#Birthday Surprises

[stars-of-kyber]

It's gonna be (5000 miles)

I am late for Anthony's Birthday, but here I am.

And as a gift of love to our angry viscount, enjoy some fluffy, long-distance established relationship, birthday surprise cuteness.

A huge thanks to @searching4paradiso who gave me the first idea to write something for Anthony's birthday and to @harnitbee and @mimix007 who listened to me whine and moan over my insecurities while I wrote that and helped me get this out. Also, Harnitbee suggested the name. You are all so amazing I have no words.

I hope you all like the story!

[tonguetiedraven]

Birthday Wish

“You’re making a mess!” Yukio worried, and Nagatomo looked over at  Mimumi with a raised eyebrow. The older exorcist gave a knowing nod as Rin hissed back a, “Shut up! I’ve got it!”

“They’re making something.” He said sagely.

Nagatomo frowned. “They’re not using the stove, are they?”

“Does it matter? We’ll have to eat it either way.”

“Yeah, but… Rin.”

Misumi paled. “Surely Yukio will keep watch?”

Kyodo appeared around the corner. “What’s that smell?” He frowned at seeing the other two exorcists huddled together. “Guys?”

“They’re making something,” Misumi explained.

Kyodo’s entire face scrunched up. “To eat? Not eggs. Please tell me it’s not eggs.”

Nagatomo looked entirely unimpressed. “Why would they be making eggs today?”

Kyodo looked between them. “Today? What’s today?”

“Seriously?” Misumi asked before shaking his head and peering back around the door. He squeaked and pulled back, pressing himself back against the wall with a look like he’d seen a decaying Demon King in their kitchen.

“Misumi?” Nagatomo encouraged, shuffling a little closer like he wanted to peer around the door as well.

“Think they saw me. But… whatever they were pouring in the pan was lumpy. Lumpy and green.”

“Green?” Kyodo mouthed while Nagatomo looked towards the hall.

“You better not be spying on us!” Rin shouted, sounding furious while Yukio muttered about the temperature and time and rain.

“No one is spying!” Nagatomo called, giving Misumi an annoyed look for getting them caught. “We’re keeping watch.”

Rin appeared in the door way, covered in a thick green batter with a wild scowl and his hands on his hips. His apron was on backwards and tied in a messy knot and there was something sticky in his hair and on his arm, and his blue eyes were fierce.

“Well?” He demanded.

“Well what?” Kyodo asked.

“Where is he!”

Misumi spluttered and Nagatomo sighed. He didn’t know how any of them managed to keep any secrets with how shit they all were at lying and thinking up stories on the go.

“He’s going to be back in the next hour. He’s not here yet.”

Yukio yelped inside the kitchen and appeared around the corner with messed up glasses and a worriedly flushed face.

“What? But—“

“That’s enough time. It only takes forty minuets for the cake to bake.”

Nagatomo’s eyes turned to Misumi’s in worry. That was long for a cake, wasn’t it?

“But we’ve got to clean up!”

Rin rolled his eyes. “You worry too much. They’ll help.”

“We will?” Kyodo asked, looking like he regretted coming down the hall.

“’Course ya will!” Rin marched behind them and gave them a push into the kitchen with no idea he shouldn’t be able to push them anywhere.

Calling it a mess was underselling the sheer destruction the twins had caused. There was flour and sugar and egg and butter and milk and dye everywhere. On the counter and the fridge, on the cabinet and ceiling, on the stove and the sink. At least a metric ton of sugar had been dropped on the floor and was gritting under foot, and they would be blessed if they only got ants from this.

“Yukio’s right,” Nagatomo declared. “We’re in trouble.”

Rin huffed. “That’s quitter talk. I’ll get the ceiling.”

Misumi caught him around the middle and hauled him off the counter. “You’ll cover the floor. Kyodo will handle the ceiling.”

“I will?!”

“You will,” Nagatomo said, pressing a cloth into his hand. “Quickly.”

— — 🎂◝(ᵔᵕᵔ)◜🎂 — —

Shirou knew the minute he got home that something was happening. The hall was quiet, and this place was only ever quiet when something was up. There weren’t any report cards or tests due, and Shirou hadn’t been accosted by any complaining parents, so it wasn’t a fight, which meant it had to be something because of today.

It always baffled him a little how they all kept up with it so effortlessly when he could never get any of them (except Yukio) to keep track of anything else.

There was a strange scent in the air a little like burnt sugar that had him thinking Rin had left something in the microwave for too long again, and there was a distinct tension in the air that had him strolling a bit louder so they’d know he arrived.

There was a squeak, a hurried mumble of words he couldn’t distinguish, the scrape of feet, and the light in the kitchen went off, leaving that end of the hall dark.

Definitely a surprise then.

Shirou took a bit more time than he needed going those last few feet, and then he was pushing the door to the kitchen open and making a show of reaching for the light.

He flipped it on, and immediately found himself assaulted by bright light and happy shouts (and screams) of “Happy Birthday!”

The boys were standing in front of the table with a large platter held between them. It was something absolutely slathered in whipped cream with a few candles quickly falling into the creamy depths and disappearing from sight. It was strangely lopsided and Rin was wearing a fair bit of the cream on his arm and cheek.

They were both beaming up at him, and the others were behind them, looking torn between pride and exhaustion, and he couldn’t possibly help the size of the grin that spread over his face.

“A birthday cake?” He asked. “For me?”

“Yeah!” Rin declared, hurrying forward and dragging Yukio along. “A homemade one! Extra cream!”

Shirou looked over there head where the others looked worried.

“The boys made it,” Misumi explained. “All by themselves.”

Shirou looked back down at the cake. That explained the shape of it then.

“Well then we better cut into it.” Shirou said, dropping his hands on their heads and ruffling their hair. (Both of them sticky in different ways.) He motioned for Rin to set the monster of a cake on the table and walked to get a knife to join the plates and forks they’d set out already.

The floor was gritty and there was a bit of something green on the front of the drawer, but he got the knife and returned to them, ignoring the irritating grit under boot.

Rin insisted on cutting, so Shirou let him, watching closely and snickering a bit at Misumi’s palpable worry. He cut easily through the cream, a bit less easily through the cake, and reached the platter with a loud clatter of knife hitting ceramic.

He repeated the process again and pulled out a surprisingly neat slice, plopping it on the plate and giving Shirou a glimpse of shockingly green cake. (Which was absolutely a Rin idea and a Yukio save, because he had no doubts Rin forgot his favorite color and Yukio knew everyone’s.)

The cake was strangely flat and spongey and crusty on the edges and there were patches of something that looked like scrambled egg, and a scent that wasn’t quite pleasant, but it really couldn’t be worse than the eggs, and the wide-eyed and hopeful looks the twins were giving him was enough to have him grinning widely and bringing the fork to his mouth.

He bit down, found the texture every bit as strange as it had looked, and that it mostly tasted like food dye, which was probably the best thing it could have tasted like. The cream wasn’t at all sweet, but it was cool and not salty, so he nodded at them and grinned all the wider. Better than the eggs had been.

“Delicious!” He lied, and didn’t feel bad about it.

Rin beamed enough to show his missing teeth and grabbed the knife to cut another slice before Yukio made an upset noise.

“Your candles!”

Rin slapped his forehead, thankfully not with the hand holding the knife, “We forgot!”

“Just light ‘em now,” Kyodo offered.

“It’s not too late?” Rin asked. “The wish will still work?”

“Course it will,” Shirou hummed as he pulled out his lighter. He knew nothing about the finer points of birthday magic, but he didn’t see any reason it wouldn’t. (He couldn’t remember if he had ever actually blown out birthday candles. Was there a trick to it?)

Rin hauled the candles back out of their creamy prisons and scowled until Yukio helped him get them to stay upright while Shirou lit them. (With a bit of trouble. Cream didn’t want to ignite.)

“Alright,” Rin bossed, “now ya blow it out.”

“And make a wish,” Yukio added, adjusting his glasses and moving some cream coated hair out of his eyes. Shirou might just have to hose them off in the backyard before bath time.

They both gave him entirely determined expressions, implying the importance of this act and the wishmaking it was, and they had taken time to make a cake for him and color it green because he loved it, and they didn’t want him to miss his wish, and they’d remembered his birthday and spent one of their days off doing this when they could have been outside having fun, and they’d made a mess but cleaned it up, and the others had clearly helped and known, and…

“Blow ‘em out and make a wish.” Shirou nodded. He pulled in a breath, didn’t look at the other three who would probably realize this was something he’d never done (or might realize it later) and let out as big of a breath as he could, catching all the little flickering flames with his exhale.

“You did it!”

“Whaddya wish for?”

“Don’t tell! It’s against the rules!”

“Is not!”

“Is so!”

Shirou shook his head with a growing smile and picked his plate back up. Against the rules or not, he didn’t think he could verbalize his wish anyway.

[atths--twice]

A Surprise, a Birthday, and the Constellations

It's Mulder's birthday and after the night spent on a baseball field for her own birthday celebration, Scully has a special surprise planned for him.

In December, a tweet was posted by @gabby-msr that read: "Mulder teaches Scully to play baseball for her "birthday." What do you think Scully would teach Mulder for his "birthday"?"

@tofuttim tweeted back with a fabulous idea: "How to navigate the seas with the stars which she learned from her father when she was younger."

I LOVED that idea and added a bit to it. As a result, she approached me with the idea to collaborate on a story.

Well... we did, @tofuttim and I! It has been incredibly fun to write, working together and sharing ideas. We hope you all enjoy this sweet and fluffy little story. 💓

Scully sat alone at the desk in their basement office. Mulder was running down a lead and would not be back for another fifteen minutes. The moment of solitude would prove to be a perfect opportunity to go over the plans she had set in place for tomorrow evening.

She reached into her suit jacket pocket and pulled out a list. With a pencil in hand, she went through each item carefully making sure she did not miss any details. If she was going to pull this off, she would expect nothing less than perfection. She recited the handwritten inventory softly to herself:

Telescope, check Boat rental, check Whites Ferry Boat Ramp, check Compass, check Dad’s October night sky star map, check Lone gunmen, check Sea sickness medicine, check Birthday cake, pick up tomorrow at 8:00 am

After Mulder had surprised her with either her very early or very late birthday baseball lesson, she knew then she had wanted to do something special for him in return. To an outsider, his gesture might have seemed inattentive or ordinary, but Scully understood just how significant the act was. It was an expression of devotion, admiration and a long standing partnership built on trust.

