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The apartment was alive with energy. Streamers hung across the walls in soft pastel colors, and the table was laden with snacks and drinks, a bright pink cake in the center reading “ Happy 2nd Birthday, Sakura!” in neat, swirly frosting. Balloons in soft shades of yellow and pink bobbed in every corner, their strings swaying gently in the breeze from the open window.
Sakura, the star of the day, toddled around the living room with her stuffed bunny clutched tightly in one hand. She was dressed in a flowery lilac dress with her blonde hair tied into tiny pigtails that bounced with each step. Her curious eyes scanned the room, taking in the decorations with a mix of curiosity and awe. Her wide eyes darted from one decoration to the next, her face lighting up every time she noticed something new.
Shinsou crouched nearby, keeping a watchful eye on her as she explored. He was dressed casually in jeans and a hoodie, his violet hair tied back in a loose bun. “You like the balloons, pumpkin?” he asked, his voice soft.
“B’oons!” Sakura squealed, pointing at the pastel cluster tied to one of the dining chairs.
“Yeah, balloons,” Shinsou said with a chuckle as he snapped the photo. “You wanna pick one later?”
“Pick!” she repeated, clapping her hands.
The doorbell rang, cutting through the chatter of Sakura’s babbling. Bakugou, who had been setting out snacks on the table, wiped his hands on a dish towel and strode toward the door. “Bet that’s the old men,” he muttered under his breath, though there was no hiding the fond grin creeping onto his face.
Shinsou followed behind, Sakura snug in his arms, her tiny fingers gripping the ear of her beloved bunny as he bounced her gently. When Bakugou opened the door, the familiar figures of Aizawa, Yamada, and Eri stood on the threshold. Aizawa held a small gift bag in one hand, his perpetually tired eyes softening the moment they landed on Sakura. Beside him, Yamada balanced a tray of colorful cupcakes, his free hand raised in a cheerful wave. Eri, now nineteen and exuding a quiet confidence, beamed brightly, a small bouquet of daisies cradled in her hands.
“Well, look who decided to show up,” Bakugou quipped with a smirk, stepping aside to let them in. “It’s the birthday girl’s personal fan club.”
“Birthday royalty deserves the best!” Yamada announced, practically bouncing across the threshold, his blond hair tied back in a loose ponytail. His grin was as radiant as ever. “Now, where’s my little superstar?”
“Inside voice, Yamada,” Aizawa chided, though his tone was more amused than stern. He followed at a slower pace, his dark eyes soft as they rested on Sakura. A neatly wrapped box peeked out from the gift bag in his hand.
Sakura perked up at the sound of Yamada’s voice, her wide eyes lighting up. With a squeal of delight, she wriggled free from Shinsou’s arms, her little legs carrying her toward the group as fast as they could go. “Grandpa!” she cried, her excitement filling the room.
Yamada gasped, clutching the tray close to his chest as if to steady himself from the force of her enthusiasm. “She remembered!” he exclaimed, crouching low to catch her in a big, warm hug. “There’s my sunshine! Happy birthday, sweetie!”
Sakura giggled, her bunny dangling from one hand as she wrapped the other arm tightly around Yamada’s neck. “Hi, Grandpa!” she chirped, her voice muffled against his shoulder.
Aizawa knelt beside them, reaching out to gently ruffle her hair. “Happy birthday, kiddo,” he said softly, his usually gruff tone filled with warmth.
Eri crouched down as well, carefully extending the daisies toward Sakura. “Flowers. These are for you,” she said gently, her smile tender. “They match your dress.”
Sakura pulled back just enough to peek at the bouquet, her small face lighting up with wonder. Her tiny hands reached out to grasp the stems, and she held them close, her gaze fixed on the bright petals. “F’owew,” she murmured, her voice hushed with awe.
“That’s right, flowers,” Eri encouraged, her grin widening. “Do you like them?”
Sakura nodded eagerly, turning to glance up at Bakugou. “Fank 'ou!” she declared, her voice ringing out proudly.
Bakugou leaned down to ruffle her hair, his smirk softening into a rare smile. “Good job, Sakura.”
Yamada, still holding her close, pressed a hand to his chest in mock distress. “Sho, I’m telling you, I’m not gonna survive this party. She’s too cute!”
