Chapter 1

Ok, I know I said this chapter would be uploaded next week, but I ended up writing it today, so here we go!

I think chapter 2 will be next week :P

Also, tell me if I made the characters OOC in this chapter. It's my current weakness and I need improving. From this request, I've decided to test it out (for some strange reason, I tend to write better when I write peoples story requests instead of my own ideas) and see if I do make them OOC. Hopefully it's not *fingers crossed*

Please read and review and I really hope you love this story as much as I'll love writing it :)

Enjoy!

It's Bensons birthday and once again, he's spending it at work. As usual, with the sun beating down on the employees, including Benson himself, everyone except the gumball machine is seated on the steps with Benson standing in front of them. Like always, the familiar clipboard is in his hand.

"Ok," Benson says, glancing down at the list of jobs, names next to them, "We have a lot to do today so here are your chores for today-"

He stops when he sees, out of the corner of his eye, a feathered hand raised in the air, pointing straight up. He recognizes it to be that of Mordecai, the less annoying one of the duo.

"Benson?"

The gumball machine in question forcefully lifts his head to the blue jay to get a better look at him. A questionable look is upon the blue jays face and for a second, he wonders if Mordecai will ask about what jobs they have to do. But then the thought drifts away when something else strikes him, No, that's Rigby's line

"Yes Mordecai?"

The look is still on his face as his arm lowers to his side. A small smile lurks on his lips but his eyebrows are furrowed. Benson stands with his clipboard poised in his hand, waiting for whatever the blue jay has to say.

"Isn't it your birthday?"

As soon as the words are out, murmurs litter across the group. First Mordecai himself, then Rigby's snark remark about his age, then Pops joyous giggles accompanied with a rattled list of things to get the gumball machine, then finally, the silent looks passed between Skips and Thomas as they listen to their friends words.

"Yes," Benson begins, silencing the group, "It is my birthday Mordecai. Thank you for saying," he says with the utmost happiness he can muster deep within. Next to Valentines Day, birthdays are the worst for him.

People might think it's because of the celebrating of another year gone past, or the family gatherings where you meet relatives you only get to see once every couple of years or maybe it's the cake your mother claims she home baked when at last minute, she bought it at a shop where the price was reduced along with everything else.

No. What bothers Benson the most is presents. Presents are good to get, he knows. Well, that's depending on the present you receive on the day. It's just...to him, presents are the one reminder for him that he's gradually growing older and it doesn't help that he's stayed at the same job for the past 8 years, with the same routines, same people and same boring paperwork. When he was young, he used to get racing cars. 16, his first drum kit that got him into "Hair To The Throne", 23, a stick hockey table that was a joke by an old work mate at his former job that he never talks about and now, at 35, so far he's received in the mail by his parents, a tacky sweater with the words "Worlds best son" and a cheap card with "Live each day as if it were your last", and just to add to the "utter excitement", 20 bucks in the envelope. Nice.

That sweater is now stuffed in the back of his closet, along with card, back at his apartment. Benson looks up at the group with a deep frown, pushing the thought from his mind. Mordecai notices the look their boss is giving them and nudges Rigby, who is smiling gleefully, but when he feels his friends elbow against his side, he frowns and soon, the rest of the guys begin to simmer down and once again, everyone is quiet.

Mordecai eventually shrugs. "Have you gotten anything yet?"

Tacky sweater? No. 20 bucks? No.

"Not yet," Benson finally says, "But I'm not hoping to get anything good"

Only Mordecai hears the disappointment in his tone and maybe Skips does, but because neither the blue jay or yeti utter a word, the guys don't follow up with their usual questioning, so keep quiet.

Benson, for the first time of the day, smiles at this and to finish off the "quick as it came" conversation, looks down the paper in front of him and reads chore after chore, ticking them off with the same yellow pencil he uses when doing the same thing every morning.

Night has finally fallen, the guys having finished their chores hours ago. They're are all inside the park house, doing different things. Benson is upstairs in his office, finishing off some paperwork and not paying the slightest attention to what is going on downstairs. It's not like he cares anyway.

Pops and Skips are in the kitchen, the lollipop man having the golden opportunity to bake a cake for his loyal friend, while the yeti gathers the ingredients and sets the oven.

