Octavio stirred against the sheets, and rolled over onto his stomach so he could bury his face in the pillow, keeping his vision dark for just a little while longer. He didn't want to wake up yet, which was unusual for him. He was often awake early, and hopping out of bed, eager to take on the day. But today was different. Today was his birthday. His experience of aging was lackluster, to say the least. When he was young, he would get an expensive gift in the morning and the promise of cake after dinner that would often go forgotten until just before bedtime. There was one year his parents had fought so much, that his father retired to his home office with a bottle of expensive whisky and there was no presents or cake. He cried a lot that night, burying his nose into his stuffed toy rabbit. When his nanny had come to check on him, she found a snotty nosed little boy who had already tucked himself in for the night, so she brought him a cupcake from the kitchen. It was vanilla flavoured, and sat on his bedside table all night to go stale. His dad took him to a fast food drive-thru a week later. His eighteenth birthday was the first time he remembers doing anything particularly special. He had a small group of friends who suggested they go on a camping trip. Ajay had told him they were a bad influence and were only using him for his credit card. But he didn't care. He snuck out and was gone for the weekend, to sleep on one of Psamathe's lesser known beaches. It was a good time, he thinks. He had bought them all so much booze, he doesn't really remember. What he does remember, is being incredibly sick for two days when he came home, along with a lot of yelling from his parents. His last couple of birthdays were either spent alone, finding some dangerous stunt to do or travelling to see Ajay so they could go clubbing together. He liked an excuse to party, but birthdays? It was safe to say they weren't really his thing.
He sat at the breakfast bar, dangling his legs from the stool and wrapped his fingers around a steaming mug of black coffee. He had decided there was no point staying in bed; it was just a regular day. He scrolled through his social media, liking all of the comments wishing him a happy birthday and resharing fanart he'd been tagged in for the occasion. It was still pretty awesome that all these people he didn't know were thinking of him today. Though, the thought made him think of the people he did know, and he couldn't help but go into his messages. He had one from Ajay that was just a cake and middle finger emojis, which made him snort. He scrolled down a little further to his and his father's chat. Sometimes he remembered to text, but not this time. He set his phone aside, with a sigh, laying it face down on the countertop. Snaking both hands around his mug, he lifted it to his lips, allowing the heat to seep into his fingers, making them tingle, before taking a sip. He turned his head when he heard the bedroom door being opened, to reveal a very groggy Elliott. Octavio smiled appreciatively at the sight, while the trickster brushed his sleep tousled curls from his eyes, wearing only an oversized Octane branded t-shirt and his underwear.
"Hey," he said quietly, his voice still low and gravelly from sleep.
"Morning."
Elliott's bare feet barely made a sound on the wooden flooring, as he stepped towards him and wrapped his arms around him, placing a series of kisses to his temple. He dipped his face lower, burying it in the crook of the runner's neck, nuzzling it in a way that made the younger legend laugh.
"Happy birthday, sweetheart," he murmured against his skin, kissing behind his ear gently.
Octavio hummed fondly, leaning back into the warmth of his partner's touch.
"Thank you."
"I was hoping I'd be up before you," the trickster admitted, moving to rest his elbows on the counter. "I was hoping to surprise you with a nice breakfast."
"That's alright," Octavio replied, absentmindedly turning his mug in circles. "I didn't know you were going to be up so early. I would have got your tea ready."
"Eh, I think it's gonna be coffee for me this morning anyways," his boyfriend said, stepping to the other side of the kitchen to pour himself a cup. "I'll make us something nice to eat. I feel bad that we have to work today, with it being your birthday and all."
The speedster shrugged casually and drained the remainder of his coffee from his mug.
"It's whatever. I'd rather be outside anyways."
