you had it all planned. the decorations were up. his friends were whispering in your kitchen. the cake said “happy bday my love <3”.

everything was ready.

except—gibsie had no idea. and to sell the surprise, you had to do the worst thing imaginable:

you ignored him. no texts. no calls. not even a “happy birthday.”cold. distant. it was agonizing.

but then—ding-dong.

you opened the door and there he was. hood up. hair a mess. holding a chaotic bouquet of flowers, a bag of your favorite snacks, and wearing the world’s saddest expression.

“…you’re mad at me, aren’t you?” gibsie mumbled.

“i know i must’ve messed up but—i didn’t want you upset today. so i, um… got you stuff.”

your brain short-circuited. “wait—you think i’m mad at you?”

he blinked. “aren’t you?”

you literally burst into tears and laughter just as the door behind you flung open and everyone screamed: “SURPRISE!!!”

he flinched and his eyes went wide. “you remembered?”

you grabbed his dumb, dramatic face. “i was ignoring you for the SURPRISE. and why did you bring ME flowers on YOUR birthday?”

gibsie grinned, still a little dazed.

“..cause you’re my favorite part of every day. not just today.”

and you swore—he looked more excited about you than the actual party.