Ray: Now I do believe we have a birthday tomorrow!
Miles: Really? Who?
Bose: [distressfully] Me...
Mika looked worried. Tomorrow is Bose's big day, but he wasn't the cheerful person he normally is.
Mika: Honey, are you okay?
Chapa had to hold back everything. She was thinking that Mika should give him a birthday kiss.
Bose: Yeah, I'm just not a fan of my birthday...
Mika: What? Why not?
Bose: I'd...rather not say.
He headed for the tube and surrounded himself with it.
Bose: Down the tube.
He goes down. Mika was heartbroken.
Mika: Who doesn't like their birthday!
Ray: I didn't like my Manniversary until Henry and Charlotte threw me a party in the Man Cave.
Chapa: A Manniversary? Really?
Ray: The day I became indestructible. My dad was an irresponsible scientist...
Miles: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Chapa zapped Ray before he continued.
Ray: Seriously?
Mika: We heard this story nine hundred forty nine times!
Schwoz: You're telling me. I've been with him for a long time.
Miles: I feel bad for you.
Ray: HEY!
Mika: Okay, so I think we should throw a party for Bose! Anyone in on it?
Almost everyone else said yes, but one person said no. Mika and the others turned to Miles.
Chapa: Why not?
Miles: Because he doesn't like his birthday.
Mika: Oh come on!
Miles: Look, something probably happened to him on one of his birthdays. We should just leave it alone.
Mika: But...
Miles: Look, you're not going to talk me into this. I'm not in on this plan, and that's that.
He teleported to his room, but the others don't know that.
Mika: Okay, we should throw a huge party.
Chapa: So who are we inviting?
Mika: I say it's just us.
Chapa: That's it?
Mika: Well who else would you want to bring in the Man's Nest?
Chapa thought about it for a minute, but then remembered; they couldn't invite anyone from school.
Chapa: Point taken.
They stood there in silence.
Chapa: Wait... Something's off.
They all thought about it for a bit, then they turned to Ray. He didn't say anything against having a party in the Man's Nest.
Ray: What? I can make exceptions!
Mika: ...okay! Perfect! I'll have to draw everything out though.
She leaves.
Chapa: She is so in love with him.
Ray: No doubt about it.
Mika was in her room drawing out how the party should go. She kept drawing, but she thought about it again. She wanted to tear her hair off.
Mika: NO!
She ripped the piece of paper out and threw it onto the pile...which now has 107 crumbled up pieces of paper.
Mika: There has to be a way to make this party worth partying at!
She opened her lockbox and got out a picture of Bose.
Mika: I promise you...I'll make this a birthday you won't forget.
She tossed the picture back in the lockbox...which has hundreds of other pictures of just them or him. She close the box and went back to drawing.
Mika: Okay, so this can go here, and this can go there, and these can go...NO!
She ripped the piece of paper out.
Mika: WHY! CAN'T! I! DO THIS!
She threw the paper with all her might.
???: Jeez. What did the paper do to you?
Mika jumped back. Chapa snuck through her window as she was drawing.
Mika: I can't...
Mika was having an internal crisis. Chapa went to calm her down.
Mika: Thanks. Anyway, I need to go to the bathroom.
Mika walked out of her room. Chapa looked at her lockbox and decided to open it. She didn't know what to think...they were all pictures. She decided to go through them, and that's when it hit her. This is Mika's collection of Bose. Chapa took a quick picture before closing the box. This does nothing but confirm that her suspicions were right. Mika came back in the room.
Mika: So what brings you here?
Chapa: I just wanted to see if you made any progress.
Mika sighed.
Mika: No. Everything was flawed. It's missing something and I don't know what it is!
Chapa decided to join in on the project. After a few attempts, they finally got it.
Mika: YES! YES! YES! THANK YOU CHAPA!
Mika hugged Chapa without warning. Chapa wasn't a hugger, but Mika went through a lot to make the perfect party, so she made an exception and hugged her back.