Octavio wasn't the biggest fan of these "training" sessions. They were far less exciting than a scrim or an actual game, though the organisers insisted on their importance. They were no contact, so there was no fighting allowed. The point, he was told, was for everyone to get more familiar with the arena, weapons and their abilities and equipment, because apparently squads running around looking lost made for poor television. Octavio thought it made the games more predictable, and predictable was boring. But the worst part was being paired with fledglings. He never seemed to be able to click with them and being the only legend on the squad, automatically assigned him to the role of mentor. He wasn't the best at explaining things or answering their questions, and if he had his way, these training sessions wouldn't even be a thing. Keeping everyone else poorly prepared made him look good. Not that he needed the help, of course. He stood on the crowded dropship, absentmindedly picking at his nails while his squad argued over which gun was the best option for a close ranged fight.
"What do you think, Octane?"
He looked up to see his squad staring at him, expectantly.
"Huh?"
"What do you think?"
He paused his assault on his cuticles to answer.
"R-99. Obviously."
The larger of his teammates rolled their eyes with a huff, obviously displeased by his contribution to the conversation.
"But the Peacekeeper-".
"No need to yell, buddy. I don't think anyone here is hard of hearing."
The runner breathed a sigh of relief, when he felt a gloved hand on the small of his back and turned to see his partner standing next to him. Elliott was so much better at dealing with people than he was.
"I think you should land at Refinery," he whispered, before refocusing his attention on the speedster's squadmate again.
"And for the record, the Wingman is the best and most versatile," the trickster continued, patting the other man's shoulder, making him bristle. "If you can hit your shots."
Octavio laughed quietly, while his teammate stomped away to choose their destination on the map.
"Idiota."
He waited until his team was headed towards their dropzone of choice, before stealthily breaking away and headed in the direction of Refinery. He landed in the middle building and looked around for any sign of Elliott but he didn't seem to be here. He stood with his hands on his hips, wondering why he was told to come here. Maybe Elliott was just running late? He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, unsure of what to do, until he heard the sound of heavy boots coming down the stairs.
"Hey brotha!"
He watched as the much taller man approached him, with his squad in tow.
"Hey man. Have you...seen Elliott around?"
Makoa beamed at him and emitted a laugh that boomed around the room.
"You might want to check upstairs," he replied, giving him a friendly pat on the back, the force of which almost made the speedster topple over. "Hope you got them legs screwed on tight, brotha. You got quite the trek ahead of you."
He laughed again, before gesturing for his squad to follow him as he began to walk away. Octavio stood there for a moment confused, until deciding to take Gibraltar's advice and head upstairs. He had just begun climbing, when Makoa called out to him again.
"By the way, happy birthday!"
The statement stopped the speedster in his tracks. He remembered?
"Uh...Si, gracias, amigo!" he yelled back, before continuing up the stairs.
What was Elliott up to?
Octavio scratched at his tattoo, standing at the top of the stairs, more confused than ever. Elliott wasn't here. He stepped further into the room, the sound of his feet clicking on the floor echoing behind him. He paused for a moment, hearing what sounded like music. His nose wrinkled under his mask. Was that the tune of "happy birthday"? He eventually found the source, sitting in the corner of the room; a square box. When he opened it, the music stopped, his attention now being drawn to a tiny recording device with a note attached that read "play me," accompanied by a small, neatly wrapped package. He opened the package first, curiosity getting the better of him, to find a package of chocolate candies. He shrugged, deciding to tuck in right away, while he pressed play on the device. He smiled when he was greeted by Elliott's voice, licking the excess chocolate off his fingers while he listened:
"Heyyy, you found me! I thought I could make working on your birthday a little more interesting, so I left you some gifts around the arena that you're gonna have to hunt for! But I suppose you're wondering why I sent you to Refinery. I just wanted to remind you how refined you've become. I never wanted you to change from the day I met you. You did that all on your own. I couldn't be more proud to call you my boyfriend. Anyways, you should get going to the next place! And remember, baby. I'll never, ever Overlook you for anyone else. I love you. Did you...get the hint? If not...you can, always replay it I guess…".
