“Happy birthday!”

  I shoved Amy back from the shouting, fists raised and heart racing. It took two long, awkward seconds to realize we weren’t being ambushed in her apartment; and another to take in the banner hanging in the hallway and my friends, all with looks of surprise or mirth on their faces. I slowly lowered my hands, cheeks turning bright red.

  “Uh, hi,” I managed. “It’s the sixth already?”

  “Dumbass,” Amy muttered, wrapping her arm around my back. “We just had our first day of real classes.”

  “Not going to break our legs are you?” Dennis bantered, offering a sarcastic grin.

  “Might do if you keep looking at me like that,” I retorted. Despite the shock, a smile touched my lips and I glanced up at Amy. “A surprise party, really?”

  “Hey it wasn’t my idea,” she said defensively. “Blame your boss, I just offered my place since I figured you wouldn’t want to be cooped up in the headquarters.”

  “Well you’re right about that,” I sighed, then stretched up and kissed her cheek. “Thanks.”

  “Hey we worked hard on this too,” Vista piped up as Amy blushed.

  “Well, let’s see it then.”

  The living room had been set up a little differently, the couch and Amy’s recently bought TV pushed to one side. The space had been filled with a large folding table with half a dozen chairs scattered around it. Bowls of snacks were all over it, and at the center a large ice cream cake. Beneath were bags and boxes; presents? I hadn’t asked for anything so wasn’t even sure what to expect.

  It was...nice. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d really celebrated my birthday. Sure my mom, and later Mark, had taken me out for dinner or got me a little gift card or whatever, but that was it. Too close to the start of school to warrant being taken out, too late to do something for the summer. It didn’t bother me but...now this just felt weird. Definitely not bad though.

  We sat around the table, chatting and snacking. It felt nice, hanging out with these guys somewhere other than work. Dennis made awful jokes that we all laughed at anyway, Missy told gross-out stories that made the boys balk and me roll my eyes. Chris filled me in on the latest ‘Scraplords’ happenings, since I hadn’t been keeping up with it.

  Overall it felt...normal. I mean, everything did these days. It was normal for me to go to class, come back to the base, get lectured or trained for a few hours, then crash in bed or at Amy’s. It was normal for me to take more hits than I landed when I was training with Hooks and Bailey. It was normal for the Nazis to attack people, get attacked, then somehow wiggle out of any serious repercussions. Raids were well and good, but what did it matter when they weren't taking out capes?

  I sighed heavily and shook my head, trying to pay attention to the story Dennis was telling about some kid in the cafeteria who apparently got so scared when the school was locked down during Skitter’s visit that he wet himself. Funny, hilarious, at least enough to get everyone else smiling. I forced a hollow one onto my face.

  This had been the last few weeks, since getting suspended from patrols. I’d be doing something normal, usually something nice even, and couldn’t enjoy it because of everything hanging over my head. I could be distracted, for a little while, but there was always some reminder keeping me from ever really relaxing.

  I tried, just like I promised the heroes, like I promised Amy. I was doing okay, hell I was doing good. Sere actually seemed to get what the problem was with the PRT, and even took my side sometimes. It had been nice to have a hero taking me seriously, even if half our talks turned into me bitching for half an hour. Even Adamant had come around after the rocky interaction outside South End Baptist Church, helping me work on fine force control with some Tinker-tech crap that didn’t break so easily.

  It wasn’t enough though. I’d put in weeks of good work, but every time I asked if I could go back out I was rebuffed. It was too soon, I wasn’t ready, never mind that this week Adamant hadn’t even registered injuring force from our training together. It felt like I was never going to be ready, never good enough to get out there again and—

  “Hey, Earth to Lia!” Missy yelled in my ear, nearly making me fall off my chair and onto Amy.

  “Fuck, shit, what?!” I barked, scrambling to regain my seat.

  “Cake time, spaz,” Dennis said sarcastically. “You’ve been zoned out for like, ten minutes. Everything okay?”

  “Yeah, just thinking,” I said with a shrug, shifting uncomfortably. “Anyway, cake?”

  “Waiting on you, birthday girl,” Amy said, pointing to the lit candles I’d somehow missed.

  “Oh, sorry.” I took a deep breath and blew out the many candles, seventeen in all, then leaned back. “Make a wish.”

