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Today is Techno's birthday.
It's also the same day and afternoon where he returns from his journey to the main city. I know he's tired.
The week before this, I had already been planning out what to do. A lot of brainstorming. I eventually decided on just making our home warm, inviting; like a blanket waiting for him once he arrives. As the housewife, I vowed to keep our humble cottage clean and in the same condition as to when he left. The small dining table by the huge window that peeks into our backyard is already prepared, too.
A red and white plaid tablecloth draped just nicely with the scent of honey from the candles filling the air.
In the kitchen, his favorite meal is already prepared. His favorite rib-eye steak with melted cheese and complementary fries on the side. I had made more food than usual in case this hadn't satisfied him.
Just right on time, as I set the plate down on the table, I can hear the trotting of multiple horses in the distance that tells me, 'he's home'. I rush to the front door to take a peek and sure enough, he was there with his colleagues. They all seem to give him a present of the sort, which was in the form of a huge sack tossed into his arms, accompanied by a laugh and a friendly pat on the shoulder.
Arion, the stallion that has been with him since forever, is as respectable as ever. He nudges Techno and pushes him to the front door of our house, as if he's telling him to go.
I ducked down, hid quickly behind the door and took a deep breath. I spent a lot of time looking presentable, while also missing him like hell.
Even though I expected the knock on the door, it still made my heart skip a beat. My shaking hand managed to open the door anyway, and there he is, my husband. He is the same as ever. A small smile that graces his lips is enough to tell me that he has missed home. I missed him fairly enough too, stepping close enough just so where my arms can wrap around his frame. I can tell, he's grinning as he kisses the top of my head.
"I'm home." Uniformed, his familiar scent, I know he is here.
"Welcome home," I mumbled with my voice, albeit sincere, was shaking.
Despite looking more tired than ever, he pays it no mind. Sitting down at our table, Techno lets out a sigh of relief. "Y/N," He begins, and I almost jump out of my seat.
"... You made this all for me. Thank you." His voice is as quiet as ever. "You must be tired. I should've arrived earlier... there was a bit of a situation in the village." Techno explains he eats, knowing he doesn't really need to but still does, anyway.
I nod, cheeks already flushing. We're married, for goodness sake.
"It's your birthday, after all." I add, pushing the extra cheesy dish in front of him. "Happy birthday... dear." I'm still getting used to calling him this sappy nickname. "You work hard. Very hard."
He pauses in eating, although still chews with a smile. "I work hard for us." I didn't even realize he had more or less finished eating his favorite dish and got up, only to wrap his arms around me behind the chair.
Surprised, I jump a bit. "I missed my wife. Missed her a lot. What would I be without her?" Then, he's already being all lovey-dovey... embraced by arms, spoiled by kisses and all, I tell him there's more food in the kitchen—and he's already the happiest man in the world. As I was about to wish him a happy birthday, there was suddenly the smell of burning when we both walked into the kitchen.
"... I forgot about the birthday cake."