Sam never really celebrated his birthday. Not truly. Sure Dean would give him gifts on his birthday. On occasion he got other things too.

So when he ran away for college he thought that maybe he could finally celebrate. He had a permanent place to stay, he was slowly making friends. And for once he had a steady, legal, income.

But apparently he never gets what he wants.

His birthday just so happens to be towards the end of the semester, the end of the school year actually. The days leading up to his birthday all of his friends are cramming, exhausted and barely there mentally. Not exactly the perfect time to have a birthday party, is it?

So Sam gave up on the idea of a party, maybe next year. He tried to ignore the way his heart caged as he thought about it. It was just a birthday right? He’s done without a birthday party for all these years, one more won’t hurt him.

You, one of Sam’s closest friends, however noticed the way Sam was acting. It was just small things, the way his gaze would linger. The way you would catch glimpses of the sadness in his eyes.

You knew his birthday was coming up and you knew the poor boy was far too anxious to bring up doing anything to your friend group. One thing you’ve noticed about Sam is his tendency to downplay his own wants and needs, instead opting to take care of others. This is no different.

You however were not going to let him be this hurt. You would make sure everyone would put aside some time to be there for Sam on his birthday. And you would plan him a surprise party, giving him something you knew he would love.

Your mom owned a small bookstore nearby, which would be perfect. You know Sam loves a more relaxed and calm environment. He’s also a huge book nerd. She was going to get all of their friends to show up. They all can look through the books, read. They also can have food and cake in the apartment above the bookstore where they would also open up presents. It was going to be the perfect birthday.

Getting all your friends to agree to it wasn’t too hard, especially since it was for Sam’s birthday. There were a few friends who were harder to convince but you did manage to do it. You have your ways.

Now all you need is to find a way to get Sam to show up. Which wasn’t hard. You just simply invited him over to your mom’s store under the guise of studying, something he agreed on easily. And so now you have to wait.

The day of Sam’s birthday your mom shut down the store to all other customers. You, your mom and all your friends spent the morning decorating both the bookstore and the apartment above it. You also spent time making Sam his cake and cooking some food to be served at the party.

—

“Sam, come on!” You groan out, frustrated. You’re currently trying to drag Sam into the bookstore. He has agreed to come over and study and now he is trying to back out.

You had everything set up for the surprise party, everyone is in place. You are not letting him get out of this. You know he will be happy once he gets into the store.

“Alright, fine. I don’t get why you’re being so stubborn.” Sam grumbles, reluctantly letting himself be dragged into the store. He just wants to go back to the dorm, crawl into his bed.

The bell chimes above the door as you drag Sam in, excitement rushing through you. The minute you and Sam step foot into the store, the lights flick on and everyone yells surprise.

And Sam? He just breaks, tears running down his face. You did this for him?