Aizawa sighed, though the faint smile tugging at his lips betrayed his amusement. “Drama queen,” he muttered, shaking his head as Yamada continued to dote on the birthday girl.
“She’s getting big,” Aizawa remarked, straightening up and passing the neatly wrapped gift to Shinsou. His gaze lingered on Sakura, who was still clutching her daisies and bunny tightly, her little face glowing with joy. “Hard to believe she’s already two. Or that it’s been over a year since you brought her home.”
Shinsou accepted the gift, his fingers brushing against the smooth wrapping paper as he glanced toward Sakura. His expression softened, his usually composed demeanor melting into something gentler. “Tell me about it,” he murmured, his voice tinged with quiet awe. “Feels like just yesterday she was so little, she could barely hold her head up. Now look at her.”
They both paused for a moment, watching as Sakura toddled toward Eri, babbling happily about her new flowers. Her giggles filled the room, bright and infectious, drawing soft smiles from everyone.
“She’s happy,” Aizawa said, his voice low and deliberate. “You’re doing good, Shinsou.”
Shinsou glanced at his mentor, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. “It’s not just me,” he admitted, his gaze flicking to Bakugou, who was busy helping Sakura set the flowers in a small cup of water. “It’s all of us. She’s got a good family.”
Aizawa’s lips twitched into a faint smile, his usual stoicism giving way to a rare glimpse of pride. “She’s lucky to have you. All of you.”
Shinsou’s hand tightened briefly around the gift, the weight of Aizawa’s words settling over him like a warm blanket. “Yeah,” he said softly, his eyes back on Sakura. “We’re the lucky ones.”
The Bakusquad arrived shortly after, flooding the room with their usual boisterous energy. Mina immediately fawned over Sakura’s dress, while Kirishima handed her a gift bag almost as big as she was. Kaminari and Sero set up the presents on the couch, chatting animatedly as they watched Sakura toddle between everyone.
“Alright, let’s get this party started!” Yamada declared, clapping his hands together.
The room quickly filled with laughter and chatter as the group settled in, each person taking turns playing with Sakura or snapping photos of her as she explored her gifts and the decorations. Marmalade, ever the dignified cat, lounged on the windowsill, watching the chaos with a flick of his tail.
When it was time for cake, everyone gathered around the table. Shinsou and Bakugou set the small, pink-frosted cake in front of Sakura, who was back in her high chair. Two small candles flickered at the center, casting a warm glow over her delighted face.
“Alright, squirt,” Shinsouu said, crouching beside her. “You ready?”
Sakura clapped her hands, her excitement palpable.
The group launched into a loud, slightly off-key rendition of “Happy Birthday,” with Yamada and Kaminari harmonizing (badly) while Eri clapped along beside Aizawa, who watched with quiet amusement. Sakura’s face lit up as everyone sang, her little hands slapping against the tray of her high chair in rhythm.
“Alright, sweetheart,” Bakugou said, crouching beside her high chair. “Time to make a wish.”
“She’s two, Katsuki,” Shinsou said with a smirk, standing on her other side. “She doesn’t know how to make a wish.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Bakugou muttered, a small smile tugging at his lips.
“Okay, pumpkin,” Shinsou said, pointing at the candles. “Blow them out.”
Sakura tilted her head, studying the flickering flames. Then, instead of blowing, she reached out with both hands.
“Whoa, not like that!” Bakugou laughed, gently pulling her hands back. “We’ll help you.”
Together, Bakugou and Shinsou leaned forward, blowing out the candles as Sakura squealed with delight. The room erupted into cheers, and Sakura clapped her hands again, babbling happily.
“Good job, Sakura,” Shinsou said, pressing a kiss to her temple.
“Cake!” Sakura shouted, her excitement renewed.
“She’s so precious!” Mina gushed, snapping a picture on her phone.
“Alright, let’s see what she does with the cake,” Kaminari said, grinning.
Bakugou smirked, sliding the cake closer to Sakura. “Go for it.”
Sakura didn’t need much encouragement. She leaned forward, her tiny hands diving into the frosting with gleeful abandon. The room filled with laughter as she smeared pink frosting across her cheeks and giggled, holding up a handful of cake like it was a prize.
“She’s got the right idea,” Yamada said, snapping a photo.
