A 15 minute quick prompt issued by the glorious captainbigdickambrose on tumblr.
Dean looked over the vast array of shiny, glittery rainbow coloured cards, some with bows and things stuck on them, some with pins proudly proclaiming the birthday boy or girls age, and felt like screaming.
Why didn't he take Roman up in his offer to pick him up a birthday card for Jojo when he'd offered, and why did he leave it to the last minute to get one as usual?
He knew that Jojo would love her gift anyway and that she probably wouldn't even look at the card, but he couldn't deal with yet another of his god daughter's birthdays where one of Ro's judgmental in-laws rolled their eyes at him again and mutter more loudly than they realised about Roman's unfortunate loyalty to his shambolic best friend.
No. This year would be different. Perfect gift, perfect card and perfect happy Jojo.
"You can do this Ambrose! Come on!"
He braced himself in front of the display and soon had his choice narrowed down to two, but he was unable to decide which of them was best. He taught high school phys ed, not kindergarten; what did he know about the preferences of little girls?
Glancing around the card store, he spied his salvation. A young woman with shoulder length wavy dark hair was staying with her back to him, looking over the display of World's Best mugs. She was bound to have some sort of clue.
He approached and cleared his throat before speaking, not wanting to startle her.
"Excuse me ma'am, could you…"
His voice tailed off as the woman turned round.
"Ma'am?"
"Shit! Sorry dude! I was in a bit of a panic and thought you might be able to help…"
The dark haired, and bearded, man smiled, eyes warm and friendly.
"Hey…no problem. I'm no chick, but if I can help…"
"I need a birthday card for my niece and it's got to be perfect and I don't know what I'm doing."
"Your niece, eh? What age?"
"Seven."
The man looked at the cards Dean was holding, then walked to the display before choosing another.
"This one. My buddy has a little girl the same age and she's crazy for this cartoon."
Dean sighed with relief, and then finally took a proper look at the guy.
"Thanks, man. You've just become my new hero."
The helpful stranger blushed charmingly at the compliment, giving Dean just the little nudge of encouragement he needed.
"Look, I've got to get to a birthday party right now, but how about we meet later so I can buy you a drink and thank you properly? Name's Dean by the way."
The other man accepted his proffered handshake.
"Seth…and I'd like that. A lot."
