Chapter Text
Ze twists and turns in his bed, snoring peacefully. Lost in a dream, the comfort of his bed engulfed his body. It is moments before the break of dawn, twilight sky barely creeping into the soft hues of orange and pink.
Then, there is a loud commotion outside his door. He blinks, adjusting before trying to turn in his bed. He looks at his calender, grumbling before his eyes struggled to focus on the date. God he needed to give in and get glasses.
He gave up, laying back in his bed and letting the feathers on the sides of his head cover his face. He blocked out the noise, drifting back asleep.
His two roommate burst into his room, Moe honked loudly and shot a confetti popper with one hand while the other held a small cake. Regect, looking like a complete idiot, wore a decorative sombreo while holding a speaker that loudly played "Las Mañanitas". Moe loosely honked along to the words, Regect sang it loudly out of tune.
Ze sprung out of bed, standing at attention. His wings pressed tightly against his back. They flicked the lights on, Ze stumbled and looked at the door.
Embarrassed for a moment before he lays on his back. "Well good morning, cadet! " Regect boasts, laughing. Ze groans as he brings a pillow to his face. Either to block out the noise, or to hide his embarrassed smile. " Guys c'mon! The sun isn't even out yet! "
The pair walk to Ze's side as Regect pulled the pillow off. Ze sighed, sitting up with tired eyes as he felt Moe give him a tight side hug. Regect put the sombreo on him, hesitant but giving Ze a tight squeeze.
In moments, he feels crowded. The small cake now on his lap, it was beautiful besides the messy writing on the top that he assumed was Regect's contribution to Moe's impeccable baking skills. Moe signed, " Happy birthday! " with a big smile. Regect dabbed frosting on his claw and smeared it on Ze's nose, which Ze loudly complained about.
" Okay okay, " Regect cleared his throat, putting two bright blue candle on the cake, a two and a one. He lit them, before standing proudly. " Make a wish, birthday boy. "
Moe honked, rummaging through her inventory before putting a birthday sash on Ze that read "birthday prince", to which Ze's face flushed red. His back wings fluffed up gently, as they gently curl forward to hug himself.
Moe honked, directing Ze's attention to the cake. Regect began to sing happy birthday, Moe honking along. Ze sighed, smiling gently. They finish singing, on cue for Ze to blow out the candles.
" You guys didn't have to do all this. It means alot, seriously. " Ze mumbled, fiddling with his hands. " This is all really sweet-"
He is interrupted with a handful of cake in his face. Regect snickers, Moe holds back a laugh while glaring at the entity.
" Way to ruin the moment. " Ze sighs, lapping at his lips to taste the cake. " Tiramisu. Moe, this tastes really good! " He compliments, she honks bashfully and presses her palms to her cheeks, all smiles.
" Just wait till you see what we have in store for you today! Unless you're uh. Busy. " Regect muttered the last part, tugging the chain on his collar.
Ze pondered, laughing nervously. He never really did anything for his birthday, there was maybe a distant family member or two that sent him a text, maybe he would go see Mason. But other than that, he'd buy himself a treat and go to a shooting range.
" No, I'm not busy. I'd rather spend today with you guys anyways. " Ze yawned, leaning into his bed. " But can I sleep in for a little longer. " He asked, looking up at the entities.
" Yes, sorry for waking you so early! " Moe signed, a gentle honk as she pulled the sombreo off Ze and took the cake from his lap.
" Just you wait, Ze with an e. You're gonna have your mind blown! " Regect said loudly, he pulled the blanket over Ze and wiped the bit of frosting off his face.
" Happy birthday Ze! " Regect continues to loudly express his excitement, Moe dragging him out and shutting the lights off. Ze sunk into bed, allowing himself a few more hours of rest.
-
Ze woke up, on his own terms this time. He shuffled in bed, looking at his clock. 10:17 am. He stretched, releasing the tension in his joints before dragging himself out of bed and to the bathroom.
He finished up, a towel pressing against his damp hair as he noticed the blue confetti in the hallway, making a trail to the stairs and beyond. He heard distant chatter, and he tossed his towel into his room and slowly began his walk towards the stairs.
At the bottom of them he is met with the living room and dining room decorated. Blue streamers, balloons hugged the ceiling, white and silvery confetti across the floor. In the dining room, shiney navy blue balloons that spelled "Happy Birthday Ze". He was stunned for a moment, as Moe honked to grab his attention. She wore a blue party had instead of her classic fool's cap.
She cartwheels, landing so she is face to face with him. She has a cheesy grin, leaning over and giving him a proper hug and a friendly peck on the forehead. She honks excitedly, holding his hand and pulling him to the kitchen.
Regect is adjusting the table, paying close attention to every detail. He also wore a blue party hat, that sat comfortably on his transparent head. He looks up, smiling at the sight of Ze.
" Hey loser! Is your mind blown!? " Regect rushes over, claws sat proudly at his semi-transparent hips.
" I am, I didn't even notice when I woke up. This is all really great- when did you guys have the time to do this? " Ze chuckles, feeling Moe put a party hat on him snuggly.
" We got tricks up our sleeves. Mostly Moe." Regect cleared his throat. " We made you a birthday breakfast, then we've got a long day ahead of us. "
Ze sat down, watching as Moe placed a delcious meal infront of him. A stack of pancakes, berries, bacon and her homemade juice. It wasn't long before they all dug in, finishing their food as Regect and Moe shot eachother a look.
Ze took notice, taking a quick sip of his drink and giggling nervously. " Is something wrong? "
Moe let out a long honk, Regect propped his elbows on the table. " You're twenty-one now, so Moe and I are going to take you to that new shooting range first.."
Ze's smile grew, one he tried to control. " Oh damn, I've been wanting to go to the range!"
" Yes, but! " Regect started, Moe honked as if to tell Regect to hurry it up.
" Sheesh okay Moe! After a few other plans in mind, we're going to go to the best bar I know to buy you your first shot. Or whatever else they have, they have everything. "
" I mean, I've drank before guys, it's just legal now. " Ze leaned back a bit, arms crossed. " But I'm not getting shit-faced drunk. "
" Just let us be unoriginal. " Regect grumbled, Moe honked.
" It is a nice place, nice workers and people. " Moe signed, " Very inviting. "
" I'll humor you guys and go. Either way, I do really appreciate it. " Ze smiled gently at Moe, standing from the table.
" Honk! " She took his arm, Ze cocked a brow.
" Oh yeah, Moe's dressing you up. We'll all meet at the car in ten! " Regect exclaimed, Ze stammered but saw the excited look on Moe's face. A mix between a plead and joy. He sighed, letting her drag him.