Bonus: Red's Hatchday


"Happy Hatchday, mama! We made you breakfast in bed!"

After placing the tray on top of the covers, Leonard stood back to watch as the children swarmed around Red, snuggling up to his sides.

"Don't eat that one," Jay said, pointing at the muffin on the right. "Jake spit on it."

"I DID NOT!" Jake yelled back.

Golden eyes immediately darted to Leonard for assistance. "I'm pretty sure it's fine," the king stated, but he shrugged his shoulders as well. Red gave a subtle nod, and purposefully chose the one on the left.

"As soon as you're done eating, we should get going. It is your birthday, after all," Leonard announced.

"It's not that big of a deal, Leonard. It's not like I ever really celebrated it… much," Red stated, even as he proceeded to devour the small bowl of red grapes — saving a few for the little ones, naturally.

"Of course, of course," the pig agreed, but he was already going over the final preparations in his mind. Red was his queen consort, which meant that his birthday should be equally as important as the king's own. He was going to make this the best birthday ever.


"Hello, Mr. Leonard. It's a pleasure to be invited back to your island, in peace, this time," Judge Peckinpah laughed, shaking the king's hoof vigorously. "I was unaware that Mr. Red was fond of large hatchday gatherings."

"Fond of what now? Leonard…" The crimson avian turned on his husband, his tone bordering on dangerous.

"It's not really THAT big, my dear. But you are the queen consort now. Our people are accustomed to celebrating the king and queen's birthdays," Leonard tried to explain, but Red just looked weary at the idea.

"But tonight is just for the family — I promise," the king insisted, already cancelling the extravagant party he'd originally had planned. Or… if he left the party open to all the pigs and their guests, then he could have Red and the kids to himself that evening. Red would prefer a quiet evening over being forced to attend a party in his honor.


"I'm sooooo glad we're finally done with the public appearances," Red groaned, leaning back in his favorite chair by the fire.

"Everyone is just excited to celebrate the day of your birth. You received many cards and gifts — Oh, that's right! You haven't opened my gift yet," the king exclaimed, tottering across the parlor to retrieve the box he'd stashed under a blanket.

"What is it?" the avian asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

"Nope. I won't spoil the surprise," Leonard said, plopping the white and green box into his husband's lap. The avian opened the lid, and began to pull out the items, one by one.

"Is this a paint set? Leonard, that's really…" Red trailed off, his grateful smile immediately turning to a frown as he pulled out a familiar painting. "Seriously?"

"What? I like this one," Leonard commented, eyeing the smirking bird in the painting that was launching the king's look-alike into space.

"Don't joke, Leonard. It's absolutely horrible," the bird groaned, glaring at it.

"It's not that bad. I still think it's a fine likeness. I'll hang it in my study, and it will remind me not to get on your bad side," the pig said, plucking it from his lover's grasp.

"So it's more your gift, than mine," Red confirmed, pouting.

"Heh heh…" the king laughed awkwardly, his eyes darting around for something to change the subject. "Here come Ross and the kids. I'll just go… put this away for safekeeping."

"Don't take too long, Leonard!" Red called, even as the pig rushed out of the room. Getting up from his seat, he settled in the middle of the nearby sofa, giving the hatchlings a chance to cuddle with him. Ross handed out their mugs of hot chocolate and mini marshmallows, and then took a step back.

"Happy birthday, Queen Red," the little pig announced. He bowed deeply, and then scuttled out of the room before the avian could even thank him.

"Happy hatchday, mama!" the triplets exclaimed.

"Thank you," Red said, brushing his wing over their heads. This was nice. A quiet family evening. Beyond the window, the avian could see the fireworks exploding in the sky. The sounds of the giant party being thrown, in his honor, were audible even from such a long distance away. Red was just glad that Leonard hadn't insisted on attending. He'd had more than enough excitement for one day.


"By the way, I've also had a lovey bench set up in the backyard. Now you can paint and watch the kids, at the same time. And I bought an easel for you, as well. Neither would fit in the box, so… Surprise!" Leonard exclaimed, after leading his bride to the window. Behind them, the triplets were napping on the couch, enjoying the warmth from the fireplace.

"Leonard… I can't see anything. It's too dark," Red stated, throwing his husband a look. But his beak quirked into a smile as he snuggled into his lover's arms. "Thank you, though. I appreciate the gifts."

"You're welcome, Red. Anything for my beautiful queen," the king proclaimed.

"I'm not…"

"I'm not beautiful," Leonard said, before Red even had a chance to finish. "You're always saying that, but I'm going to keep telling you how lovely you are until you finally agree with me.

Rather than argue with his sappy, but steadfast husband, the avian just leaned into his embrace. "Thank you."