Welcome back, Heroes. Rio here with the next instalment of Domestic Heroes...and a technical second birthday fic for our floaty hero. Yup, this one is another birthday fic, everyone! Considering the prompt for this piece, I decided to take some special liberties again. Honestly, it took me a little while to figure out a good way to get this going but once I did, it worked out well in the end! Hope this birthday fic ends up being better than the last one, everyone. Ochako deserves the best, after all. With that said, enjoy the story, everyone, and I will see you in the author's notes!

Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction in dedication to a much grander work. As such, the author does not own the rights to any characters within this story, and any correlation between any original characters that may appear and people in the real world are merely coincidental.

My Hero Academia: Domestic Heroes

Mistletoe Mischief

"Alright… Everything's looking good. All the unnecessary decorations have been taken off and the tree's put away now. Less Christmasy, but still definitely festive. She's going to love the little additions, too."

Izuku had an aura of pride and happiness as he stepped down from the ceiling, admiring the pink streamers and hanging stars that he added for today. It was currently the twenty-seventh of December; two days after Christmas and, more importantly, Ochako's birthday. Izuku was amused to learn that his girlfriend's birthday was so close to one of the best-known couples' holidays in Japan, and in a way, it seemed fitting. To him, it made sense that such a cheerful and wondrous woman like her was born close to such a magical time of year. It certainly bolstered the already festive mood that was still lingering from Christmas; Izuku couldn't help but smile the entire time he was getting the apartment ready for her. Even getting rid of the tree wasn't much of a bother to him, despite how long it took. At least he didn't have to rely on the cat to help with the removal like last year.

…He had a lot of melted ornaments and tree branches to deal with at that time, and he was happy to not have to relive that again.

*Ding*

"Dad! Mom's cake is done! Can I take it out of the oven?" Eri's voice was heard from the kitchen, prompting Izuku to turn his head to see his girl, dressed in a cute red and green dress that Inko got her for Christmas, staring at him with curious eyes.

"Sure thing, Eri. Just make sure you have your oven mitts on before you do that." Izuku allowed, his smile turning to a grin as Eri nodded eagerly in response before heading towards one of the kitchen drawers and pulled out a set of small, snow-themed oven mitts. Wanting to make sure she didn't hurt herself, the foster father made his way over to the kitchen as well and watched as the child slowly but carefully removed the golden-brown cake out of the oven, looking immensely proud of her accomplishment.

"Dad, we did it! This cake looks super good!" Eri exclaimed, sounding so happy that Izuku couldn't help but grin back at her.

"You bet it does. As soon as it's cool, we can go and decorate it. I'm sure Ochako will love it." Izuku said, causing the little girl to cheer in delight just as they heard the door knock. "Ah. That must be the others. I'll go get it. You stay here and make sure Mikan doesn't ruin the cake again."

"Ok, Dad." Eri nodded while Mikan, who was standing atop one of the couches, stared at its owner incredulously at the comment.

"Don't look at me like that, I remember what you did to her cake last year. I do not want to deal with another charbroiled and hair covered cake, thank you very much." Izuku stated sternly before heading over to the door, smiling at the sounds of familiar voices from the other side, before opening it to reveal a number of his and Ochako's friends. "Hey guys. Glad you can make it. I'd thought you all stick around with your families for a little longer after the Christmas party we had over at Yaoyorozu's family home."

"And miss out on our favorite girl's birthday! No way, dude!" Mina chirped as she strutted into the apartment, with Tenya, Tsuyu and Kirishima all following behind her.

"Indeed! Uraraka is our good friend! It is only natural that we come and celebrate her birthday with you and Eri! We are all close, after all!" Tenya exclaimed, complete with his signature hand motions that served to amuse the others as they took off their boots to enter further into the building.

"It's a shame that Fumi and the others are away on missions and weren't able to make it, though. They send their regards and birthday wishes, ribbit, along with some cards." Tsuyu spoke up, reaching into her bag and pulled out a number of birthday cards and handed them to Izuku, who accepted them gratefully.

"Thanks, Tsuyu. I'm sure Ochako will appreciate all of these. Not to be rude, but I'm kinda glad that not a lot of you showed up. This place is going to be cramped enough once Mom, All Might, and her parents come over." The young hero said sheepishly as he watched his friends situate themselves around the apartment.

