Tawny rang the doorbell, her heart thumping in her chest as she looked at her watch. She was nearly an hour early. She knew that Ren's party had been pushed back until another week—Ruby apparently had a family emergency or something…Tawny just heard that it had been canceled—but she also knew that Ren would be going out to eat with her family in around two hours. Good. That would give her enough time. Her hand's grip tightened over the small package in her arms, carefully wrapped as not to reveal what was inside the box underneath. She had spent the whole entire week searching for the perfect gift and finally found it. She knew it was slightly odd…but she knew it was perfect. A perfect gift for Ren Stevens, that was.

Not only for the fact that she figured that Ren would like the gift…but she also wanted to see Ren's reaction to it. And she knew it would be the perfect reaction.

Tawny didn't know why…but she wanted to know what made Ren tick. She wanted to know what Ren thought about everything. Television…movies…plays…even gifts. She wanted to know what made Ren…Ren…and, well, she figured that this gift would definitely get a reaction out of the girl.

Tawny smirked. Yes. It would most definitely get a reaction out of her.

It was weird, really. How much she had thought about Ren over the week. Sure…Tawny had always thought of Ren. But not much. Ren was her best friend's sister…her boyfriend-and later ex-boyfriend's-sister…she had seen Ren on numerous occasions. More than she could count. But she had never really known anything about the older girl until a week prior. And after spending nearly twelve hours with her, Tawny couldn't seem to get her out of her head.

They had barely seen each other over the week. There was a slight wave of recognition in the halls, but neither of them could stop and talk. Ren was busily talking about some anti-drug promotion thing while Tawny was rushing off to a play rehearsal. She was already ten minutes late and, well…Ren seemed extremely busy. So they just smiled at each other and continued on.

That was really all Tawny had seen of Ren all of that week.

And she didn't know why…but she missed her. She missed the girl she had spent those twelve hours of her life with. Tawny didn't know what…maybe…what was missing was…maybe…Ren….

The door suddenly opened to reveal a rather surprised Ren. And Tawny jumped slightly after hearing the noise. "T-Tawny?" Ren asked, her tone obviously confused, pulling a thankful Tawny away from her thoughts. She didn't know if she wanted to know where that thought process was leading, or not.

"Happy birthday, Ren!" Tawny smiled when she saw Ren's face. Her smile was wide and her eyes were shining. It was good to see her…happy. Although obviously confused.

"Tawny…what are you doing here? Not that I'm not glad to see you or anything…but you do know that the party is cancelled, right?" Ren asked, a hesitant smile on her face.

"Oh, I knew about your party being cancelled. Though I obviously didn't hear it from you." Tawny put on a pouting face. "Haven't seen you all week. Except a pretty lame exchange of waves in the hall." Tawny smirked and Ren laughed. "No. I just came by to give you your birthday present. Since it still is your birthday, even though the party has been pushed back to next week." Tawny's smirk grew into a large smile when she saw Ren's eyes light up at the word 'present'.

"You really shouldn't have. I mean…you really didn't even have to get me a gift in the first place." Ren smiled, now noticing the package in Tawny's arms.

"Well…actually…I kind of did. Especially since you ordered me to make you one in the first place." They both laughed. "Either way, I still had a question for you. Which I was really curious to ask…"

"Yeah?"

"What's it like to be legal?"

"Well. I haven't gotten any yet. So I'm not really sure." Ren pulled Tawny into the house, giving her a tight hug. It felt like too long. In reality…it was only a week. But, still. Tawny tensed slightly at Ren's touch but felt her body relax in the older girl's arms. It was weird. She wasn't much of a hug person…but with Ren…it felt natural.

"Well. That could be arranged." Tawny winked at Ren and continued through the Steven's household, leaving Ren gaping at the door. Tawny's heart was raging. Did she really just say that? She hadn't meant to. Damn it. With Ren…things seemed to just…slip out of her mouth. Tawny looked back at the older girl and could have sworn that she saw a blush creeping up her neck before Ren laughed.

