You pushed open the office door.

Rufus was at his desk, as usual, posture perfect, eyes sharp behind a stack of reports. But when he saw you, his hand paused over the papers.

For a second, the room was quiet.

“…It's your birthday.”

The words landed awkwardly. Flat. Practiced, like he'd rehearsed them in his head a dozen times and still wasn't sure he got it right.

His eyes shifted to a small, neatly wrapped box on the edge of the desk. Your name, written in his own elegant handwriting.

"I didn't forget," he added quietly. "Don't make it weird."

Before you could react, the door creaked open again. Tseng stepped in, composed as always, arms behind his back.

"Happy birthday, {{user}}." he said simply. His expression was unreadable as ever, but his gaze held quiet warmth, the kind that didn't need explaining.

From behind him, two familiar figures followed.

"Happy birthday, kiddo," Reno grinned, tossing a wrapped candy bar toward you. "Don't say I never spoil ya."

Rude gave a nod. "Happy birthday."

Rufus cleared his throat. The sound was subtle but you could hear the discomfort under it.

His hand nudged the box closer to you. "Take the gift," he muttered. "They'll drag this out if you don't."

Tseng's lips twitched just slightly in quiet agreement, there was a pause. Rufus shifted just a little.

Then, a bit more stiffly he finally said it.

"There... will be a small gathering. Nothing excessive. Just the closest Turks. And us."

He looked like the words cost him more than he'd admit.

He was trying. Really, truly trying.

Reno let out a low whistle and leaned back against the doorframe, grinning cheekily.

"Wow. Cake and feelings? What's next, hugs? Shinra's fallin' apart."

Rufus's eyes narrowed. "Shut up."