Chapa: Alright, I have to go. I need to talk to my mom about something.
Mika: Okay! And thanks again!
Chapa: No problem kiddo.
Chapa climbed down the window. She knew the only way to get Bose to like his birthdays again is if Mika admits her feelings for him.
Bose was laying on his bed. He decided to open up his lockbox as well. Only in this one, he has pictures of Mika and occasionally just him with her. He pulled out a picture of just Mika and sighed.
Bose: Mika...I love you, but I don't need a party. I know you're probably going to throw one for me, and I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but I just don't like my birthday.
He went to his junk drawer and pulled out a picture of him, Celia, and...his biological father. Tears started to stream down his face. His mother was out with the Vice Mayor and Mika obviously wasn't here, so he wasn't comforted. He wished his father was still here. He wished he could see the improvements he made, but unfortunately, he couldn't. Instead, the Vice Mayor saw him as a disappointment and they're distant from each other.
Miles came in to talk to him, but he was having a moment, so Miles decided to leave him alone...until he saw a picture of Mika on Bose's bed. Miles picked it up and he felt a bit disgusted. His eyes traveled to Bose's lockbox, and Miles saw that he only has pictures of Mika and, occasionally, Bose in the picture with her. So Chapa really was onto something. He snapped a quick picture and headed out unnoticed. He always knew Mika had a crush on Bose, but he didn't know Bose had a crush on her. He wants to warn Mika about what he saw, but it wouldn't be pretty, so he decided not to interfere. Nature will just have to take its course, and he hoped that Bose won't hate her for this.
The next day...
Mika: NO! The banner goes along the windows! Not above the tube!
Mika wanted this party to be perfect. She, Chapa, Ray, and Schwoz were working hard to get everything set up. As for Miles, he was just sitting on the couch.
Ray: But then it would be in the center!
Mika: But it won't look good! I want it over the windows! I'm also going to paint the bottom windows blue and gray!
Schwoz: Why gray?
Chapa: Because she wants her color next to Bose's.
Mika: For the last time... I! AM! NOT! IN! LOVE! WITH! BOSE!!!!!
Chapa: I never said you were.
Mika's cheeks heated up. Everyone was onto her. She tried to find an excuse, but she doesn't have one.
Chapa: Exactly.
Mika sighed. It's out. It's been out.
Ray: Kid, if you're worried that I won't support it, then don't. I know you'll keep it professional during crime fighting time.
Mika: Thanks Ray, but it's not you I'm worried about. No offense.
Ray: None taken.
Mika: I'm worried about my mom. I'm worried that Bose and I will lose our friendship because he doesn't love me back.
Tears started to stream down Mika's face. Chapa ran over to her and engulfed her in a hug. Normally, Bose would hug her, but Chapa knew she had to comfort Mika, especially as her and Bose's #1 supporter.
Chapa: I'll tell you what. You go ahead and keep Bose busy. Since you and I discussed this last night, I'll direct the party. Sound good?
Mika: Yeah. I got it.
Chapa patted Mika on the back before releasing her. Mika left and headed to Bose's house.
Chapa: RAY! THAT DOESN'T GO THERE!
Ray: Oh come on!
Bose looked at another picture of Mika. He sighed, knowing that Mika's working on a party for him. Just then, he heard a knock on his door, and he panicked. He had every picture of just Mika out, and he quickly but carefully put them back in. He shut his lockbox and put it under his bed.
Bose: Come in!
Mika came in.
Bose: ["Thank God I put those pictures away. She probably doesn't love a dimwit like me..."] Hey Mika.
Mika: Hey Bose! Happy birthday!
Bose: Yeah, sure. Whatever.
Bose hated himself for saying it like that. His crush was the first one to wish him a happy birthday, and he gave her attitude. Mika, thankfully, didn't hate him for it. Instead, she sat on his bed and held his hand. Bose felt butterflies in his stomach. She does care.
Mika: Hey, are you okay?
