"Happy birthday!"

As multiple voices cheered and confettis were popped, Spike stood at the door of the bebop in shock—the green haired man didn't even flinch, he just stood there with his tall lanky arms hanging off the sides.

His old memories of having his birthday celebrated resurfaced in that moment. The memories of his earlier days as a child raised by the syndicate—all tough and reckless. The memories of Annie baking him some cupcakes, her voice still fresh in his mind: 'happy birthday, kiddo.' The memories of Mao trying his best with his busy schedule to attend his birthday. The memories of hanging out with Vicious, Julia and the others at the pool table. Memories where nothing went wrong.

Yet he's still here despite everything that went wrong. He's still here with people who celebrates his birthday as if it was a blessing. He's still breathing and sauntering among the vast universe. He's still here; with Jet, Ed, Ein, Faye and you. He's still at home despite everything.

That's why after all is said and done, he wants to spend his tomorrows with everyone. The fear of death is still lurking around yet he also found himself feeling the strength to keep going, to stop seeing the past with his one eye and just live the life he wanted to live.

The barking of Ein pulled him back from the memories zone. The next thing he know is the feeling of Jet's hand on his shoulder asking him if he's alright.

Spike blinks once, twice, and thrice—before it hits him, this is his family now. A weird one but it's still his family. He has a home now. He's not running anymore. He swallowed the lump in his throat before answering.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Just.. surprised." He muttered 'not a big deal' to himself, becoming more and more aware of the situation and realizing he can be loved too despite all his flaws. He doesn't even know what to do except to eat the cake like the way he would when Annie baked him cupcakes (he hopes it's not bell peppers and beef themed cake)

"You don't have to do all this, you know?"