"Let's go Satoshi," Ectoplasm spoke, making another copy of himself. I nodded, following him to the far side of the gym. Everyone was already hard at work on their ultimate moves since the day began. Present Mic and Aizawa had driven me to work early this morning – explaining the goal for the next ten days; make at least one move suitable to be called an ultimate move and obtain a provisional license. I had no choice but to pass the exam. My attendance and scholarship to UA were riding on it. "Have you figured out what your style of combat is?"
I shook my head. "No, not really."
"That's a shame. Now then, you already have your version of Sirius' Nebula – have you worked on anything else worthy of an ultimate move?" Ectoplasm looked down on me.
"There was something I was working on during my internship," I mused. "I'd need someone to throw some things at me though. Like, a ball turner." Ectoplasm nodded, walking away to procure what we needed.
"Ah! Makoto – you're here," Midoriya smiled, waving to me from his stone block above. I returned his wave with a smaller one.
"Stay focused Midoriya," his clone of Ectoplasm ordered. Midoriya paused his wave, smiled again, and turned back to his work. I held my elbow and scanned my classmates. Yaoyorozu was working on making two creations at once; Todoroki was working on using both his fire and ice sides. Kirishima was working on boring through a stone wall while hardened. My clone of Ectoplasm returned quickly with a loaded pitching machine.
I touched my hands together in front of myself before breaking my hands down while moving my arms out to the side. "Ready." Ectoplasm turned on the pitching machine and set it to a moderate pace. I was able to easily break them down once they came within ten feet of me, reformed them, and shot them back. Ectoplasm nodded before turning the speed up on the pitcher. I focused on the balls, breaking them down, reversing the momentum of their atoms, and firing them back until the machine was done. I let out a breath and broke down the balls I had tossed back, reforming them in the pitching machine. I reformed my hands. "I was thinking of maybe calling it Reversal?"
Ectoplasm nodded in approval. "It will come in handy. Now, our time is up. I suggest studying some of your father's fights – that may give you some clarity on how to solidify your fighting style." I nodded apprehensively before thanking Ectoplasm and exiting to the change rooms. I sighed, grasping my elbow and squeezing. I missed all our training because I had to go to work. I needed to work even harder to pass this test.
"Makoto," Mina trilled as I entered the changing room. "We missed you!"
I smiled awkwardly, tilting my head to the right. "Sorry, I had to work."
Uraraka beamed, "can you bring us some of those delicious mochi one day?" Her eyes glazed over as she salivated at the memory.
"Sure," I nodded, unzipping my suit. When I first started to wear my suit, I would have to roll it off my body – but now it was much looser. I had not noticed any physical changes in my body. The others had finished changing out of their costumes. "Feel free to head back without me – I still have a few things to do."
"Okay, we'll see you back at the dorms for lunch then," Yaoyorozu waved before the group exited the changing room. I pulled my hero suit back onto my body and moved in front of the mirror. My suit was very visibly loose everywhere. I turned to the side, there was a small pocket of fabric scrunched together at my lower back. I unzipped my suit, letting it drop to the floor. I had not noticed – or taken the time to notice – the change in my body since I started training with Redemption. My arms had toned up and the slightest definition of muscle appeared when I moved my arms. I ran my hands over my stomach. I still had my pudge, but it was harder to the touch – like I had built up the muscles below it. My thighs still touched, but they were not as squishy as they used to be. I wonder if Power Loader would be able to take in my suit.
Damn it Redemption. His high-intensity training sessions were benefiting me. Maybe, just maybe, I could make it past the rope on the obstacle course.
[B&M]
I sighed – taking the laptop out of the box and setting it on the desk. I gently took off the protective film and turned on the device. I set up the computer and logged in – clicking on the internet icon. I made my way to google and searched for any videos of Sirius' fights. There were not too many. Most were different angles of the fight between our parents. I scrolled through the list to an older fight.
The camera was on a high-rise balcony. Sirius floated above the city against Havoc. I swallowed. I knew of this fight. Havoc used his power of telekinesis to keep himself in the air while Sirius stood on a cloud of dust. I paused the video. His feet were fully formed – he must have broken down something around him to use for the dust. I started the video up again. Havoc used his telekinesis quirk to lift off a sign from the side of a department store – trying to use it as a fly swatter against Sirius. Of course, it just went right through him. Havoc continued to try to hit Sirius with the sign, but he only walked closer to Havoc – his cloud moving with him. The two were speaking – but the cameraman was too far away to pick up any audio from their voices.
