Chapter Text
Yoshida had never really been interested in celebrating his birthday. Even when he had still lived with his guardian, before becoming a fully-fledged, independent contract hunter able to support himself, he had never really had any reason nor desire to celebrate his birthday. The closest he got was when girls at school had sneaked a look at his records to find out his date of birth so they could shower him with gifts – another unsuccessful scheme to earn his affections.
To him, his birthday meant another year older, a few more devil kills under his belt and a little bit stronger for it. That had been the sole purpose of his life for a while, fight devils and get stronger.
Now though, his purpose was quite different. He had a wonderful – if a bit impulsive and crude - partner and a sort-of little sister he’d made it his duty to protect and care for. They were the light of his life, and he could say with certainty there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them.
So, while he still doesn’t celebrate his birthday the meaning of his life has changed to make it more significant. He knows someone as cruel as him doesn’t really deserve the company of such warm, kind people but he’s forever thankful for them and refuses to ever let them go.
The topic of birthdays comes up out of the blue one Friday afternoon. Out of the blue meaning Nayuta returning home from school with a slice of sponge cake wrapped in a napkin. Denji is not with her, he had text before to say he got caught up in a devil attack and would be late (he’d promised not to reveal his identity if Yoshida could look after Nayuta while he was out).
She wanders into the kitchen cradling the baked good between two hands like a baby bird.
“What do you have there kiddo?” Yoshida asks from where he’s cooking curry by the stove. It’s Friday which means the hunter is over to stay the weekend, much to the little girl’s delight as she loves his cooking.
“Cake.” She answers simply.
Yoshida turns the stove off before kneeling to Nayuta’s level, inspecting the sugary treat in her hands.
“Looks tasty, where did you get it from?” He asks gently, he’s ever so slightly paranoid this cake is somehow a bizarre assassination attempt from some sketchy hunter who’s somehow found out the little girl’s real identity. It’s a stupid idea but just stupid enough it’s plausible someone would try it – you can never be too careful and he’s especially not taking any chances where Nayuta and Denji are concerned.
“School. We had a birthday party for a boy in my class. He bought in cake for everyone.” She explains in her usual monotone, bringing an internal sigh of relief to the hunter. Seriously, cake assassination, what had he been thinking.
“That’s great! Did you have fun?”
“Yeah.” And she’s even smiling a bit, she really must have had a fun time. He’s happy for her, getting to experience normal childhood things like class parties.
“Want me to box that up in the fridge for you? You can have it after dinner.” He offers.
“Ok” She agrees and relents her prized cake slice to Yoshida to store safely in the fridge.
The pierced hunter turns back to the stove after closing the fridge, about to start plating up dinner when Nayuta speaks up again; “Yoshi, why do people celebrate birthdays?” the question is spoken with genuine curiosity, and honestly it leaves Yoshida a little stumped.
Why do people celebrate birthdays? He thinks good and hard about it for a minute, Nayuta waiting patiently for him to gift her with his insight.
“That’s a good question kiddo, I guess to most people it’s a celebration to show how thankful you are that person was born. To celebrate them being alive and in your life. Also, it’s a great excuse to eat lots of cake, don’t you think so?” He smiles fondly at her, hoping his answer was satisfactory.
Nayuta nods her understanding, looking thoughtfully up at Yoshida, eyes fixed on his piercings which always seem to fascinate her. “Can we have a birthday party for Denji?”
Like a bolt of lightning Yoshida is suddenly struck with the fact he has no idea when Denji’s birthday even is. Which is very surprising considering it’s kind of his job to know everything about the other boy. Maybe Nayuta knows, she has been living with Denji for quite a while and they are like brother and sister so maybe he’s mentioned the date to her. Maybe it’s coming up soon and that’s why she wants to have a party.
“That sounds like a great idea, I’m sure Denji would love to have a party thrown just for him. We can invite Kishibe as well. When is his birthday? Do you know?”
“No. But big bro is special to me, and you said we get to show how thankful we are for him if we have a birthday party. We can have one, can’t we?” She’s deadly serious. This is clearly very important to the young girl.
