Chapter Text
Why did Terra know his birthday?
It wasn't a secret or anything, but he was sure he hadn't mentioned it. The only person who knew about his birthday was Vanitas. Vanitas and Terra didn't talk much, so maybe Vanitas had mentioned it to Aqua.
Why though?
Ven examined Terra's mom's cookbook as he pondered. It was weathered with a soft outer cover. The pages inside had yellowed with time. The handwriting was delicate and it danced around the pages. There were notes and comments around the different recipes.
What had Ven done to get his hands on such a treasure?
He wasn't sure, but he would take care of it.
When they arrived back at the playroom door, it was already getting dark. Hopefully, Terra had a plan for the fish. Terra stepped to the side as he opened the door.
"Surprise!" Everyone was standing at the entrance, "Happy Birthday, Ven!"
"Surprise?" What surprise? Why was everyone standing at the door?
"It's a surprise birthday party," he heard Vanitas say from somewhere further back.
"A party?" Ven looked at Terra, "for me?"
Terra nodded.
Ven looked back at everyone, "Thank you!"
They ushered him in. Terra separated from the group to start dinner. Aqua led the party through all sorts of games. Ven tried not to win too many games, so the kids could get the prizes. Vanitas pretty much just sat in the corner and watched the whole time. That seemed to be his habit with parties.
When the games were over they had dinner. It was a fish pot pie. Ven was a big fan of pot pie. Maybe that was the reason they were having it. It was warm and tasty.
After dinner, they brought out a cake that Terra had made at some point. How hadn't Ven noticed him making it? The icing was fluffy and the cake was soft.
After the cake, everybody brought in gifts. Yen Sid gave him a small magic crystal on a necklace.
"You cannot do much with it now," Yen Sid sat at the other end of the table, "but if you are diligent you can grow it."
"Thank you, Master Yen Sid." Ven put the necklace on.
Next were Aqua and Namine. They gave him a white hand-sewn apron with green feathers embroidered on it.
"We thought you could use one of your own," Aqua smiled.
"Thank you," he hugged it to his chest.
Roxas and Xion gave him a whetstone.
"To sharpen your knives," Xion smiled.
"So you can be the most dangerous chef in the world!" Roxas threw his hands up.
Ven smiled. "I'll be sure to use it."
Sora walked up next. His present was wrapped in paper. Ven was careful as he opened it. It was a bracelet. Strong brown string was braided together with small seashells beaded throughout. At the center of the bracelet was a see-through green stone.
"It's sea glass," Sora pointed at it. "I found it on the beach."
"Sea glass…" Ven had never seen it before. "Did you make this?"
"Yea," Sora smiled, "do you like it?"
"I love it," he smiled.
"Yay!" Sora hugged him.
Ven arranged all his gifts on the table. "These are all so lovely."
Aqua came in pushing Vanitas forward. He was holding a flat, rectangular box to his chest. "One more," she announced.
Vanitas arrived at Ven. "Here," he shoved the box at him. "Don't expect much."
Ven opened the box. There was a green book with a softcover. The pages were blank. Ven leafed through it.
"It's for you to write down recipes and stuff."
"A cookbook?"
Vanitas shrugged.
Ven smiled. He was about to put the book back, but noticed something else wrapped in paper. Ven sat the book aside and picked it up. He unwrapped it. It was a fountain pen.
Back when they lived in the castle, Ven had a fountain pen he always used. He took it everywhere. It got broken during one of their Master's punishments. Ven couldn't figure out how to fix it. The pieces were still in his room.
This one looked very similar to that.
"Where did you get this?"
"I bought them in town." Vanitas didn't look at him. "If you don't like them, you can trade---"
Ven jumped up and hugged him. "It's perfect!"
Vanitas seemed like he was trying to say something, but no words formed. He pulled away, red-faced. He took several steps back from Ven, tripping over one of the chairs.
"Vanitas!" Ven ran over to him. "Are you okay?"
He flew off.
Ven stood there for a moment. What was that?
Oh. Was it the hug?
When he thought about it, he wasn't sure he'd ever hugged Vanitas before. He wasn't sure anyone had hugged Vanitas before. Ven had gotten so used to Sora's hugs that he hadn't even considered it might make Vanitas uncomfortable to do the same.
"I'll talk to him," Aqua turned away.
"It's okay, I'll talk to him." He gathered all his gifts together.
Ven put all his gifts away, careful to find the perfect spot. Then he got ready for bed. It seemed like it'd been long enough, so he went to Vanitas's room. He knocked on the door.
"Come in."
"Hey," Ven waved.
Vanitas was in his bed. He had his knees pulled to his chest.
"So," Ven sat on the opposite end of the bed, "this whole party was because of you, right?"
"I guess."
"I'm really happy." Ven leaned on the wall, "Thank you."
"It wasn't on purpose."
"I'm still happy," Ven smiled, "sorry for putting you on the spot though. I didn't mean to embarrass you."
"It's whatever."
"I won't hug you anymore if you didn't like it."
Vanitas was quiet. "It's not like I hated it."
Oh. Really!?
"Then can I hug you again?"
"I guess." Vanitas looked away but opened up his posture.
Ven threw his arms around Vanitas. He pulled Vanitas into his chest then rested his head on his. Vanitas didn't hug back, but let himself soften against Ven. Ven wanted to hug him tighter, but couldn't risk scaring him off. Months ago, something like this was unimaginable. Now, they were friends, best friends! And now they could hug. Ven wanted this moment to last. Eventually and reluctantly, Ven released him and pulled away.
They stared at each other for a moment.
"Can I sleep in here?"
"You're thirteen! Sleep in your own bed."
"But it's my birthday," Ven did his best pout, mimicking Sora.
Vanitas rolled his eyes, "Fine, whatever."
Ven got comfortable. Vanitas laid with him. Ven hugged him as they fell asleep.