself for his own joint pain after having to run around with the two kids. “Take this and lay down for a little, it should help” He offered as he ran his fingers over the kids scalp, just trying to ease the pain. 

Hitoshi opened his mouth a few times before settling on just listening and taking the meds before laying his head on his foster dad, pressing up into the touches. 

Hizashi headed back to go fill in Nemuri and Emi, allowing his husband to deal with Hitoshi and helping the kid calm down a bit. Today may not have been going according to plan, but they were making important progress. He figured that after everything the kid had been through that he may have never willingly used his quirk again, let alone this soon and for something so small and inconsequential. Though, knowing that Hitoshi did it to make Izuku happy, to help him feel better, it filled him with a deep sense of pride. This kid would make a great hero one day, he just hoped these self sacrificial tendencies did not extend past quirk drawbacks. Something he could right off as him not really thinking about it. 

___

After resting, Hitoshi eventually came back to the party. He kept the goggles pulled up on his face, trying to be brave like his foster father (which he still definitely needed to get used to). He was still terrified that maybe Izuku would be upset over losing control like that, or that his foster parents would suddenly be scared, even if that did not make sense. 

Once Izuku saw him return, he tucked his notebook away for now and turned around with a wide smile. “Feeling better?” 

Hitoshi nodded slightly as he fidgeted with the capture weapon. 

“Good! I'm glad. That was really fun! Plus we won, so now I get mom’s dessert bars for a week, so double win. If you ever need someone to practice with, let me know. If we are going to get into U.A. Hero course you are going to need to practice” 

“You really think I can be a hero?” Hitoshi slowly asked, looking up at those hopeful emerald eyes. 

“Of course! Now let's go play more. I bet I can absolutely destroy you at hero trivia Jenga” 

Hitoshi couldn’t help but to smile a little bit, and maybe, just maybe believe him a little bit. 

___

The rest of the birthday party went by pretty smoothly, Hizashi even got some great photos of the group making absolute fools of each other and the kids smiling and interacting. They would make great blackmail, if Hizashi was that type of person. And honestly, he was not above it if it meant playful teasing. The day may not have been perfect, but nothing was truly perfect, and in the end it all worked out, the kids were much closer and the adults got to just have a fun day off. It surely was a birthday to remember. 

Once they walked the girls and Izuku home, Hizashi got behind the wheel and Hitoshi and Shouta fell asleep in the back seat, HItoshi leaning against the adult, who kept an arm wrapped around him while his face pressed against the window. Hizashi snapped another picture before driving the short distance home, and then looping the block a few times just to give them more time to sleep. He was honestly amazed with how quickly they fell asleep, and how much they were alike, not even including their matching outfits. 

Once home, he parked and gently lifted Hitoshi up as he shook his husband awake. He carried Hitoshi up to bed and tucked him in with a new plush cat, one that the kid immediately cuddled up with in his sleep. He couldn’t help but to snap another photo before finally going to wash out his hair and getting ready for bed. 

Not perfect, but definitely a success.