It’s important to Yoshida too, an opportunity to show Denji – who believes people only want him for his chainsaw heart - just how much he is truly valued by the people in his life.
“Of course we can! I’ll ask Denji tonight when his birthday is and we can throw him a big party, kay? We’ll have the best party ever, just for him.” He reassures the young devil, reaching down to pat her on the shoulder.
“Best party ever” She repeats, eyes wide in wonder. “Ok. Thanks Yoshi” She seems content with that and toddles off to the living room to play with the dogs.
----------------------------
The loud crash of the door front door slamming shut, and a series of curses announce Denji’s return home.
“Shit! Shitty fucking devil ruined my fucking uniform jacket! Does it know how much this shit costs to replace. So inconsiderate god damn.” The disgruntled blonde stomps through the house, stopping in front of the kitchen counter where Yoshida is plating up the curry. Anger dissipating once he sees the food.
He looks quite a state, devil blood splattered over his torn shirt and dripping down his arms to his hands. The aforementioned uniform jacket is nowhere to be seen. The blond boy himself doesn’t look injured, thankfully.
“Oh, wow Hiro this looks so good! Lemme grab a plate” He reaches out a blood covered hand for the plate of curry only for Yoshida to pull it back at the last second.
Denji looks betrayed, leaning over the counter and flailing his hand in a weak attempt to grab the plate of steaming curry back from where Yoshida holds it just out of his reach. An annoying reminder to Denji of just how much taller his asshole boyfriend is.
“Go and take a bath Den, you’re covered in Devil blood.” He chastises, swatting Denji’s grabbing hands away to which the blond lets out a frustrated groan.
“Yoshiiiii, c’mon no fair!” He whines.
The hunter doesn’t relent “No, go and get clean. I’m not letting you get devil blood all over the food. It took a long time to make you know, you should show more appreciation for your lover’s hard work.” He can’t help but tease, smiling sweetly. Denji huffs and finally back off from where he’s half draped over the counter with a scowl.
“I could show my appreciation if you just let me eat it. Holding back food, you’re damn sadistic for someone who’s supposed to be my boyfriend ya know?” he grouches, irritated.
“I know, how cruel of me to subject you to a nice hot bath. I really am the worst.” Yoshida smirks playfully, rounding the counter to usher Denji towards the bathroom. He knows his blond’s mood will be better once he’s had a hot soak. When it is he’ll ask him about his birthday.
“Fine, fine, I’m going!” He concedes, trudging his way down the hallway, dripping devil blood and leaving a trail behind him.
“Wait, Denji” Yoshida calls, following the other to where he’s made it to the bathroom door.
“Huh? Wha-“ He’s cut off by the taller boy planting a soft kiss on his crown.
“Welcome home, Denji”
Denji’s cheeks stain pink. Yoshida’s affectionate gestures still have the power to fluster the other boy in the most adorable way and the hunter will plead guilty to taking advantage of that from time to time.
“Y-yeah, thanks” He smiles lovestruck - bad mood forgotten for the moment. He remembers himself quickly, expression snapping into one of annoyance once again.
“Hey pervert! are you just gonna stand there and watch me bathe or what?”
Yoshida chuckles, amused, before giving him another quick kiss on the forehead before excusing himself to go and check on Nayuta.
After Denji returns fresh and clean from his bath -wearing a clean pair of shorts and one of Yoshida’s t-shirts - he immediately grabs the plate left for him, flops down on the sofa next to Yoshida and practically inhales the food. Yoshida isn’t sure he saw him chew at all – just swallowed down mouthful after mouthful. He then goes back for seconds because his appetite is endless and Yoshida knows this so always makes extra.
Now that he’s full his mood is significantly improved; cuddling up to Yoshida on the sofa, laughing and chatting with Nayuta as she tells Denji about the birthday party at her school. Yoshida sits quietly next to Denji, comfortable under the weight of the arm Denji has slung casually over his shoulders, content with watching the two converse.
“Sounds like ya had a fun day kid, I’m jealous ya got to eat all that cake without me! Birthday parties sure sound like a good time.” He sounds a little bit wistful, eyes shiny with wonder at the description of balloons and streamers and sweet treats.