Possibly more, she thought.

She picked up the phone and dialed the Lone Gunmen’s secure line and a familiar voice radiated through the phone.

“Frohike.”

“Frohike, it's me. Am I on speaker phone?”

“Yes you are, little lady.”

“Good. I'm just double checking to make sure you all have everything in place for tomorrow night.”

“Don't sweat it, sister. We have it all planned out. Mulder doesn't suspect a thing.”

“Good. I need this to go down perfectly, Frohike. There’s no room here for error. You know how intuitive Mulder is, he can't catch onto the plan. You boys need to be on top of your game.”

“We got your back, G-woman. Langly has Mulder believing we are taking him to visit a couple who have befriended a Sasquatch child.”

“A… what?” she asked and then shook her head, closing her eyes . “You know what, forget I asked.”

“Byers even created a fake email correspondence to make it all believable,” Frohike continued with a chuckle as Byers shouted out from the background.

“Don’t worry, Scully. We won't let you down!”

Scully took a deep breath of relief and nodded, opening her eyes.

“Perfect. Have him at the boat ramp a little before dusk, so let's say… five? Five thirty latest?”

“You got it. Oh… and Scully, I know I don't have to tell you, but this is going to blow our boy’s socks off. I don't think anyone has ever done anything like this for him… ever. Thanks for putting this together.”

Scully smiled into the phone, always appreciating Frohike’s candor.

“Don't thank me yet. We still have fifteen hours to go without spoiling the surprise.” She glanced at her watch. Mulder was due back soon. “Gotta go, boys. Thanks again.”

She hung up the phone, but not before she received a bye in perfect unison from all three gunmen and she laughed silently, but then she sighed. Her heart hurt thinking about Frohike’s words, but it only solidified her resolve to plan and execute the perfect birthday surprise for Mulder.

Failure was not an option.

Five minutes later, the basement office door swung open and Mulder, clearly exasperated but full of kinetic energy, shuffled into the room. He plopped down in Scully’s chair and grabbed some sunflower seeds out of his suit pocket, tilted his head back, and popped a few into his mouth.

She always admired Mulder’s ability to enter a room with confidence, no matter his mood. She sat at his desk, her arms crossed as she checked him out.

He was wearing his blue button down shirt, her favorite, sleeves rolled up to his elbows exposing his toned forearms. She could not help but think how incredibly handsome he looked.

Clearing her throat, she hoped her reddened cheeks had not given her thoughts away as he sighed deeply, his neck resting on the back of the chair.

“Dead end, Scully,” he said in a glib voice.

“I’m sorry, Mulder,” she said sincerely and then hurried on. “Would you mind if I head out a little early? I… uh… have some things I need to do.”

“Reallyyy?” he asked with a slight spike in his voice as he raised his head and an eyebrow. “What's so important that it can’t wait? Anything I can help with?”

She could tell she had piqued his interest. She knew her partner well enough to know, if she stayed any longer, his line of questioning would become more invasive and given the opportunity, he would be able to poke holes in any story she came up with of why she needed to leave early. She had come this far and she certainly was not going to be the reason the surprise was spoiled now.

“No, Mulder, but thank you.” She stood up quickly and walked around the desk to leave. Pausing beside him, she placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently. “Night, Mulder. See you later.”

Scully held her breath all the way down the basement hallway, certain he would catch up and deter her. When she finally made it into the elevator, she leaned against the railing and slumped her shoulders, letting out a deep sigh of relief when she did not see him.

This might just work, she thought, grinning to herself as the elevator doors shut.

___________

Mulder turned and watched Scully as she left the office. He found himself stealing glances and watching her more often than he probably should be. But who could blame him. Scully was stunningly beautiful and he could not help it.

But she was more than that, he thought, letting out a deep sigh.

When she shut the door behind her, he slumped down in the chair again, slightly disappointed. He knew he should not be because he was aware that he was the worst when it came to remembering important dates. But not Scully, not by a long shot. She always remembered special occasions.

His birthday was tomorrow, and he thought she would have mentioned it, especially considering he would be taking a personal day tomorrow and would not be in the office.

He had taken the day off to spend it with the Gunmen. They had called him, talking excitedly about a lead on a juvenile Sasquatch and had invited him along to authenticate the claim, to which he had happily agreed.

But deep down, he had hoped Scully might have asked him to a birthday lunch or even better, dinner and drinks. He would have gladly canceled any and all plans, if Scully had even hinted at either option.

One could only hope.

He stood up and stretched his arms towards the ceiling, letting out another loud sigh. He tinkered around the office for another thirty minutes then decided to head home to his apartment. Patting his pants pockets, checking to make sure he had his car keys, he gathered up some case files from his desk and headed out the office.

Turning off the lights, he shut and locked the door behind him, wondering if Scully would think to call him tomorrow and wish him a happy birthday.

_______________

Scully opened her eyes before the morning sun had a chance to greet her through her bedroom window. She rolled over onto her side, peeked at her alarm clock and rubbed her eyes.

6:00. Ahead of schedule, she thought.

She could hardly blame herself for waking up so early, as she was far too wired to sleep.

Wired and excited.

Today was October thirteenth, Mulder’s birthday. She smiled as she sat up and reached for her phone to call him, hoping he was still sleeping and not awake at this early hour. If he answered, it might jeopardize the surprise, as he might suggest that they meet for breakfast or possibly lunch. She dialed his number and when it went straight to his answering machine she was instantly relieved.

“Mulder, it's me. Happy birthday. Enjoy your day off. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She ended the call and put her phone down on the nightstand. Making her way to the bathroom to take a quick shower, she thought of her plan, mentally checking through her list once more and pausing on the star map with a smile.

When she was a little girl, her father had told her stories of sailors using maritime constellation maps to navigate the seas at night. Seafarers would create maps of the stars during the different seasons. With the constellations as their guide, ships were able to stay the course throughout the night.

One particular story always stood out to her and she would often ask her father to recite it, though she knew it by heart, which he would with a chuckle.

A young sea captain and his small crew of sailors were lost at sea one October night. He was newly married and had been gone from his pregnant bride for several months. The young captain used the constellations as a guide to steer his ship and crew back on course, bringing them home safely. The captain made it home in time to see the birth of their first child, which they named Corona, after the star cluster he tracked at night.

With that story in mind, she had come up with the idea to rent a boat and take Mulder out to “sea” to stargaze using the old maritime constellation map as a guide. Her father had given it to her years ago, smiling as he told her to “use it wisely.”

Scully could not help but think of his words as she also thought once again how employing the constellations as guides to navigate the seas at night was both romantic and pragmatic. She knew when she told Mulder the story she had loved as a girl, he would appreciate the juxtaposition of science and intuition.

However grand her plan though, she knew a trip to the actual ocean would be too far, and so the Potomac River, which admittedly was enchanting at night during this time of year, was the next best thing.

The river was large, but also close to the city lights and she had needed to find a section on the river that was away from the city to have a better view of the stars. Whites Ferry public boat ramp proved to be the closest spot, without going too far out. It was only two hours away on the Maryland-Virginia border and it offered stunning views of the stars at night.

It would be the perfect setting for her birthday surprise.

As an FBI agent, there were certain perks one could take advantage of and under the circumstances, she was not too ashamed to admit she had pulled a few strings to rent a boat. Everything was in order and going as she had planned and thanks to the help of the Gunmen, Mulder was still none the wiser.

She finished getting ready, smiling as she headed out to pick up some last minute things, including Mulder’s birthday cake, then she set out to pull off what could arguably be the biggest surprise of Mulder’s life.

_________________

Mulder woke to the sound of knocking. Startled, he instinctively reached over to his coffee table feeling for his glock.

Less groggy as he began to remember his plans for the day, he put his gun back on the coffee table with a sigh and sat up on the couch. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and stood, taking a second to stretch.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

“Mulder, it's us. Open up.”

“Alright, alright… give it a rest. I’m coming.”

He dragged his feet to his apartment door and unlocked the deadbolt, turning around to head back to his bedroom.

“It's open, fellas.”

The door opened and the three Gunmen entered his apartment like a hurricane. Mulder turned around, gesturing in the air as he opened his bedroom door, and looked at them.

“Guys, it's early. Can you not be so… you?”

“Sorry, buddy. Langly doubled our expresso this morning,” Byers said apologetically and Mulder rolled his eyes.

“I'm going to hop in the shower. Don’t break anything while I'm gone.”

He smiled to himself as he turned on the shower, shucking his clothes as the water warmed up, thinking about the three grown men in his living room who were now trying very hard to heed his warning.

___________

Frohike paced the apartment while Byers and Langley sat on Mulder’s couch. All three exchanged glances. Frohike looked at his buddies, tapping his watch with a nod.

“This has gotta work,” he said. “We can't let the little lady down.”

“You know, Frohike,” Langly said, his knee bouncing from too much caffeine. “I think you just might be the only person who can get away with calling Scully little lady and still be walking upright.”

“What can I say, boys? I can’t help it if I’m her favorite.”

“Yeah,” Langly snorted. “Whatever.”

“You’re just jealous, hippie.”

“Alright,” Byers said, glancing at his own watch. “We get Mulder out of here as soon as he’s ready. Grab a bite and get a move on.”

“No fucking around,” Langly added and Byers shrugged.

“I didn’t say that,” he replied as Langley stood up to peruse Mulder’s video collection.

“But it was implied,” Langley said and Byers nodded.

“T-minus twenty minutes, fellas,” Frohike said and they all nodded.

____________

Scully stepped onto the boat, setting down the last bag of items she had brought with her and sighed as she looked around.

It was a beautiful fall day, the air crisp and the sun bright. It would be a perfect night for stargazing later, so long as the clouds continued to stay nonexistent.

Taking off her coat, the sun and recent activities warming her, she set about preparing for her trip down the river and Mulder’s eventual arrival, smiling as her stomach gave a little lurch of excitement.

___________

“Are you guys sure about this couple?” Mulder asked, sitting in the Gunmen’s van, staring at the park bench where the couple had agreed to meet with information about the Sasquatch child.

