citynet | video; un: shoto

( the video opens for a few moments as though he isn't quite sure it's recording--and then, after another moment, he stirs to action. )

My name is... ( a pause. ) ...Shouto. This actually isn't about me, but...

A friend of mine, his name is--Hawks. Back home, he's a person who is really important to many people. A real hero.

In this place, he looks like... ( there's a thoughtful pause--he lifts his hands up in some wishy-washy way around his own head. ) ... Wavy blonde-ish hair. And he used to have... ( his hands move down, a flutter at either of his sides, to indicate wings. ) ...big wings, but they're growing back, now. I don't have a picture, but... I'm sure some of you have met him.

In any case, it's his birthday at the end of the month, in about a week, and I thought... it would be nice to use this as an...audio birthday card. Even if you don't know him, could you wish him a happy birthday, here?

( he places his hands on his thighs, bowing his head down slowly, as though he's asking for something far graver than just birthday wishes for a potential stranger.

then, as he lifts his head back up, as though just remembering-- )

And if you have any special birthday traditions, from your home, could you share them with me? I'd like to see if I can do as many as I can. Or if you have any suggestions otherwise, I'll be taking notes.

Ah... I think that's all. Thank you for your time, City. Please stay safe.

( cut. )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Oh, uh...I don't really have any traditions...maybe a cake, or a special dinner? I know we usually get sushi, but that's 'cause my friend's dad owns a sushi restaurant.

[Vongola traditions are not something Tsuna would wish on, well, anyone really.]

But, uh...Happy Birthday, Hawks-san!

Ah, sushi... Sushi is a good idea. I'm sure there's sushi here somewhere in the city.

It must be nice, knowing someone like that. Sushi can be so expensive.

I think there's a few good places, yeah.

[He'll have to find them. They're not Takesushi, but they work in a pinch.]

But it is, yeah. Tsuyoshi-san makes really good sushi to. So we're able to hang out there if we don't cause too much trouble.

[Though trouble still happens.]

( What Shouto will see when the video starts is what appears to be Hawks laying down, his arms folded neatly in front of him where his chin his nestled into them. Behind him on either side, there's a peak of the ends of those red wings as the wiggle slightly in a way to show that Hawks is happy. There's a familiar smile, though it's softer around the edges. )

Ahhh, you're sweet, Shouto-kun. I'm flattered you remembered. ( He hums softly, lashes lowering. ) You don't have to do anything special. I'd be happy just having someone to spend the day with.

( Not that he doesn't usually have someone to spend time with on his birthday as a pro hero. But it's never really a personal, intimate thing. Always with different people going through the motions, overzealous fans trying to outdo each other, others who get swept up in parties and celebrations instead of focusing on him. )

You can take me on a birthday date.

( it feels a little silly, sending videos back and forth when he could just go there--but it's a little fun, too. the sight of hawks relaxing makes him feel a bit better about it all, anyway. )

Ah, sure--wait, a birthday date?

( does not compute )

What do you think you would want to do? I've never been on a birthday date.

Yeah. We can do something, just me and you. It doesn't have to be anything fancy or special. I'm happy if we just spend time together.

( There's a thoughtful hum, eyes lifting upwards as he considers ideas.

His eyes return to the camera after a few seconds. )

We could eat something good. Maybe watch or play something. If it's not too cold, we can go look at the stars, too.

Mm. I understand.

( he sounds a little too serious about this, but such is his nature. )

Even if it's cold, I think I can help keep us warm... I think that sounds like a really nice time, honestly. I've gotten some birthday ideas from other people as well.

( It's cute how serious Shouto is about this, honestly. )

Keep me warm? ( There's a playful wink of one bright eye, voice a gentle tease. ) Are you flirting with me, Shouto-kun?

( There's a curious flick of one tiny wing as he tilts his head. ) Anything fun?

[Aww, this is very sweet, so Bulla chimes in a birthday wish.]

Happy birthday, Hawks!

As for birthday traditions, my family would always throw big birthday parties. Really go all out for our family and friends and invite everyone we were close to, so we could enjoy good food and company together.

( it makes him smile--she's been a kind friend to him, so he appreciates her chiming in. )

Ah, birthday parties... And good food. You're right, parties are definitely...something that people usually do on birthdays.

Balloons, streamers, those sorts of things too, right?

We never had balloons or streamers at ours, but I know that other people decorate with them. I think it's just a personal taste thing.

[She pauses for a moment.]

Do you want to throw a birthday party for your friend Hawks, then?

This is very nice of you to do, Todoroki-kun! It's a good idea!

[What a nice way to celebrate a pro-hero's birthday. He's so into it. Even if he can be a little cringe when he's trying to record this next part,]

This is my happy birthday message to the great pro hero, Hawks! Erm, what can I say about Hawks? He's always been a rising star when it comes to being a hero! He is fast, strong and always looking out for others! He flies across the sky like a blaze of light! [He punches the air!!] Happy Birthday, pro hero Hawks!!

[And that's his nerdy message. He nods.]

Ah, thank you, Midoriya. I'm sure he'll like your message.

Ah, that's great. Thank you for passing it along, Todoroki-kun!

[ hong lu's head tilts as he considers the premise. a birthday, huh... ]

Mm... I don't know any birthday traditions. But are you sure he'd be happy if someone who didn't know him said 'happy birthday' to him? I thought people would be happiest if they got a message from someone they knew and liked.

video; un: shoto

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video | un: hawks

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un: deku

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video. @hong lu ☆