Muscle Man and HFG are currently in their trailer. Muscle Man laughs as he holds a bucket of glue, saying loudly to Fives that this is the perfect time to pull a prank on "the old man", but Fives shakes his head. The zombified man slowly lowers the bucket, looking at his ghostly friend in confusion. With a quick, persuasive explanation, Muscle Man has to think about it before it finally clicks and he sets the bucket of glue down on the table. Fives replaces the lid then turns to his friend and smiles. He says that they should just get decorations, to which Muscle Man agrees to and with a smile shared between the two, they exit the trailer and jump into the cart. After a few doughnuts, the speed out the park and down the road to Party Central USA.

The whereabouts of our usual slacker duo isn't a surprise.

Rigby mashes the buttons, ignoring the occasional irritated glance his friend is giving him. His smile widens then a grin appears as he stares at the screen. "OH YEAH!" He shouts, raising both arms in the air as a sign of victory, "I BEAT THE HIGH SCORE!" He turns to Mordecai, who's controller is still in his wings, his jaw almost dropping to the floor, "In yo face Mordecry! Who's the winner now?"

Mordecai shifts his eyes to the raccoon who is now doing a little gloating victory, throwing in a little hip wiggle to annoy the blue jay more, "Looks like someone owes someone an Ice On The Rocks", Rigby says as he stops his dance and plonks himself down on the couch, facing the blue jay, who's jaw is back where it originally was and his eyes directed at the raccoon, his smile not fading for a second.

"That was just a fluke," Mordecai finally says, "You just got lucky, one-cheek-wonder" He settles into the couch and smiles, knowing the well know reaction of Rigby when the nickname is mentioned.

As always, as soon as the words hit the raccoon, he frowns and sits up, "Well, at least I don't go around chasing a girl who doesn't even know he exists ," Rigby counters back.

Mordecai only sighs as he turns to his friend, "Dude, you know me and Margaret are this close," he makes a small gap between his forefinger and thumb, "To becoming a couple, so don't even waste your breath with saying something so pointless"

Rigby can only scowl back. He knows Mordecai's right. When Mordecai had finally admitted to Margaret that he likes her, and she tricked him, he was happy the entire week, saying he still had a chance with her. And with those words being said, and still running in his mind, he refused to let go of the belief he had since the icy incident. Rigby didn't want to admit it, but even though it was a strange moment to admit you like someone, he did believe Mordecai and Margaret did have a chance at being together.

"Besides, what's going on with you and Eileen?" Mordecai asks in a questionable smarty pants tone, nudging Rigby in the arm.

Rigby loosens up at the mention of the mole girl, letting a light frown across his lips. "What are you hinting at dude?"

"Eileen totally likes you-"

"-like I don't already know that-"

"-and I know you like her. When are you gonna admit it dude?"

Rigby feels his cheeks heat up, "Ok, one," he holds a finger up, "I don't like her and two," another furry finger, "Even if I did, I still wouldn't admit it"

"So you do like her?" Mordecai's smiling now, and although he's confused at Rigbys choice of words, the second sentence pops out well.

"I never said that," Rigby replies a little too quickly.

Mordecai grins, knowing he's got him trapped. "You totally like her! The first step is denial dude!"

Rigby huffs and rolls his eyes. "Whatever. Does it matter if I do?"

Mordecai stops. The gins slowly fades and he frowns, confused. Finally, he shrugs, "Maybe"

The silence settles over them quickly, the only exception being the annoying music from "Alley Fight Dudes". Mordecai's eye catches the clock; 9:45, and he smiles.

"Dude," Mordecai begins, startling Rigby from the brief silence that had come up, "I gotta use the bathroom. While I'm upstairs, can you tell the guys about the plans for tonight?"

Rigby smiles. "Sure dude"

Mordecai heads to the stairs. "Thanks" Rigby watches Mordecai go up the stairs then, when he is at the 7th step, he jumps off and scampers to the kitchen.

Mordecai doesn't go to the bathroom. He turns to his room instead. He smiles to himself as he opens the door knob. The room is pitch black but through the slight light spilling into the room, he can just make out a green box on his bed, a red ribbon wrapped around it. Fumbling to pick it up, he backs out the room, shuts the door and walks to Bensons office, carrying the package in his left hand.

He hesitates outside the office door before raising a fist and knocking twice on the wood.

"Come in," Bensons voice echoes through the door.

Mordecai smiles again and opens the door, making sure to shut it behind him. Unlike his own room, the lights are on, a single bulb covered by a lamp shade lighting up the room. The curtains are drawn and the room is completely silent, except for the pen running across Bensons paper. Mordecai walks to the free seat across from his boss' desk and sits down.