"Well, thanks Tawny. I'll be sure to keep that in mind." Ren winked back, trying to play along with Tawny, all the while trying to still her heart. At those words…something set off in her. It was an odd feeling. It wasn't really anything Ren had felt anymore…but it seemed to set her insides on fire. Her mouth was dry, her heart was racing, and her insides were on fire? Somewhere deep down in Ren's mind she had to wonder if feelings like that were good for her…but as her eyes trailed over to Tawny's eyes, she felt the fire inside of her burn brighter.

She wasn't sure if it was good for her…but it definitely felt good.

Ren shook her head and leaned against the kitchen's island, while Tawny sat down on one of the stools. She noticed a small box, dressed carefully in blue wrapping paper, golden words displaying, "Happy birthday" across the rectangle package. It must have been her birthday present…although it didn't take much deductive reasoning for Ren to figure that one out. Ren focused on the gift wrapped carefully in Tawny's arms. She noticed the way Tawny delicately held onto it, almost like it was something of great value to her. Her fingers wrapped around the box and Ren found herself tracing the curves of Tawny's hand in her head. Ren shook her head again. What the hell was wrong with her? "So is that my carefully crafted masterpiece?"

"It is, Ms. Stevens." Tawny laughed at the memory of their earlier conversation. "It's not as spectacular of a sculpture as you were hoping for…but I bet you'll like it." Tawny smirked and looked down at the present. "Actually…I was wondering if I could give it to you now? Before you have to leave and all." Ren nodded and smiled, stepping forward and taking the present out of Tawny's hands. The wrapping paper felt smooth against Ren's hands and it was warm from being held in Tawny's grip for so long.

"Did you really wrap this?" Ren asked, amazed about the amount of detail that Tawny seemed to put into the wrapping. Tawny nodded. It was a perfectionist's dream. Tawny couldn't help but smile at the look in Ren's eyes. She had spent nearly an hour trying to wrap the damn thing, just to make it perfect enough for Ren. She knew how much Ren liked small details like that. In fact, Ren had told Tawny that herself the week before. And, she figured, since it was her birthday-and Tawny knew that a rather large birthday bash wasn't in Ren's original plans-someone mine as well put in the effort for her. For some reason, Ren didn't feel safe opening Tawny's gift in the middle of the kitchen, where Louis-wherever he was at the moment-could burst in. She didn't know why…she just didn't want him to see it before she did. Ren wanted to peel back the wrapping paper and be the first one to see it, with her very own eyes. No one else's eyes. Just hers. And Tawny's, of course, but Ren was fairly sure that Tawny had already seen what was in the package. So Ren started towards the stairs motioning for Tawny to follow, which the younger girl did.

Ren also wanted to thank Tawny, once more, for the week before. And she couldn't do that where Louis could just burst into the middle of the conversation. Louis didn't really know about her breakdown…and she preferred to keep it that way. She had felt considerably better during the last week, after spending much needed time eating ice cream with Tawny. Her burdens seemed slightly lighter. Her smile seemed a little more real. But, still, Ren felt like something was missing. And she knew what it was. It was Tawny. She wanted to tell someone how she was feeling…how wonderfully, after such a long time of not feeling so wonderfully, she was feeling…but the first person who she wanted to tell wasn't Ruby…it wasn't Nelson. It wasn't anyone who she thought it should be. Ren wanted to tell Tawny.

And it scared her to death.

She didn't know why she wanted to tell Tawny. And she didn't know why it scared her as much that she did. They had started a relationship…a friendship…and Tawny had helped her so much in a moment of weakness. There was no telling what Ren would have done if Tawny hadn't been there for her. She knew that she wouldn't do anything drastic…well…hopefully. Hopefully she wouldn't do anything drastic. Ren pulled open her door and closed it behind Tawny, both of them sitting down on her bed.