Havoc's hands glowed red as he tried to use his quirk on Sirius. Sirius waved before breaking down his entire body and wrapping Havoc in his Nebula. I cringed, preparing for the unfortunate outcome. Sirius' Nebula bellowed outward for a moment before constricting down to the size of a basketball. Sirius released his Nebula and the mutilated spherical remains of Havoc fell to the city streets below. I reached out and shut the laptop. Why would Ectoplasm recommend this? I had used Nebula a few times now and the video made me sick thinking of what could have gone wrong. Sure, I had used it as a means of reconnaissance at USJ and then to limit the destruction of Akari's Light Spears. Those times were not meant to be deadly – but what could have happened?
I closed my eyes and ran my tongue over my teeth, taking in a deep breath. I opened the computer and went back a page. I selected a different video of Sirius against Endeavor. Endeavor had flames on his legs keeping him propelled in the air. This time, Sirius had broken down at the waist and his shoulders. His arms were reformed about thirty meters in front of himself, using clouds of dust to block Endeavor's fire attacks. He reformed a leg behind Endeavor and kicked his back. He spun around to attack Sirius – but at that moment he broke down his atoms and disappeared. Why had he not killed Endeavor like he had Havoc?
I returned to the previous page, selecting another video. It was a compilation of Sirius being attacked by heroes and those moves just slipping straight through him to some heavy metal music. I bookmarked the video. Maybe, I could figure it out.
I hummed for a moment, fingers hovering over the keyboard. I bit my lip, bringing up All Might's last fight – specifically the news broadcast that had the angle I needed. I pulled the red circle along the time bar of the video until I found the view. In the corner, you could make out the shifting colours of Akari. Depending on how we broke ourselves down, we could make it easier for others to see us. Akari would look like a rainbow with a high opacity filter while I resembled a comet or meteor shower in dust.
I had seen Akari's blonde hair in the warehouse prior to it being destroyed by Mt. Lady. I touched my cheek where she had slapped me. Would she even be honest if I asked her?
[B&M]
Today was day four of training up our ultimate moves.
Vlad entered the gym, flanked by his class. Akari stood in her hero outfit beside Honenuki, arm draped over her. She wore a sparkly tiara and sash that read 'Birthday Queen'. Of course, she would wear that.
"Trying to kick us out early? We still have ten minutes left." Aizawa motioned for the class to continue as he spoke with Vlad.
"I-I've gotta get ready for work," I bowed to Ectoplasm, broke down my body, and shot out of the gym to the change rooms. I reformed and gently punched my locker before resting my forehead on it. I never liked our birthday. When I was younger, Grandfather and I would pick out a small cake from a café and eat it together – but that stopped when he got sick. Akari always got her favourites for dinner that night and her choice of presents. Sometimes, my Grandfather would leave a present for me in my room so that our Grandmother would not see it. I was never allowed to participate in any celebrations inside of that house.
I rubbed my eyes as they began to water and quickly changed out of my hero costume before the others could enter. I rushed out of the change room and headed to the lot Present Mic always kept his vehicle. I tried to blink the tears away from my eyes, holding my face towards the sun as I walked along the path. My chest rattled; my breathing became uncontrollable. I wheezed out sobs as tears flowed down my face. I missed my Grandfather. I wanted him here with me to share that cake with. I missed how Akari used to be. How she used to be before we came to UA. I cursed as I entered the parking lot. Was I being selfish? I had friends now – and I was still pinning over my sister. I wiped my face with my sleeve as I let out a pained laugh. I dissipated my hand to open the lock from the inside, opened the door, and sat in the back seat. I let myself sink into the leather seats as I focused on steadying my breathing. Present Mic would be here in twenty minutes to drive me to work – I had to stop. I felt another sob boil to the surface. I bit my tongue, repressing it down. I would be fine. Today was just a normal day.
[B&M]
"Thank you," I smiled at Mrs Haruka, holding up the cake box she had given me.
"You better be doing something for your birthday this year." I shook my head. Her smile turned to a frown. "And why not?"
"I didn't tell anyone about my birthday," I explained, tapping on the side of the cake box.
Mrs Haruka laughed. "You're going to have some explaining to do when you share that cake with everyone. You better share that cake with everyone." She narrowed her eyes through her glasses.
"I will."
"Yahoo! Time to go Satoshi," Present Mic announced as he walked into the café. I bowed to my boss, thanking her for the cake again before exiting with my teacher. I listened to Present Mic's story of his provisional licensing exam with Aizawa and their friend Oboro. I stared out the window as we drove along, watching the last shades of red fade below the skyline. I had three more hours until today was over. Today was almost done, and then it would be just another day. "What's in the box?"