Yoshida perks up at this, sensing the perfect opportunity to ask Denji about his own birthday at last.
He squeezes Denji’s knee gently to get his attention; “You know Den, we could lots of cake together if we had a party here for your birthday. Speaking of, when is your birthday? I don’t think you ever told me”.
Denji’s face drops at the mention of his birthday; eyes clouding over and looking far away, lips parting slightly and lower lip trembling just barely noticeably.
Yoshida is taken aback, had he said something wrong? Worried, he shifts to sit up straighter, gripping Denji’s knee more firmly to bring him back to the present moment.
The blond snaps back to the present, shaking his head free of whatever thoughts had been distracting him before responding; “My birthday, ah, it’s on the… 12th of September?... I think...” he sounds unsure.
“Do you not know when your birthday is? You never celebrated it before?” Yoshida questions gently, he might be probing into a sensitive topic for the blond here.
Denji scratches the back of his neck sheepishly with the hand not on Yoshida’s shoulder.
“I mean, I’m pretty sure it’s September 12th, but it’s not like I ever really had a chance to celebrate it before. My old man didn’t care enough to remember it, and no time for birthdays when you got a debt to the yakuza that needs repayin’. You guys don’t need to worry about it though, It’s not a big deal.” He explains, reaching down to pet one of the dogs who has come to nose at his leg.
Yoshida feels guilty at having dredged up memories of Denji’s less than adequate childhood. It’s no surprise Denji had such a negative reaction towards the mention of his birthday. He can’t shake the feeling there’s more Denji isn’t telling him, something sinister that had triggered such a negative reaction - but he doesn’t want to push the boy.
“I’m sorry” Is all he can think to say, moving his hand to rub his thigh softly in apology.
“Does Denji want a party?” Nayuta interjects, looking hopefully at her guardian. Bless her for trying to cheer him up.
Denji shrugs, nonchalant; “It’s all good Kid. ‘sides I don’t need a birthday party to get cake when I have you to take us out on lunch dates to that nice dessert place we like. Ain’t that right Hiro?” He flashes the taller boy a toothy grin, bouncing back to his usual self. Never one to dwell on depressing topics.
It’s getting late so the two boys put Nayuta to bed and head to their (Denji’s) room. Now that Nayuta is safely asleep in her room Denji has freedom to get as handsy as he likes. As soon as the door closes, he’s running his hands suggestively up and down Yoshida’s chest, mouthing hotly against his neck causing a pleasant shiver to run down his spine. Yoshida resists the temptation to return the sensual touches however, instead taking Denji’s wandering hands in his own and holding them away from his body; “Woah there, we’ll get to that. You still haven’t told me what happened with that devil you fought.”
Denji gawks at him for a second; “What? You seriously care about that?” He frowns in disbelief that his advances had been put to a stop for the sake of what to him was just another everyday devil battle.
“Of course I care, I always want to hear about your day. It’s practically in my job description” Yoshida smiles, pulling Denji to sit on the bed with him.
Denji humours him, relaying all the details of today’s fight in graphic, gory detail, eyes bright and arms waving animatedly as the excitement takes a hold of him. Yoshida listens closely and occasionally offers advice as to how he would have countered certain attacks.
He loves seeing Denji get so excited and passionate. Few people listen to him or take him seriously so Yoshida wants to be the person Denji feels he can talk to about anything and everything. He only ever wants to see him at ease and happy, nothing like the dead expression that had marred his face earlier.
“And then I chainsawwed that fuckers head clean off! Ha! You shoulda seen it Hiro.” the blond exclaims with a laugh. Giving Yoshida a playful nudge with his elbow.
“I’m sure it was quite the spectacle, on behalf of all Japan; thank you for saving the day once again.” Yoshida preens, playing to Denji’s ego.
Denji smirks, shooting Yoshida a suggestive wink. He reaches over to start undoing the taller hunter’s belt; “Heh, if you really wanna thank me you can start by taking these off.”