So there was no reason why she shouldn't want to tell the younger girl. She was the only person that knew. She was the only person she could tell. But, in the end, it didn't really matter. She didn't have a chance to tell Tawny, anyways. They had both been so busy over the week. The most Ren had seen of her was when they passed each other in the hall…and there were no words…only a smile.

Ren shook her head. She was thinking too much. It was her birthday. She had the right not to think! "So are you going to open it up?" Tawny's voice startled Ren and the older girl nodded, a small smile crossing her lips, and gently started to peel back the paper.

Ren sighed. "It's almost a shame to have to ruin the paper…" Ren had the most serious look on her face, making Tawny laugh. She looked over at Tawny with a confused look on her face. Tawny laughed harder.

"It's really ok, Ren. You can rip it in half for all I care." Tawny chuckled as Ren tried to slowly pull the paper off, keeping it perfectly neat. Ren looked offended that she would even do something like that to such a perfectly wrapped present.

"But…you worked so hard on the wrapping and-"

"Seriously, Ren. Just go for it." Ren sighed and grabbed a handful of the paper in her hands, tearing it off. Ren winced when she heard the ripping noise. She glared at Tawny who was laughing heartily. "I don't think I've seen anyone so hesitant to open a birthday present before!" Tawny smirked when Ren threw a pillow at her. "Come on, already! Open it!"

Ren sighed and ripped through the rest of the paper, the initial shock of the paper's beauty being torn by her hasty actions worn off, and looked up at Tawny when she found a cardboard box. "Go on. Open it. The suspense is starting to kill me and I already know what it is!" Ren smirked and opened the box, her eyes going wide when she saw what was inside.

Tawny found her smile growing wider. How would she react? Surprise was definitely put down into Tawny's book. Obviously, Ren wasn't suspecting what was in the box. "I love it!" Ren's voice seemed slightly conflicted. "Is this a…crystal…penguin?" Ren asked, her eyebrows furrowed and Tawny nodded, trying not to laugh. She knew it was slightly odd, to use a gift to get to know Ren…but it was extremely effective so far.

So far…for an unexpected gift…Ren was being extremely nice.

"Seriously…a crystal penguin?" Ren asked again, trying to clarify. It was almost like if she asked and Tawny said that it was something else, the penguin would no longer be in the box.

"Yeah. When I saw it…I don't know…it reminded me of you." Tawny whispered, knowing that, funnily enough, it was true. Tawny had spent the whole week looking for something for Ren…and she saw the penguin in one of the small stores in town. Tawny didn't know why it reminded her of Ren…but the penguin honestly did. There was something about it…something that just seemed to click when she saw it. She knew that Ren probably wouldn't immediately love it…but Tawny figured that she'd warm up to it and, hopefully, grow to love it.

Ren's eyes went wide at Tawny's comment as she picked the object up out of the box and held it in her hands, examining it. "I remind you of a penguin…?" Ren's voice trailed off as she scrutinized the creation in her mind. It was a delicate…and it was obviously made out of crystal…and the way it sparkled and shined as she moved it in the sunlight did make Ren smile. The coloring was interesting, as the crystal was either transparent from the parts that needed it or shining from the different colors of gems that combined to make the penguin's coat. It wasn't very large…it was about large enough to fit in Ren's palm, and the crystals shone out through the coloring. The penguins' eyes were made from sapphires and they shone a deep blue color. Ren felt her heart lift when she saw the color shine in her eyes. She watched them sparkle as she felt herself get lost in those eyes. The sapphires reminded her of Tawny's eyes. It was obviously expensive. While Ren found herself lost as to why a penguin reminded Tawny of her—she was also slightly offended at the thought, but figured, being Tawny, it was a strange reason in the first place—she found herself loving the penguin itself.

It was strange. She never figured that she would ever love a gift like that…never in a million years did Ren Stevens think that she would love to get a crystal penguin as a present…yet here she was, not able to tear her eyes away from the sapphires and crystals.

It was beautiful.