Octavio couldn't resist the urge to laugh when the recording stopped. He guessed Elliott was sending him on some sort of scavenger hunt. He shook his head, as he jumped to his feet. Only Elliott could think of something equally ridiculous and sweet. He stuffed the remainder of the chocolate into his pocket, and stretched. He was going to beat this in record time!
It didn't take him too long to get to Overlook. He had probably left track marks on the grass, with how fast he'd run here, skidding to a stop as soon as he reached his destination. He looked around, wondering where to look. Overlook was pretty big, and he was a little stumped on where to start, until he heard a high pitched whistle coming from the circular building on the edge of the arena. He turned to see Ajay waving at him, prompting him to jog over.
"Happy birthday, punk," she said as he approached.
"Thanks," he replied, looking past her into the building. "Was...Elliott here?"
The medic smiled wryly at him, leaning against the doorframe, blocking his view.
"Haven't seen him."
"Are you sure about that?" he asked, giving her a suspicious look through his goggles.
"I ain't one to ruin a surprise," she spoke, giving him a pat on the shoulder as she walked past. "Ya know that. Now if you'll excuse me, I sent my trainees off to look for med supplies forever ago."
The runner waited until they had parted ways, before stepping inside the building. It was no surprise why she had gone through the effort to block the door, as it was painfully obvious where the box was located; the out of tune music could be heard downstairs. He sat cross-legged on the ground as he opened it, finding another recording device and a small gift inside. He unwrapped the paper quickly and tossed it back inside the box, as he examined the colourful wristbands he'd received.
"Awesome," he whispered, sliding them onto his wrist, taking a moment to admire how the different shades of green complimented each other, before pressing play the device.
"You figured it out, huh? That's my guy. Now, you might think I'm crazy for setting all this up but...Man, I've never felt this way about anyone else. You're my whole world, Tav. It doesn't matter how long we're together, every time I see you and I'm with you, my heart just feels like it's going to explode from happiness. In a good way! Almost like...water, surging out of the ground. I just...think you're a really great guy, sir. Get it? 'Cause it sounds like Geyser? You get it."
"Dios Mio, Elliott. That was so bad," he giggled to himself, as he packed the box back up and set it aside.
He used a jump pad to give him a boost towards the tunnel that led to the Geyser. He was having fun, and found himself becoming more excited as he ran through the tunnel, wondering what the trickster had in store for him next.
"Octavio!"
He jumped, mildly startled by the sudden call of his name, as soon as he opened the large double doors, keeping him from his destination. What caught him off guard further, was when he was swooped into a hug; the electrician jittered with excitement in his arms.
"Bon Anniversaire, mon ami! Happy Birthday!"
"Thanks, Nat," the runner replied, stepping back somewhat awkwardly. "Has Elliott been through here?"
"I haven't seen him since he gave me my box to-," she paused, covering her mouth. "I don't think I was meant to tell you that."
Octavio folded his arms, his tone amused.
"Wait, you mean he's been treating everyone as his lackeys to set this up?"
"Something like that," Natalie responded, a shy smile spreading to her face. "I helped him write some of the clues."
That would explain the terrible jokes, having both Elliott and Natalie on the case.
"Sooo, does that mean you can give me a hint about where the next clue is?" Octavio asked, his gaze floating towards one of the longer buildings, where the young woman had come from.
"Maybe," she giggled, beckoning for him to follow her.
The box was situated on an old shelf inside, humming it's obnoxious tune, just like it's counterparts.
"He really put a lot of time into this, I think," she said, sheepishly taking a couple of steps back. "I'll...leave you then. I should get back to my squad. Au revoir."
And with that, he was left alone again. Opening the box, was the same experience as the rest, with a recording and small token inside. This time, he was gifted some pins, decorated with various loud, colourful decals.