"We getcha, man. I can only imagine how tight this place would've ended up if everyone in our old class was here." Kirishima assured with an easy smile before noticing the cake on the counter and let off an impressed whistle. "Wow. That looks pretty good. A lot smaller than the one you made on your first birthday with her, but still awesome."

"Good thing it's smaller. If Midori made a massive layer cake like he did that time, you'd probably knock it over and make him wear it again." Mina chortled while slapping her hardening hero on the back, prompting him and Izuku to sigh in exasperation while Eri looked at them in confusion.

"…Dad? What's Miss Mina talking about?"

"Just an old incident that happened a long time ago, Eri. Don't worry about it." Izuku assured with a nervous laugh with Kirishima grinning awkwardly alongside him, much to her confusion.

"We'll tell you about it later, Eri. I'm sure you'll find it funny." Tsuyu croaked bluntly, gently patting the child on the shoulder before taking note of the cake. "Izuku, the cake seems to be cool enough to decorate. Do you have any frosting?"

"I do. Let me get it right now." Izuku said before heading towards the refrigerator to take out the sweet coating that he made earlier.

"By the way, where's the birthday girl? Is she still out with her folks?" Kirishima asked from his new spot by the couch, grinning when Mikan proceeded to gently rub its head into his hand.

"She is, but she should be home soon. Her parents and my mom will be with her when she arrives. All Might wanted to go, too, but he had an appointment this morning at the hospital, so he's decided to come here instead when he's done. He's actually on his way right now" Izuku explained as he, Eri, and Tsuyu proceeded to decorate the cake with some pink frosting.

"Oh that's nice. Can't wait to see him again. Feels like it's been ages since I've heard him and his random shouts praise." Mina chirped, walking over to a corner of the house and admiring the mix of Christmas and birthday decorations that were around the house, when a cardboard box lying on the floor near the entertainment center caught her eye. "Oh? What's this?"

"It's our some of our Christmas stuff! We had to take some of them out, along with the tree, so that we can make room for some of the decorations Dad got for Mom's birthday." Eri said as she walked over to the pink woman, having finished helping with the now decorated cake and left Izuku and Tsuyu to handle the candles.

"Ah, I see." Mina nodded before opening up the box, her curiosity taking over as she eyed the ornaments and wrapped tinsel that was among the various Christmas-themed items inside. "…Is that a stocking with Mikan's name on it? That's just weird right there."

"Not entirely, Ashido. Many people have stockings for their pets. In fact, I recall Mei setting up multiple stockings for her 'babies' in her workshop so that—stop staring me like that. I'm well aware of how strange my significant other is. Don't rub it in." Tenya glared as soon as he saw the strange looks he was getting from both Eri and Mina.

"Hey, you're the one who went and started going out with the loony engie in our third year. Don't get mad at me because you broke guy code and stuck your-"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence! There are children present!" Tenya exclaimed, standing straight as a poll and getting everyone's attention as he reprimanded the pink woman for her near verbal faux pas beside the still impressionable girl next to her.

"Ah… Right… Sorry about that. Midori, please don't tell Ochako. I don't want her to send me to space like she did the last guy who cursed in front of Eri." Mina begged, wincing at the blank expression she was getting from Izuku in response.

"Oh yeah. I remember she did that to Bakugo and a few others back when Eri was still getting used to us. The guy's been trying to hold back his cursing in front of her ever since! Man, those were some wild times…" Kirishima sighed fondly from the couch with Mikan purring on his lap as he recalled the good moments he and the others had during their time at UA, when the sound of the door being knocked, along with a familiar strong voice, reached everyone's ears.

"Young Midoriya! I am here!"

"All Might!" Izuku exclaimed, sounding just like a little kid once more as he made his way to the door to greet his mentor and idol, much to the amusement of the other occupants.

"Heh. Still a big a fanboy as ever. Honestly shocked that this place doesn't have that much All Might memorabilia like his old dorm." Mina snickered as she watched the host bring in his bony second father inside the warm home before rummaging into the Christmas decorations once more. She paused, though, when she noticed a certain green object hidden underneath some paper snowflakes and ceramic reindeer, and proceeded to smirk as a devious idea came to mind.

"Hey, Eiji. Mind helping me with something really quick?"