“Yeah. They said they would be here. We just need to wait.”

“They said at one. It’s almost two thirty now,” Mulder said skeptically. “I think they’re gonna be a no show, if they were ever the real deal to begin with.” He sighed and shook his head.

“Hey, man, don’t say that,” Frohike said, glancing quickly at Byers. “Sometimes it takes time. You know how people can be.”

“I can try and call them. They gave me a number,” Byers suggested and Mulder shook his head.

“Nah. Pretty sure that will be a bogus number. I had a feeling this was too good to be true.”

“I’ll try it, let me see.”

Just as Byers took out his phone, it rang and they all looked at one another.

“Hello? Yes? It’s Byers, yes. Okay. Where?” He looked at his watch and nodded. “Yeah, we can be there in… a couple of hours. You have the… oh. Yeah, I understand. Yes. Okay. Thank you. Good… bye,” he said, looking at his phone before hanging up. “Well, that was them. They said they were here, but there were too many people around. That they felt nervous.”

“So what do they want? Where do they want to meet?” Mulder asked, feeling both annoyance and excitement at the possibility of speaking to them.

“Whites Ferry boat ramp,” Byers said and Langley nodded, taking out the map guide he kept under the seat and began searching for the quickest route to Whites Ferry.

“A boat?” Mulder moaned, leaning his head back and closing his eyes with a sigh, already feeling seasick.

Byers looked at Frohike and they both smiled before Frohike jumped into the driver's seat, arguing with Langly as the other two put on their seatbelts.

_______________

Scully stood on the boat, her cell phone in her hand, tapping it against her thigh as she waited for it to ring once, announcing the arrival of Mulder and the Gunmen. Her mind scrolled through the rolodex of thoughts she had of the day and settled on the anticipation of what was to come.

Everything was ready, all she needed was Mulder.

Her phone rang and she jumped. When it did not ring again, she knew they had arrived and Mulder would soon be walking down the ramp. She slipped her phone into her pocket and grinned.

Staying out of sight, but standing where she could watch his arrival, she waited, her heart racing.

She saw him and she grinned, noting the excited trepidation on his face as he looked at the boat. The guys were not behind him, and would most likely already have driven away, as was the arrangement. She grinned again as she saw him sigh and then step onto the boat ramp.

“Hello?” he called out. “It’s Agent Mulder. You spoke with Byers earlier and said to meet here? Is it alright if I approach closer?”

“That would be ideal,” she said, stepping into view and smiling at him. He stared at her, stopping in his tracks.

“S… Scully? What…? How…?” he said, frowning as he shook his head. “But… I don’t understand.”

“Happy birthday, Mulder,” she said, stepping off the boat and onto the ramp.

“Birthday?”

“Yes. It is your birthday today, correct?” she teased and he nodded with a confused look on his face.

“But the…” He looked back toward the parking area and then back at her. “There was never a Sasquatch child, was there?”

“No,” she said with a smile, shaking her head.

“You planned this? The guys knew that you…?”

“They did.” He stared at her and she smiled again. “I needed time to get down here without you suspecting where I was for the day.”

“So you sent me on a snipe hunt?” he asked, a smile twitching at his lips.

“More or less,” she agreed with a nod.

“Okay… so, what’s the plan? I’m… They left didn’t they? Dropped me off and drove away?”

“They did.” She grinned and he nodded with a hum.

“I take it your car is not here and the only mode of transportation is this boat,” he said with a heavy sigh.

“Your assumptions are correct,” she said. “However, I did take into account your lack of sea legs. Or river legs, as it were. Hold on a second.”

She stepped back into the boat and picked up the sea bands she had bought, along with a bottle of water and the nausea pills. Stepping out again, she handed him the bottle of water.

“Here. Give me your arm.”

He held out an arm and she slipped the band onto his wrist, twisting it to the correct location. He switched the bottle of water into his other hand and she slid the band onto his opposite wrist, situating it as well.

“These are supposed to help with nausea, but I’m not entirely sold on them, so you should also take a pill to help it. Don’t want to ruin your birthday surprise by puking your guts into the river.” She smiled as she opened the bottle of pills and handed him one. “I think one should be enough. Don’t want you getting too drowsy.”

“I’d take drowsy over pukey any day,” he said, putting the pill in his mouth and opening the bottle of water. Drinking it down, he wiped his mouth and stared at her as he replaced the cap. “So a boat was the idea you had for my birthday surprise?”

“Yes,” she answered with a nod.

“Despite me needing all these precautions?” He looked down at his wrists and then back at her.

“Yes,” she said again and he hummed as he looked at the boat, a finger running across the band on his right wrist. “It’s something I love.”

“What?” he asked, looking back at her. She smiled as she turned her head to look out at the water.

“I’ve always loved the water. Boating. Sailing. It’s calming. My dad used to take us fishing when we were little. Sometimes the rocking would make me feel sleepy and he would laugh as I nodded off. There’s just something about it…” She looked at him again and she smiled softly. “You shared something you love with me for my birthday gift and I wanted to do the same for you. Yours just needed some… precautions.”

She glanced at his wrist bands and shook the bottle of pills and he chuckled.

“Well… then I suppose we should shove off,” he said and she nodded, excitement again stirring in her belly.

“You get in and I’ll take care of it.”

______________

Mulder smiled as he stepped into the boat, sitting down and watching Scully prepare the boat to leave. She was quick and sure as she untied the ropes and tossed the boat's bumpers from the outside of the boat into the inside. Giving it a good shove once she was finished, she hurried aboard, laughing as she did.

“When I was little,” she said, stepping to the steering wheel and turning the key to start the engine. “I was always the one to shove us off. Bill grumbled about it sometimes, saying it was a “man’s job” and my dad laughed, telling him to pipe down. I was the smallest and the quickest, not rocking the boat much when I jumped on.”

“I bet he hated hearing that,” Mulder said, smiling at her as she started backing up.

“He did indeed,” she laughed, turning the wheel when she had backed up far enough and then driving forward, not quickly, but at a comfortable pace.

“So this is my birthday present, huh? You shouldn’t have,” he said, remembering her words to him on a baseball diamond a few months back.

She looked at him with a smirk and he smiled as he looked up at the evening sky, the stars just beginning to come out.

“It’s not a Sasquatch child, I know, but…” she teased and he chuckled.

“It’s better,” he said softly, not looking at her, but watching her from the corner of his eye. He knew she had heard him above the sound of the motor by the way she glanced at him and he held back a smile.

Watching the water as they drove smoothly over it, he felt happier than he had in a long time. Especially on any birthday he’d ever had.

They did not really do birthdays, her and him, except the year when he had given her the Apollo Eleven keychain as they had shared dinner and drinks at The Headless Woman’s Pub.

They did not go there anymore, however. Not since Pendrell had been shot and then died. Scully said she would rather not eat there again, her eyes sad when he had suggested it one night.

No, they did not do birthdays. Yet this year… they were celebrating each other’s, sharing things they loved.

He turned his head and looked at her, admiring her profile and smiling at the small smile he saw on her lips.

“So,” he said, clearing his throat and adjusting the sea band on his wrist. “You had all the precautions. What’s the rest of the plan? Are we headed somewhere?”

“Not in particular,” she said with a shrug.

“Not to some rock in the middle of the river to have a good heart to heart?” he suggested and she laughed, the sound of it echoing out over the still water.

“I’m not planning on sinking another boat, no,” she stated, laughing again and he shrugged.

“That was Big Blue, Scully. Not your fault.”

“Mulder…” she said warningly and he nodded, looking around the boat.

“Where did you even get this boat?” he asked, standing up carefully and stepping toward the door to what he knew had to be a small cabin area.

“No. You don’t get to go down there,” she said, holding her hand out and stopping him from opening the door.

“What? Why not?”

“Because I said you can’t. Please sit back down.”

They stared at each other and she raised her eyebrows, her hand still blocking his access to the door.

“Is the Sasquatch child in there? Is that my surprise?” he teased and she rolled her eyes.

“Yeah. You figured it out. I’ve taken a forest dwelling cryptid from, not only its home, but its mother, and put it on a boat to take it for a cruise down the river. I thought it might enjoy being away from all it knows, locked in a cabin and waiting to be stared at by you with your crazy and excited eyes.” She stared at him and then rolled her eyes as she shook her head.

“Ah, Scully. You truly know the way to a man’s heart,” he said, covering his heart with both hands as he stepped back from the door, grinning at her. “I’ll do my best to act surprised when I see it.”

“You do that,” she said with a scoff and another roll of her eyes, shaking her head as she smiled. Putting up his hands, he sat back down and exhaled deeply.

“How did you get the boat though?” he asked and she shrugged her shoulders.

“I have my ways,” she said, glancing at him quickly.

“The guys help you procure it?”

“Nope.”

“Hmm…” he said, leaning back and crossing his arms.

“Agent Lincoln actually helped me out,” she said and he sat up with a slight frown.

“Did he?” he asked, as he pictured the tall, sandy-haired agent. “How?”

“Well, he happened to overhear me on the phone and asked if I was trying to find a boat to rent. I said yes and he suggested a guy he knew. I called him up and told him what I needed and…” She gestured to the boat with another shrug.

“Just like that?”

“Well…” She smiled at him and then licked her lips. “I might have implied it was for official bureau business.”

“You lied?” he asked in mock incredulity, his mouth dropping open. “Agent Scully, I’m surprised at you.”

“It’s not exactly a lie. We are federal agents and if we don’t technically use it for a case, how will they know? Maybe the mere thought of it will be their new claim to fame. People are drawn to odd things.”

“Are you trying to imply something, Scully?”

“No,” she said, laughing and shaking her head.

“I don’t know,” he said, leaning back again, Agent Lincoln no longer a threat in his head. “I think people at the bureau would say otherwise about us working together.”

“No they wouldn’t, Mulder. They don’t find me odd.”

It was his turn to laugh, looking at her as she smiled at him, pushing the boat to go just a bit faster.

____________

“Are you feeling alright?” Scully asked, noticing he had his eyes closed.

“Hmm,” he hummed with a nod. “Not nauseated and only very slightly drowsy.”

“Well, I suppose that’s as good as it can be considering your shortcomings,” she teased and he huffed out a laugh, his eyes still closed.

