A/N: Another Tumblr prompt from my lovely RP partner, beinfinite. This particular prompt: "He has been known to forget his birthday from time to time, but Charles won't let that happen this year."

It's a simple question. It's also a test, but Charles won't let him know that. He simply picks Erik's brain for two seconds, confirms the date, and then asks casually, "What do you plan to do for your birthday this year, Erik? Thirty is a big number, a stepping stone, a life marker; you should make it count."

Erik frowns and glances up from their chess game, his brows perfectly furrowed to the point where Charles can see the inquiries forming before the metalbender even voices them.

With an irritated lick to his lips (Charles' baby blues tracing the movement), Erik responds crisply, "Nothing, of course. I often forget my birthday, or choose not to celebrate it. It's just another year come and gone. I don't see what the hub-bub is about birthdays, and so I haven't cheerfully marked mine since the years predating my time at the camps. Now then, Charles, since your mind seems to be so distracted, you'll notice that I have you in check."

And that's the end of that. At least, that's what Charles allows Erik to think.

Instead, that following morning, Charles slips into Raven's mind. My dear, I know I said I wouldn't read your thoughts, and I'm not, I'm simply being discreet. Understood?

—Yes, Charles, fine. Whatever. What is it?

I would like you to go to the store and buy ingredients for the cake recipe I am directing you to fetch from the kitchen cupboard. See it?

—Yeah, I do. Sounds complicated. And you've never made this one before,she thinks suspiciously, something like a smirk in her thoughts. Are you planning something?

I am indeed. For Erik's birthday. So would you be a dear and grab some money and buy that while I keep him occupied today? And then, when you get home, call me down to the kitchen for something and we'll swap places. You keep him busy, and I'll bake the cake.

The shape-shifter laughs and nods. Sounds like a plan. I'll see you in an hour or so. I'm happy to help, too, since he deserves something special. Which reminds me… will you cover the bed in rose petals and wear nothing but a bow with ribbon around yourself tonight as a "gift?"

Charles flushes bright red and shoves her thoughts hastily away with a curt, No, now go shopping! before he exhales and walks off to find Erik, wherever the man has gone.

He has other plans for Erik's gift, something a bit more material and practical, but not quite as cliche as a new wallet or watch. No, he would like to get his friend, his lover, something from the heart, something money can buy but thoughtfulness can match. He isn't sure what, but he knows he will think of something, although asking another individual (Hank, perhaps?) might help.

Charles walks past Erik in the hallway, stops, turns, wraps his arm around Erik's waist, and asks if it would be all right to go for a morning walk around the lake on the property.

And along the way, Charles thinks of the perfect gift.

And when Erik sees the cake, later, he's smiling softly with humor twinkling like a rare gem in his eyes.

And when he gets his gift, it's all Charles can do not to cry at how breathless and surprised Erik is.

And he's so glad that Erik didn't get offended by Charles' shenanigans, and even more grateful for Raven's help.

And, for once, there's happiness, and it's lovely.