In the past week I’ve spent more time asleep in hotel beds then I have my own, as much as I love and will never turn down an adventure, I’m very glad I have 10 days until my next little trip away! 😴
Looking through the terminal, over the vast amount of people busily walking about, you try to spot M's parents.
You've only seen them twice before, so surely you remember what they look like. At least, you hope so. Scanning for several more minutes you hear two voices yell your name simultaneously.
Turning toward your left you see both of M's moms, each smiling as they speed up to bring you in for a hug. Sybil's shoulder-length blonde hair brushes against your cheeks. You forgot how tall she was when you saw her over the holidays. M's birthmother Marianne, rubs your back gently and hugs you from the side. Her dark hair was pulled into a loose bun, her skin a similar shade to M's, and the same honey-toned eyes. When she smiles you can't help but notice the deep wrinkles that form beside them, holding years of laughter and worry for her only child within them.
"Sorry, I'm a bit late. I was making sure to have your rooms ready for tomorrow." You reach for their bags, with Sybil shaking her head and heading on out. Marianne smiles and hands you her carry-on.
The drive to the hotel is quick, each going over how the flight was. Catching up on months of not seeing one another.
"They've been up all night, finishing a final draft for the editor. I don't even think they knew I left."
You hear Sybil laugh as soon as Marianne starts to sigh heavily. "You would think they would at least take some time off before their birthday." Sybil pats Marianne on the back, assuring her that M will be fine.
You smile at yourself, knowing that M has no idea you've been out and about. Picking up their parents to surprise them over their birthday lunch. They also have no idea that sitting at the very bottom of their bed, under the blanket they keep on a bench sits the one collectible they have been pining for since you two had become friends, and eventually more than that.
Walking back into your shared apartment you see M rubbing their eyes, swearing loudly, that is until they hear you walk over. M has tried to keep that swearing to a minimum. Yet sometimes that sailor's tongue gets the better of them, and honestly you as well.
"Where did you go?" M rubs their glasses along their oversized sweater. One with a large anime figure on the back, the first gift you gave them once you two had finally made things official. A sweater so worn the sleeves were starting to fray ever so slightly. The hem stretched from M's worrying grasp.
"Oh, just out. Looking at some of the holiday lights everyone has up. Just getting some ideas ya know?" You smile at them, in such a way they don't feel the need to question further. M knows you enjoy looking at the streets all lined up, especially after they've been freshly covered in snow.
"This is it. This is the last draft and then…"
You hear the gulp from where you're standing, M is always so nervous before finishing something. Their books, an interview, a list of things to remember to do. Yet this time, you were there to talk them down from their nerves.
"It's going to be amazing. You're amazing, so how could it not be? Don't worry. I'll be with you through it all." You sit on your knees in front of them, holding their hands. Hands that have caressed you in more ways than one, hands that have held you when you thought it impossible to get over your heartache. When you thought it impossible to move on. To someone who truly cares about you.
You notice the watery look in their eyes. M has always had a soft spot for you. Ever since the day you met. You reach to catch the tear but are stopped by M kissing along your jaw. A soft kiss, one of reassurance, and one of hunger. A hunger you knew well, a hunger that would just have to wait until M's parents went back home.
"Alright, time for bed. The story can wait, you have an early morning. It's going to be your birthday after all." Pulling M's hand and walking them to the bedroom they didn't bother to fight knowing very well that you would win this fight.
The following morning, you took M to a ramen shop. Their favorite stop when they were sad. Also, their favorite shop once they saw you eating there on break from work. In between their second order of Ramen, you notice their mothers walking toward the table.
It only took five minutes to get M unchoked from the noodle that lodged itself in their windpipe when Sybil peeked around their shoulder. Only fifteen minutes for M to stop crying shocked their mothers would make it knowing how busy they are. Even more so when they found out you had planned it all without them even noticing.
After hours of hanging out with Sybil and Marianne, and M promising profusely that he will work less in the future you two made your way back home.
M flops down on the armchair, happily eating the leftover cake that their mother sent home.
"Hey hun, do you want any befor.."
"No, go ahead and eat it! It's your birthday anyways!"
You walk back into the room, smiling at M as they lick the fork clean. The leftover chocolate ganache now a memory. "M?"
They turn to you brow quirked. Eyes widen as they notice the outfit you're wearing. "What the fuck….what are you…who….when did…"
You smile twirling in your costume. Not daring to let M miss a single piece of the cosplay you're wearing. "Do you like it?" You tilt your head slightly, noticing the blush peppering their cheeks. They nod furiously, blinking owlishly at you.
"Is…that…is…hmm. Did you get that for me?" They stand walking over to you, softly laying a hand on your side, letting the fabric bunch ever so slightly between their fingers.
You nod your response, looking up into those warm honey eyes. "That's not all." You slowly pull the gift out from behind your back. A one of a kind collector edition figure. One that M had talked themselves out of buying six different times that you know of.
"Wait! NO…no no no no.. You didn't, you couldn't have!" M doesn't know what to grab, you or the gift. Their eyes glanced back and forth.
You can't stop the giggle that comes out of your mouth, they look like a kid in a candy store. Though a happy one. "Happy birthday, M. I hope it's everything you wanted."
You can't help but gasp, as M begins to cry, shaking their head back and forth. "Oh no, did you no.." Your words are stopped, by the gentle kiss along your lips. Somewhat salty kiss at that.
"You're more than I could ever hope for. It's not the gift, not the outfit which I love by the way. It's you. Just you."
