Jim Lake Jr. x reader || Daylight

Ch. 7: Bittersweet Sixteen...Wait What!?

A lot had happened over the last week, finding out who were changelings and even MORE stuff to do with changelings. To be more specific, the team went and uncovered all of the changelings in town...at least that's what we think. And while I was babysitting, I noticed there was something off with the baby, Pearl, but it didn't seem major so I let it be for now.

 But other than that, all normal high school stuff.

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I woke with a start as Jim let out a snore, drooling on my shoulder. "Jim-" I whined, shaking him awake, trying to push away the blankets that had us trapped in a warm soft cocoon.

"Don't go. There's not even school today." His voice was groggy as he leaned forward to stop me from moving, resting his head back on my shoulder.

I looked back at him with a smile, leaning back down and resting against his chest. 

"Five minutes Lake. Then we should go see what everyone is up to." But I was only lying to myself as my eyelids grew heavy, Jim hugging me from behind, sending a wave of warmth over me.

It was nice. It was freaking lovely! But our amulets had other plans.

I blinding ball of light rose in the middle of Jim and I, sending him flying towards his bedframe while I slammed into a wall.

We could only laugh as that had been around the sixth time that had happened in a two-day span.

Jim still laughed quietly as he walked over to help me up from the ground, his hand staying in mine, now intertwined as we stared at each other with goofy smiles.

"Are you two all right!?" Ms. Lake's voice yelled as I heard her steps as she came up the stairs.

Jim let go of my hand as he headed to the door, opening it for his mom.

"Y-yeah! Just trying out different-stuff-flips-for P.E." Jim gave a weary smile as his mom just shook her head and handed him a plate of pancakes.

I smiled at her gesture, it having to be a special occasion due to her being so busy to even cook for herself.

"Happy birthday, my sweet boy." 

I choked on air as I rushed to Jim's side, both of our hair wild and in need of straightening up, and smacked his shoulder with a wide smile.

"Wait, what!? Jim! How come you didn't tell me?" 

He gave me a small smile but looked at his mom with a stressed expression.

"He doesn't like his birthdays..." Ms. Lake's words left me quiet. 

They started talking about celebrating then not celebrating but I was already in my own thoughts.

Jim didn't like his birthday...I wondered why? I personally disliked the day that was supposed to be oh so joyful and exciting, full of celebration...because I had no one to celebrate it with. I have friends, of course, but they would only hang for a while and would leave to spend time with their own families. Families that wanted them home, to be with them, to know they were safe...maybe something was bothering Jim and I just didn't know. I'd let him share whenever he was ready.

"(Y/n)?" I felt Jim's hand on my own as he gave me a worried look. 

"Whatcha thinking about?" His words made my heart feel as if it was being pulled out of my chest, so vulnerable.

It had been so long since someone cared...cared like this.

"Uh-Just was thinking how sweet it is your mom cares about your birthday so much. Why aren't you eating your pancakes?" Ms. Lake had already left for work as Jim sat by me criss-cross apple sauce.