As eager as Yoshida is to give in to Denji's libido he still feels the need to investigate Denji's alarming reaction earlier that evening, despite how painful the memories of Denji’s past may be, he knows hiding from them won't help. Taking ahold of the shorter’s wrists in one hand to halt his fumbling movements. Denji looks up at him, head cocked in question.
“Denji, before we do that, I need to apologise properly for earlier. I didn’t mean to upset you by bringing up your birthday. Nayuta wanted to throw you a party but neither of us knew when it was, that’s why I asked. Sorry if I'm overstepping but is there something else bothering you? Did something else happen, back then?.” He releases Denji’s wrists, taking one of Denji’s hands in his, raising it to his lips to kiss his knuckles – a physical expression of his concern for the other boy.
Denji takes his hand back and leans back on the bed, gazing up at the ceiling. “Don’t worry about it Yoshi. My shitty past isn’t your fault. I’m not upset or anything, it’s sweet that Nayuta wanted to celebrate it though, she’s a good kid like that. No use thinking about sad stuff though, it only makes you sadder.” He breaths a sigh and rolls his head to the side to look at Yoshida, a lazy grin on his face.
“Right now, you should be thinking about getting your dick out and giving me my reward for killing that devil, yeah?”
Yoshida chuckles breathlessly - not wanting to make his lover wait any longer - standing up to undress himself. Denji hurries to remove his own clothes, tossing them carelessly around the room.
“Hey Yoshi, I’ve been thinking maybe we should get some toys. Spice things up a little” It never ceases to amaze Yoshida how easily Denji can talk about things like buying sex toys when mere hours ago he was blushing over a kiss to the forehead.
The hunter hums in thought “Are you saying I’m not satisfying you enough on my own?” He clutches at his chest in mock hurt “I’m wounded, Den”
Denji throws one of his socks at him, rolling his eyes; “I didn’t mean it like that! Your cock is plenty good”.
Yoshida moves to lay back on the bed; “I’m glad you think so, better get over here so I can give it to you” and the blond wastes no time in sprawling his nude body on top of his lovers, pressing their groins together and diving in to kiss him deep and wet. Yoshida reciprocates with equal intensity, reaching a hand down to grope at Denji’s ass causing the other to moan sweetly into his mouth. Using his free hand he cups the sharp edge of Denji’s jaw to guide the movement of their kiss.
He can’t do anything to fix what happened in Denji’s past, the most he can do is fill Denji’s present with all the love and affection the boy aches for and deserves because he is wonderful and kind and special and Yoshida will never find enough ways to show the other just how much he means to him.
He will throw Denji a birthday party because his existence deserves to be celebrated. He’d promised Nayuta to make it the best party ever and he would not let the girl down he knows the little devil would have his head if he didn’t go all out for her big bro.
------------------------------------
Yoshida is woken by his phone alarm, groaning he blindly slaps at the bedside table until he finds his phone. Denji is laying sound asleep on top of his chest, breaths even and steady, undisturbed by the blaring alarm. No wonder he’s always late to school.
Phone retrieved he brings it up to his face to check the time, blinking a few times to clear his vision. The display reads 8:30 am, September 7th.
September 7th
Denji’s birthday is on the 12th.
He has 5 days to plan and get everything ready for the party. Actually no, he has 4 because the 5th day will be his birthday.
Shit.
Yoshida has no time to waste, he removes himself from Denji’s grasp, shushing the boy when he moans in displeasure – telling him to go back to sleep while he fixes breakfast, leaving him with a soft kiss to the cheek.
He has a plan, kind of. Denji loves food and sex, so those things are an essential part of his ‘Denji birthday extravaganza’ and fortunately very easy to organise.
He’s not fussy about what kind of food, Yoshida knows he could book a 5-star restaurant and Denji wouldn’t notice or care about the difference in food quality. In fact, the number of pompous, rich people in the building might just serve to piss him off.
The hunter decides on booking dinner at a nice pizza place he knows of, not too fancy but still nice quality food and a good atmosphere. He calls them and makes the booking for 4pm on the 12th.
Dinner was the easy part of the plan, but he still has the rest of the day to fill. Think Hirofumi, he’s your boyfriend, you must know what he likes.