Bose: Mika, I'm sorry... I just hate my birthday.
Mika: If I may ask...why? It's okay if you don't want to share.
Bose sat there in silence.
Bose: I'm sorry...I don't think I can talk about it.
Mika: And that's okay.
She patted his hand.
Bose: Thanks Mika, but please...don't throw a party for me.
Mika took his words in.
Mika: I won't.
Bose: Okay.
Mika left. Once she exited his house, her eyes had to readjust to the light. The words Bose told her replayed in her head, and her eyes widened in fear.
Chapa: Seriously? It doesn't go there!
Only one more decoration to go. Ray moved it to the left, and it was perfect.
Chapa: Good.
Ray: Thank God.
Chapa got out her phone and started to text Mika, who breathlessly ran into the Man's Nest.
Chapa: Mika? What happened? I thought you were with Bose!
Mika: Take...down...
The emergency alarm went off. Turns out Takeout is trying to rob Nacho Ball again. The close one.
Ray: Ohhhh, Takeout!
Ray, Chapa, and Miles transformed into their superhero selves.
AWOL: Come on. We have to get Bose.
He and Volt got on Captain Man's back.
AWOL: You coming with, sis?
Mika: Can't...
AWOL teleported to get Bose, who's already in uniform.
Brainstorm: Let's get this over with.
They went to Nacho Ball.
Takeout: Oh! Danger Force! I realized you all took me down at the nice Nacho Ball, so I decided to rob this one instead!
Volt: Correction: the reason why I let you win here was because I had a crush on someone and I was too happy. Since then, I learned something.
She charged up a ball of electricity.
Volt: Feelings. Are. Gross.
She got the ball at Takeout, and it took him out. (Da dum tss.) AWOL teleported him to jail, and he came back to teleport the gang to the Man's Nest. They each blew a bubble, transforming back to their regular selves. Bose looked around, and to say he wasn't pleased is an understatement. The Man's Nest vomited Bose's Birthday, and Mika's still sitting on the couch breathlessly. She looked up, and when she saw Bose's face of disappointment, her eyes widened. It looked bad for her.
Bose: I thought I told you that I didn't want a party.
His voice was as monotone as ever. Mika's heart beated quickly in fear.
Mika: Bose, I-
Bose: No. I thought I could trust you like I did with my foot thing, but apparently I can't.
He walked out of the nest, and Mika's heart shattered.
Miles: I hate to do this to you sis, but I told you so.
Mika: Maybe I can talk to him... This is a misunderstanding...
Miles: No. You already caused enough damage. I'll talk to him.
Miles left, and Mika hunched over. She was defeated. Chapa picked Mika up and carried her.
Ray: I can still have some cake, right?
Schwoz rolled his eyes.
Schwoz: Whatever.
Ray ran for the cake, using his bare hands to eat it.
Miles thought about what Mika was trying to say earlier, because it sounded like she didn't pronounce a "T" at the end, and that's when it hit him; Mika wanted them to take down the ornaments, not warn them about Takeout. Miles felt extra guilty about it, and Bose heard that rare deep sigh from Miles.
Miles: Bose...she does care.
Bose: Then why did she throw that party?
Miles: She wanted you to have a good birthday. She didn't mean to break your trust.
Bose sat up, for he was laying down. He sighed.
Miles: Believe me, I would know. I hate my birthday too, but your reasoning is probably deeper than mine.
Bose: And what's your reasoning?
Miles: It's just a way for the government to track us.
Bose let out a light chuckle.
Bose: Yeah...mine's deeper than that.
Miles: Well whatever happened, I'm sorry.
Bose: It's okay. I should've told Mika the reason.
Miles: About that...I think she needs a break from us.
Bose: What do you mean?
Miles: I...basically told her to stay away from you for the rest of the day because of what she did...
Bose: You WHAT!?
Miles: Bose...
Bose: WHERE IS SHE!
Miles: Last I remember, she was in the Man's Nest.