Benson looks up and his eyebrows furrow when he sees none other than Mordecai, someone he did not expect sitting across from him at this time of night. But what confuses him more is the package sitting in his lap and a frown creases his lips to show his confusion.

Mordecai smiles awkwardly, his self confidence having flown out the window, "It's still your birthday," he starts, fiddling with the end of the bow.

"...Yeah?"

"I...," he glances down at the present, "I know you don't like getting gifts..."

How does he know that? The thought stays in Bensons mind until another convincing thought takes over Well, I have been at the park for some time now and the employees are bound to know at least something about me other than what has already happened that everyone else knows about.

"...But I went out and got you something anyway, cause you know," he shrugs, "It is your birthday and all" His hands are shaking as he passes the package to his boss, which Benson takes, still confused as to why he, the only person besides his parents, got him a gift. He didn't really expect anything from anyone anyway, but for the blue jay to get him something, was a surprise.

He rests the package in his lap like Mordecai had done moments before and gingerly opens the wrapping paper, half afraid it will be some kind of joke, but he knows it won't. Still, there's no harm in being cautious, right?

Both mens eyes are on the wrapping paper as it slowly tears with Bensons nimble fingers trying not to tear it up in fear whatever it is inside will break.

At long last, Benson manages to uncover a small part of the gift, showing him a glint of his still wrapped gift.

Against the light, a flash of shining red winks back at the gumball machine.

His curiosity shows through his hands and with a bit more hurriedness, he tears the paper to reveal his gift.

With the wrapping paper knocked off to the side and discarded on the floor, a shining red guitar lies on Bensons lap. It's in immaculate condition, the perfect shade of the ripest apple in the orchard.

"It's not much, but since I know you're into music and all..."

Benson glances up, still too transfixed with the guitar in his lap.

"...I went down to the music store and got you..." he gestures to the instrument, "A guitar," he rubs his arm awkwardly, glancing from his boss to the floor, "I know you play drums but I just thought that you could try playing guitar, just to see how good you are at it. Try new things, you know?" he finishes, slowly looking up at Benson to see his reaction.

Benson lifts his head when he notices Mordecai has finished speaking. He feels himself smile a little. As much as he wants to frown because it's his most hated day, he can't bring himself to, not when he knows even through the pain the day brings him, someone thought about him.

"Mordecai...thank you..." he says softly. He glances back down at the guitar, still marveled by its' colour and condition.

"Don't worry about it" he moves to stand but then a thought strikes him, "Oh and umm...the guys and I were wondering if you'd like to come to McHooligans with us to celebrate the last few hours of your birthday?"

Benson looks up fully, and even though he can still see the guitar from the corner of his eye, he keeps his full attention on the blue jay. He sighs, "I can't. I have too much paperwork to do and-"

"Aw come on dude, it's your birthday! You should be celebrating!" Mordecai almost shouts in disbelief at what he's hearing. When he realizes he has raised his voice, he quickly loweres it, "Leave the paperwork for tomorrow"

Benson bites his lip and glances at the stack of paper ready to mark. Mordecai sighs. Even on his birthday, he's still jacked up with work

"Listen," Mordecai begins, drawing Bensons attention to him again, "I know you don't like your birthdays and you'd rather spend the rest of the night in your office but I'm not going to let you. I bought that guitar to cheer you up and I can see it did," Benson glances down at it with a smile, "But we all want to celebrate your birthday and we can't do it without the guest of honour"

Benson raises an eyebrow, "Guest of honour?"

Mordecai nods, "Yeah, you know. The person whos birthday it is?"

"Oh...right," Benson sets the guitar so it's leaning against the wall. He makes sure it's propped up against it before turning back to the blue jay, "Ok, I guess I'll go with you guys."

"Great!" Mordecai stands, "We leave at 10:30"

Benson smiles and glances at the clock; 10:15.

"15 minutes enough time?"

"Enough time for what?" Benson asks, confused.

By now, Mordecai's made it to the door, "To get ready"

"What? Do I have to dress up?"

"Doesn't have to be anything dressy. It's just a bar, not a fancy restaurant."

Benson glances at the clock again. "True. Ok, I'll see you guys downstairs in 15 minutes"

"Cool," Mordecai grasps the doorknob, "Oh and if you're wondering why I got you red," It takes a second for Benson to realize he's talking about the guitar, "I chose it cause I know it's your favourite colour" He doesn't wait for an answer, turning to the now open door and stepping out, making sure to again shut it behind him.

