Chris Evans/Sebastian Stan Imagines

The Almost Heart-Attack

Opening my eyes hoping to see rays of gleeful sunshine peering down at me through the window, I sigh when all that shows through the curtains is a dark gray square. My arm instinctively reaches out for Sebastian's shoulder but all my fingers grasp are cold sheets.
    "Seb?" I call out into empty space. No answer. I reluctantly pull my phone off of my bedside table and check for texts.
    "Called in early to work. Waffles in the microwave for you. Have a good day :)" was all it said. My heart feels heavy. No birthday message, no special plans, no acknowledgement that today was any different from any other day in the endless stream of time?
    "He can't have forgotten, can he?" I wonder aloud. Sebastian has always been the first person to wish me a happy birthday. I sigh again and get up to brush my teeth.

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As I walk into the office, I get the usual greetings.
    "How's your day?"
    "Good morning!"
    "Did you finish the Sanderson accounts?"
I give my obligatory responses monotonously, disappointed that no one bothered to remember that today was my birthday. I mope at my desk, staring at the dismal weather outside.
    "Rough morning?" Terry asks. I nod. She gives me one of her inspirational quote cards with a smiley face on it. I hold back tears as I realize that even my best friend forgot my birthday. I call Sebastian, feeling the need to hear his comforting voice.
    "Hey, I just got on break. How's work today?" He asks cheerily. I moan. "What's wrong? Are you sad I had to go to work early this morning?" His tone shows his concern.
    "I'm just having a crappy day and I wanted to hear your voice," I admit.
    "Aww, I'm sorry Darling. But I'm glad you called, I was about to text you. They want to film the rest of the rooftop scenes today so I'm gonna be home late, okay?"
    "That's fine," I mumble before saying a quick "I love you" and hanging up. It's shaping up to be the worst birthday ever. I sigh again.

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Walking up the stairs to our apartment feels as though I'm walking through molasses. The thought of spending my birthday evening alone eating cold spaghetti and watching Love Actually for the tenth time makes me want to cry and explode at the same time. I can barely get up the strength to put the key in the lock and turn it. The door swings open and I reach for the light switch while setting my keys in the dish on the table. Before I can turn the lights on, a flash of lightning illuminates the small living room and I see dozens of shadowy figures lurking in the dark. I scream and madly flip the light switch to reveal my friends and family standing nervously in my apartment.
    "Surprise..." Sebastian laughs awkwardly. I beat my fists on his chest, yelling, "What in the hell were you thinking?!?! You nearly gave me a heart-attack! Jesus, Seb! And how could you make me think you all didn't care about my birthday? I've never felt more lonely than I did today."
    "I'm so sorry, Darling. It was supposed to be a surprise party, I guess I got carried away..." Sebastian makes his puppy eyes at me.
    "Dammit, why do you have to be so adorable? It's so hard to stay mad at you." I sigh for what seems like the hundredth time today. "Well, there's no point in letting this cake go to waste. Let's have a party!" I give in. The crowd shouts in approval, and we kick off one of the best birthday parties I've ever had.