  “Pretty sure that’s your job,” Dennis said with a grin, glancing at the one candle still flickering. “So, gonna tell us who your crush is?” I frowned, then blew it out, rolling my eyes.

  “I’ll give you three guesses,” I said sarcastically. On impulse, I took Amy’s chin and dragged her into a sudden, deep kiss. I pulled back a moment later to a chorus of ‘ooohs’. “First two don’t count.”

  “Showoff,” Missy snorted.

  “In front of everyone, really?” Amy muttered.

  “Hey, it’s my birthday right?” I said, only barely forcing the cheer in my voice. “Just taking my presents early.”

  “Save it, please,” Chris groaned. “I wanna have some cake before it melts.”

  We all shared a laugh, then they passed me the knife and had me take the first slice. Since I was there, I made sure everyone else got one too, then boxed up the cake and took it to the freezer. Finally, I sat back down and took a bite, letting out a sigh. Rich, practically buttery on my tongue. The chocolate cookie crumb base was a perfect match for the ice cream, really everything was just amazing.

  Apparently it was Amy’s doing, to my surprise. I couldn’t ask for a better girlfriend, and I told her so, grinning at the light blush that coloured her cheeks when I did. Vista and Dennis teased us about it, but I didn’t really mind. Despite my brain trying its damndest to ruin things, tonight was turning out to be a better birthday than I’d had in years.

  Soon it was time for presents. We took a minute to clear the table, then headed over to the couch. Amy, Missy, and me all took the couch; Missy stayed at one end while Amy cuddled close. The guys brought their chairs and presents over from the table and sat at opposite ends of the coffee table, close to the couch. Dennis tossed his present into my lap and I gave him a look.

  “Okay, guess the captain wants to go first,” I drawled, digging into the bag. It was small, soft, some kind of fabric. Pulling it out, I grimaced and shot him a dirty look. “Really?”

  “Hey, underwear’s a classic.”

  “And your logo being on there is just a coincidence?”

  “Got to support the brand,” Dennis said, brushing his shirt. “Besides, keep looking, that’s not all.”

  “Oh goody,” I replied sarcastically, digging out a second pair of underwear. “I’m over the fucking moon that you got me some kiddy panties with my logo.”

  “I’m a thoughtful guy.”

  “Okay so fuses for molotov cocktails, check,” I said, stuffing them back in the bag and putting it by my feet. “Next.”

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  “Hey, Lia…” Dennis said hesitantly, all humour gone.

  “Kidding boss, I’d never use traceable evidence.”

  “Lia.”

  “God, relax would you,” I said, rolling my eyes. “I’m playing nice, following the rules; you get to crack your stupid jokes, let me crack mine.”

  “Guys come on,” Chris interjected, holding a small box out to me. “It’s a party, can we talk about work later?”

  “Sorry,” we both apologized as I took the gift.

  This time is was actually a present at least. I wasn’t sure what kind of money the other Wards were pulling, but he’d gotten me a handheld TV. I tried to tell him it was too much, but he just waved me off and showed me the extra features he’d added. Two-thousand channels and I’d never have to pay a dime, plus internet access in case I somehow got bored of all that. I gave him a side hug once he’d finished showing off literally the best birthday present I’d gotten.

  Missy apologized when I dug into hers, an electronic drawing tablet. Sure it maybe wasn’t as cool as Chris’, but I still gave her a hug. She’d found out I enjoyed drawing a couple weeks back when I’d been doodling in the common room. I hadn’t used one of these before, didn’t have a computer yet to use it anyway, but it was still a cool promise for the future. Finally though, it was Amy’s turn.

  “It’s not much,” she hedged, handing me the bulky bag. “Um, really, I didn’t have a lot of time and the Image guys would only let me borrow their studio for like, half an hour at a time and that’s really not enough to get a whole outfit so I sort of had to make do.” I pulled out a heavy, brown leather jacket.

  “It’s a really nice jacket,” I said with a smile. “Wait, you got it from the PRT?”

  “No, I made it.”

  “Wait, seriously?!” I exclaimed, looking closer at the tag. ‘Made with love’, oh cute. It was a really nice jacket, the stitching looked durable, the lining was soft, and it had pockets for days. And more importantly, when I tried it on, it fit perfectly. Warm, snug, and with a smile on my face, I leaned over and gave Amy a long, lingering kiss. “It’s amazing, you’re amazing.”