What Denji likes is simple things. He’s easily pleased, for the longest time just having his basic needs met was a luxury beyond his wildest dreams. He’s never considered wanting for anything better.
This shouldn’t pose a problem but when all you like is simple things it makes gift giving difficult. How can you make a big statement when the number one thing on your partners wish list is a hot meal and an orgasm.
He knows Denji deserves more than that. Over the next few days, he pieces more of his plan together.
He asks Nayuta what she thinks Denji would like to do, she’s sure to have some ideas.
“Penguins” she says plainly.
“Penguins?” Yoshida can’t say he isn’t confused.
“Denji likes penguins. He wants to see real life penguins.” She elaborates.
Of course! Yoshida remembers how enthralled Denji had been by the penguins when they watched happy feet – so much so he’d asked Yoshida if he could tell him more about penguins and the hunter had shown him a documentary all about the funny little birds.
“Thanks kiddo, you’ve just given me a great idea”.
He books tickets for the aquarium nearby he knows has a penguin exhibit (and an even better octopus exhibit) – he even gets the special pass tickets that allow you join the handler in feeding the penguins.
Next is inviting Kishibe over to join them for dinner at the restaurant and the party back at the apartment after. It takes a while to reach him, he contacts public safety but they refuse to give out any contact information even after Yoshida identifies himself as a contract hunter who has worked with the special divisions previously.
Nayuta comes to his rescue again, revealing she has a phone with Kishibe’s personal number on it that she can contact in case of emergencies.
“A party for the hybrid kid huh? Sure, I’ll be there. You taking care of all the arrangements? Just let me know if you need anything. I owe the kid.” His gruff voice intimidates Yoshida even through the phone. He’s thankful he accepted the invite, he knows it will mean a lot to Denji to have him there.
The only other person he can think of to invite is Asa and even then, it’s a stretch. She’s sort of friends with both him and Denji but he isn’t sure if Denji would want her at the party.
“Hey Denji, how do you feel about Asa?” He asks over breakfast on day 2 of his planning, subtly gauging the boy’s opinion of the girl.
“Asa? She’s kind of cool, I guess. She’s pretty.”
“Do you like her?”
“Yeah, I mean, as a friend. Don’t get the wrong idea.” He states defensively making Yoshida laugh.
Yoshida sends her an invite to which she responds surprisingly quickly; “I’ll come, but just for the food.” Yoshida isn’t fooled, he knows Asa is secretly buzzing at having been invited to a party, especially since the invite came from the auspicious Yoshida Hirofumi.
It’s a fucking crime that Denji doesn’t have more friends he can invite. Kids at school avoid him because they think he’s weird and public safety workers don’t want to get involved with him beyond the requirements of their job – fuck them, Yoshida thinks, more Denji for him.
With reservations made and invites sent out all that’s left is to get a cake and a present. The present takes some time to think about. Whatever his love wants Yoshida happily buys for him, the trouble with that is Denji already has everything he's asked for. He doesn’t want to just get him anything, he wants it to be meaningful.
He gets his inspiration on the afternoon of the 3rd day of his planning. Denji and Nayuta are drawing together in the living room, coffee table completely covered in paper, paint splashes and pens strewn haphazardly on the floor.
Yoshida doesn’t join them in their artistic creations, believing the activity to be sacred – something for Nayuta and Denji to enjoy together. Instead, he sits cross legged with the blond seated comfortably on his lap, arms wrapped around his waist and resting his chin on the boys' shoulder so he can watch him work. He keeps his eyes on Denji as he drags crayons across paper; brows furrowed in concentration and tongue poking out just slightly between pink lips as he sketches away – completely absorbed in his creative process. He looks so cute, by far the prettiest art Yoshida has ever seen.
“Finished!” he barks, breaking free of Yoshida’s hold to turn around in his lap and face him. Yoshida straightens his legs out so Denji can place a knee either side of his hips, the blond adjusting his position so he’s kneeling holding up his masterpiece for Yoshida to behold, grinning wide revealing sharp teeth.