Benson suddenly feels drained. No matter how many times he blinks, he can still hear the blue jays words bouncing around in his head. "I chose it cause I know it's your favourite colour"

How did he know his favourite colour? He's never mentioned it or told anyone except the people who already know (his family, again)

He settles back in his seat, turns it around and, to distract himself from the thoughts in his head, picks up his guitar.

He holds it gently, shifting it so it sits in his lap perfectly. He places his fingers inches from the strings and goes to play, but stops. The last time he played guitar was in high school when he joined a band for the school talent show. His group won first place, thanks to the epic guitar solo he had played right at the beginning and the end. Even though he got compliments and small hand-made ribbons from other students, and although he knew he was incredible, he swore to his small self he would never pick up a guitar, let alone play one.

But 20 years have passed and now that he is a grown man with a guitar, an instrument he never thought he would touch after the talent show, he still hesitates, contemplating in his mind whether he should pluck the strings or not.

After thinking for another moment, he decides against his thought of "not", and strums the guitar.

A beautiful melody echoes from the guitar and shines through the room. The rush of memories come back and he continues to play, to remince in what he would call the "good times".

He stands from his chair and begins to move around the room, playing different notes with every step. At first, he plays soft and slow but as he starts to move around the room, the music gets louder and more intense, then changes to a softer gentler tone and back up again. The tune bounces on the walls and seeps through the crack in the door, the music floating down the stairs and throughout the rest of the house.

Benson, still playing his guitar, makes his way back to his chair and with one final strum, collapses in the soft cushion, exhausted.

He sets the guitar propped up against the wall then with tired eyes, glances back up at the clock; 10:25.

Smiling, he pushes his chair back and makes his way to the door, but stops to grab a small leather jacket he barely wears. He opens the door then steps out and shuts it behind him.

"Come on Benson, it's time to go!" Mordecai calls from the bottom of the stairs, motioning for him to get to the car, "Skips, Pops and Rigby are already in the car," Mordecai says in a quieter tone as Benson walks down the stairs, "We've phoned Muscle Man and HFG and they said they're going to meet us there", he smiles ammusingly at the dress atire Benson had chosen for the night; though the blue jay can't say much, he's only wearing a shirt and tie (see: Access Denied)

Benson nods at this information. He walks in step beside the blue jay as they head to the car.

"That was amazing"

Benson glances up at Mordecai, confused, "What was?"

"Your guitar solo"

"You heard me...play?" He blushes.

Mordecai nods. "I was the only one who heard you play. Skips and Pops were alredy in the car, waiting for the both Rigby and I to finish our game. Rigby rushed outside to get in the car before me and left me to clean up the video game," he shakes his head, "He threw the controller across the room because I beat him and to get back at me, he "shot-gunned" the front seat and ran out the door before I could say anything"

"I know you don't like getting gifts, but I went out and got you something anyway, cause you know, it is still your birthday.

"It's not much but since I know you're into music and all, I went down to the music store and got you a guitar"

"I know you don't like your birthdays and you'd rather spend the rest of the night in your office but I'm not going to let you"

"I chose it cause I know it's your favourite colour"

"I was the only one who heard you play"

The sentences jumble up in Bensons head until they dissolve and melt away at the sound of a car door opening. He looks up to see he had stopped at the side of the car and Mordecai was holding the door open for him.

The passenger seat.

Where Rigby was sitting earlier.

Benson tilts his head to the back seat to see Rigby looking back at his boss with a scowl, as if moving back a seat was somehow his fault. Being the raccoon that Benson knows and dislikes, he shrugs the attitude off and fixes his attention back to the seat in front of him.

He glances at Mordecai, who is looking back with a smile, a true heartwarming smile, and Benson can't help but smile back.

"JUST HURRY UP AND GET IN THE CAR!"

Mordecai reaches over and punches Rigby, who, along with the usual "Ow!", directs his scowl to the blue jay this time as he rubs his arm.

Benson steps into the seat and straps his belt on as Mordecai shuts the door. The blue jay clambers in the back with Rigby (who is silently glaring with his arms crossed at both Mordecai and Benson)

Again, Benson shrugs it off and looks out the window to take his mind off the previous events, but no matter how hard he wills the thoughts to be pushed back to the far end of his mind, they continue to run around in his head.

It's only when they stop at McHooligans and Skips shuts the engine off, do the thoughts finally vanish.