AN: Posted for the 30th anniversary of Lily and James's deaths. RIP.
She heard her name again. He was constantly yelling it. He had been since they were thirteen. Now, four years later, nothing had changed. Constantly yelling the surname that she had grown to hate because of his voice. Luckily, it had changed this year. It was no longer a surname but her given name.
She turned to look at the person calling her name from down the hall. He looked sweeter than usual, as if he were up to something she wouldn't approve of. He just had that look on. It was, after all, her birthday. He must have done something. He never let it slide in years past. It was either a joke here or some public humiliation there, but that had really only been when they were kids. Now, it had changed. They were friends and she hoped to Merlin that he didn't mess that up.
"What, James?" she tossed over her shoulder.
"Lily! Would you wait up?" She was about ten meters ahead of him and quickening her pace.
"What for, James? What are you up to?" she asked when he caught up.
"Lily, why on earth would I be up to anything?"
"James, I may only be you friend of five months, but I know that look. That look haunts my nightmares sometimes," she said, gesturing towards his face.
"Well, Lily, if you know so much about me, then what am I up to?"
"Simple. You've done something that I don't approve of and you're trying to look innocent. I can see the mischief behind your eyes, James," she said with a smile. "So out with it, Potter. What have you done? I'll find out eventually, after all."
"Wow, Lily. I'm surprised. That's a new low for you. Not one thing right. Well, one thing. I sure am feeling mischievous, but I haven't done anything. Not yet, anyway. And I certainly hope you approve," he said with a smile and a wink.
"What do you mean?" she asked, tilting her head to the side and narrowing her eyes.
"Well, you see Lily, I came up with the perfect birthday gift for you. And the best part? If you give it back to me, I wouldn't mind in the slightest. In fact, I'll be so very happy that you won't have to give me another birthday present. As long as you keep giving it back, I'll be a happy man. Have you guessed it yet?" She shook her head. "Well, let me give you a hint." He took two steps toward her, pulled her arm so she stood in front of him and bent his head down towards her. Her heart started to race in her chest. "Think of it yet?" he whispered into her ear.
She moved her head slightly to look him in the eye. Though his eyes asked permission, she knew that he could read the answer through her eyes. Regardless, she said, "Yes."
Slowly, painstakingly, he moved even closer to her lips. Finally, it was too much for her. She grabbed the back of his head and pulled him towards her, attaching her lips to his. It was her best birthday ever.