  “It’s really nothing,” Amy mumbled. “Didn’t get to make any internal pockets like I wanted, and it’s not great quality leather, just what I could afford and—” I cut her off with another kiss.

  “I love it,” I said firmly. “Best present, no holds barred; no offense Chris, yours is amazing too, and you Missy. This is just…” I trailed off, unable to stop my smile stretching my face.

  “None taken,” Chris said lightly.

  “It is a pretty cool looking jacket,” Missy added. “Suits you.”

  “Agree to disagree on the best present,” Dennis snipped. “But it’s pretty cool. Nice one Amy, you nailed what your girlfriend wanted.” Amy blushed, a smile almost as wide as my own on her face.

  The party continued, everyone crowding onto the couch with popcorn and chips to watch Finest Hour. It was kind of a rush-job of a movie, made quickly to capitalize off Behemoth’s unexpected demise. Usually we’d avoid stuff about work, but the critics had utterly panned it, and it was a contender for five separate Razzy categories; and soon enough we found out why.

  It was possibly the worst monster movie ever made. The effects were cheap, the actors barely acting, and it wasn’t even remotely accurate to what had really happened. In short, an absolute riot. By the time the credits rolled, there wasn’t a dry eye in the audience; we were all laughing too hard.

  God it felt good, the best it had been in a long time. As the night wound down, we said our goodbyes. I hugged my friends, made sure Dennis knew there were no hard feelings; it had be kind of funny. And then it was just Amy and I, chilling out on the couch, cuddling like any other night. A perfect end.

  “Thank you,” I said after a long, comfortable silence. “This was great. I’m really glad you guys did this.”

  “I didn’t do much,” Amy said, shrugging. “Just made the cake and hosted.”

  “And made me the sickest jacket I’ve ever owned,” I added, tossing a wide grin her way. “I meant it when I said it was the best. Chris’ thing was cool sure, and I’ll use it, but I’m going to wear this every day. Well, unless it’s too hot out I guess.”

  “Thanks,” she replied, cheeks darkening. “I had this whole outfit idea to go with it. Some tailored slacks, a shirt, it was supposed to be a thing but…”

  “Next time maybe?” I said, kissing her cheek. “Because if you keep giving me gifts like this, you’re really going to sweep me off my feet.”

  “Sure,” Amy agreed quickly. “Shouldn’t be too hard. Really I need to get a sewing machine for here, but I’m not totally sure where I’d put it.” I thought for a moment.

  “When’s your birthday?” I asked innocently.

  “December, why?”

  “Wait, you’re younger than me?” She shrugged. “Well like, I’m seventeen now so…”

  “Sixteen.”

  “Hah!” I guffawed, then cleared my throat. “Sorry. Well, I guess that means double presents when it comes around, right?”

  “No, it’s on the third,” Amy said.

  “Oh.” There was a beat of silence, then I perked up. “Oh, hey, I made you something too.”

  I rose and went to her room to grab my bag, ignoring her chasing questions. I dug around then pulled out my sketchbook, flipping through the pages til I found the right one. I’d been working on it for weeks and it was finally in a state where I sort of liked it. I tucked it under my arm and returned to the couch, Amy’s curious gaze following me.

  “You got me a sketchbook?” she said, cocking her head as I cuddled up to her.

  “Not quite,” I giggled, offering it to her. “What do you think?”

  “Oh wow, it’s really good,” Amy said, eyes widening as she studied the drawing. “Like really good. She’s beautiful, who—” She choked, face turning as red as I’d ever seen it. “It’s me?!”

  “Yup,” I said, certain my smile was about to tear open my cheeks. “You’re right though, she is beautiful.”

  “It’s— You—” She looked from me, to the sketch, then at me again. “Why?”

  “Been working on this for weeks,” I explained. “I think this is the fourth drawing? Um, if you flip back you can see.” I swallowed as she did, my mouth drying. “I like drawing, it helps me unwind and...so do you. I guess it was just like, natural, you know?”

  “This one…” Amy paused. “It’s Pandora, this was at the field hospital?”