"Woo! This was a fun day, huh? Bet you had a blast with your folks and future in-law, eh, sweetheart?" Mr. Uraraka said with a cheerful grin as he walked towards the entrance to her daughter's home with her, his wife, and Inko walking beside him

The four adults, at Izuku's behest, had spent the entire day together just walking around and spending time with the birthday girl in question, and Ochako herself was very happy with the day she has had. From eating at a local diner to even catching an early film, the woman believed that she had a wondrous time out so far. It was a shame that her boyfriend and daughter were not able to come, but they said that they had something important to take care of at home…which was most likely a party for her. It wasn't the first time something like this has happened, but it is the first time that Eri was able to fully participate in something like this, and the gravity heroine knew that her birthday will be more than special as a result…

She just wished her folks would stop embarrassing her at every chance they get.

"…I did, Daddy, but did you have to add the in the in-law bit?" Ochako whined, her rosy cheeks darkening in embarrassment.

"You should be used to this by now, dear. And besides, we all know it will happen. It's just a matter of when Izuku decides to propose." Mrs. Uraraka added on, smirking when her daughter began to groan with her hands covering her face.

"Now, now, you two. Take it easy on her, ok? My son will propose to her whenever he's good and ready. No need to rush." Inko said kindly, causing the elder Urarakas to laugh and further mortifying then younger Uraraka.

When will they stop? She mentally cried. The comments have been coming and going the entire time she was with her folks and lover's mother and every time they brought it up she felt flustered. Normally such comments wouldn't bother her to such an excessive state, but when her parents pointed out a certain fact during lunch, she couldn't help but get hot and bothered by it…

"You know there's nothing stopping you two from getting married now. You accomplished your dream and got your family the life they deserve, no? That's what kept you from moving forward, but now that it's done, you have no excuse. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if my son decides to propose today. It makes sense, when you think about it."

The words of Inko echoed in her mind ever since, and just a mention of the potential proposal made her face red. She wasn't against the idea, far from it, but just the thought of finally committing to her long-time friend, partner and lover felt overwhelming. She was worried that she might end up ruining the proposal as well by either saying the wrong thing, or god forbid fainting. Even after so many years spending time with such confident individuals, she still had moments of shyness that she couldn't get rid of even if she tried.

…Deku did say he liked my shy moments, though. Said I looked cute… And I guess him proposing today wouldn't be too bad… Ochako thought absentmindedly, her face slowly turning to a lighter shade of pink and a sweet smile forming on her face as her folks opened the door to her apartment. She wasn't even paying attention to the knowing smiles of her parents and eventual in-law, and still had the sappy expression on her face

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

"Wah!"

Ochako screamed as soon as she heard the shouts, jumping so high that she thought she accidentally used her Quirk on herself again. Calming down, she was greeted by the sight of her friends and family all smiling brightly at her and a multitude of new decorations that had replaced the more festive ones that were originally in her home. A massive smile began to form on her face, and as soon as she saw Izuku and Eri walking up to her, she went and hug the pair as tightly as she could, laughing brightly the entire time.

"You jerks! I can't believe you got me with this again!" The woman exclaimed, happier than ever as she ended the embrace.

"I can't believe you never see this coming. We literally do this every year since we met." Izuku teased, laughing when Ochako punched him lightly on the shoulder.

"Happy birthday Mom! Check out the cake me and Dad made! Doesn't it look good!" Eri said while pointing over at the decorated cake, which looked amazing in the eyes of the heroine.

"Oh wow, that looks good. I can't wait to dig into it…" Ochako muttered, a bit of drool escaping her lips as she slowly made her way further inside.

"Hold it! There's something you got to do before coming inside, Ochako!" Mina spoke up, she and the rest of the household possessing massive grins, much to the confusion of the family of three.

"What do you mean?" Ochako asked, confused when all Mina did was point upwards. Following her finger, she gasped at the sight of a familiar green plant hanging on the ceiling.

"Huh? Why is that there? I don't even remember setting any up for Christmas in the first place!" Izuku exclaimed, looking just as surprised as Ochako while Eri tilted her head in confusion.

"…Isn't that mistletoe? The plant people hang that makes couples kiss?" Eri asked innocently causing said couple to go red while the others laugh at her statement.

"That's right! And now those two have to kiss before getting inside! Now pucker up, you two! I need my daily dose of fluffy goodness!" Mina exclaimed with her phone camera in hand, causing the flustered couple to groan in exasperation.

