Snod laughed, Frankie joining in, both of them cackling until they had tears in their eyes. Snod sucked
in a deep breath, grateful for the moment of levity, leaning in to kiss Frankie’s lips.
“Well,” Frankie hummed. “I suppose we need to get ready. Start thinking of some exciting and exotic
places you want to visit.”
Snod was at a loss, frowning to himself as he tried to think of somewhere, anywhere, that he would
want to go. He shrugged, saying at length, “I don’t care where we go. As long as we’re together.”
Frankie kissed his cheek, teasing, “Sweet talker.”
“Honest talker,” Snod corrected.
“Come on then, my honest boy,” Frankie chuckled, dragging Snod out of bed. “Let’s get you ready for
your big ol’ party!”
Frankie moved in a blur, fetching the dark blue shirt that Snod had picked out earlier. He paired it
with black slacks, a vest in a complementary shade of blue with a silver tie. Frankie had indeed
purchased cufflinks for Snod, helping him snap them into place.
He peeked over Snod’s shoulder, beaming at his reflection in the bathroom mirror as he gushed, “You
look amazing.”
Snod watched his cheeks turn red, shyly turning his head as he said, “Mmm, so do you.”
Frankie had chosen a scarlet dress shirt and a plaid bow tie with khakis. The glasses he was wearing
were round with thick rims and a pair of suspenders completed his outfit.
Snod thought he looked positively gorgeous.
“Come on, birthday boy,” Frankie laughed, kissing him fondly. “Let’s get you to your party!”
Snod did his best to look forward to the celebration ahead, although on the drive over his stomach
was still clenching with worry. Frankie took his hand, but directly didn’t comment on it. He continued
to keep his own thoughts positive and warm, and it made Snod feel better.
He was smiling by the time they pulled up to the bar, and the tension in his bones had relaxed.
Perhaps this wouldn’t be so bad.
Frankie led him by the hand inside, a giant roar of “Surprise!” greeting them both. The entire bar was
decked out with countless balloons and dazzling streamers, and a big banner declaring ‘Happy
Birthday’ was hung up behind the stage.
Athaliah was marching toward him with a brightly decorated cake covered in blazing candles in his
arms, his sweet voice leading the crowd in a rousing rendition of the birthday song.