  “Um yeah, sorry I couldn’t get your eyes right,” I said, gesturing. “They were never intense enough, like they were then, so I scrapped it and tried something else. I can try that one again sometime, if you like it.”

  “It’s...weird,” she said hesitantly, her expression twisting between a smile and a frown. “I um, I look like a hero.”

  “Well yeah, you are a hero.”

  “I’m…” She trailed off, setting the sketchbook down. “I don’t know.”

  “I do,” I said simply, resting my head on her shoulder.

  My finger trailed slowly along the back of her hand, tracing patterns in her freckles. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was, that she’d decided I was good enough for her. I definitely wasn’t not by a long shot but...here I was anyway. I shut my eyes and sighed, content to lay her as long as she wanted. Sure her shoulder was a little bony, but it was warm.

  “You’re too good for me,” Amy said softly.

  “Hey, that’s my line,” I replied lightly, taking her hand. “You mean a lot to me Amy.”

  “You too,” she said quietly, sighing. “Thank you, that’s…this was really cool.”

  “I’m really glad you liked it,” I said. “I was sort of worried you would think it was, I don’t know, creepy or something.”

  “It’s sweet,” Amy reassured me. “Really, it’s great. I...maybe you can do that Pandora one, maybe I’d like it more if it was like, right?”

  “Maybe,” I agreed. “I’ll do it when I’ve got some time again, ‘kay?”

  “No rush,” she said, hand coming up and brushing the back of my neck, drawing a light gasp. “Let’s clean up, then bed? Got class tomorrow.”

  “Sounds good,” I said, kissing her cheek and springing up.

  I gathered the plates and bowls, then headed to the sink while Amy packed away the table and chairs. It didn’t take long to do the few dishes, and so I grabbed the broom and quickly cleaned up where we’d been eating. Amy showered while I finished up, then I popped in after she was done for my own. I couldn’t tell if the peek I caught of her as she headed into her room was intentional or not but...I wasn’t about to ask.

  A few minutes later, heart pounding and teeth brushed, I put on the shorts and shirt I’d taken to sleeping in and joined Amy in her room. God she was beautiful, the dappled patterns of freckles made her look soft and inviting in the warm glow of her lamp. She smiled at me, sitting up in bed with the sketchbook in her hands, wearing a loose tshirt. I climbed onto the mattress and up to her, pressing my lips to hers and wrapping my arms around her neck.

  She was enthusiastic, eagerly pushing back against me. Her hands gripped my waist, raising up the hem of my shirt. I felt a pulse of tightness in my belly and sighed into her lips. I trailed kisses along her jaw, then down her neck, making her gasp and tighten her grip. Her leg came up between mine and I felt my knees buckle, then I was on my back and she was on top of me, holding me down and— I brought my arms back and shoved her off, heart racing, breath coming in ragged gasps.

  “Lia what the f— oh shit are you okay?” Amy’s voice was filled with worry as she shuffled to my side, giving me a bit of space. “Sorry, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to.”

  “It’s okay,” I managed between sharp breaths. “Sorry that—” I took a shuddering breath, wiping at my eyes; dry, fortunately. “I’m sorry. You didn’t do anything wrong, that was...that was good.”

  “Until it wasn’t,” she said glumly.

  “Hey, that was me, not you,” I said, putting a hand on her knee. “I freaked out like usual I… I’m trying to work on it, promise.”

  “I know, and it’s okay just…” She sighed. “I wish we could.”

  “Me too,” I replied, leaning over and kissing her cheek. “Uh, still jittery. Can you just, um, hold me maybe?”

  “Yeah,” Amy said as I laid on my side.

  A moment later her arm wrapped around me, hand resting on my stomach. It crept a little higher, but stilled before my heart could leap out of my chest. She tightened her grip and I couldn’t help the breathy sigh that escaped my lips as I pressed back against her. This was safe, this I could handle, feeling her head beating steadily against my back; smothered a little by her chest, but I could feel it.

  “Thanks,” I said quietly, arms holding the one that held me. “Thank you for the amazing night, thanks for being here for me thanks...for everything Amy.”

  “You’re welcome Lia,” she murmured in my ear. “G’night.”

  “Night,” I whispered, shutting my eyes.

  With any luck, even my dreams would be kind tonight.