#Also loosely based it off the changeling theory Genie and Blue have

[circuscarnage]

Celebrating a little early in my timezone because things are happening but in Japan it is the 17th so it counts! So yeah Happy Birthday Sebek! Diasomnia threw him a surprise party and I ran out of time to draw a background. And, of course, I wrote something for the occasion. Apologies for the length.

Words: 2360.

Sunlight flooded through the open window of the students room, illuminating the dark cobbled walls. Resting not so peacefully in bed laid a disgruntled member of Diasomnia. For more than one reason, he was unable to get a decent nights sleep. It wasn't only the fact that Lilia had decided to raid the kitchen at the crack of dawn, but also the dreaded thoughts that decided the plague his mind all night. It wasn't a pleasant experience. He turned over and looked at his alarm. 5:59AM. Another minuet in bed before he had to get up. Lazily, he laid flat on his back, staring up at the ceiling above.   

It was unlike him to be so apathetic. But as he lay there, letting a familiar feeling fester inside his chest, it was difficult not to be overtaken by a sense of detachment. He waited in silence, letting the seconds trickle by, like melting wax on a candle stick. Breathing still yet uneven. His alarm started to chime. 6:00AM. 

Follow the routine. Get up. Get dressed. Go to class. Guard Malleus. Go to bed. He followed this pattern everyday. A rigorous regime that had been drilled into his head ever since he came to Night Raven. It was nothing new to him though. He had been a stern advocator for routine for years. Never faulting for a single second. Respecting every rule. Always being on time. The perfect guard. He left his room early to do his morning rounds, trying to avoid all other Diasomnia students. With any luck, he would make it to the kitchen without anyone disturbing him. Today was not a good day. March 17th. Wonderful.

Sebek grimaced. He had been dreading this for some time. Every day it got closer, his mood got worse, growing even more strict and rigid. Things that he would normally let slide were becoming objects for discipline. Students who found themselves a minuet late for a meeting were being reprimanded in the hallway after, the guard seething with rage, telling them how disrespectful it was for them to be late when Malleus requested their presence. Some even starting to avoid him after that, not knowing what was causing this shift in attitude, but too afraid to find out.

This feeling had been eating away at him for days. Of course, this slow attitude change did not go unnoticed by his fellow peers. Malleus and Lilia were the first to notice. They brushed it off as superstition at first. It was little things that were almost unnoticeable, but steadily grew. Sebek didn't give them his usual heartfelt good morning when he left the dorm, leaving the room without a second glance. He wasn't anywhere to be seen at lunch. And when Sebek almost completely ignored praise from Malleus for doing a good job, they knew something was wrong. At this point, even Silver was growing concerned. 

The trio met up after their last class, eager to discuss possible reasons for their friends behaviour. "Well, its pretty obvious," Lilia hummed as he started to walk down the hallway. Malleus and Silver exchanged glances, unsure of what their friend was thinking. The smaller fae tapped the side of his head thoughtfully. "He's salty because no one has wished him a happy birthday yet! Can't say I blame him. You remember how mad I was when you forgot my birthday, right Mal Mal?" Lilia let out a frightening giggle as Malleus grimaced, a small shiver starting to creep up his back. He could all but forget what happened. Oh, how he wished he could forget.

"That's the reason?" Silver questioned. There was no way it was that simple. Something as trivial as that couldn't be the reason. Sebek may be uptight and a complete idiot at times, but this sort of childish behaviour was beyond him. Besides, he hadn't told anyone the date of his birth, so how did he expect anyone to know? Malleus didn't seem convinced either, he eyed his small friend, pressing him to give a better explanation. Lilia smiled "Who knows? Maybe its some sort of tragic event that forever haunts him whenever this time of year comes around? But what do I know? It's none of my business."

"Excuse me," Another voice interrupted their conversation. The trio turned and were met with a familiar student. She stood before them, books cradled in her arms, a worried expression on her features. "Sorry to disturb, I just wanted to ask if there was something bothering Sebek. He was very distant in Mozus's class, barely joining in with the discussion. And when I asked about the study session after, he just left the room without a word."

"It's nothing," Silver remarked sleepily. "Sebek's just having a bad birthday."

"It's his birthday?" Anna's hands flung up to her face, completely disregarding the books she was holding. They clattered onto the ground, but everyone was more focused on the girls reaction. She started to splutter out half formed words, her mouth unable to keep up with the rapid thoughts that spindled through her mind. This was news to her. She always suspected that Sebek would have told her about his birthday, not to be suddenly thrown through a loop on any given day. She was unprepared. She was surprised, slightly offended, but mostly in shock. "Why did no one tell me? He doesn't think that I don't care does he? I didn't know, how was I suppose to know? Oh gosh, he probably hates me now doesn't h-"

A gloved hand was clasped over her mouth, cutting off her monologue and allowing the other members to breathe. Lilia stood in front of her, his smile only growing wider. Before Lilia had the chance to taunt the poor girl, Malleus chimed in. "It seems you already had an idea in mind, care to share?" 

As soon as Sebek returned to the Diasomnia dorm, he immediately retired to his room. Those students unfortunate to find themselves in his path were greeted with a weary sight. Upon his face was a diligent scowl unlike anyone had ever seen. His furrowed brows deepened, and he seemed to be holding back a snarl. Even the braver students took the initiative not to irritate the guard, quickly moving out of the way for him as he continued to storm up the hall.

When he reached his room, he walked in before swiftly closing the door behind him. He didn't want to see anyone and he didn't want to be seen. Just for this one day, disappear without a trace, leave nothing behind, and be transported somewhere else. He sat on the edge of his bed, resting his head in his hands. It's not that he wanted to feel this way, far from it. He never had a good memory of his birthday. Ever since he was left alone with his father, celebrations like that were forgotten. In his eyes, they were pointless. Nothing remained apart from an empty shell of heartless memories and hollow wishes that never came true.