She stared at him, his arms crossed and a smile on his lips, and she let out a quiet breath.

The memory of his arms around her as they shared a baseball bat, hitting balls out into the night sky and laughing happily, pushed its way to the front of her mind. It had been fun, silly, and perfect.

When she had left, her new suede coat, which was far too expensive, smelled of him. His cologne, deodorant, and him. The scent was simply Mulder, and one she would know anywhere. She had smelled her coat repeatedly, her stomach fluttering, until she had forced herself to stop, shaking her head at her almost childish behavior.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

“What?”

“You’re staring at me. If we weren’t on the open sea… er river, without the fear of other vehicles close by, I’d be worried we might get into an accident.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m just saying,” he said, smiling roguishly. “You seem more confident on the water than you do on the road. Maybe it’s the lack of needing to move a seat to reach the pedals.”

“Mulder,” she warned.

“It’s a compliment,” he hurried to assure her and she narrowed her eyes at him. “You said it yourself, you've always loved the water. I think it’s obvious in your ability to maneuver on it so well.”

“I think that medicine may be affecting you more than you think,” she grumbled and he laughed.

“All I’m trying to imply is that you look as though you belong to the sea, I mean river. As if you’re a seafarer who has taken on a watery quest, ferrying a soul across the River Styx or some such important task.”

“Wow… You’ve taken anti-nausea pills before, right?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Did it act as a truth serum as it seems to be doing tonight?”

He laughed again and shook his head.

“Nah. And it’s not from the pills. I thought it last time I watched you drive a boat. Just didn’t think to say it then.”

“Hmm,” she hummed, thinking of the last time they had been on a boat together. “Poor Queequeg.”

“Yeah,” he said softly as she sighed, her eyes on the water. He exhaled loudly and then hummed. “I understand what you were saying now. How you would find it sleep inducing when you were younger. Being on a boat, I mean.”

“You know, for a man who had a waterbed until very recently, I’m surprised that being on a boat makes you feel queasy, but that didn’t,” she said, giving him a look.

“Oh… it did at first. It took a while to become used to it, as the couch had always been just fine, especially with it being so nice and stationary,” he said with a chuckle. “What took longer to get used to though, were the mirrors on the ceiling. But once the waterbed busted, I took those down.”

“I’m sorry… what?” She looked at him, her brain trying to figure out if she had heard him correctly. “You… what?”

“Look, I didn’t put them there,” he said defensively, shaking his head. “They were just… suddenly there.”

“Mirrors. On your ceiling. They were just… there one day?”

“Yeah. Actually, it was the same day as the waterbed. Remember when we went to Nevada? By Area 51?”

“As if I could forget,” she scoffed.

“Well, when we came back, all of that stuff was there. And the apartment was spotless.”

“Did you order it all and you forgot?” she asked, her mind still on the mirrored ceiling, her thoughts racing at the images presenting themselves to her.

“Ha!” he laughed loudly, sitting forward and shaking his head again. “Do you think I seriously stood in my bedroom one day, looked at the ceiling and thought, you know what it needs in here? Mirrors. Really, Scully?”

“I don’t know,” she said with a shrug. “Hearing you had a waterbed was quite shocking. This is… it’s…”

“Porny?” he asked with a grin.

“Well… I…”

“Believe me, it’s what I thought,” he said, standing up carefully and walking towards her. He stood beside her and leaned against the closed cabin door. “There can only be one reason people put mirrors on the ceiling, and it’s definitely not to stare at their own selves in bed.”

“But,” she said, swallowing hard, her throat dry. “You’ve taken them down now.”

“And without ever getting the true use out of them,” he said, sighing as he looked down and shook his head slowly.

“Oh?” she asked, her heart fluttering oddly at that information.

“Yeah,” he said, looking at her with a smile. “Now the only things up there are pencils, as it should be.”

“Hmm,” she hummed, her thoughts still on what those mirrors and what would have shown if she had been in his bed.

Stop it, she said to herself, shaking her head as if to get rid of those thoughts.

“Mulder, you never cease to amaze me,” she said, looking ahead and turning the wheel to the left, although it was not exactly needed.

“Because I took them down? Should I have kept them up and shown them to you first?”

Her breath caught, which she covered with a cough. She glanced at him and then looked away.

“No. That’s not what… I mean to each their own, but I… No,” she stuttered as the smile on his face grew and he nodded.

“Yeah, it was good I took them down.”

“You want to drive?” Scully asked, desperately wanting to change the subject. Stepping to the side slightly, she made some room for him.

“Hmm…” he said, quirking his mouth and then shaking his head. “Thank you, but no.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I don’t know where we’re going for one, and for two…” He smiled, his eyes dropping to her lips before meeting her eyes again. “Seafaring Scully, on her mysterious quest, is enjoyable to behold.”

If they had been different people, a couple in some romantic fashion, she would have kissed him. Would have pulled him close and perhaps gotten a little handsy with him.

A lot handsy, she thought as the wind carried the scent of his cologne straight to her nose.

But they were not different people and so instead, she rolled her eyes as she took control of the wheel once again.

“I hope you’re not disappointed that there isn’t exactly a destination spot,” she said, suddenly worried that her idea would not live up to his expectations.

“Can’t imagine I’ll be disappointed,” he assured her as she looked at him.

“I… we just need to get a little further from the city lights.”

“Whatever you have planned, Scully, I’m completely… onboard. Starboard, actually.” He grinned and she chuckled softly.

“Technically, you’re port, as you’re to the left of me. I’m starboard.”

“Eh,” he said with a shrug. “Sasquatch. Bigfoot.”

Laughter burst from her, a deep belly laugh that made her lean forward over the steering wheel, gripping it tightly as her body shook from his incredibly corny words.

“Mulder…” she said, still laughing softly as she shook her head and he grinned at her, winking before he turned to look out at the water.

____________

Back in his seat now, Mulder hummed and he closed his eyes, the anti nausea medicine indeed causing him to feel tired. Added to the late hour he had gone to bed and his early morning visitors, he could have nodded off easily.

The engine cut off and he opened his eyes, looking over at Scully. She flipped a switch and he heard the anchor lowering. The boat rocked, and thankfully he found that it did not make him feel sick.

“I think the combination of the sea bands and the drugs you supplied are doing the job nicely,” he told her as he looked around and realized they were in a little cove.

“Good,” she said, opening the cabin door and turning on a light.

“Oh… can I go down there now? Am I allowed?”

“I suppose,” she said, rolling her eyes with a smile as she made her way down the ladder like steps.

He stood up and followed her down into the small cabin and looked around, his eyes falling on the kitchenette, small table, and the bed. Opening a door, he found a toilet and he nodded as he closed the door.

“You know, aside from the fact that I’d be on water, I think I could live like this- it’s simple, no fuss.”

“There’s no shower,” she stated as she took a large leather tube shaped item from the bed.

“We’re surrounded by water,” he replied and she gave him a disgusted look. He laughed as she shook her head. “Okay… I’d find some place and shower. It wouldn’t be so bad.”

“Hmm…” she hummed, shaking her head again. “I do love the water, but not enough to live on a boat. At least not one this size. It’s too small and the lack of a shower or tub, no thank you.”

“What do you have there?” he asked, pointing to the item she held.

“This…” she said with a smile, patting the tube. “This was a gift from my father. Something I’ve treasured, but haven’t had an opportunity to look at for quite awhile.”

“What is it?” he asked again, his curiosity piqued.

“It’s a constellation map,” she said, opening the tube and taking out the contents inside.

“What?” he asked, stepping closer as she unrolled the crinkly, but well preserved, paper out on the table.

It did not lay flat, so he looked behind him, taking spice containers from the rack secured to the wall and placing them on the paper, using them as paperweights.

“Thanks,” she murmured, smoothing the paper and letting out a sigh.

He glanced at her, seeing the soft smile on her face as she looked at the constellations drawn upon it. Looking back at the map, he saw some he recognized, but many that he did not know.

“You know, of course, that my father was in the Navy. He loved the sea, always speaking of it with great reverence.” She smiled again and he watched her trace the constellations, whispering their names softly. “He would tell us stories about when he was gone, but I would always pester him for different stories. There were many he knew, but one in particular was my favorite. I liked it for the romance of it, though I never would have admitted it, lest my brothers make fun of me.” She chuckled and he smiled with a nod of understanding.

“Tell me the story,” he said softly and she nodded.

“A young sea captain, who was newly married, was lost at sea with his crew one October night. They had already been gone for several months and while the crew was worried about their predicament, the captain's own thoughts were on his bride, who was pregnant with their first child.”

“Newly married… they worked fast,” Mulder murmured and she laughed quietly.

“Well, they’d had some time together before he left. Couple that with a lack of any type of protection and… well…” She smiled and he nodded as he raised his eyebrows and shrugged.

“Please continue,” he said. “Did they make it home?”

“They did,” she said, tracing the constellations again. “The sea captain used the constellations as a guide to steer the ship, bringing himself and the crew home safely. He made it in time for the birth of his child, whom they named Corona, after the star cluster he had tracked that night, knowing that it would be the one to guide him home.

Mulder smiled as she turned her head to look at him with a smile of her own.

“That’s a really great story.”

“Yeah. One of my favorites,” she said, looking back at the map. “I would listen to it and imagine this young man who, when it was discovered that he was lost, felt it keenly and-”

“Well, not only himself, but the entire crew,” Mulder interrupted, picturing the ship of men under the starry sky. “Most likely most of them were his own age, possibly even younger. Boys who would have gone to sea because it called to them or they were looking for work. All of them had families of their own, in some form or another. I’m sure they were all scared, but didn’t want to show it.”

“Yeah,” Scully said softly. “Exactly.”

“And the captain, being an intelligent seafaring man, knew the stars and how to read them. He knew how to bring them where they needed to be.”

“Yes,” she said again, nodding slowly.

They stared at one another, each imagining the story from different perspectives.

Mulder could picture himself captaining the ship, bringing all of the lost souls home and hearing the relief and happiness in the voices of the mothers and sweethearts who had been waiting on land.

Scully had always gone back and forth in her thoughts, wanting to both be on the ship as it sailed on the open sea, and also waiting at home, walking the shore as she waited for her beloved husband to return.

