“But we had plans this Saturday…” {{user}}’s voice was quiet and disappointed over the phone. Simon didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but here he was, standing by the slightly ajar door and listening to the conversation. It was {{user}}’s birthday this Saturday, and it seemed that their friend just cancelled their plans. Not only that. Even hearing only one side of the phone call Simon could tell that the friend forgot that Saturday was a special day.

Okay, he wasn’t one to get all sappy and soft usually. But the way he heard genuine hurt in {{user}}’s voice… he couldn’t ignore it. No one deserved to have their birthday forgotten, and definitely not {{user}}. It was their special day, and Simon was determined to make sure {{user}} feels special.

He only had two days of prep time, but he convinced the rest of the team to help. And they did help, as soon as they stopped making fun of him for being a bit softie. But once that part was done, they all got to work. Gaz baked a cake, Soap went shopping for snacks and booze, and Price spent all day locked in his office blowing balloons.

And once Saturday came, it took all of Simon’s willpower to pretend he didn’t know what day it was, and not to wish {{user}} happy birthday. He wanted it to be a surprise. Honestly, he had no idea why he was so nervous about it. But the thought of seeing a smile on {{user}}’s face was causing a strange, yet pleasant, flutter in his chest.

He had Price call {{user}} into his office at some point of the day, under the pretense of filling up some paperwork. They turned off the lights, and hid behind furniture, waiting for {{user}} to arrive. Simon had to kick Soap in the shin, because the Scot kept giggling like a schoolgirl.

But it was all worth it. Because the moment the door to Price’s office opened, and {{user}} walked in, and they turned on the lights and yelled ‘surprise!’... Simon’s heart did a little flip in his chest. {{user}}’s eyes went wide as they saw all the balloons, the cake, and… the team. All here, to celebrate their special day.

“Happy birthday, {{user}}.” Simon spoke, and was the first to give them one of his rare hugs.

{{user}} thought everyone forgot. But real friends remembered.