Work Text:
BAZ
“Have you ever wondered when your birthday is?”
I put my book aside on the bed and turn my head to look at Simon. He’s sitting on the floor, his sword resting next to him, and typing on his phone what seems to be an unusually long message. Probably texting Bunce.
(I suppose that’s his way of making up for that time he ghosted her. And me, except we’ve sorted things out already. Kind of).
“Huh?” He meets my eyes and appears surprised by the question. I doubt he expected me to speak up. I didn’t say a word in the last hour, focused on the text I was reading.
“Your birthday. Aren’t you curious when it falls?” Silence. My eyebrows raise. “Come on, you must've thought about it at some point.”
Simon shrugs. “Not really.”
I’m not sure if he’s trying to act nonchalant or if he’s just genuinely that ignorant. “No way. You really don't care?”
He sends me a very confused look. “Why would I?” Ignorant, then. Why was that even a question in the first place?
“Because it's your birthday, Snow.”
“And?”
I can’t believe him. “And that’s supposed to be one of the most important days of the year for you!” Seriously, how can someone be that daft when it comes to obvious things?
Simon’s eyes seem to darken a bit. I don’t like seeing him upset, especially if I’m the cause.
Funny how things change…
(I always wanted his attention, not anger. I just didn’t know there was any other way of getting it).
“Well,” he starts, not raising his voice but with a hint of exasperation, “orphans don't really celebrate birthdays, right? And I guess I had stopped caring by the time I came to Watford. No use dwelling on that.” He turns his head back to his phone, appearing done with the conversation.
That didn’t go well. There’s no way I can let it end like that.
I make a humming noise to draw his attention again. “That's too bad. It looks like we must pick a date for your birthday, then.”
His eyes snap back to me. “What? Why?”
“Because celebrating one's birthday is important, Snow, and it doesn't seem like we're ever going to find the real date out.”
He looks lost, as if he really can’t believe I’m making such a huge deal out of it. His shoulders fall slightly and his head hangs down.
You might think it doesn’t matter to you, Simon Snow, but it matters to me. You matter to me.
Neither of us says anything for a minute, not really sure how to tread next. Simon’s tail is wagging nervously, but I don’t think he’s aware of it.
Suddenly the movement stops and Simon looks up again, a playful glint making its way to his eyes.
“Alright,” he grins and stands up. “Why not start early and make it today, then?” He walks up to the bed and rests his knees on it, leaning down and reaching for my face with his hands to pull me in for a chaste kiss. “You and me. We should get cake. Now.” He stands back up and goes for the door, grabbing his shirt on his way out.
Just like that, I’m left alone in the room. I start shaking my head, not really comprehending what happened, but not surprised at the same time. A light chuckle leaves my mouth. “You're ridiculous,” I say, mostly to myself as Simon can’t hear me from the other room.
I rise from the bed to follow his lead.
You’re ridiculous, yes, but I wouldn't love you any other way.