Her romantic younger self had imagined the homecoming many times, caught up in the happiness. The sea captain had always looked similar to Tommy Shanahon, from down the street when they were stationed in San Diego, anytime she would think of the story.

Now, as she stood in the small boat cabin with Mulder, his eyes shining from the story, she could only see him as the captain as he stepped off the ship, his eyes locking on hers as he grinned and hurried to her side.

“So,” she said, turning abruptly and also taking a small step back from him, the image vanishing. “What I thought, for your gift, is that I could teach you how to navigate by constellations, like my father taught me. I could show you and you could guide us back home.”

“Yeah,” he said, smiling broadly and nodding his head. “I would really like that. Show me what I need to know.”

______________

Scully watched Mulder as he slowed the boat down and stepped back to look up at the night sky, for at least the tenth time, and she smiled.

He had been very enthusiastic as she pointed out the different constellations on the map. He knew many of them, but not their precise locations. Using the map, holding it up and comparing what they were seeing, he grinned as he named the constellations.

“You sure you don’t want to use the telescope I brought?” she asked him again and he shook his head. “It would make it easier for you to see.”

“I appreciate the offer, but no thank you,” he answered, as he continued looking up. “It wouldn’t be as authentic.” She smiled as she nodded and crossed her arms.

“Well, it’s here if you change your mind.”

“Thanks,” he said again, pointing up. “Hercules. He almost looks like he’s dancing, don’t you think? Some weird dance moves. Do you see it?” he asked and she nodded as she also looked up at the sky. “Bootes now… it looks like a giant kite. And Serpens, it reminds me of a… huh, a satellite dish.”

“A satellite dish?” she asked, smiling at him.

“Yeah, look,” he said, holding the map up as she took her flashlight from her pocket and shone the light on it. “See how it’s a triangle with a bendy line? Definitely a satellite dish.”

“Okay,” she had said, turning off the flashlight nodding.

“I think Corona was a perfect name for the captain’s child,” he said as he kept staring up at the sky. “Not just because it was the constellation he followed, but because of the shape of it.”

“How do you mean?” she asked, frowning as she tilted her head back, looking at the Corona constellation and then turning her head towards him.

“It’s almost shaped like a horseshoe,” he said, pointing again as he traced the air with his finger. “With the ends of it pointing up, a horseshoe represents good luck being collected. Even if the captain hadn’t known, or been overly superstitious, he followed the stars with a lucky symbol attached to it. It was destined to be.”

He smiled at her as he rolled up the map gently and went back to the steering wheel. Increasing the boat’s speed slowly, he hummed under his breath.

She looked at him and then back up at the sky. Her father had described the constellation as a crown, which was how she had always thought of it. But now, she did see it as a horseshoe shape and she found that she liked it better that way.

Turning her attention to the water, she closed her eyes briefly as the warm fall wind blew through her hair. Opening them, she stepped closer to Mulder.

“You’re quite the natural,” she said, her eyes traveling over him, liking the way he looked manning the boat.

“Thank you,” he said, glancing at her and she nodded as she watched him.

“You just need um…” Placing a hand on the steering wheel, she turned it slightly to the left. “Only a little this way.”

“Hmm, thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

They drove for a while, neither of them speaking, no other people out on the water, the city lights glowing dimly on the horizon.

“Imagine spending months on a ship,” Mulder said, breaking the silence.

“Didn’t you say earlier that you wouldn’t mind living on this boat, or one like it?” she teased and he nodded with a smile.

“True. But, me on my own is significantly different from a ship full of men. Especially as it wouldn't have a shower nor a toilet,” he said and she made a face.

“The air would undoubtedly be thick with the spice of men,” she stated and he laughed.

“I’m sure it was quite ripe,” he said. “But, I was actually thinking more along the lines of leaving your family behind. Your wife, children… I’m sure it was difficult.”

“It’s what my father did. What many men, and women, still do,” she said with a small shrug.

“Eh… I don’t see it that way, not exactly. With technology and more advanced vessels, it’s different,” he said, shaking his head.

“I suppose it is,” she said, thinking of the days when a ship would be gone for months, no word of where it was at times. Mothers, wives, and children not knowing if their son or father would return.

Again silence fell between them, her thoughts staying on the young captain, confidently following the stars that he knew would lead him home.

Though her journey to meet him at the ferry had felt longer, it seemed that it only took half the time to reach the harbor where she had rented the boat. Switching places, as Mulder was not accustomed to docking a boat, he followed her instructions to ready it, jumping out to help lead it in and tie the rope to the cleats in the front and back.

He grinned at her as he stepped back onboard, quite proud of himself.

She gathered everything up, including the small cake she had purchased for him. Placing it in a bag, she turned the lights off and left the cabin.

Dropping the keys in the after hours box as she had been instructed to do, she turned to Mulder and smiled.

“So… you had fun?”

“I did,” he said with a grin. “Much more than I had anticipated when I realized we would be spending time on the water.” He took off the sea bands and put them into his pocket. “They look and feel a little strange, but I think they worked really well.”

“Glad to hear it,” she said with a chuckle. “I do have something else for you.”

“Is it a keychain?” he teased.

“It is not,” she said, laughing again.

“An alien implant?”

“No.” She rolled her eyes and pointed to the picnic table underneath a street lamp a few feet away. “Let’s go sit down and I’ll give it to you.” He turned, walking ahead of her, and she smiled as she followed.

“It’s not exactly a gift,” she said, placing the bag on the table and taking out the cake. “But, it’s something you’ll enjoy.”

“Ohhh…” he said, sitting at the table and leaning forward with interest. “Is it chocolate?”

“Of course. But… wait.”

She opened the lid and then took out the sparklers she had also purchased. Pushing them down into the cake, she lit them with a lighter. They popped and sparked as she pushed it towards him.

She watched his face as he saw the decorations on the cake, highlighted by the glow of the sparklers. Looking up at her, his expression unreadable, he looked back at the cake and shook his head.

It was plain, with only vanilla frosting. On the top however, she’d had the bakery write Happy Birthday in brown icing. It also had a design, depicting their evening. A brown boat sat on blue water, the moon and stars above it. One constellation hung above the boat, a horseshoe crown shaped constellation, the yellow points placed in the exact locations.

“Scully,” he said softly as the sparklers continued to pop and spark.

“Happy birthday,” she whispered and he looked up at her again. She smiled and he sighed as he stood up and extracted himself from the table.

Standing in front of her, he shook his head and then pulled her to him, surprising her as he held her tightly.

“Thank you,” he whispered. “For everything today. I… It’s the best birthday I’ve ever had.”

“Surely not ever?” she asked with a small laugh, trying to lighten the sudden heavy feeling.

He pulled back, holding her upper arms gently as he nodded his head.

“Ever,” he assured her. “It was thoughtful and surprising. I never would have anticipated it. Thank you, Scully.” He pulled her close again and she sighed as she hugged him back, closing her eyes.

“You’re welcome,” she whispered.

They both heard the sparklers fizzle out and they laughed softly as they broke apart, glancing at the cake before looking at each other and smiling.

He cupped her cheek, his thumb running gently across it. She drew in a breath as he dipped his head and kissed her cheekbone, just above his thumb. Her eyes closed as he kissed her again and her stomach fluttered.

When he pulled back, she opened her eyes and let out a slow breath. His eyes dropped to her lips and she nodded ever so slightly. A smile pulled at his lips and then they were pressed to her own in a soft, slow kiss. Twice more he kissed her in the same fashion and then he pulled back, searching her face.

She smiled, her heart racing, and he grinned back.

“Well… let’s see if this cake tastes as good as it looks,” he said and she laughed with a nod. He caressed her cheek as he dropped his hand and they stepped back from each other.

He sat back down and took the spent sparklers from the cake as she took out the knife, plates, and forks from inside the bag. Cutting them each a generous slice, she handed him the piece with the Corona constellation. He smiled as he picked up his fork and took a bite, humming his approval.

She sat beside him and took a bite of the cake, which was indeed very good, but her thoughts were not on the sweet taste of it.

No, she thought only of the kisses they had just shared, the softness of his lips, and the gentle touch of his thumb against her cheek.

His knee bumped her leg and she glanced at him with a smile.

“If there’s an iced tea in that bag of yours…” he said, looking at it and raising his eyebrows. She laughed softly, reaching for the bag and taking out a bottle of iced tea. “Ahh, Scully. This birthday just keeps getting better and better.”

She laughed again as he opened it, took a long drink and then offered it to her. She accepted it and took a drink as he reached for the cake and cut himself another slice.

“Did I ever tell you about the Lizard Man in South Carolina?” he asked as she set the bottle of iced tea down.

She rolled her eyes with a quiet groan as he took a bite and began speaking. Tipping her head back, she looked skyward and sighed, ready to debate him about the scientific impossibility of a lizard man.

The Corona constellation was directly above them and she smiled. As it twinkled, she changed her mind, deciding to let him talk for as long as he wanted about whatever he wanted. She could wait until tomorrow to discuss the inaccuracies.

It was his birthday after all.

[jillybean-seighdrasov]

Stardust and The Crow chapter 174

Christa walked into the kitchen where Seighdra was making a cup of coffee.  “You ready for the best 6th birthday party of your life?”

The little girl looked up at Seighdra with such amazement.  She rubbed her eyes once and looked around the house to see it all decorated in ballet decorations.  “Yes!”  She smiled so big her lips might crack.  “Thank you Seighdra.”  Christa hugged Seighdra tightly around her legs.

“Everyone deserves a birthday party, sweety.”  Just then Missy walked in putting on a fake smile.  “Good morning, Missy.”

“Good morning.  The place looks nice.”  She looked to her little sister “Huh, Christa.”  Missy continued her façade.

“Yeah, it does.”

Seighdra could feel something was wrong with Missy and just like that she saw it – a flash of sadness.  Missy was worried that she would never get a birthday celebration like the ones the Sov’s did.  But, if only Missy knew.  That was for another time.  Seighdra smiled to herself.

I posted two chapters today. So, I will post both the links here.