"Okay, these are actually sick," he mumbled to himself, shoving them inside one of his vest's compartments for later, before pressing play on the device.
"Umm...this is a little embarrassing but I don't really have a line for this one. So, uh...yeah. Just go to the Harvester. I was trying to think of something maybe gardening related because...y'know, harvesting. But using the word "seed" just sounded kinda...wrong. I could have done something corny like "the seed of our love bloomed like…", dammit! That's actually pretty good. Anywho, Harvester. Get a move on! Love you!"
Octavio snickered quietly, as he collected himself. Elliott obviously hadn't had Natalie's help for that one.
It took him slightly longer than last time to reach his destination, having spotted his team that he was supposed to be training, arguing near Sorting Factory. He had to move a little slower to avoid being detected, much to his annoyance. He could hear Anita yelling, a mile away, and assumed Elliott had also convinced her to join his cause. He approached her, eyeing her squad who were taking part in some rigorous workout routine, with some disdain; all while the soldier barked orders at them.
"You're gonna have to push harder than that, rookie. The slow ones are always the first to get shot."
"And that's why I never get hit by a single bullet," Octavio said, his tone mocking.
"In your dreams, Silva," Anita shot back, raising a playful eyebrow at him. "I scraped your sorry ass off the floor more times that I can count."
"You love me really, chica. It's okay to admit it. I'm taken though, sorry."
"Funny you should mention that," she said, waving a hand towards her trainees. "Take five, ladies."
"Oh?" the speedster questioned, coyly. "Now you've got me interested."
"It's about time you showed up," the soldier continued, making her way up the ramp to the higher point of the Harvester, prompting him to follow. "That music has been giving me a headache."
"You're so not as subtle as Natalie was trying to be, you know," he teased, making her roll her eyes.
"I like Elliott. He just has some really stupid ideas," Anita muttered, pointing him towards the box perched on top of a supply bin.
"It's not stupid!" the runner protested, clutching the box protectively in his hands. "It's romantic...or whatever."
"Aw, well aren't you just precious?" she teased, stepping out of the room to give him some privacy.
As always, the box contained a recorder and a small gift of some candies; sour ones this time. His favourite. He took the recording device in his hand and pressed play.
"You know I love to dance. And I'm pretty good at it too, if I do say so myself! I couldn't ask for a better dance partner than you. Seriously, you tear up the dance floor like nobody's business! I still think about the time you set up the little dance for us in the living room. I can't wait to have more moments like that together. You make everything fun. Even the bad stuff. But I can't wait until we can go out dancing in the city together again. I guess for now, you're just gonna have to settle for the hottest party spot in the arena!"
Octavio furrowed his eyebrows in thought, as he stepped outside. This wasn't much of a clue, they could party anywhere. He leaned on the railing, looking down into the lava pit below as he considered his options. He could always ask Anita if she knew, but she'd probably make fun of him for being dumb. He turned, to begin making his way down the ramp again, until something on the horizon caught his eye. He slapped himself over the head, when he saw the huge holographic image of his partner in the distance. Maybe he was just dumb.
He took the zipline onto the boat, and barely had both feet on the ground before he was met by Pathfinder, chipper as usual.
"Friend! It's your birthday today! How exciting!"
"If you say so," Octavio spoke, stepping past the robot, onto the deck. "Was Elliott here?"
"No, but he gave me a very special gift to hide for you! How fun!"
"Can you tell me where it is?"
The runner appreciated the effort his partner had gone through to plan all this, and he was having a good time but all Octavio wanted right now was to see his boyfriend. Pathfinder, however, had other ideas. His patience was quickly wearing thin, as he continued to search, the robot clapping with delight each time he got it wrong, refusing to tell him where it was. After twenty-five minutes of searching, Octavio jumped off the side of the boat, giving up. Pathfinder obviously wasn't going to tell him where it was, and he considered going back to Anita to see if she knew. Just as he was beginning to stomp off, he heard the quiet jingle of "happy birthday" coming from the small building that was semi-covered in snow.
