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The Colour Gang were settled around the couch, chilling. Green had his headset on, his head bobbing up and down as he gazed down on his phone. Blue was stuffing netherwart down his throat, Yellow was typing away on his laptop and Red was teaching Reuben a new trick. At least… he was trying.
Orange was slouched over. His brow was creased as he gazed gloomily at the Notification Centre Calendar in the corner of the monitor.
“Alan’s birthday is coming up.”
Red paused, the carrot in his hand dangling just out of reach of Reuben’s snout. “It is?” His eyes scrunched up.
Orange nodded dejectedly. “Yeah.”
“That’s cool though!” The carrot was suddenly snatched rather violently out of Red’s hand and he looked down at Reuben munching happily on his forbidden treat. His shoulders slumped and he wiggled his finger at the happy pig. “Naughty Reuben. You didn’t earn that!”
Blue tapped Orange on the shoulder. “So, why the long face?”
Orange looked down at his hands resting on his lap. “I want to do something for him, but I don’t know what.”
“You could draw a picture.”
Orange stood up abruptly and began briskly pacing. “But I want to do something more! We do really special stuff for our birthdays, but we always do the same stuff for him! I’ve drawn him pictures every year. I want something more!”
During Orange’s speech, Green had pushed down his headphones and been listening intently. “What about a gaming session?”
“But we do that normally. I want something special.” Orange stopped pacing, his shoulders slumped over. “It’s no use. If you can’t think up ideas and I can’t think up anything…” he trailed off miserably.
“I’ve got it!!” Yellow slammed his laptop shut, making the others jump. His eyes danced with glee as he jumped to his feet, dropping the laptop on the couch.
“What? What?” The other Colour gang’s voices were raised in excitement.
“We could get him a new computer! He’s been so frustrated with this one bugging out all the time. Surely it would make his day!”
Red’s eyes bulged. “Woah… that’s…”
Orange clapped his hands together, his eyes sparkling. “The best idea EVER!!” He grabbed Yellow by the shoulders and shook him in excitement. “You’re the best Yellow!!”
Green leapt off the couch. “Well, what are we waiting for? We gotta get the order in soon, or it mightn’t come in time! Come on!!”
The Colour Gang tore off towards the internet browser, leaving Reuben alone by the couch. The pig looked puzzled before sniffing around the couch for any more snacks. A strange smell hit his nostrils and he put his front hooves up on the couch for a better view of what the smell was coming from.
There, in front of his snout was the most tempting, juiciest red “berries” he had ever seen. He gave one more sniff before devouring the berries.
Reuben’s eyes widened as the sour taste filled his mouth. It went straight into his stomach.
The pink pig flashed red as he let out a squeal and fell over, before disappearing in a host of particles.
~ ~ ~
DING DONG! DING DONG!
Alan had been enjoying a slice of his birthday cake. The spoon hovered part way in his mouth as he turned quizzical eyes towards the foyer. He lowered the spoon and met Kaori’s eyes as she stared at him from across the table. “Were you expecting anyone?”
Kaori shook her head. “You?”
“DJ was going to come by tomorrow, so no.” Alan pushed back his chair and headed for the door. Upon pulling it open, he found a delivery driver standing on the front doorstep carrying a heavy looking box.
“I have a parcel for Alan Becker.” The guy handed the box to Alan.
Alan looked down at the box in his arms. “I didn’t order anything.”
The delivery driver shrugged. “It says this address.”
Alan peered at the printed address on the box and read it silently. “That’s strange. Maybe Kaori ordered something.” He placed it down on the ground.
The delivery driver smirked. “Women, am I right? Love shopping. If you could just sign here, that’d be great!”
Alan signed the parcel before closing the door. “Kaori, did you order something?” he called into the dining room.
“No. Why?”
Alan hummed thoughtfully as he picked up the box. “Strange.” He carried it into his office and placed beside his computer desk. While rummaging through his drawers for a pair of scissors, he caught a glimpse of the Colour Gang running around on his monitor out of the corner of his eyes. He straightened and watched them curiously.
Words appeared above Orange’s head.
[Did it come?]
Alan felt slightly puzzled as he opened the box. He tried to rack his mind for what Orange was possibly talking about. Pulling open the flaps, his hands froze as he stared at the brand-new computer nestled inside it.
What?!
Alan looked back at the computer and saw the Colour Gang were now clustered around Orange, watching him closely. More words appeared above Orange’s head.
[We got it for you! For your birthday!]
Alan approached the computer, staring dumbfounded at the words several times before it finally sank in. A slight smile played at the corners of his mouth as he sat down and started typing. [You didn’t need to]
[We wanted to. Happy birthday!!]
Alan chuckled lightly as he looked back towards the box. This was amazing! His current PC had been playing up a lot more lately, making animating difficult. Now he could get so much more done and not lose his mind over it!
The joy swelling in his chest slowly dissipated as a question burned in his mind. He quickly went back to typing. [how did you pay for it?]
Orange tilted his head to the side and seemed to speak to the others before replying. [We didn’t have to pay. They just asked for a card, so Yellow put yours in]
Oh no…
Alan’s stomach dropped as his mouth flew open. He practically flew out of his chair and marched out of the room. “KAORI!”