"It's a very special day, isn't it, Meg?"Â
She narrowed her eyes. "...Whyyy?"
"Oh, you know how mortals are, always assigning significance to what are essentially random dates, during which they feel they're allowed to take credit for the universe popping them into existence. You never pass up an opportunity to brag, do you?"
Meg remained still, her lips pressed into a thin white line.Â
He couldn't resist a grin. "I found out what day you were born."
"It took a few greased palms from the, uh, higher-ups, but I got it. You were working so hard to keep it secret, I got curious... You're older than you led me to believe."
"Oh, hush. Like it matters. My immortality clause should be kicking in any day now."
"I told you there's been a hold-up in accounting."Â
"In the meantime, I'm still so vulnerable." Her voice dipped into a pout. "A tragic figure just waiting to be struck down..."
"Oh, the dramatics. Look, do you want your present or not?"
She laughed. "You didn't say anything about a present..."
"Well, surprise." He spread his arms wide. "It's right here."Â
"Shut up," she said--and opened her mouth to meet his.