He huffed, as he entered the building, scooped the box into his arms, and was back on the boat before Pathfinder could say "zipline".
"That's not where he asked you to hide it!" Octavio complained, setting the box down on the bar top.
"I'm really good at this game!" the robot exclaimed, a smiley face appearing on his screen.
"Whatever," the runner muttered, taking the top off the box to find a similar layout as before. "Now, go away. This is my present."
The MVRN's screen flickered to a sad face, as he slinked away, leaving the young legend to inspect the rabbit shaped keyring, he'd received.
"How does he always know?" he mused out loud, clutching the keyring in both hands for a moment, before playing the recording.
"Sometimes people say to me; 'Mirage was that boat really worth it?' and honestly, yeah it was. Not because of all the amazing parties I've hosted here, even though they were amazing, but because of all the moments we shared here. But hey, look around, babe. Always remember that it doesn't matter how many or how much of me there is to go around, I'm always yours. I would never choo-choo-choose to be with anyone else! Get it? 'Cause I did all the stuff with the...trains and the...I'm just gonna…go. And you should too because you're getting closer to your prize!"
"A prize, eh?" Octavio mused to himself, leaning against the bar to support his weight, as he stretched his legs out.
He was full of a renewed vitality, now knowing he could win something. He was sure he knew where he was meant to go next, as he used a jump pad to gain some height, giving him extra momentum as he slid down the hill towards Train Yard.
All was quiet when he entered Train Yard and he cursed quietly to himself, thinking he'd got it wrong. What if Elliott had meant the train itself? He sighed. He could always wait for the train to roll around but that would be wasting more time. He continued to walk, deciding he could look around in the meantime, until he spotted Wraith sitting cross-legged on top of one of the abandoned train cars.
"Hey, chica!"
She seemed to wrinkle her nose, as he climbed up to join her.
"Hi."
"Have you seen-."
"Don't ask. I know why you're here."
Her words sent a shiver down his spine, until she pulled out a box from behind her and tossed it to him.
"Here."
He picked at the corner of the box with his nail for a moment, before speaking.
"I can't believe he managed to rope everyone into this."
"Yeah well, you can tell him he owes me one," she said, as she stood and jumped off the side of the car. "I'll be dumping my squad on him, next training opportunity."
Octavio watched her leave, thinking about what she'd just said. If Elliott had given her his training responsibilities for the day, that meant he was out there alone somewhere, waiting for him. The thought excited him but what really thrilled him was the Mirage branded briefs he found inside the box.
"Oh my god, Elliott. Yes," he said, giggling quietly to himself as he pressed play on the recording device.
"Man, am I glad you figured that one out. That could've been really embarrassing. Y'know, just looking up at the sky makes me think of you. Especially at night when you can see the stars. It reminds me of the time you made Ajay's special hot chocolate for us and we went stargazing. It seems I'm always thinking of you. I guess you could say I'm hooked. Like a...hook. Skies and hooks...are great, right? Skyhook."
Octavio continued to giggle at his partner's ridiculousness, while he stood, stuffing the underwear into another of his vest pockets. He was starting to run out of carrying space. He sped off as quickly as he could, hoping he would find his boyfriend's whereabouts soon.
Skyhook was huge, the box could be anywhere. He jogged around for a while straining his ears as he passed each building, listening for the music. When his hunt continued to be unsuccessful, he slowed his pace down to walk, eventually spotting Caustic dipping into the train station in the distance. Elliott could not be serious right now.
"Helloooo?" he called out, as he stepped inside, peering around the corner to see the chemist making some adjustments to his gas traps.
"You've come for your box, I assume?" Caustic spoke, not looking up from his task, as the speedster came closer.
"You have to be joking, compadre," Octavio replied, tapping his foot impatiently. "I don't buy it. Why would Elliott ask you of all people to help?"