Starcrossed mission Chapter 173

Birthday surprises Chapter 174

[carfuckerlynch]

huge shoutout to the guy at the bar who said “i like your dress maam” and when i was like. i’m a man but thank you! he was like “oh shit i like your dress homie” i love you forever

[xx-sketchy-xx]

LOOOK, LOOK WHAT MY MOTHER MADE FROM CAKE. AAAAAAAAAA-

[willabee]

ready for halloween

[idliketobeatree]

i'm living the dream, in the dream, i'm buried alive two bed grave, one bath, car in the drive mirrored covered windows block the light feeding back reflection distorts life cut connection — jesca hoop

[willthespy]

happy unofficial birthday to my son!!! 🎂

wondering what’s in that box…. (genuinely don’t know) (i rushed this) (badly)

[tempo-takoyaki]

I forgot he had a birthday. Happy late birth little guy.

[l3viat8an]

MC:*watching Lucifer and Diavolo dance together at a party* Do you think Lucifer and Diavolo have ever kissed?

Barbatos:*sitting next to MC sipping on a glass of demonus* I know they’ve had intercourse before.

MC: Even I know that. But I’m asking if you think they’ve kissed.

[spilledte]

It's Ryutaro Naruhodou's arrival and departure today~

A Technical Happy Birthday to the gallant rural boy 💜

[atths--twice]

February Happenings

Valentine's Day and Scully's birthday all in the same month? How will they celebrate this year?

Oh, I have missed this little family. Every time I drop back into their lives, I feel so happy and fluffy. I hope you do too. 💓

(Story 53 in the Family Series)

February 2023

Card stock in shades of pink, red, white, and a beautiful teal, lay on the kitchen table along with paint and paintbrushes, a tray full of glue, glitter, sequins, googly eyes, letter beads, and a cup full of edger scissors.

Scully looked at everything as she took off her coat and laid it on the back of a chair. Mulder was creating a space for Faith to begin their activity and Scully smiled as she watched him.

“Did you buy whatever she pointed at once again, Mulder?” she teased and he grinned, not stopping in his task. “You know, a box of valentines cards cost about three dollars, tops.”

“Premade, unimaginative, mass produced valentines cards you mean,” he said, shaking his head. “Something with candy added that is probably from last year because it wasn’t sold and was stored away for next year. No thank you.” He shook his head again as he laid Faith’s painting smock on her chair. “These valentines are going to kick so much ass.”

“You are too adorable. I love that you get so excited about everything with her,” she said, stepping closer and looking up at him with a smile. He smiled back as he set the pack of stickers he was holding onto the table.

“I love that she’s so excited about everything now. I mean she has been in the past, but with school and her growing up, she’s excited on a different level.”

“Mmhmm,” she hummed as she continued to smile. Grabbing the front of his shirt, she pulled him closer and kissed him. “Adorable. And so sexy all at the same time.”

“It’s a fine line, but I’m happy to walk it,” he said, kissing her again as she laughed softly against his lips.

“Okay, Daddy!” Faith said, coming out of the bathroom. “I’m ready to make valentine's cards. Mommy, me and daddy are going to make beautiful cards for all my friends at school and the teachers and also for Unco, Raycho, and the twins.”

Scully looked down at her as she stepped back from Mulder. Smiling at Faith, she placed her hand on her head and stroked her hair.

“They will be the most beautiful valentines ever, I’m sure. You have lots of supplies.”

“Uh huh,” Faith said with a nod. “Daddy said I could get whatever I wanted to make them.”

Mulder cleared his throat and Scully tilted her head as she looked at him.

“Did he?” she asked with a knowing smile.

“Yup!” Faith said, clapping her hands together. “So we got a lot of stuff. I like the sparkly glitter the best.”

“I’m sure you do, my love,” Scully said, shaking her head as her smile grew.

“Well, how about we get started?” Mulder said, looking at Faith with a smile and avoiding Scully’s gaze.

“Yeah! I’m ready!” she said, getting into her chair and sitting down.

“Sucker,” Scully whispered and she saw his eyes cut to hers with a smile as he helped Faith with her smock.

“Will you be joining us, Mommy?” he asked and she nodded happily. “Well, then please wash your hands first. Thank you.”

She chuckled softly as she picked up her coat and hung it on the new coat rack by the door. Faith’s pink coat and her small purple scarf also hung there along with Mulder’s new black peacoat. Letting out a deep breath, she left her coat and her worries about the day at the hospital behind, before walking to the bathroom to wash her hands.

Soap still clung to the sides of the sink and a large blob was stuck to the adorable fawn soap dispenser Skinner and Rachel had given Faith for Christmas. She had only relented to it being used for its actual purpose two weeks ago as she had insisted on sleeping with it at first, the pump portion left on a shelf downstairs.

Washing her hands, Scully wiped off the fawn, dried her hands, and walked back to the table and sat down.

She watched them, without helping at first, and she smiled. Faith was laughing at something Mulder said, his face contorted into a comical expression. Her eyes sparkled when she looked at him and he winked at her quickly as he reached for the cup of scissors.

The best of friends, Scully thought as she picked out a piece of paper and folded it in half.

“Daddy,” Faith said, still laughing slightly. “Can you help me make a heart? Will you show me again?”

“Absolutely, my love. Like this.”

He drew a heart on a piece of paper and pushed it toward her for her to see.

“I don’t know if I can do it like that,” she said with a frown and he smiled as he held her hand and traced the heart with her own marker.

“See? Like this. Or I can do this too,” he said, beginning to make dash lines to create a heart. “Do you remember when we did this last year? Mommy made them and then you drew over them?”

“I don’t know,” Faith said, frowning in concentration as she followed the dash marks. “I did it! I made a heart!” She smiled at him and then at Scully, who smiled back.

“Good job, love,” she said and Faith nodded as she looked back at the heart.

They began to discuss the day, Faith telling them about school and Mulder asking after one of her current favorite friends. Scully nodded as she listened, but her mind was elsewhere as she stared at Faith, wishing she could stay at this perfectly wonderful age.

Four years old now, she had grown up so much since she started school. She loved every bit of it, coming home with artwork and stories of her day.

The first month had been great and then something had changed and she cried every time, not wanting to go.

“It’s common that this would happen,” Scully had assured Mulder when he had called her at the hospital, where she had been attending meetings before her upcoming first day, to tell her of Faith’s tears. “She was excited at first but now the newness has worn off a bit and she’s feeling different about it. Once she’s there, I know that she’s fine. It’s just the initial shock of it. She’ll get past it.”

“As a man with a degree in psychology, I know this, but as her dad… I don’t,” he had said with a deep sigh and she had smiled.

“I know you do.”

And she had been right, of course. It had been only a couple of weeks of tears, and then Faith had been happy and excited to go to school again.

She had made friends quickly and talked of her favorites every day, saying what they had done that she liked most.

“Sadie can run really fast,” she had said at dinner. “Liam is so funny. He makes me laugh so much.”

As a result, they had met the parents of Sadie and Liam, along with those of Tawny and Micah, all of them stating that they had heard Faith’s name spoken often in their house.

“Who would ever have guessed that a child of yours, with your antisocial behavior, would be so popular?” Scully had teased Mulder and he had laughed.

“Who wouldn’t love her?” he had stated. “She’s amazing.”

They had celebrated her birthday at school, giving out small goodie bags to her classmates, which had been assembled by all of them one evening.

Mulder had readied the multicolored bags, writing each child’s name on it before handing it to Faith to fill with stickers, animal shaped erasers, pencils, and a box of crayons. She had then passed it to Scully to tie with a rainbow ribbon and place in a cardboard box.

Faith had come home singing songs, asking them to play school with her while she acted as the teacher, and sharing everything she had learned.

The twins, one year old and her very favorite playmates, had benefited from her schooling as she “read” to them every chance she had, explaining the pictures in the book as she pointed them out. She had told them about the life cycle of bugs, how seeds grew, and what made a rainbow.

“It makes sense that she would be smarter than the average toddler, having the two of you as parents,” Skinner had said, shaking his head when he heard Faith discussing reflected light and water droplets, the twins staring at her and listening intently. Mulder had grinned and nodded, pride shining in his eyes.

Over Christmas, they had all gone to a large cabin in the mountains. Scully had been happy to get some time off from the hospital. She loved being back at work, but some days were harder than others, and she felt it keenly in a way she had not before having a small child she came home to every night.

They had gone sledding, skiing, and built snowmen, women, and children. It had been fun and relaxing with Santa coming and bringing minimal gifts that kept all the children happy and playing together.

January had then trudged through as only January can do, feeling as though it stretches on through eternity.

“Waiting till February feels like the drive to Unco and Raycho’s house,” Faith had said one night, the excitement of the celebration of Valentine’s Day front in her mind after Mulder had told her about it. “It takes a looooong time.”

She had flopped dramatically onto the beanbag chair they had bought for her art corner, sighing loudly. Bella had hurried over, whining softly as she laid her head on Faith’s stomach. Her tail had wagged gently as Faith pet her and sighed again.

Once the calendar hit February, she had been in full Valentine mode, discussing and planning for the trip to the craft store. Now with all the necessary items purchased, she was ready to create her many visions for those she loved.

“So, hon,” Mulder said and Scully hummed as she looked down at the blank paper in front of her. She picked up a pencil and began to draw a heart. “Have you thought more about what I asked you last night?”

“What did you ask me?” Scully asked him, looking up with a slight frown.

“About your upcoming birthday,” he said, raising his eyebrows. “What you wanted to do that day.”

“Oh, that,” she said, waving a hand dismissively. “I don’t need anything. Dinner. Maybe a little cake. Nothing special.”

“Nothing special?” he asked, scoffing at her words. “Are you hearing this, Faithy? Mommy said she doesn’t want to do anything special for her birthday.”

“But it’s your birthday, Mommy. It’s your own special day,” Faith said, frowning at her, the paintbrush in her hand full of blue paint. “You have to do something special.”

“What would you suggest I choose, my sweet girl?” Scully asked with a smile.

“Maybe… the trampoline place?” Faith suggested, her expression hopeful.

Mulder and Scully both laughed and she shook her head, stroking Faith’s cheek and booping her on the nose.

“I don't know about that, but I’ll keep thinking, okay?”

“Okay, Mama,” Faith said, smiling as she returned to her painting.

Scully watched her for a moment and then looked at Mulder. He grinned and winked at her and she smiled.

