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Player felt the buzz of excitement in his chest as he checked the calendar. Today was the day, and he was going to be sure that does not go unnoticed. He missed the first time, wracked with worry when he could not get in contact, but now, now he knows she’s safe, and he’s gonna celebrate today with her if it’s the last thing he does.
“Hey Red, you know what day it is today?” he teased, mischief etching its way onto his tongue.
“Well, there’s no capers today, surprisingly…” Carmen spoke carefully. Player could hear the gears turning in her head, narrowing down the options as to what he was referring to. Player smiled to himself, anticipation bubbling up the longer he held the suspense.
“It’s not your birthday, it’s not Zack or Ivy’s birthday, it’s not a holiday in the region… what day is it Player?” Carmen finally concedes.
“Honestly I’m hurt you don’t remember,” Player pouts, still grinning at the screen. “It’s our second year anniversary for when we met! Since we missed the first one, I figured we should celebrate, especially since we missed the first anniversary.” He chirped, finally pulling the webcam up to see Carmen face to face.
“Oh, I forgot! Thanks for the reminder Player, but what could we do? You’re all the way in Canada, not exactly easy to see you right now.” He saw the light in her eyes, the kind that echoes his own excitement.
“Oh don’t worry Red, I have it all planned out.” Player could hear the knock on the hotel door as the last of his words rang out - perfect timing. Carmen cast a skeptical glance at him, confusion evident on her face. His face remained the same, grin plastered on as he waited for the reveal.
“Player, what did you do?” Carmen asked, concern bleeding into her words. Player’s only response was the widening of his grin. He watched Carmen move from the couch she was sitting on, Zack and Ivy looking towards the door in the background. He then watched her return, the two Bostonians in tow as they sat down on the couch, a box now in their possession.
“Well,” Player started, “aren’t you going to open it?”
“Player, I didn’t even get you anything-“
“Don’t worry about it, I got something for myself so we can enjoy it together.” He flashed a smile, joy emanating from his very being. He’s been waiting for so long for this, and he certainly wasn’t going to let up now.
He watched as Carmen lifted up the lid, the way her own excitement danced across her face.
“Make sure to share some with Zack and Ivy too!” He chided playfully. Carmen smirked back at him, returning the same energy he had put out.
“I take it that it isn’t a celebration without cake then?” She joked back.
“Yeah, you get it. I’ve also lined up a whole host of online games for us to play, we’re going to have a real party here!”
“Thanks Player, you’re the best!”