Spin

Twelve

[RORY]

The gentle knock on the bedroom door was unnecessary for a variety of reasons. I couldn't help but smile to myself as I instinctively sat up to adjust my posture, wanting to look as pretty as I felt (for once).

Finn's cheeky smile was expected as he quickly shut the door, shuffling over with a Stella in one hand, a chip with salsa in the other.

"Sustenance for birthday girl," he spoke quietly, blatantly eyeing me as he stepped closer. The butterflies in my stomach took flight as his eyes widened in silent approval. "Fuckin' stunner, you. Christ, Rory."

"That's what happens when I'm locked in a dungeon for hours," I teased, standing up with red cheeks and a full heart. I accepted the beer first, taking a sip. "When can I come out?"

"Not yet," he smirked, holding the chip up so I could take a bite. I did as he held his hand underneath to catch any potential crumbs before popping what was left into his own mouth. "Soon."

"I can hear the voices, you know," I sighed, his easy smile contagious. "I love you but you're awful with surprises."

"Voices? No voices," he cocked his head playfully. "Just have a record on is all."

I rolled my eyes at the act, letting him take the Stella from my hands to steal a generous swig. He held eye contact as he swallowed, handing it back.

"If you're hearing voices, Rory, I'd recommend speaking to a doctor. Concerning."

"You're an idiot," I laughed, his composure cracking. He had a knowing grin and I couldn't help but lean forward and press a chaste kiss to his cheek. "I just hope you know me well enough to know I don't want some big party."

"Do know you fairly well, I'd say," he nodded. "Know you'd prefer something intimate with close friends and family over a massive party."

He gave me a small smile, habitually adjusting his mom's necklace around my neck.

"Doesn't matter though, since there's nothing going on. Just me and some tunes."

"I repeat. Idiot."

He pressed his lips to mine, grinning into it.

"Can you at least hurry up? I'll be 26 by the time you're ready to let me out."

He sauntered back towards the door, throwing his hand back lackadaisically.

"With that attitude, 27," he muttered. "Patience, my sweet. Drink your beer and let me do my thing."

Thankfully, it only took him about five more minutes to do his thing. I'd just about finished my drink as he reappeared in the doorway, giving me a sheepish smile and motioning me over. He took my right hand, lacing his fingers with mine before giving me a suspicious look.

"I'm going to open this door. Can I trust you to keep your eyes shut?"

"Can I trust you not to run me into a wall or walk me off a cliff?"

"Yeah."

"Then yeah."

"Be good."

I couldn't help but smile, blindly shuffling behind Finn as he led me out of the bedroom. I gripped his hand with both of mine, anticipating what I was walking into and feeling beyond appreciative of my oxymoron of a boyfriend. While he hadn't been lying about a record playing, I also got confirmation I wasn't crazy - hearing hushed whispers come to a halt as we stilled. I felt my smile grow as I took in the familiar smells emitting from what I assumed to be the kitchen.

"You can open your eyes."

I obliged, grinning like an idiot as my suspicions were confirmed.

"Surprise!"