“Not the trampoline place,” she said firmly and he put his hands up in silent agreement.

____________

Scully stretched with a moan, cuddling into the bed, the blankets warm. She sighed as she opened her eyes and then closed them again. Stretching once more, she looked over her shoulder.

No Mulder.

That meant Faith was up already though it seemed early, judging by the light filling the room.

Pushing the blankets back, she sat on the edge of the bed and yawned. Standing up, she retrieved her slippers and shuffled into the bathroom. Coming out a few minutes later, tying her bathrobe’s belt around her, she walked to the door and turned the handle.

Many things happened at once and she stepped back in surprise as they did.

An assortment of colored balloons, previously held in place by the strips of rainbow crepe paper taped zigzaggedly across the door frame, fell at her feet, bouncing and collecting around her. Loud pops sounded as paper confetti flew through the air, and landed beside the balloons. Faith squealed and then laughed as Bella barked in surprise. Mulder laughed and then called down to Bella that everything was okay.

“Surprise, Mommy! Surprise!” Faith yelled, jumping up and down excitedly. “Do you like your birthday surprise?”

“Well,” Scully chuckled, her hand on her chest, where her heart was beating rapidly. “You surprised me very much. My goodness… I think you either added years or took some off.”

“Off an immortal?” Mulder teased. “I doubt it.” He grinned at her and she shook her head.

“Me and Daddy made the surprise for you, Mommy. We had a plan. It was a secret plan,” Faith said, looking at Mulder who nodded.

“It was indeed,” Mulder said. “It was actually Faith’s idea. She wanted you to have a special birthday surprise.”

“And you succeeded brilliantly,” Scully said, beginning to take down the crepe paper so she could leave the bedroom.

“You loved it?” Faith asked and Scully grinned.

“I did love it. Very much.”

“And the fetti canyon? That too?” Faith asked, jumping up and down.

“The confetti cannon? Yes, I loved it. And it definitely surprised me.”

“Yay!” Faith shouted, spinning around with her arms above her head.

Scully smiled at Mulder as she walked through the doorway and he smiled back.

“We chose pink for the confetti cannon because it’s your favorite color,” he informed her.

“Is it?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yup. For today it is. Happy birthday, love.”

“Thank you,” she said, placing a hand on his chest and rising on tiptoes to kiss him. “I love you.”

“Hmm. I love you too,” he said, kissing her again. “Okay! We can take care of this mess later because we have so much more planned for today, don’t we, Faithy?”

“Yeah! We made you breakfast, Mommy. Special pancakes, but it’s waffles instead,” Faith said, picking up two balloons and waving them around.

“Oh,” Scully laughed softly. “So waffles then?”

“Yes. Daddy let me lick the spatch… the spatch…”

“Spatula?” Scully asked, bending down to scoop Faith up in a tight hug.

“Yeah. The black one with the brown handle.”

“Was it good?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I’m starving. Let’s go eat.”

But breakfast had to wait… for a few minutes at least.

All the balloons were tossed down the stairs, floating gently into Faith’s waiting arms as she giggled and yelled let ‘em rip! much to Scully and Mulder’s amusement. Bella barked again, the amount of balloons seeming to make her feel anxious. Grey, running in from a morning romp, froze when she saw them, her fur rising as she hissed.

“Maybe we put the balloons in your room, sweetie,” Mulder suggested, as Bella whined and laid down on her bed, watching Faith with sad eyes. “I don’t think Grey and Bella like the balloons as much as you do.”

“It’s okay, Belly Bells. We’ll put them away now, okay?” Faith asked as she hurried over to pet Bella, leaning down to put their heads together. “Maybe if I have only two, it would be okay? I won’t scare you with them, I promise.” Bella licked her nose and Faith giggled, kissing her head before standing up.

The balloons were gathered and brought upstairs to Faith’s bedroom, the floor covered with them, except for the two left downstairs.

As they sat down to eat their breakfast of waffles with whipped cream, strawberries, and syrup along with eggs and bacon, Mulder and Faith informed her of the plans for the rest of the day.

“We have appointments for manicures and pedicures at ten-”

“Wait… all of us?”

“Yup. All of us,” he stated with a nod and she smiled. “Then lunch at that place you like by the water-”

“Zinnia’s?” she interrupted again, looking at him in surprise and he nodded. “Hmm, that sounds nice.”

“It will be,” he said, winking at her. “Then we’re going to Skinner and Rachel’s for a barbecue and some cake. Then, Miss Faith is going to stay the night and Uncle Walter will take her to school in the morning.”

“So we’ll have-”

“The night to ourselves… yes,” he said, staring at her with the look that made her stomach quiver, even after all these years.

“Imagine that,” she said, lowering her voice and watching the way it affected him, smiling when he shook his head at her.

“I’m going to sleep the night at Raycho and Unco’s?” Faith asked and Mulder’s attention turned to her.

“You are. Does that sound like fun? Was it a good surprise?”

“Yes!” Faith shouted, raising her fork in the air and Scully laughed. “I will sleep in the big bed. Can I bring my light night with me?”

“Of course you can bring your night light and whatever else you want, within reason.”

“Yay! Can I pack my backpack now?”

“Sure, if you’d like to, but we aren’t leaving for a bit yet.”

“Thank you, Daddy. I’m all finished with my breakfast.” She wiped her mouth and hurried from the table, nearly knocking over her glass of milk.

“Be careful!” Mulder called after her as he caught the glass. “Sheesh.”

“Impulsive. Quick to jump into a situation. Now where have I seen that behavior before?” Scully teased, taking a sip of her coffee and looking at him.

“Impulsive we may be, yes. But also detail oriented. And hyper focused,” he said, holding her gaze.

“Oh, I’m well aware of that quality,” she replied over the rim of her coffee cup. “But I never mind being reminded.”

“Hmm,” he hummed with a nod. “And I never tire of reminding you.”

“Daddy! Can you help me?” Faith called from upstairs and Scully grinned at him.

“You’re being summoned.”

“I noticed,” he said, continuing to sit and stare at her.

“You should go and see what she wants.”

“Hmm,” he hummed with an agreeing nod.

“Daddy!”

“Yes, Faithy. I’ll be right there.”

“Oh, bring the broom up with you,” Scully said, setting her coffee cup down and spearing a strawberry with her fork. “Or the vacuum, for that confetti mess on the floor, because I won’t be cleaning it up later. And unless you would rather do that than join me in the bedroom-”

“I’ll get the broom and the vacuum,” he said, jumping up and hurrying to grab them.

She laughed as she ate the strawberry, catching his eye as he started towards the stairs.

“Hey,” she said, jerking her head at him.

He nodded and came back to the table. She looked up and smiled as he bent closer to her. He kissed her softly, but she opened her mouth, not wanting a gentle kiss. Her tongue grazed his and the broom hit the floor with a loud clatter.

“Scully,” he said, pulling back and letting out a harsh breath as he shook his head.

He picked up the broom and stared at her as he walked to the stairs. She arched an eyebrow at him and he shook his head again.

“Make sure you get every piece of that confetti,” she told him.

“I won’t miss one,” he assured her, starting up the stairs as a purple balloon bounced softly down. They looked at each other and she laughed as he tried and failed to catch it.

“I’ll get it, you go help Faith pack,” she said as she stood up and picked up the balloon. “Oh and, Mulder?”

“Yes?” he asked, turning around to look at her.

“Thank you for making today special.”

“You’re welcome, hon.” He winked at her and turned to continue up the stairs.

She watched him, holding the balloon by its small neck, and hitting it against her hand.

“Can I help you clean up the fetti, Daddy? Can I use the broom?” Faith said and Scully waited to hear Mulder’s response.

“You can. We need to make sure we get them all off the floor.”

“Or Mommy might be mad?”

“No. She won’t be mad one bit. She just doesn’t want us to have to clean it up later tonight.”

“Because I will be at Unco’s and I won’t be here to help you?”

“Something like that, yeah,” Mulder said quietly.

Scully laughed as she went to clear the table, already thinking ahead to the evening and wondering if she should hunt up the pink and black thing that Mulder loved so much or if it would even be necessary.

Yeah, she thought with a nod, knowing how sexy it made her feel. Tonight definitely calls for the pink and black thing.

[vanteguccir]

── ୨୧ !　𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗕𝗢𝗬

　　　　　　　　𝒄𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒐 x reader

SUMMARY: When Chris is starting to come to terms with the horrible idea that he will have to spend his birthday away from Y/N, a surprise takes him, literally, by surprise.

WARNING: Making-out.

REQUESTED?: No.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: That is my work, I DON'T authorize any plagiarism, copy, or "inspiration"! | English isn't my first language, so I'm sorry if there's any grammar error.

A/N²: A small story only to warm up for their birthday! I'm going to post more tomorrow 🩷

　　　༻✦༺ 　༻✧༺　༻✦༺

The day before the triplets' 21st birthday in Boston was marked by a mix of nostalgia and melancholy for Chris. Despite the bustling energy of their family home, Chris couldn't shake off the heavy feeling of absence. Matt and Nick seemed to be in higher spirits, enjoying their time back home, but Chris felt an emptiness that gnawed at him relentlessly.

Chris had always been too close to Y/N, his girlfriend, who had remained in LA due to her college classes. And as he sat in the living room, watching his family laugh and share stories, Chris couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sadness. He missed Y/N's laughter, her presence, the way she made every moment brighter.

The fact that she couldn’t be there for such a significant milestone made him feel both sad and angry, though he knew it wasn’t her fault. College was important, and he respected her dedication to her studies.

The house was filled with the comforting smells of home-cooked meals and the familiar sounds of family. Chris held his phone in his hand, scrolling through old pictures of him and Y/N, trying to fill the void with memories of their time together.

His thumb paused on a picture Nick took of them at American Ninja Warrior, both of them grinning widely at the camera. It had been taken just a few weeks ago, during their filming. He could almost hear her laugh, see the way her eyes sparkled in the neons light. The longing in his heart intensified, making him feel even more isolated despite being surrounded by his loved ones.

Mary Lou noticed her son's downcast demeanor very quickly, and as soon as she got a little space, she went to sit beside him.

"Chris, honey, what's wrong? You’ve been so quiet all day." She said, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, caressing the area.

Chris sighed, leaning into his mother's comforting touch.