“Guess that’s a hit,” Aizawa remarked, his lips twitching into a faint smile as he watched her.
Marmalade, who had been watching the festivities from his perch on the couch, flicked his tail lazily and jumped down to investigate the commotion.
“Don’t even think about it,” Bakugou warned, pointing a finger at the cat as Marmalade sniffed toward the cake.
The rest of the party unfolded like a warm, joyful dream, filled with moments that would be retold for years. Sakura sat in the center of the living room, surrounded by a sea of wrapping paper and colorful ribbons, her face glowing with excitement as Yamada helped her explore one of her new toys—a set of brightly colored building blocks shaped like animals.
“Okay, Sakura,” Yamada said, his voice filled with exaggerated enthusiasm. “Let’s make a tower! Look—this one’s a tiger. Rawr!”
“Rawr!” Sakura mimicked, her little hands clumsily grabbing the tiger block and placing it on top of the base Yamada had set up.
“Good job, birthday girl!” Yamada clapped his hands, his energy as boundless as ever.
Aizawa sat nearby, his legs crossed and his arms resting casually on his knees. He was watching the scene unfold with a quiet fondness, his usual stoic expression softened by the sight of his granddaughter giggling and babbling as she played. Every now and then, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at his lips.
“She’s pretty good at this,” Yamada remarked, glancing over at Aizawa. “Bet she’s gonna be an engineer or an architect or something cool like that!”
Aizawa shrugged, though his eyes never left Sakura. “She’s smart. She’ll figure it out.”
“Kitty!” Sakura suddenly exclaimed, holding up a block shaped like a lion and pointing toward Marmalade, who had just slinked into the room, his tail flicking lazily.
“That’s a lion, kiddo,” Yamada corrected gently, leaning closer to her. “But hey, close enough!”
Marmalade gave an unimpressed flick of his ears before settling on the floor beside Aizawa, his green eyes surveying the room as if to ensure everything was in order.
Meanwhile, across the room, Eri had claimed a corner of the couch and was gently brushing through Sakura’s little pigtails with a small, pastel pink comb. The nineteen-year-old had taken on the role of big sister with ease, her nurturing side shining as she gently explained how to use the new flower-shaped hair clips she had gifted Sakura.
“See, Sakura?” Eri said, holding up a mirror so the toddler could see herself. “This one has a little daisy on it. Isn’t it pretty?”
“Pwitty!” Sakura agreed, clapping her hands as she admired her reflection.
Eri giggled, carefully securing another clip in Sakura’s hair. “You look so cute! Like a little princess.”
Sakura beamed, her tiny hands reaching out to touch the clips in her hair. “Thank you, Ewi!”
“Aww, you’re welcome, Sakura,” Eri said, leaning down to press a soft kiss to the top of her head.
Nearby, Marmalade swatted half-heartedly at a stray ribbon that had fallen from one of the presents, his movements slow and deliberate. Sakura noticed him immediately and let out a delighted squeal.
“Kitty!” she shouted, sliding off the couch and toddling over to him.
Eri followed, laughing softly as she scooped up the ribbon and dangled it in front of Marmalade. The cat’s green eyes locked onto the fluttering ribbon, and he batted at it with sudden enthusiasm, drawing giggles from both girls.
“Look at that, Sakura,” Eri said, holding the ribbon higher so Marmalade had to stretch to reach it. “He likes playing with you.”
Sakura crouched down, her eyes wide as she reached out to touch Marmalade’s soft fur. “Soft!” she declared, stroking his back with tiny, careful fingers.
Marmalade tolerated the attention for a moment before flopping onto his side dramatically, his tail twitching as if to say, You may continue admiring me.
“Oh, he’s so spoiled,” Shinsou said from across the room, his voice tinged with amusement as he watched the scene unfold.
“You made him that way,” Bakugou shot back, though his lips twitched into a small smile.
Kirishima, sitting beside them, laughed. “He’s got the life, huh? All these people fussing over him—and now he’s got Sakura wrapped around his paw.”
“She’s got good taste,” Kaminari added, popping a chip into his mouth.
Sakura, sitting in the middle of the floor with her stuffed bunny in hand, giggled loudly as Mina made silly faces at her, squishing her cheeks and crossing her eyes dramatically. “You’re such a little cutie!” Mina cooed, her voice high and sweet. “How are you this cute, huh?”