"Just a cake to share with the others," I replied, running my gloved hand over the edge. The burn was healed for the most part now – but it was still fresh skin. We turned into the back gate of the school and onto the road to the dormitories. The lights in 1-B were on. They were all celebrating Akari's birthday together. My stomach dropped. We pulled up to my dorm. I sighed, getting out of Present Mic's car. The only lights on in the dormitory were in some of the dorm rooms – the main common space was dark. I thanked him for the ride and made my way with heavy legs into the dorm. I guess everyone went to bed early tonight after four tough days of training.
I moved the cake onto my right palm and opened the door with my left, stepping into the entryway. I turned and took off my shoes, turned the main light on, and closed the door. I held the cake box in two hands again, turning towards the kitchen. I would just take a slice, or two, up to my room and leave the rest for everyone else.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
I jumped, tripping over the shoes, and fell onto my butt. I fumbled with the cake box but was able to settle it in my lap. My classmates stood in the living room – most with their hands raised – surrounded by balloons and streamers. Uraraka and Mina rushed to me. Uraraka floated me to my feet while Mina took the cake box. "Sorry Makoto – we didn't mean to scare you." She released her quirk and my feet hit the ground.
"W-what is this?" I watched everyone apprehensively as I rung my hands together uneasily.
Kirishima and Kaminari raised their arms again, "it's your surprise party!"
"Since you so conveniently forgot to tell anyone," Mina smiled, bumping me with her elbow. I felt warmth spread across my chest as my lip began to quiver. "Oh no – Makoto?" Kirishima and Yaoyorozu rushed forward, latching me into a hug with Uraraka as I began to sob. They held me tightly as the rest of the class paused, unsure of what was happening.
"These are happy tears," I choked out. "Thank you."
"Are you ready for cake?" Kirishima pulled away from the hug first once my crying had subsided. I nodded as the others began to let go. Yaoyorozu created a handkerchief and handed it to me gingerly. I thanked her and wiped my eyes. They must be red and puffy by now with how much I had been crying today. Hagakure rushed to me, placed her hands on my back and pushed me into the living room, pushing me into the center of the main sofa.
"Bakugo," Mina pouted, sitting beside me, "stop pouting and join us! We're celebrating Makoto." Kaminari and Sero brought stacks of plates to the coffee table. Katsuki stood leaning against the fridge, disinterested. I began to pick at the hem of my shorts.
"Is this cake from the café?" Uraraka stared down into the open box. "It's a little squished, but I bet it tastes amazing."
"I hope everyone brought their appetite," Sato laughed, setting a two-tier pink cake down on the coffee table. No way, he had baked a cake for us? Uraraka placed the one from Mrs Haruka beside it and broke down the cake box, flattening it to reveal the white frosted cake with chocolate curls affixed to the side. The white tufted decoration on top was a little squished and one side of the cake has hit the edge of the box.
"How was work?" Hagakure spoke from behind me, arms wrapping around my neck. "Any cuties?"
Mina laughed, "since Makoto works there, all the cuties come by to see her. Okay! Everybody ready?" Todoroki waved his hand over the pink cake, igniting the sixteen candles on its layers. My classmates began to sing happy birthday. Mina and Kirishima, are the loudest of the bunch. Once they were done singing, I took in the deepest breath I could manage and blew out all the candles.
"Time for cake," Kaminari and Kirishima high-fived each other. Sato slid the pink cake toward himself and began to cut into it, placing a slice on each plate as Uraraka handed them out – giving me the first slice. I thanked both of them. I took a small bite of the cake Sato had made. It was a soft, delicate, sponge full of vanilla beans. Delicious. I put my fork down and watched as everyone was happily conversing amongst each other – pulling me into their conversations occasionally. They must have seen Akari's sash earlier and decided to do this while I was at work. Is this what friends do for one another?
I turned to look over my shoulder. Katsuki was still separated from the others, arms crossed as he scrolled away on his phone. I picked up a plate with the black forest cake and made my way to Katsuki. I set my plate down on one of the kitchen tables near us. I stood in front of him, arms outstretched. "Mrs Haruka makes the best cake." Katsuki looked up, stuck his finger in the whipped cream decoration and tapped my nose. I could see a dollop of cream at the end of my nose. He stuck his finger in his mouth, licking the residue off.
"It is good." Katsuki took the plate from my hands and picked up the fork, cutting off a small piece with the edge of the utensil.
