#nirrin

“Well, you know you’re not allowed to do that today, don’t you?”

“I’m not?” He pulled the blankets back, exposing you to the full delight of his smile.

‘The children won’t allow it.”

“They allow it if we lock the door.”

“Trust me, you’ll want to get up for this. Get dressed.” He left your side with a wink, “It’ll be worth it.”

You complied with his dubious request, slippin ginto something comfortable. It was one of your visits to your children’s outrealm that was never quite long enough. Naturally you wanted to take as little time doing anything except for spending time with them.

Tired or not, you wanted to cherish these moments.

You made your way down the hall, little whispers and giggles pricking your ears.

“Is Mama ready?”

“She’s coming now.” 

“She’s gonna be so surprised! Isn’t she?”

“It doesn’t seem like she remembered what day it is, so…I think you’re right.”

The tittering back and forth of excited children’s voices with Niles’ gentle warmth stirred your curiosity. It would be sated not long after you stepped into the kitchen.

“Happy birthday, Mama!!”

You gasped, finding streamers and colorful banners jall over the kitchen. Sweets and painstakingly made delicacies covered the table, along with a number of clumsily wrapped presents waiting for you on the counter.

‘Happy Birthday Mama’ was strung along a banner fastened to the cabinet doors, covered in paint that had undoubtedly left stains in the grass, outside. 

But most importantly were the two young children tackling your legs, while their father shot you a wink.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart.”

“You…it’s…really?” 

Kana giggled, burying his face in your dress. “Your birthday day is here! Did we surprise you, Mama?!”

Judging by the dumbfounded look on your face, Niles knew you were more than surprised. You’d completely forgotten it.

You managed to recover yourself long enough to tousle Kana’s and Nina’s hair, giving them both a firm squeeze.

“You really did surprise me! This is so sweet…thank you, all of you!”

“I did the decorations,” Nina puffed her chest up proudly, grinning wide with sparkling eyes. “I did lots of paintin’ and drawin’! But Daddy can reach higher than me, so he put most of it up.”

“I see,” You beamed at your precious girl, before looking up at your sweet husband. He shrugged, pushing off the counter to pluck Kana and hoist him onto his shoulder.

“You’ve been stressed and busy lately, and the kids wanted to make your birthday really special. I figured now would be as good a time as ever, y’know?”

“It’s an excellent point,” You picked Nina up, holding her to your hip. The children giggled between you, knowing what was about to happen.

Niles planted a hot one on you, a proper kiss between mother and father that squished the little rascals between you.

“Papa, stop it!!” Kana giggled, pushing at Niles’ face. 

“What? I’m just giving Mama her present.”

“We wanna give her our presents first! And they’re way better than some kiss.”

“I don’t know…Papa’s kisses are pretty great.” You winked, earning two grossed out expressions. 

Niles looked more pleased than he deserved to.

“Very well, then. Let’s put your presents to the test, hm? Then we’ll know for sure whose she likes better; mine or yours.”

“It’ll be ours, right, Mama?” Kana whispered to you, wide eyes sparkling hopefully.

You shot him a wink, following your family to the kitchen table.

“It wasn’t even a contest.”

“I heard that.”

Niles glanced back at you; you’d likely be paying for that comment later. That, or Niles was plotting how to “prove” his present to you was far better than anything the children could give you.

He was endearing, though you’d be lying if his competitiveness with the children wasn’t a little concerning…

Nonetheless…you found yourself showering in affection , love and tenderness you never would’ve guessed was possible. Let alone on your birthday, something you’d completely forgotten from the hectic nature of your day to day life.

You were so grateful to have a family that cared so much about you, they wouldn’t let you forget something as significant as the day you were brought into the world.