"This is…beautiful, Tawny." Ren gasped, and she turned to face the younger girl, who had a wide smile on her face. "This must have cost a fortune…I mean…its gorgeous…but…I can't…I can't accept this. It's too expensive, Tawny. You really shouldn't waste your money on me." Ren whispered. Tawny just shook her head.

"I'm not going to lie. It wasn't cheap. But you deserve it. And the money I spent is worth it to see you smile." Tawny nearly winced. Damn it. What was it about Ren that made her spew practically every single one of her thoughts out into the open? Tawny mentally slapped herself. Either way…she already said what she was thinking. She should at least say the rest of it. "You're worth it." Tawny placed a gentle hand on Ren's shoulder and she could feel Ren relax against her touch.

"No I'm not." Ren sighed and shook her head. "I'm not worth it." Ren stared back into the sapphire eyes of the penguin before looking back up into Tawny's soul-gazing eyes. "I'm not worth it." Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Ren…of course you're worth it…you're worth it to-,"

"Ren!" Mrs. Steven's voice echoed through the halls as they heard the Steven family's footsteps shuffling downstairs, alerting them of their presence and cutting off Tawny. They sat there staring at each other for a moment before Mrs. Steven's voice shouted once more, "Come on, Ren! I know it's your birthday, Sweetie, but we've really got to go soon!"

"I should probably get down there. I mean…it's my birthday, and all. I have to go down there and be the object of attention." Ren stood and tried to smile but knew Tawny saw right through it.

"Yeah." Tawny whispered, standing up next to Ren. "I should probably get going, too." She hugged Ren tightly. "Happy birthday Ren." They shared a small smile before Ren gently placed the crystal penguin on her desk dresser before leaving the room and heading down the stairs, trying to wipe away the tears that had started to form in her eyes as Tawny collapsed onto the bed behind her, looking at the ceiling.

"You're worth it to me." Tawny whispered hoarsely to the empty room, finishing what she was so close to saying moments earlier. The realization of the words hit Tawny like a sack of bricks and she shut her eyes, trying to push everything away. There was nothing there. There was nothing there to even think about. There was nothing there to even push away.

Tawny was not falling for Ren Stevens.

She wasn't gay. She was not gay. She was just…she was just worried about Ren, that was all.

Yes. That was it. That was all.

Ren had really been scaring her, lately. And, as any human being would be in her situation, she was worried about Ren.

She was just worried about Ren.

Tawny kept chanting that to herself, but it had no effect. She knew it. And she knew she knew it. But that didn't mean she would accept it. No. Tawny could most definitely ignore it. But…she shouldn't. And Tawny knew that she shouldn't. She had never been one to run away from feelings…in fact…she always confronted them. But what now? What could she possibly do about it, now? Tawny groaned and rolled over onto her stomach, stuffing her face into Ren's pillow.

"Tawny?" A confused voice came from the hall outside of Ren's room and Tawny turned around to see Louis standing there, a small smirk on his face. He was actually wearing a suit and Tawny tried her hardest not to laugh. Instead, she just smiled up at him. There was no reason that Tawny could remember for why Louis would be in a suit. He hated wearing them. And where they were going for Ren's birthday dinner was just up the street at a local pizza parlor…nowhere fancy, as Ren had clearly stated to her family that she just wanted something simple. "What are you doing in Ren's room?" Tawny sighed and stood up, walking towards Louis.

"What are you doing in a monkey suit?" Tawny chuckled and Louis glared at her.

"I asked you first."

"I was giving her her birthday present. She just left."

"Wait…wait…you were giving Ren her birthday present on her…bed?" Louis smirked and wrapped his arm around Tawny's shoulders as they started heading down the stairs. "That's hot. Wish you would have done that for my birthday." He laughed and she jokingly punched him in the ribs, though she wasn't able to cover the smile that came to her lips.

"So, really, Louis, why are you in a suit? I've only really seen you in a suit on, like, two occasions." Louis stopped on one of the middle steps and Tawny stopped with him.