"I just miss Y/N, Mom. I know she has classes and all, but it feels wrong to be celebrating without her." He tried to smile, lowering his eyes.

"I understand, sweetheart." Mary Lou gave him a sympathetic smile. "But remember, she’s always with you in spirit. And you’ll see her soon enough. Try to enjoy this time with your family. It’s been so long since we were all together like this."

He nodded, appreciating her words but still feeling the weight of Y/N’s absence. He knew he should be more present, more engaged with his family, and the guilt of not doing that weighted above him, but his thoughts kept drifting back to LA, to the love of his life.

That night, Chris lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The house was quiet now, everyone else had gone to sleep, tired from the day's activities. He picked up his phone again, contemplating sending Y/N another message. They had exchanged texts throughout the day, but he didn’t want to seem too needy or make her feel guilty for not being there.

Instead, he decided to call her. The phone rang a few times before she picked up, her voice soft and sleepy.

"Hey, honey." She murmured. "Is everything okay?"

Hearing her voice brought a rush of comfort and a pang of sorrow to Chris, a smile taking over his features automatically.

"Hi, babe. Yeah, everything’s fine. I just... I miss you. I wish you were here." His voice sounded soft and lower than usual.

"Oh, babe, I miss you too." She said, and he could hear the sincerity in her voice. "I wish I could be there, Chris. I really do. But I promise, we’ll celebrate when you get back, okay?"

Chris sighed, closing his eyes for a few seconds before reopening them, looking at her contact name glowing on the small screen.

"I know. I just... It’s hard, you know? Being here without you. It doesn't feel right."

"I know, babe. But you’re surrounded by family, and they love you. Try to have a good time, for them. And for me." He almost could listen her sweet smile across the phone.

He nodded, even though she couldn’t see him, breathing deeply.

"I’ll try. I just can’t wait to see you."

"Me too. Get some rest, pretty boy. Tomorrow's a big day. I love you." She whispered softly, the sound of sheets moving around echoing in the background.

"I love you too, Y/N. Goodnight." He muttered quietly, biting his bottom lip slightly.

As he hung up the phone, Chris felt a mixture of emotions. He tried to focus on the next day as he drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the day he’d be back in Y/N’s arms.

Unbeknownst to Chris, Y/N had been planning something special. She had spent the last few weeks organizing a surprise that she hoped would make up for her absence. She knew how much this milestone meant to him and his brothers, and she wanted to be a part of it in any way she could.

　　　　　༻﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡༺

The morning of the triplets' birthday dawned crisp and clear in Boston. Mary Lou was already in the kitchen, bustling about as she prepared a grand breakfast. The aroma of sizzling bacon, freshly baked muffins, and brewing coffee filled the house, a warm and welcoming scent that promised a day full of celebration.

Jimmy and Justin had gone to the grocery store to pick up some last-minute items needed for the big birthday lunch they were planning. The house was alive with activity, everyone playing their part in making this day special.

Matt and Nick had left early, driving to the airport to pick up Y/N. They had been in on the surprise from the start, eager to help bring a genuine smile to Chris's face. The drive was filled with excitement and a few playful jabs at how Chris would react, trying to imagine his expression when he saw Y/N in their home. Y/N herself was a bundle of nerves and anticipation, her heart racing at the thought of surprising Chris. She had barely slept after their call, her mind buzzing with plans and excitement.

As Matt and Nick’s car pulled up to the curb at the airport, Y/N spotted them and waved excitedly, a big smile on her face. They greeted her with warm hugs and excited chatter, filling her in on the plans for the day.

The drive back to the house was filled with lively conversation, Y/N asking about every little detail of their plan, wanting everything to be perfect. Matt and Nick reassured her that everything was set and that their parents were in on the surprise, ready to welcome her with open arms.

As they drove through the streets of Boston, Y/N suddenly remembered something.

"Hey, Matt? Can we stop by a flower shop?" She asked, a hint of urgency in her voice while her eyes kept watching the landscape moving quickly through the window. "I want to get something special for Chris."

Matt and Nick exchanged a glance, then nodded.

"Sure, we can do that." Matt said, turning the car toward the nearest florist he knew all too well from the times his father used to bring them there to buy some flowers for Mary Lou.

The flower shop was a charming little place filled with the vibrant colors and sweet scents of countless blooms. Y/N spent a few minutes selecting the perfect bouquet, a beautiful arrangement of Chris's favorite flowers. She wanted it to be just right, a small token of her love and the effort she put into making his day special.

When they finally pulled back into the driveway, Y/N's heart felt like it might burst from her chest. She took a deep breath, clutching the bouquet tightly, and followed Matt and Nick into the house.

Mary Lou greeted her with a warm hug, kissing her face with excitement and whispering words of encouragement. They placed her surprises in the living room, the bouquet taking center stage among the carefully wrapped gifts.

Y/N took a deep breath, looking at the family for a last time before climbing the stairs slowly, each step heightening her anticipation.

Chris's door was slightly ajar, and she peeked in to see him still asleep, his form cocooned under the heavy blankets. She slipped into the room quietly, closing the door softly behind her. The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on Chris's peaceful face.

Y/N approached the bed, her movements slow and deliberate. She carefully lay down beside him, positioning herself so she could watch him without disturbing his sleep. For a long moment, she just observed him, taking in every detail. His dark hair was tousled, and there was a softness to his features that only appeared when he was at rest. She felt a swell of affection as she noted the faint smile on his lips, wondering if he was dreaming of something pleasant.

The room was quiet except for the rhythmic sound of his breathing. Y/N reached out, her fingers barely brushing his cheek before she drew them back, not wanting to wake him too abruptly. She could feel the warmth radiating from his body, a comforting presence that she had missed so much. Her heart ached with a mix of love and longing, overwhelmed by the sight of him so close yet so unaware of her presence.

After what felt like an eternity, Y/N leaned in closer, her lips hovering near his ear.

"Chris." She whispered softly, her voice barely more than a breath. "Wake up, pretty boy."

Chris stirred slightly but didn't open his eyes, better accommodating his position.

"Five more minutes, babe." He mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. There was a pause, and then his eyes snapped open. "Wait, babe?" He lifted his head from the pillow, and when he saw Y/N lying beside him, his eyes widened in shock, his body sitting up abruptly. "Y/N?"

She smiled, tears of happiness welling in her eyes, sitting up to be on the same level as him.

"Happy birthday, Chris." She said, her voice filled with warmth and love.

Chris blinked a few times as if trying to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Then, a broad smile spread across his face, and he pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Baby, oh my God! I can't believe you're here!" He exclaimed, his voice a mix of joy and disbelief.

"I wouldn't miss your birthday for anything." She replied, hugging him back just as tightly. "I wanted to surprise you."

Chris pulled back slightly, looking at her with a mixture of awe and adoration.

"This is the best birthday present ever." He said, his eyes shining with happiness. "I was so sad you couldn't be here, and now... you're really here."

Y/N laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.

"I'm here, Chris. I'm really here, and I'm not going anywhere else." She whispered, her thumb caressing his forehead softly, traveling to his brows and cheek bones. "Okay?"

"I've missed you so much." He muttered, his hands snaking up her shoulders to her face, cupping her cheeks, his fingers threading into her hair, and finally brought his lips crashing down onto hers in a hard, heated kiss. The intensity of it took her breath away, her knees going weak as she clung to him for support, her hands lowering to his jaw.

Chris kissed her with a desperation that spoke of all the days they had been apart, his lips moving against hers with a raw, unrestrained passion. His hands moved to her waist, gripping her tightly as he pulled her onto his lap, settling her straddling him. The closeness sent a shiver down her spine, and she could feel the rapid thud of his heart against her chest, mirroring her own.

Y/N's hands tangled in his hair, tugging gently as she kissed him back with equal fervor. The kiss deepened, their tongues meeting in a heated dance that left them both gasping for air. Chris's hands roamed over her back, pulling her closer as if trying to erase the distance that had been between them. He groaned softly against her lips, a sound that sent a rush of warmth through her.

Y/N could feel the world spinning around her, her senses overwhelmed by Chris's touch, his taste, his scent. His hands were everywhere, touching, caressing, exploring, and killing all the bad feelings he felt away from her.

When they finally broke apart, gasping for air, Chris buried his head in the crook of her neck, his breathing ragged hitting against her skin.

"I love you so much, babe." He whispered against her skin, his voice thick with emotion. "You have no idea how much I've missed you. This is the best gift I could ever ask for."

Y/N's heart swelled with love and tenderness as she held him close, feeling his vulnerability and happiness. She could feel his tears wetting her skin, and she gently stroked his back, comforting him.

"Oh, honey, don't cry." She whispered, her voice soft while her hands traveled to his hair, massaging his curls. "I love you. So much."

They stayed like that for a long moment, wrapped up in each other, their hearts beating in sync. Eventually, they pulled apart, and Chris took a deep breath, his heart feeling lighter than it had in days.

"Come on." He said, his voice switching to one full of excitement. "Let's go downstairs, I can smell breakfast from here."

taglist:

@lustfulslxt @ladybunny44 @earth2starkey @freshloveforthefit @sturniolowhore @luvr4miya @alorsxsturn @urfavgirllyyyyy @hearts4chriss @cupidzsq @junnniiieee07 @lightsgore @gidgett11037 @soimightlikeoldmen69 @ldr-sl0t @its-jennarose @sainzzsturns @soso-scarlettolivia @bitchydragonparadise @freshsturns @h3arts4harry @patscorner @strnilolo @bernardsbendystraws @poetatorturadaa @meg-sturniolo @orangeypepsi @jnkvivi @chrisactualwife @fratbrochrisgf @elordilover @somegirlfromasgard @hpyjw @colorthecosmos444 @thewhispersofthewaves @mattslolita @imwetforyourmom @mrl217 @delilahsversion @sturnsmia @mattsfavbitchhh @sturnioloshacker @soursturniolo @blahbel668 @sarosfilms @moncherriis @tobesolonelyjess @zayyluvz @littlemisswhore

(If you want to be added to the taglist, go to this post)

[iindigoeyed]

mikey doodle

[repmet]

@rwrbsource & @rwrbmovie’s rwrb appreciation month bingo: favourite scene

I'll break the sound barrier for you.