The picture is of an orange dog with a chainsaw blade poking out of its forehead, the hybrid has described his companion to Yoshida in detail when reminiscing about his childhood friend so it's easy for him to recognise; “That’s beautiful sweetheart, is that Pochita?” he praises, squeezing the hybrid’s hips in approval.
Denji nods; “Yeah, ain’t he cute?” he’s beaming with pride at his work and Yoshida’s heart melts.
“You? absolutely?” He smiles caramel sweet, reaching up to caress Denji’s blushed cheek.
“Tch, that was so cheesy.” He scoffs but leans in to kiss Yoshida, just a quick press of the lips. He clambers of Yoshida to show Nayuta his drawing who gives two thumbs up and an impressed “woah” before returning to her own doodle of what Yoshida thinks are the dogs who are currently taking up the majority of the floor space as they snooze.
“Gahh I really wish I could hug him again.”
That sparks inspiration, Yoshida can’t bring pochita back from where he resides in Denji’s chest, but he can get something soft to cuddle that would remind him of his beloved companion on the nights Yoshida isn’t there to hold him.
On his walk back to own apartment he stops by a local toy shop. Inspecting their range of plushies to find the most appropriate character. He finds some dog plushies but none of them resemble Pochita very much. There’s some cat plushies, even one that sort of looks like meowy but they don’t feel right either. He’s about to give up when he spots a large blue octopus plush. He picks it up of the shelf – it’s velvety soft. He makes his purchase. Hopefully the dogs won't tear it apart thinking it's a toy for them.
He makes one more stop on his way back, remembering Denji’s desire to try sex toys. He swallows his pride and chooses a vibrator. The female cashier flirts with him the entire time, Yoshida expertly and respectfully deflecting all her advances, crumpling up the piece of paper with her number on that she’d slipped into the bag with the toy as soon he’s out of the shop, tossing it aside.
The final piece of his plan is the cake. He decides to make it himself, feels it would be more intimate if Denji ate cake made by his own hand. It’s the day before Denji’s birthday, Yoshida plans to store the cake at his apartment and bring it over to Denji’s in the evening after dinner to enjoy together. He tells Nayuta about his idea for the cake and she insists she get to help as well. Yoshida agrees on the condition that Nayuta not tell Denji so it’s a surprise on the day.
He picks Nayuta up after school and takes her back to his place to help with the baking – something she’s very excited to for. Luckily, Denji had one of his semi-regular meetings with Kishibe which means the two had a good couple of hours to get the cake finished before he’s back.
The two of them make a surprisingly good team, Yoshida measures the ingredients and lets Nayuta do the mixing. Once they have it in the oven Yoshida let’s his little helper lick the batter of the mixing spoon while he cleans up the kitchen, wiping up flour and egg white where it's formed a goo on the counter.
Nayuta takes charge of the decorating, making neat little icing swirls and carefully piping the words ‘Happy birthday Denji’ in the centre, only requiring some help from the hunter with spelling. She’s truly a remarkable young girl, already so intelligent and mature for her age.
They’re running out of time, Denji had text Nayuta to say he was on his way back. The cake is quickly boxed up and stored in the fridge and Yoshida rushes to get Nayuta’s shoes on so they can make their way back to Denji’s apartment.
They reach back just in the nick of time, Yoshida using the key Denji had cut for him to let himself in. Denji arrives just minutes after them, kicking his shoes off the door and yawning.
“Hey beautiful, fancy seeing you here.” Yoshida coos, playing it cool like he hadn’t just had to practically sprint all the way here.
“Hiro!” Denji runs to greet his lover. Wrapping him in a tight hug which the taller returns with equal strength.
“What are you doing here?” He questions, separating himself from Yoshida’s hold. The hunter hadn’t told him he would be coming over today.
“I wanted to see you; also to let you know we’ll be skipping school tomorrow.”
“Skipping? Hell yeah! Wait but aren’t you the one always on my ass about being on time for class and shit?” He looks sceptical.
Yoshida laughs softly; “Normally yes, but tomorrow is a special day. I have a few surprises planned for you.”
Denji looks confused for a second before it dawns on him, eyes widening in realisation; “Tomorrow? That’s my birthday!”