Before he could completely hide himself away, a firm knocking was heard. He glanced up, not in the mood to pry himself from his bed. Instead of briskly answering as per usual, he ignored the sound and returned back to his personal pit of pity. His state was interrupted yet again when another round was heard, heavier than before. Whoever was knocking knew he was in, and they weren't going to give up until he answered. Sebek sighed and stood up, walked over to his door, and opened it. This had better be important-

"Malleus," He started, his slited orbs widening. Words caught in his throat, he let out a silent curse. Being tardy when he was needed went against everything he had worked for. Useless. His mind began. Can't even answer the door properly. This sour mood was picking him apart piece by piece, making him feel like he could collapse any second. "I'm terribly sorry... If I had known you wanted to see me I would have-"

"Quiet." Malleus quickly cut Sebek off, raising a gloved finger to silence his peer. Sebek's mouth instantly closed. Fear and doubt began to crawl in his chest. Was Malleus mad at him? He hoped he hadn't accidentally missed an important meeting or neglected any of his duties. Last time he checked, there wasn't anything listed for today. The dark fae sensed the tension radiating off his friends body, and got to the point. "Meet me in the dining hall at seven pm sharp. Don't keep me waiting." And with that, Malleus walked away. His blunt personality radiant as ever. 

"Malleus, you wanted to see me?" Sebek questioned as he slowly started to open the large door. As soon as the door creaked open, Sebek was bombarded with confetti, streamers, and a loud bang. He opened his eyes to reveal an elaborate array of decorations covering the dining hall, all holding the dorms colour. 

Sparkling back and green glitter coated the long table, making it nearly impossible to sit down without getting a spec on you. The curtains that dressed the windows were wrapped in a lace bunting spiralling down to the floor, some even overflowing on the cobbled tiles, creating a decorative piece as well as a hazard. Several other decorations were tossed around the room, ranging from party poppers to a hastily painted banner hung up on the far wall. Everyone at the table was wearing a party hat. Lilia worse his with pride, whereas Malleus and Silver looked ready to rip the cheesy object in half. 

"Sebek, so glad you could join us!" Lilia called happily, clapping his hands with amused excitement. "We were informed about the human tradition of a 'birthday party', and we wanted to try it out. What do you think? Good, huh?" Silver raised his brow. Lilia was far too excited for this, and he despised that fact that he had to tag along with the idea. Being human himself, Malleus thought it valuable to gather his opinions on the matter as well. 

It took Sebek a moment to take in this sight. The most noticeable members of Diasomnia had created this just for him. It was hard to believe someone as great as Malleus or Lilia would do something like this for someone like him. He felt unworthy of such efforts, yet there was a slight tug in his chest that warmed his heart. "Malleus, I'm deeply honoured by all of this." He gestured around the room, taking in the bizarre decorations yet again. "I truly feel grateful to be invited. This act of kindness will never be forgotten!"

"Don't thank me," Malleus crossed his arms as he leaned back in his chair. "It wasn't my idea." Sebek look confused. If Malleus didn't orchestrate this gathering, then who did? That's when Sebek noticed that two chairs were left vacant. 

"I'm so sorry I'm late!" His questions was answered when a Heartslabyul student came barrelling into the room carrying a silver tray covered by a checkered cloth. There would have been a collision if she hadn't stopped herself at the last second. 

"You?" Sebek's shoulders tensed up as his gaze met hers, brown irises glistening with wonder. His eyes darted around the room, trying to find anything else to focus on. He let out a surprised cough as questions started to swirl through his mind. What was going on? What was she doing here? He looked over his shoulder to his fellow companions, trying to look for any helpful cues. What the hell were they thinking inviting her of all people? They didn't know, did they? Of course not! They couldn't have. But as he tried to search their faces for any optional hints, he was greeted with sly smiles that completely ignored his panicked state, especially from Lilia. That look would forever be burned into his memory. 

"Me!" She happily replied, brushing off his nerves as if they never existed. "You should have told me today was your birthday, I would have made something better!" She placed the tray at the head of the table, a seat respectfully reserved for Malleus. But for one day, someone else was granted permission from the dark fae himself. 

Part of him wanted to join in with the celebration, conquer this overwhelming feeling of self doubt, and finally be able to move forward. But the other part urged him to retreat. He didn't deserve any of this. However, as Sebek looked around the room, the sight of his friends greeting him with eager faces inviting him over, he felt persuaded to stay. With all the effort they put in just for him, he couldn't bring himself to argue. Letting out a defeated sigh that lead into a slight chuckle, Sebek trailed his way over to the seat, trying not to let the overwhelming glee show. He sat down among his peers, a small soft smile littered his features. 

"I didn't have much time to make it, but I hope you enjoy it nevertheless." With one swift motion the cloth was removed, revealing a delectable desert. A small green cheesecake with a dark chocolate base was presented on the tray. On the side of the dish was green icing displaying a sloppily written birthday message. But the item that caught everyone eye was the pair of dark chocolate horns that stuck out from the sides. Curved and pointed at the end, it was no question who she had drawn inspiration from. Seeing his superior be reflected in such a way was endearing, if not a tad insulting to his power. 

"Thank you," He breathed out. There was so much more he wanted to say, express his gratitude, and personally thank each member. However, as his mind attempted to select the right words, he couldn't help but draw blanks. There wasn't a sentence he could string together that could ever represent how much this meant to him. Perhaps this time, when surrounded by people who truly cared about him, he could have memories he was proud of. "Thank you, so much..."