"He is more tolerable than some of you, when he is not engaged in his bravado," the older legend said. "After I'd managed to get that blasted song to stop, I left it on the bottom of the stairs. I did not wish to make the task too difficult for you."
Octavio would have stuck his tongue out in response to the scientist's jeering tone, if he was not wearing his mask right now. He decided to hold it this once, hastily making his way to the stairs to retrieve the box. There was no gift inside this time, and the runner couldn't help but wonder if Caustic had been snooping around. He shook his head, and pressed play on the recording device. He was just eager to find his boyfriend now.
"I promise I'll get someone more...better with words to help next time. I know that last one was pretty bad. But for now, I've just been thinking...You know how they say, people fall in love because Cupid hits them with his arrows? That's kinda funny when you think about it. I mean, his sniping skills must be off the chain! But, as you know, mine aren't the best...I wonder is there anywhere around here where I can practice my sniping skills while I wait…".
He took the zipline up to the Sniper's Nest, his feet collecting some dew from the grass when he landed. He had originally gone to the tallest building in Skyhook, thinking that was where his lover had intended him to go. He waited around for a little while, but when neither Elliott nor any of the other legends showed up, he realised he'd gotten it wrong. He turned in a slow circle, and that's when he spotted the mountain and knew where he needed to be. At least...he thought so. He continued to explore the mountain's peak, eventually heading to the opposite edge, peering over the side. And that's when he saw Elliott; laying in the grassy field below on a blanket, arms tucked behind his head and goggles over his eyes. He looked like he'd been soaking up what little sun Talos got, this whole time.
"Hey!" Octavio called out, immediately grabbing the other man's attention.
He sat up and waved at him. Octavio could swear he could see the bright grin on his face from here.
"It's about time you decided to show up!" Elliott quipped, watching as the younger legend zoomed down the zipline to join him on the blanket.
"Sorry, mi amor. I had to hit a few stops on the way."
The trickster laughed at the remark, adjusting his goggles back onto his forehead, to show the sheepish look in his eyes.
"Did you...like it?"
"Yeah, but...I just have to say I think you were slacking on the gifts in the last one," the speedster teased, receiving a coy smile in response.
"Not at all. I have your present right here."
He leaned over to undo the clasps of the runner's mouthpiece, discarding it onto the blanket. He ran a gentle thumb along his cheek, before closing the distance between them, kissing him softly. He pulled away, with a bright grin on his face.
"I'll give you your real present later. Those were just...placeholders. I still hope you liked them though."
"The whole thing was fun!" Octavio assured him. "And you know me. I'll never turn down an opportunity to be told how awesome I am, over and over. Though, I think Wraith might be plotting to kill you now."
Elliott took his hand, with a chuckle, lifting it to his lips so he could kiss his gloved knuckles sweetly.
"Well, at least I'll die happy, knowing my last moments were spent with you."
"I hope today wasn't too much," Elliott spoke, reaching behind him to retrieve the basket he'd brought. "But don't think I bought you out here for nothing."
"It was perfect. You stress yourself too much," the speedster replied, eyeing the basket with a curious look in his eye.
"Still, I packed us a little picnic," his partner continued. "But I know you always want dessert first so…".
He dipped his hand inside the basket and pulled out a scrumptious looking cupcake, already decorated with a candle, which Elliott promptly lit and held out to the runner.
"Happy birthday, babe."
Octavio extinguished the flame with ease, looking back at his boyfriend with hopeful eyes.
"Did you make a wish?" the trickster asked. "But remember, you can't tell me, or it won't come true."
The speedster scratched at his arm awkwardly.
"No. I guess I forgot."
"Aw, I can light it again if you want."
"I don't think it works that way," Octavio said, with a small laugh. "Besides, I think I just want to eat the cake anyway."
"Of course," Elliott replied, presenting the cupcake to his lips. "Open up."