“Bunny!” Sakura said, holding up her beloved toy like it was a prized treasure.
Mina gasped, her eyes going wide as she clapped her hands. “That’s the best bunny I’ve ever seen!”
“Her name is Bunny,” Shinsou called from the kitchen, where he was pouring drinks for everyone. He smirked as he watched Mina’s antics over the rim of his glass.
“Original,” Sero quipped, lounging on the couch and twirling a balloon string in his fingers.
“It’s perfect,” Mina said, sticking her tongue out at Sero before turning back to Sakura. “Can I give Bunny a hug, too?”
Sakura nodded solemnly, handing over her toy. Mina gasped as if it were a royal honor, cradling Bunny like it was made of gold.
Meanwhile, Kaminari had discovered one of Sakura’s new toys: a pop-up play tunnel. He crouched by the entrance, poking his head through with an exaggerated gasp. “Sakura! Is this a secret tunnel? Can I come in?”
Sakura clapped her hands, laughing as Kaminari wiggled his way through, dramatically pretending to get stuck halfway. “Oh no! I’m trapped!” he cried, flailing his arms.
“You’re ridiculous,” Bakugou said from where he stood by the counter, leaning against it with his arms crossed. His crimson eyes softened, though, as Sakura squealed with laughter, crawling toward Kaminari to “rescue” him by tugging on his arm.
“She’s laughing, isn’t she?” Kaminari shot back, grinning as he let Sakura pull him free.
Kirishima, sitting cross-legged nearby, chuckled as he held up a toy hammer from one of Sakura’s building sets. “Hey, Sakura! Wanna help me build a house with this?”
“House!” Sakura echoed, toddling over to him and plopping down in his lap.
“Look at that,” Kirishima said, ruffling her hair gently. “She’s already got good taste in toys.”
“She likes it ‘cause it’s red,” Bakugou muttered, taking a sip from his drink.
“Or ‘cause it’s fun,” Shinsou countered as he joined them in the living room, handing Bakugou a fresh drink before sitting down on the couch.
“Hey, that’s not fair,” Kaminari said, flopping onto the floor beside Kirishima. “I wanna play, too!”
“Get your own hammer,” Kirishima teased, holding it just out of Kaminari’s reach.
The group dissolved into laughter, their easy camaraderie filling the room with warmth.
As the afternoon wore on, the group settled into an easy rhythm. Sakura toddled between her family and friends, chattering and giggling as each of them took turns playing with her or helping her with her new toys.
At one point, Yamada and Mina teamed up to build an elaborate block tower, only for Sakura to gleefully knock it down with both hands. “Again!” she demanded, clapping her frosting-covered hands together.
“You’ve got a little demolition expert on your hands,” Mina said with a laugh, brushing stray crumbs off her lap.
“Fits right in,” Shinsou said with a smirk, reaching down to pick up Sakura and swing her gently in the air.
By the time the party began to wind down, the apartment was a cozy mess of wrapping paper, empty plates, and happy memories. Sakura, now dressed in soft pajamas after her cake-stained dress had been retired, lay curled up in Shinsou’s lap with her bunny. She was fighting sleep, her dark eyes blinking slowly as she clutched a ribbon Marmalade had abandoned.
“Looks like she’s out of steam,” Aizawa said, ruffling her hair one last time before standing.
“She had a big day,” Shinsou said, brushing a hand over her hair as she rested her head against his chest.
“Thanks for coming, guys,” Bakugou said, walking them to the door.
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Yamada replied with a grin.
As the apartment grew quiet again, Shinsou carried Sakura to her room, tucking her into bed with her bunny by her side. Bakugou leaned against the doorway, watching with a soft expression.
“She’s gonna sleep like a rock tonight,” he said quietly.
“She earned it,” Shinsou replied, brushing a strand of hair from Sakura’s face.
They stood there for a moment, watching their daughter sleep, the warmth of the day lingering in the air. Surrounded by the love they had built and the family who had come to celebrate it, everything felt perfect.
And as they turned off the lights and closed the door, they couldn’t help but feel that this was just the beginning of many more birthdays filled with love, laughter, and memories they’d cherish forever.