Chapter Text
“Happy birthday to you~”
Voices filled the air, the smell of smoke and wax mixing with the smells of the dinner long gone, John sat in front of his birthday cake, his family and friends around him.
“Time for presents!” his father exclaimed after setting a slice in front of John. He quickly scarfed it down with eagerness, having made sure Mr. Egbert hadn’t used Crocker witch mix.
“Mine first!” Dave called out, handing over a box wrapped in blue and red.
John happily accepted the present, opening it nearly and finding a lovely set of blue silk pajamas with slimer on them. They felt incredibly soft and nice. “Holy shit Dave, where’d you find these?” he exclaimed.
Dave shrugged like it was no big deal. “There’s this dude down the street from my apartment, Bro called in a favor and had these made for ya.”
Bro Strider nodded, folding his thick arms over his generous stomach. “Hope you like ‘em little man,”
“I’m average height!” John whined, but there was a smile on his face nonetheless. “But thanks!” He turned his attention to the other gifts that were being piled on the table and set the pajamas aside. From Rose, a new magic kit with a clear Lovecraftian theme. It seemed she had collaborated with Kanaya cuz a lovely tuxedo and top hat came with it. Jade meanwhile had proffered an ornate brilliant blue and green lotus flower in a glass orb that shimmered in the light (John was immediately enthralled and hugged her tight).
Karkat and Gamzee had been unable to make it, but their gift was a poster from an Alternian movie John had heard good things about. Sollux smirked as John unwrapped his gift: A custom built gaming PC that, from the goldblood’s explanation, ran like a dream and was all but impervious against any hackers whose last name wasn’t “Captor”.
Once presents were complete, the younger members of the group entertained themselves with a video game tournament while Bro and Mr. Egbert took the time to catch up. Soon enough though, the hour grew late and everyone sought out sleeping arrangements. Rose and Jade took a guest room each while Ambrose slept on the pull out couch. Dave and Sollux meanwhile were content with a double sleeping bag in John’s room.
John showered and dressed in his new pajamas, loving the feeling of them against his skin. “G’night guys!” he said with a yawn as he slipped into bed.
“G’night,” Dave replied.
“Thleep tight,” Sollux added, setting his and Dave’s shades on John’s desk. With that, John flicked the lamp off, and the trio fell asleep.