...And I Am Going Home

Oliver 19

It was Oliver's birthday, which meant a bombardment of social media messages from people wishing him a great day, an awkward phone call from his mam and a present in the post, and whatever his workplace had in store for him. He had seen what happened on other coworkers' birthdays, so he was mentally prepared, glad it was just a momentary pause of working and singing with a cake. In previous places, they made a big deal, surprising people, jumping out of the dark office and screaming 'happy birthday', which Oliver hated to the point he would fake call in sick. While Oliver hated surprises, this surprise was easily manageable and tame. Someone would act coy and pretend to want something, guiding Oliver over somewhere where everyone else in the office stood surrounding a birthday cake and start singing.

Oliver forced a smile, though it was difficult seeing the cake. It was a rainbow one, pride-themed, of course. When it was their birthdays, his other coworkers received themed cakes too, though they were more related to their hobbies or if they had some flavour obsession. Ewan had a Celtic cake, Denise had flowers because she loves gardening, and Oliver got a rainbow cake because he was gay; how inspired. They could have chosen any qualities Oliver possessed; they had enough time to learn of his quiddities concerning mint. The cake could have been fucking mint-flavoured.

They all sang happy birthday to him, smiles on their faces, and Oliver smiled back, trying to seem happy that this was happening and not awkward at all or eating into the time he could be working. And then he blew out the candles, people teasing and asking what he wished for.

What do I wish for? Please, almighty human-eating giant Snickelway, don't try to devour the entirety of humanity. Please?

Oliver cut into the cake, dividing it into enough pieces for everyone to enjoy, and the office returned to their respective desks with their party plate of rainbow cake. It was a lovely cake, despite the concerning levels of artificial food colouring used, though Oliver was more looking forward to the cake Kara made, which involved many After Eights.

He stared at the card the office had signed, reading the messages with a genuine smile this time, though he winced and cringed when he looked at the front again; it was a generic message of happy birthday with balloons, but still rainbow themed. Yep, he was to be known as the gay guy in the office now. That was his moniker now.

When work had finished, Oliver received more birthday wishes from the rest of the office and headed to the restaurant. He was surprised by Heather and Guy, who had set aside a cupcake with a few pieces of mint Aero on top. This surprise didn't feel as awkward as no singing was involved, nor did it feel performative.

Then Oliver received more birthday wishes as Darren picked him up and took him home, where Kara was awaiting, having decorated Oliver's place with a few birthday banners. Oliver had given her permission, and Kara knew the rule of no surprises, so Rheanna, Zeke, Sasha, and Kal sat in the flat, helping set up snacks and decorations.

In previous years, Oliver would usually celebrate his birthday either with his current boyfriend of the time or with Kara. Regardless of his relationship status, he would only celebrate with one person; that was how he had always preferred it. He had disliked so much attention on himself; however, this year, he wanted to try something out of his comfort zone: having a small gathering of everyone from the band. When he thought about it, this is what ordinary people would do and did so without issue, but it did take Oliver some time to get used to so many people in his home and the abundance of attention they were all giving him. The birthday party was kept simple, with food, drinks, and movies, and was strictly only three hours long before Kara ushered everyone out of the door, declaring that was enough socialising for Oliver. They unfolded the sofa bed and watched some more TV, eating any leftover snacks, when Oliver saw his phone buzz. It was an incoming call from Cody. Kara noticed it and told him to take it.

Oliver took his phone into his bedroom and answered the call. "Hello?"

Cody's voice blasted out, singing 'Happy Birthday' at such a loud volume Oliver almost dropped his phone.

When Cody finally finished, Oliver paused and said dryly, "cheers."

Cody laughed on the other end. "I can't believe you didn't tell me it was your birthday! You don't even have it on any social media, didn't get any notifications for it! I had to learn from Zeke sending me that photo."

"What photo?" asked Oliver, curious because he said no photos and didn't see anyone take anything.

Oliver soon received the photo and saw him taking the first bite of the After Eight chocolate cake Kara had made with a delighted and dreamy smile.

"Fucking Zeke," Oliver sighed.

"I think you look adorable in it," Cody chuckled.

"I'm not adorable," Oliver huffed.

Cody laughed again. "Well, have you enjoyed your day at least?"

"Yeah, it was fun," said Oliver flatly, unable to express vocally and tonally that he did enjoy it and would do the same thing again next year. Maybe next year Cody would be there, too. "When's your birthday?"

"December," replied Cody. "I'm a winter child." He paused. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"Skipped my mind, to be honest." Oliver wasn't being honest. He just disliked receiving so much attention. If he had his way, he wouldn't have had all that fuss from his coworkers, but his birthday had to be documented and was automatically added to the calendar just like everyone else's. But there was also another reason why Oliver had not mentioned it to Cody. He didn't want to feel like Cody owed him anything. The rule, at least according to Oliver, was you got people presents if you were invited to the birthday celebration; otherwise, you got them a card or something small, like Heather and Guy gifted him a cupcake. Even then, Oliver didn't like this rule entirely, especially with people he was not so familiar with. He felt terrible receiving a present from Kal after knowing them for a few weeks and having only a handful of conversations with them, but the box of mint Lindor was still greatly appreciated. But Cody wasn't physically there... and maybe Oliver was trying to find excuses for things he didn't understand himself. Why hadn't he told Cody about his birthday?

"Well, I'll try and send you something as soon as I can," said Cody.

"You don't have to do that," said Oliver.

"Would you still send a gift if the positions were reversed?"

Oliver could only make a grumble in defeat.

"I'll find you something, birthday boy."

They talked for a bit longer, talking about the two movies Oliver watched with everyone for his birthday and what he was gifted so Cody could avoid duplicates, though more boxes of mint Lindor would be greatly appreciated. Then they finally said goodnight when it grew too late, and Oliver returned to the main room, where Kara had fallen asleep on the sofa bed. He adjusted the blanket and snuggled beside her, watching some more television on low volume before falling asleep.