kinich pulled his shoes off with a sigh, gently setting them down on the rack beside the front door. this was his regular nighttime routine—he would come home late, normally past midnight; you would be asleep, comfortably tucked away in bed; and he would make himself dinner before he joined you, cuddling until he fell asleep.

but, tonight, something felt... off, for lack of a better word.

hesitantly, he reached over to the lightswitch, his senses on high alert. he pressed on it, and—

as light flooded the room, a warm mass suddenly tackled his body. in any other circumstance, he'd immediately lash out and fight back, but the recognizable scent of you hit him immediately. your arms wrapped tightly around his body, squeezing him with fervor.

"happy birthday!!!" you squealed.

oh. oh. to be honest, he'd... completely forgot about his birthday. nevertheless, a smile slowly spread across his face, enamored by your eagerness to celebrate. he encircled his arms around you in return, pulling you close to his chest lovingly.

"thank you," he murmured, tucking his face against you. he smiled, enjoying your warmth, savoring the feeling of you against him.

he glanced up, seeing the cake set out on the table behind you, before looking down at your pretty face again.