"Okay…promise not to tell Ren if I tell you?" Louis actually looked pretty nervous about it. What was he going to do? Was it a prank? Tawny rolled her eyes.

"Why would I tell Ren why you were in a suit? Either way, she's about to see you in a suit in around 2 minutes when we finally finish going down these stairs, so you're not really going to be able to hide it." Tawny stated the fact, knowing that, being Louis, he probably wouldn't have thought of that.

"Well…alright…I'm actually doing something nice for Ren this year." Louis shuffled his feet slightly and looked up to see Tawny staring at him with wide eyes.

"Wow. That's a first…except that time you got her that necklace. And, well, you kind of resorted to pretty much turning your sister-who was the person you gave it to anyways-into a prostitute to get it." Louis rolled his eyes.

"It wasn't prostitution!"

"Whatever it was, it was still wrong. You shouldn't objectify women, Louis! We have minds! We have thoughts and hearts and…what you did was just wrong! Especially to do something like that to your family! Exposing your poor sister to--," Louis put his hand over Tawny's mouth, hoping to silence the rant he knew he was going to face if he let her talk for a couple more seconds.

"Save the speech, Tawn'. Come on. Do you want to hear why I'm in the monkey suit, or not?" Louis moved his hand away from her mouth when she nodded eagerly. "Alright. Well-,"

"Louis? Are you down here? Come on! We've got to go!" They both heard Ren's voice echo from down the hall.

"Well…y'know what? You'll see!" Louis grabbed Tawny's hand and led her into the kitchen, bursting through his family to stand in front of Ren, who stopped during the middle of her conversation to gape at her younger brother.

"Uh…Louis?" Ren questioned, motioning towards Louis' choice of attire. "What's with the suit?" Louis just ignored her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, leading her out from the kitchen to the living room.

"Tonight, Sis, is a night that I want you to remember." Louis started, a boyish smile on his face. Ren instantly shuddered when he called her 'sis'.

"Ok. What do you want?"

"Nothing. I'm simply just going to make this a special night for you-"

"You're about to pull the prank, aren't you?"

"No! Would you at least let me tell you what I'm doing in the monkey suit, oh birthday queen, before you go asking me all these questions?!" Louis snapped and glared at her. Ren raised her hands up in defense and backed down.

"Ok. Ok. Then tell me what you're planning on doing, in a monkey suit, to make my night so memorable, Louis."

"I," Louis emphasized, pointing at himself with pride, "Have gone through all of the trouble of tracking down someone who was extremely important to you, Ren Stevens. And figured that, on your 18th birthday, this surprise would be the greatest present a brother could ever give his sister! And they are waiting, anxiously, outside to see you, Ren." Ren just raised her eyebrow, not sure what the hell Louis was talking about.

"And who would this be?" Ren asked, expecting her grandmother to walk through the door or something.

"You'll just have to go and see for yourself!" Louis beamed with pride, obviously very pleased with whoever it was outside the door. Ren first looked over at her parents--both of them had large smiles on their faces…they were obviously in on it—who motioned for her to go see who it was and then she found her eyes meet Tawny's. Tawny shrugged and mouthed, 'I don't know' before Ren looked back at Louis. He was extremely excited. Louis kind of reminded Ren of a puppy that really had to use the bathroom. It was sort of cute…but very discomforting at the same time, since you knew what they were about to do next wouldn't be so…cute. After all…Louis' track records had not been all that sweet.

Why should Ren expect her 'present' to be all that great?

Why would Louis actually do something nice for her for once?

"Come on, Ren! He won't wait outside for forever!" Louis was still beaming. Ren froze and Tawny both froze at Louis' statement.

"He?" They both asked at the same time. Louis nodded. Ren gulped and made her way towards the door, looking back at her family before opening it. The whole family nodded anxiously…but Ren couldn't help but notice Tawny's distraught look before she flung open the door and gasped.

"Jason?!"