"…I can't believe I'm being barred from entering my own home unless I kiss my boyfriend under a mistletoe."

"I can't believe that I didn't notice the mistletoe earlier. How they manage to get it up there without me noticing, I have no idea." Izuku sighed with a grimace before turning to Ochako with a wry smile. "…Might as well get it over with. You know the others won't let us go before we do it. They're stubborn that way."

"That they are, but I guess I can't complain. I don't need a real reason to kiss you, but it's nice to have an excuse." Ochako said softly as she wrapped her arms around Izuku's head and pulled him toward her, faces nearly touching as she buried her hands in his hair. "Besides, I need my daily dose of fluff, and where else can I get it than the source itself."

She captured his lips with her own as soon as she said that, and inwardly smiled when she heard the others laugh and cheer while her lover reciprocated her actions. She would've loved to kept going, but the fact that she was in public deterred her a bit. Nevertheless, she enjoyed her brief lip lock for a few moments before ending it, resting her forehead against his in a loving manner.

"…Well that was a thing. A very good thing. Think I can consider that my birthday present?" She giggled under her breath, smiling at the dopey expression on her boyfriend's face.

"…Maybe one of them. There's still more you need to get, along with the cake. C'mon, lets have you blow the candles out." Izuku suggested while offering his hand to her.

Smile widening at the act, Ochako slipped her hand into his while the other grasped Eri's before making their way to the living room. Kirishima dimmed the lights as they passed, making the room more atmospheric thanks to the glow of the space-themed cake that Tsuyu was holding. It was quite a massive one as well, easily able to fit the multitude of people that were inside.

Izuku and Eri did a fine job with the cake.

"This looks good… I can't wait to dig in… You and Eri really outdone yourselves." Ochako muttered, briefly mesmerized by the sight of deliciousness before her.

"Indeed! Midoriya and Eri have done spectacular work for your birthday, Uraraka! You should be proud of what they have accomplished!" Tenya exclaimed with his signature hand gestures.

"I helped a little as well with the decorating, but Izuku and Eri did do a good job with the cake." Tsuyu chimed in.

"And the decorations, while simple, are truly top notch! Combining the holiday theme from days past along with a few new ones to reflect Uraraka's charm is ingenious!" Toshinori stated proudly, causing Izuku to flush lightly at the praise.

"Alright, everyone settle down! Let's hurry up and sing a song for the birthday girl before she gets her cake! I wanna know of Midori actually hid an engagement ring inside it!" Mina whined slightly, causing Ochako to stare at her with wide eyes and a mild flush before turning to an exasperated looking Izuku.

"For the last time, Ashido, I didn't hide a ring in the cake. I will propose to Ochako when the time is right, and that time isn't now. We still have to go and help her parents with the last of the move. Only then will I properly ask her to be an official part of my family." Izuku said in a firm tone, surprising the other party goers while Ochako herself was brought to tears by his thoughtfulness. She truly felt blessed having him in his life, and as the she stared at the birthday song to her, she felt the tears starting to appear from her eyes. It was then that she closed her eyes for a moment to think of her wish, one that was echoing loudly and sweetly in her ears even as she blew the candles and cut the cake with Izuku and Eri giving her one last word of congratulations.

I wish…for me, Deku and Eri to continue living as a family. For our family to grow big and safe as time goes on. All I want to wish for…is for Izuku to keep loving me, just as I do for him, and for Eri to be safe no matter what.

"Happy birthday, Ochako. Love you."

"I love you too, Mom! And Happy birthday!"

"…Thank you Izuku. Eri. I love you both so much."

Prompt 27: Keeping Plants

Author's note: And that is number 27, everyone. An early Christmas present for the tea child, but one that I am happy to deliver. It's not exactly one of my better written pieces, but one that I am happy to have written. With this story done, there is only three chapters left, one of which being the Hawaii trip! Look forward to that, lads! The journey's nearly done, but I'm sure it has been a pleasant trip for us all! As always, I am more than happy that this fic has become as popular as it is now. I'm grateful to you all. You are all wondrous heroes in my eyes and I can't thank you all enough! Enjoy the rest of your day, everyone and I will see you in the next update!

Farewell, and remember! Go beyond, plus ultra!