Bose ran out of the house.
Miles: BOSE, I CAN TELEPOR- Ah, forget it. He's already gone.
Chapa knocked on the Macklins' front door, and Angela answered.
Angela: Oh hey! How was Bose's birthday party?
Chapa: Horrible. Once he saw the decora- Wait, how did you know about that?
Angela: Well, I was snooping through that one's room and found drawings on how to lay out the Man's Nest for the party!
Herman: Man's Nest?
Herman still doesn't know they're in Danger Force, but he's very close to figuring it out.
Angela: Don't worry about it. Go back to nap time.
Herman went back to napping. Angela led the girls to Mika's room, grabbed her lockbox, and opened it.
Angela: [to Mika] You want to explain this?
Chapa: Honestly Mrs. Macklin, now's not the time.
Angela looked at Mika, who seemed...broken.
Chapa: Long story short, Bose hates his birthday, and Mika tried to make it the best one ever, but he still hates it.
Chapa carefully laid Mika down on her bed.
Angela: Look, I know I haven't mentioned this in about 5 months, but does she have a crush on him?
Chapa took a deep sigh.
Chapa: Okay, so I said this before and I'll say it again; I hate feelings. But when it comes to Bose and Mika, they're perfect for each other. Sure, Bose isn't exactly the smartest, but he's taken hits for Mika many times, and Mika has called him so many cute names, it disgusts me. Don't get me wrong, I love Bose, but as the brother I never had. He's actually very sweet and kindhearted, and I promise you that he won't ever break Mika's heart.
Angela was speechless. She always thought Bose was some jock, but after she heard what Chapa had to say about him, she changed her mind. Plus, he did save her life as well, so there's really no reason for her to keep Bose away from Mika.
Angela: Chapa, if what you said is true, tell Mika I'm sorry once she gets out of her broken state. She can be with him.
Chapa: Thanks Mrs. Macklin.
Angela left the room, and Chapa tried to comfort Mika the best she could. Eventually, she snapped out of it.
Chapa: Mika...
Mika: I heard. But I don't deserve a kindhearted man like him after what happened today.
Mika walked out her window and climbed on the roof, staring into the dark, starry sky. Chapa wanted to kill Miles for adding injury to insult.
Bose entered the Man's Nest.
Bose: Where's Mika?
Schwoz: Chapa carried her to God knows where.
Bose thought about it, but he went for her room.
He saw that she wasn't in her room, so he took a risk and went to the roof. There she is, gazing into the stars. He slowly walk toward her and sat next to her.
Mika: I'm sorry...
Bose's heart broke. He felt guilty for talking down to Mika earlier.
Bose: No. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that to you. I know you were only trying to make my birthday worth celebrating.
Mika looked up to Bose, who popped out even more because of the moonlight. She scooted closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder.
Mika: I should've listened to you the first time.
Bose wrapped his arm around her, and Mika felt butterflies in her stomach.
Bose: I get it. Sometimes, people say that when in reality, they want a "surprise" party, and you thought I wanted one. I promise you that I'm not mad at you.
Mika put one hand on his back and another one on his chest. Now it was Bose's turn to feel butterflies in his stomach. It didn't help when he looked down to his stunning crush, who looked in his eyes.
Mika: Thanks Bose.
Bose: You're welcome.
They sat there in comfortable silence. They gazed into each other's eyes, and they each saw a sparkle.
Bose: Mika...I have to tell you something.
Mika: What is it?
Bose: The reason why I hate my birthday.
Mika looked at him, and she knew he needed as much comfort as possible, so she kept her hands on him.
Bose: 13 years ago, it was my second birthday. My dad took me to Duke E. Dawgs for my birthday. I had a fun time, don't get me wrong, but it all went downhill when my dad went to pick up the cake he forgot.
Mika: What happened?
Bose sighed, and tears started streaming down his face. Mika wiped them away as they went down.
