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The soft glow of morning light filtered through the blinds, casting warm stripes across Robby’s face. His eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the light as he blinked away sleep. The familiar scent of coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the crisp morning breeze slipping through the slightly cracked window.
He stretched lazily, his hand brushing against an empty spot on the bed where Tory usually sprawled. Before he could call out for her, the door creaked open, and there she was, balancing two steaming mugs and wearing one of his old green shirts that hung loosely on her frame.
“Hey, birthday boy,” she said with a soft smile, setting the mugs on the nightstand. “Thought I’d let you sleep in.”
Robby grinned, propping himself up on his elbows. “Sleep in? It’s barely eight.”
“Exactly. Lazy bones” She plopped onto the bed beside him, tucking one leg beneath her as she handed him a mug. “happy birthday Keene”
“Thanks” he murmured, touched by the simple sincerity in her voice. He took a sip of the coffee, savoring the warmth. “You made this?”
“What do you think?” she teased. “Barista level skills over here”
“Impressive.”
She leaned closer, her voice softening. “You know, twenty three looks pretty good on you.”
“Oh yeah?"
“Mm-hmm. Real mature, real distinguished.” Her fingers brushed against the faint stubble on his jaw. “Kinda hot actually.”
Robby chuckled, setting his mug down. “Well, I can’t let that go to waste.” He closed the small distance between them, capturing her lips in a slow, tender kiss. Tory melted into him, her hand finding its way to the back of his neck.
When they finally broke apart, she rested her forehead against his. “You better enjoy today, Keene. I’ve got big plans.”
“Oh?” he asked, intrigued. “Should I be worried?”
“Always,” she said with a wicked grin. “Now get up. You’re not spending your birthday in bed.”
The day unfolded like a perfect montage, from breakfast at their favorite diner to go-kart racing where Tory, predictably, beat him by a hair. They wandered through the city, stopping at a record store where Robby found a vintage vinyl of his dad’s favorite band. Tory even managed to sneak in a few photos despite his protests.
By the time evening rolled around, they were back at the apartment, surrounded by their closest friends. The living room buzzed with laughter and the clinking of drinks. The cake Tory had proudly made sat on the counter, its blue frosting gleaming under the warm lights.
After the candles were blown out and the last slice of cake was claimed, their friends began trickling out. Miguel gave Robby a hearty pat on the back. “Happy birthday man. You’re catching up to me”
“I’ll never be as old as you” Robby joked.
As the door closed behind the last guest, the apartment fell into a peaceful hush. Robby found himself back on the balcony, the city lights shimmering like stars below.
Tory joined him, leaning on the railing. “Some day, huh?”
“Yeah,” he said, his voice filled with contentment. “It was perfect.”
She nudged him playfully. “Told you I had big plans.”
He turned to face her, his expression earnest. “Thanks for everything today. You didn’t have to do all this.”
“What can I say? I’m totally the best” she teased.
“Yeah, you are” Robby agreed softly.
Their eyes met, the city lights casting a warm glow over them. Robby leaned in, brushing his lips against hers. The kiss was soft yet electric, filled with unspoken promises.
When they pulled apart, Tory’s smirk returned. “Happy birthday, Keene.”
“Best one yet,” he said with a smile.
Tory took his hand, tugging him gently. “Come on, birthday boy. Time to call it a night.”
“Yeah, I guess it’s been a pretty full day” he agreed, following her back inside.
They made their way to the bedroom, the atmosphere quiet and serene now that the celebration was over. As they stood by the bed, Robby turned to Tory, pulling her into a warm embrace. She wrapped her arms tightly around him, her head resting against his chest.
“You really are the best,” he whispered, his voice filled with gratitude.
Tory tilted her head slightly, pressing a soft kiss to his neck. The gentle gesture sent a wave of warmth through him. Her hands, mischievous as ever, slid under his shirt, her fingers brushing against his skin.
“Geez Tory your hands are freezing,” he exclaimed with a laugh, his body instinctively tensing.
“You’re warm,” she said unapologetically, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Perfect solution”
“You’re impossible” Robby teased, though he made no move to stop her.
They stood there for a few more moments, wrapped up in each other’s warmth and quiet laughter before finally climbing into bed. Tory pulled the covers up to her chin, her legs tangling with his.
“You happy?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Robby looked at her, his expression tender. “More than happy,” he said. “Thanks to you.”
She rolled her eyes playfully. “You’re so sappy. But I’ll take it”
He laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Good, because it’s true.”
As they settled into the quiet comfort of the night, Tory nestled closer, her breath warm against his chest. Robby held her tightly, his heart full.
“Good night, birthday boy,” she murmured sleepily.
“Good night, Tory,” he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head.
With the peaceful hum of the city beyond the window, they drifted off together, ready for whatever new adventures awaited them.
“Only for you, Keene,” she murmured against his skin, a playful edge to her voice. Tory pulled back the covers, sliding in with a contented sigh. Robby joined her, wrapping an arm around her waist as she nestled close.
“Thanks again for everything,” he murmured against her hair.
“Anytime, Keene,” she whispered sleepily. “Happy birthday.”
He smiled, closing his eyes as peace settled over him. “Best one yet,” he repeated softly.
With the city lights dimming outside and the warmth of Tory beside him, Robby drifted off, ready for whatever came next.