Birthdays
A/N:
Don't know the characters' birthdays so I just used their actors' birthdays. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 1: OA (January)
Normally, OA would wake up to his alarm but he glanced at his phone and there's still five minutes left. He cancelled the alarm and saw that he had text messages. Opening them, they were early morning greetings from his mom and sisters. They were on vacation, visiting family in Egypt where it is about seven hours earlier.
The photos they sent brought a smile on his face, especially those of his young nephews. He turned melancholic as he read his mom's message Wish you were here.
He's not the only who missed the trip though, as he saw another message. This time, it's from Amira who also could not go for the same reason as him - work.
Amira's text message intrigued him. Did you like my gift?
He vaguely remembered getting the package the night before from the building manager. But because he got home so late, he decided to open it in the morning. It would be on his actual birthday anyway.
The large rectangular box wrapped in plain blue wrapping paper was left in his center table. It would be some sort of clothing, he guessed. He tore the blue paper, his curiosity weighing more than his need to be neat and tidy at the moment.
Lifting the lid, he smirked. He was right, a navy blue sweater was inside the box. He carefully picked up the neatly folded garment but something fell from it. He picked it up and stared at the box in his hand. He can't believe what Amira also gave him.
He can't risk doing this through text so he called her. "Amira, what is this?"
"Oh, I thought you could use more color other than black. I mean, it's still navy so not much of a departure but at least it's something different," she quickly explained.
OA was not amused. "I wasn't referring to the sweater."
His sister was unfazed. "Then I don't know what you're talking about."
"Amira!" he warned.
"It's the new year and another year for you. You're not getting any younger, dear brother."
"Thanks for reminding me."
"Look, we just want you to have fun again. And maybe find someone again."
"We?"
"Mom may have mentioned something." He groaned. She continued, "We just want you to be happy, okay?"
He took a calming breath. "Okay, thanks anyway," he said then ended the call.
It was a dreary drive to the office. The cold weather was still not letting up and his mood did not help. However, his mood changed as he entered the office. He saw his fellow agents on their desks.
"Oh there he is. Happy birthday, partner!" Just one smile and hug from Maggie were enough to lift up his mood.
The rest of the team also greeted him. Stuart patted him on the back while Tiff hugged him. Jubal also hugged him and Isobel smiled at him when she said, "I know it's your birthday but we got a case." Maggie whispered before going to the JOC, "Dinner on us after work."
After wrapping up the case, Maggie drove them towards the other side of town. "Where are we going?"
His partner cheekily replied, "You'll see."
Walking in, he was surprised to see that what he expected to be just dinner with co-workers and friends, turned out to be a full-blown celebration.
Apparently, they found an Egyptian restaurant and everyone contributed to rent it for the night. A 'happy birthday' banner was attached to the wall with the gold letters OA. The delicious spread was already in the table surrounded by the team. Everyone collectively greeted him "Happy birthday, OA!"
He smiled as he thanked all of them. Tiff and Stuart brought a halal cake with a blue candle for him to blow. As he did, the party started. Trevor and Kelly already trying out the chicken kebabs while Tiff and Elise ate the pizza-like fiteer baladi. Jubal and Isobel sharing a loveseat while Stuart and Ian sat on the bench across them.
He smiled as Maggie gave him a shawarma. "When did you have time to do all this?"
She blushed. "Well, it's for a special person so of course, we'll find time."
He just took a bite when Maggie added "Oh yeah, Amira texted me that she got you a gift." Just when he thought he was having a great birthday, OA choked on his shawarma.
Notes:
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