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Nina watched from the crowd as Strayz performed. She loved seeing them live, but most of all, she loved seeing Stu become so alive on stage. It was as if she was seeing a whole different person. Nina always cheered as loud as she could when their songs came to an end, and, more often than not, she and Stu played a game where if they caught each other looking at one another, they blew a kiss.
The fans love it when it looks like he's giving them affection.
After the show, they all would corral back onto the tour bus and make their way to the next stop. Nina sat on the couch and checked her phone. For once, it was radio silent, but the date caught her: July 4th. Nina sighed.
"Another year, another birthday."
Nina had never been one to do anything special on her birthdays. Most of the time they were spent working long shifts at the fish and chips restaurant or late into the evening in a cubicle. This year was different, though, and that meant she needed something to change. She went to the mini-fridge, pulled out a small box, and sat in a chair at the too-small table that had become a dumping ground for miscellaneous items. When she opened it she stared down at what was inside.
A singular cupcake decorated with pink and blue frosting, a candle, and a lighter (she hid the lighter from Stu and Murdoc, already knowing they would lose it and she would never see it again). She carefully took the cupcake out, then the candle and lighter, and stuck the candle in the center of the cupcake before lighting it. As she stared at what was before her, it had crossed her mind to take a picture with her phone, but before she could decide to, she felt arms draping themselves over her shoulder and a chin resting on her head.
"Heya, Stu."
"Hi, Nina. It's your birthday?"
"Yep."
"Then you need a birthday song sung to you."
"Oh no! You don't have to!"
But her protest went on deaf ears as Stu sang in a melodic voice, "Happy birthday to you~ Happy Birthday to you~ Happy Birthday dear Nina~ Happy Birthday to you~"
Stu leaned down, kissed her on the cheek, and then whispered, "Make a wish."
Many thoughts crossed her mind: more money, her cats to be happy, for there to be no more construction on the roads she drives on. She finally settled on one and blew out her candle. She could feel Stu slightly tugging her back as he rocked on his heels.
"What'd you wish for?"
Nina chuckled, swiped some frosting on her fingertip, and held it out to Stu, who licked it off, "If I tell you then it won't come true, but I'll give you a clue: It has to do with you."
"Such a tease," Stu whined, burying his face in the crook of her neck.
Nina laughed, one hand grabbing the cupcake so she could eat it while the other combed through Stu's hair. Nina didn't think she would have anybody sing to her or hug her but here she was having received both. Her birthday wish was a simple one that she hoped would come true: For her to still be surrounded by people who care about her around next year.