Bose: I was in the ball pit, and my mom took me out because my dad was on the news. Little did we know that it wasn't for good...he died in a car crash...and I just want to show him how much I improved...
Bose let it out, and Mika took him in with open arms. She felt his tears dropping on the back of her shirt, and she started to tear up, but she didn't let any fall so she could stay strong for Bose.
Once Bose stopped crying, he pulled himself back, but they kept their hands on each other. They wiped away each other's tears.
Bose: I just want to be loved...
Mika's heart broke.
Mika: Honey, you are loved. And I'm sure that if he was still here, he would be happy to see how much you've grown. I'm sure that even though you can't see him, he can see you and love you. Plus, you still have your mom.
Bose: But she's out with the vice mayor most of the time! I need someone who won't leave me. Name one person who loves me and will never leave me.
Mika moved the hand that was on his chest so it cuffed Bose's cheek, which got warmer.
Mika: Me.
Bose's eyes widened.
Mika: And how can I not? You brought out a side of me that I never would've guessed that I had, and I love it. I used my days to be better than everyone else, but you taught me that not everything has to be perfect. Also, you've always looked out for me, cheered me on when I was down...heck, you dared to come to Rivalton during a war just to spend time with me. I promise you Bose, I will never leave you, and I will always love you.
Bose had tears come down from his eyes. His heart warmed up; he is loved. And best of all, he's loved by Mika. She wiped away every last year that came down.
Bose: I love you too Mika.
They leaned in, and time slowed down once they touched lips. No more hiding their feelings, no more worrying about what her mom thinks. They gave all the love they held back these past two years into this one kiss. Neither wanted to pull apart, but they had to for air.
Bose: Mika...thank you. You just made me the happiest man on Earth and made my birthday worth celebrating.
Mika smiled.
Mika: You're welcome.
She pulled him in for another kiss, and this one's already better than the first one. The couple shined in the moonlight as they were one with each other. They pulled apart when they heard cheering from the ground. They looked down, and it was Chapa.
Chapa: LET'S GOOOOOOOOO!
Mika smiled. Bose flew him and Mika down so they could face her.
Chapa: So what about your birthday?
Bose: The day's still alive. LET'S GO!
The trio ran to the Man's Nest, and Bose and Mika held each other's hand the whole way down.
They got to the Man's Nest and went for some cake. Unfortunately, Ray ate it all.
Ray: Hey. What's up?
Chapa: [to Bose] So how do you feel about a pinata?
Bose: I'm down!
And they whacked Ray until they ran out of breath.
Angela let Bose sleep over.
Bose: Thanks Mrs. Macklin!
Angela: You're welcome Bose! And I'm sorry for acting the way I did five months ago.
Bose: It's okay. I get it.
Mika grabbed his hand and brought him up to her room...where Miles is sitting on the bed.
Miles: Mika, I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I thought you knew about Takeout robbing Nacho Ball, and I assumed that's what you said. I now know you wanted us to take down the decorations so Bose wouldn't see what you had planned. Again, I'm sorry for the way I was earlier.
Mika: It's okay Miles. He and I are actually a thing now.
Miles had a series of thoughts. He was happy, but also disgusted by the fact that his best friend is dating his sister, but the way Mika looks, he leaned towards happy.
Miles: That's good. I'm happy for you two.
He was about to leave the room, but Bose stopped him before he could.
Bose: So I'm actually spending the night here, but I need my pajamas...can you teleport me to my room real quick?
Miles: Sure.
He teleported Bose to his room, let him get out his blue and gray pajamas, and teleported back to Mika's room. Miles went to his room and Bose went to the bathroom to change. Once he came back, he saw Mika in a purple onesie. Mika turned off the light, and they went under the covers, cuddling with each other.
Bose: Goodnight Mika. Thanks for the best night ever.
Mika: Goodnight Love. And you're welcome. I love you.
Bose: I love you too, Mimi.
They kissed each other goodnight and fell asleep. Bose will cherish this night for years to come.