All We Have Left

Chapter Twelve: Happy Birthday, Michael

    Henry had woken up early to prepare for Michael's big day. Setting up small decorations around the house and getting the cake and presents ready for when it was time. With the help of Helpy of course, things were done rather quickly, and giving his hard work one final glance of approval, he set off to Michael's room with Helpy sat on his shoulder. He softly opened the door, peeking and smiling once he saw that Michael was still asleep. He crept over to the side of his bed, gently putting a hand on his shoulder and softly shaking him. "Mikey, wake up! Today's your big day!" he softly said.

    Michael stirred, and with a few tired grunts, he looked up at Henry. He blinked sleepily and yawned, slowly waking up. "Hm? It's my what?"

    Henry gave a fond smile, letting Helpy down on the bed and watching as he waddled his way over to Michael's lap. "Your birthday, silly. Don't tell me you forgot?" He raised a brow, his smile still standing.

    "Oh." Michael laughed, booping Helpy's nose. "Right. I, uh, I kind of did."

    "Oh well that's alright." Henry chuckled. "Makes the surprise all the better, doesn't it?" Henry nodded towards the door. "Come on, we've got a birthday to celebrate."

    "Course." Mike climbed out of bed. "So what are we gonna do?"

    "Well, there's presents to open of course, and cake of course." Henry began to head out of the room, talking as he walked. "Games and movies, basically whatever else you want. It's your day today." He paused at the door, turning to look at Michael. "And after all that, I've got something very special for you."

    Michael followed him out. "Sounds cool! Been a while since I had cake."

    Henry nodded in agreement. "Same here. I made sure to get your favorite as well." He smiled, stopping in the living room where the most decorations and presents had been laid out. "Now, do you want presents or cake first? We can do both, if that's what you really want." Henry rambled on, listing off ideas to Michael.

    Michael looked around the room, smiling. "Presents first, I think. Thanks for this. It, um, it looks great." He turned to Henry, now grinning. "It's been forever since I had a proper birthday."

    Henry grinned back. "It's no problem, Michael. I hope you have lots of fun today." Henry headed over to the presents, picking out a relatively small one and held it out for Michael to take. "I think this one is a good one to start with."

    "Okay. It better not be socks, or I'm gonna be mad." Michael laughed and took it, then he began unwrap it, sitting down on the couch as he did.

    Henry sat beside Michael, laughing as well. "Clothing as a present? That is the absolute worst, I could never."

    "Yeah, well, I know someone who certainly would...and did. What an idiot." He rolled his eyes, finishing opening the present.

    Henry huffed. "Couldn't have said it better, Michael." He gazed at him, waiting for Mike'a thoughts on his fist present.