"Have you tried Sato's baking?" I picked up my plate and took a piece off for Katsuki. He caught my wrist in his hand and lifted the fork to his lips, biting off the cake from my fork.
I paused, watching as Katsuki finished the bite of the cake while holding my wrist. "Your boss' is better." He let go of my wrist and took another bite of the black forest cake.
"Come join us," I smiled, turning my body towards the sofas.
"I already am," he grunted, turning to look away from the rest of our class. I reached out with a finger and swiped a dollop of whip cream from his slice of cake. I painted it across his right cheek.
His head snapped to face me; his jaw unhinged. "What did you just do?" I responded by sticking my finger in my mouth. "Whatever. I'm going to bed." Katsuki sighed before stalking off with his slice of cake. I smiled after him. I wanted him to stay a little bit longer.
"Don't forget to brush your teeth since you ate cake," Iida called after Katsuki.
"Shut up four-eyes!" Katsuki shot back as the elevator beeped. I walked into the kitchen and took a wet cloth to my nose, removing the whipped cream. I smiled as I rang the cloth. I was glad Katsuki came – even if it was just for a little bit. I placed the cloth over the sink divider, picked up my cake and returned to the rest of my classmates. I sat down on the sofa beside Uraraka, crossing my legs at the ankles. My classmates began to slowly trickle off to bed after an hour of chatter. Mina, Uraraka, Kirishima, and Midoriya were the last ones awake when we decided to turn into bed at eleven.
"Thank you for celebrating with me," I smiled at Uraraka and Mina as the elevator dinged on my floor.
"We will always celebrate you," Uraraka smiled as Mina gave me one last hug. "Have a good sleep!"
"Good night." I exited the elevator, and it continued up to their floor. I walked to my door, opening it as I entered. I jumped, surprised to see Katsuki laying on my bed.
"Finally, I thought you'd be up all night at this rate," Katsuki yawned, sitting up on my bed. He rubbed the sleep from his eye, shifting so his feet rested on the floor.
I closed my door, leaning against it for a moment. I pushed myself off the door and took a few steps toward him. "You were, waiting up for me?"
He stood, reached behind my headboard, and pulled out a black gift bag. "Of course. I needed to give you your birthday present." He had stayed up and waited for me to come back to my bedroom just to give me a gift? How had he even found time to get a gift?
"Katsuki," I smiled, letting out a rush of air. "You really didn't have to." He closed the distance between us.
"Just open it," he grunted, shoving the bag into my hands.
I took the bag, giving him a soft smile. I peered into the bag, pushing back the white tissue paper. I gasped, pulling out the stuffed astronaut. "Thank you!" I held the large stuffy to my body.
Katsuki smiled, reaching with his left arm, flexing his triceps, and rubbed the back of his neck. "It's not much…"
I shook my head, "no, it's perfect."
"Why didn't you tell anyone it was your birthday?" Katsuki lowered his arm and placed his hands in his pockets.
I frowned, gazing down at the floor as I hugged the stuffy closer to my body. "It's always been more of a celebration for Akari, I wasn't really included all that much."
Katsuki let out a sigh. "It's your day today."
I smiled up at Katsuki through my lashes. He and the others had worked really hard to do this for me. I placed my present and the bag on my desk before reaching out and hugging Katsuki. "Thank you for the best birthday." He wrapped his arms around my waist, returning the embrace. We let go of each other after a long moment. "Good night, Katsuki."
He nodded; lips pulled tight in a thin line. "Get some sleep." He turned swiftly and exited my bedroom, shutting my door behind himself. I picked up his gift again before moving to lay on my bed. I took my phone out and unlocked the screen. I had one missed call from Redemption with a voicemail. I tapped on the icon and put my phone to my ear.
"Happy sixteenth birthday Makoto! Stop by the hideout sometime soon." The message ended and the robotic option menu played. I selected to save the voicemail. I swiped through my phone. I had not been on my phone since I arrived at work earlier – and I had a lot of notifications from Instagram. That was odd. I tapped the application. The first notification was that I had been tagged in a photo on Katsuki's account. That was strange, why would he tag me in something? I opened the notification and nearly dropped my phone. It was the photo from before the boot camp. I stood on top of the older wooden bridge, the railings covered in fairy lights. He had taken the photo at the moment my face was in full view of him, lips slightly parted. My face and white flowy blouse were illuminated by the fairy lights and gas-lit lampposts. I looked happy. He had captioned the photo with a simple, 'happy birthday'. I double-tapped the photo. I locked my phone and curled into myself, nuzzling the astronaut.