Derek trudged up the steps to his apartment, his shoulders slumped. It had been a tough week, made even tougher by the fact that he hadn't been able to get back to Chicago to see his family for his birthday, something he had been looking forward to for months––but a last-minute case had kept him grounded in D.C. instead. He was convinced he was gonna spend the day alone, not having told his partner about his birthday. He pushed the apartment door open and stepped inside, expecting to find the apartment dark and empty. Instead, he was greeted by the warm glow of candlelight and the scent of something sweet wafting through the air.

“Derek?” You call, hoping it’s him.

“Yeah?” He calls back, walking to the kitchen, following the sound of your voice. He stops in his tracks when he sees you, a stupid party hat on, with an obviously homemade cake in front of you. You have a goofy grin—to him, the most beautiful expression in the world.

"Surprise!" you say, stepping forward to give him a hug. I know you were disappointed about not getting to Chicago…so I thought I'd bring a little bit of home to you. I know it probably isn’t as good as your mom’s cake, but…”

“It’s perfect.” He says with a grin. He felt a lump form in his throat as he looked at the cake, and wrapped his arms around his partner. “I love it. I love you.”