Octavio took a bite, making a satisfied sound as the sweet and slightly bitter taste of rich chocolate rolled over his tongue.
"That's really, really good," he said, watching his partner's eyes flutter closed as he took a bite of his own.
"Mmmm. You just can't go wrong with chocolate," Elliott hummed, a smirk spreading to his features, when he met the younger legend's gaze. "You look like a walking advertisement with all that chocolate on your face."
Octavio began to raise his arm to his mouth, to wipe the chocolate on the back of it. He paused, when he got a better idea, a mischievous smile spreading to his face when he reached into his pocket to pluck the pair of black and yellow underwear out; proceeding to daintily wipe at the corners of his mouth.
"Dios Mio, where are my manners?" he said sarcastically, trying his hardest not to cackle at the horrified look on his partner's face.
"Tav! You can't just...whip those out in public!"
"Why the hell not?! It's my birthday!"
"You're a brat!" Elliott told him, snatching the briefs from his hand and stuffing them into the basket; his tone was firm, but his smile was gentle as Octavio stuck a pierced tongue out at him in mock protest.
"Today is all about me! I should be able to-".
His words were lost and replaced by a small whimper, when Elliott swept him into a searing kiss; silencing him. He cupped the younger legend's cheek lovingly, as he slowly worked his tongue in, making his partner groan needily against his mouth. The scene in front of him was almost laughable, when they pulled apart; the speedster's goggles now fogged up.
"You need some help there, buddy?" the trickster quipped, chuckling as his boyfriend yanked the goggles off his face and threw them onto the grass.
"Maybe," Octavio smirked, grabbing at the trickster's scarf, before shoving him back onto the blanket, playfully.
Elliott had worried that today wouldn't work out. That it would be too much or too cringy, or not Octavio's style. However, the way his love smiled against his lips, as they came together again, let him know that he may have gotten it just right.
"Can you at least tell me where we're going?" Octavio piped up again, impatient as ever.
"I already told you it's a surprise," Elliott replied, adjusting his hands over the shorter man's eyes, as he led him down the hall towards the legend's common room.
The shield over his eyes was removed as soon as they walked through the door, and he was met with a chorus of "Surprise!" from some of his fellow legends. He stepped back, somewhat stunned, bumping into his partner, who rested a supportive hand on his shoulder.
"Aw, the poor thing looks like a deer in the headlights," Anita chuckled, having already cracked open the bourbon.
"We didn't scare you, did we?" Natalie asked, showing obvious concern for her friend who was still standing uncharacteristically still.
"Uhhh...N-no," Octavio eventually managed to stammer out. "I just...My family didn't really do birthdays so I wasn't really...expecting this."
"Well, this family does do birthdays," Makoa said jovially, gesturing to the ridiculous amount of food laid out on the table. "Anita even gave me her nana's cake recipe. Every celebration needs some good home cookin'."
"Someone light the darn cake, already! My mouth's been watering all day, just thinking about it," the soldier spoke up, draining the remains of her glass, before tossing a lighter to Ajay.
"Don't forget to make a wish this time," Elliott said softly, as everyone gathered around the table.
Octavio looked around at the group, who had begun to sing a very off-key rendition of "Happy Birthday" to him, and for once, couldn't think of a single other thing he could possibly want. He pursed his lips in thought, and blew out the candle while Elliott placed a kiss to his temple. Everyone clapped for a few moments, and began tucking into the food, hungry after the day's training session.
"So, what did ya wish for?" Ajay asked, through a mouthful of cake.
"He can't tell you or it won't come true!" Elliott insisted, while he assisted Makoa in passing out more cake.
"Yeah!" Octavio said, sticking his tongue out at the medic, before collapsing onto a nearby couch with his own piece of cake.
He looked up at Elliott, who winked at him, as he licked some excess icing off his fingers. He wasn't going to tell anyone his wish. He really wanted that pet flyer. He already had everything else he could possibly ever want.