#reye-chan

Surely, Emmet knew what a birthday was. It was not something Ingo had programmed him to understand beyond indicating they shared one as "twins", since it had never really mattered to him. A birthday was simply another day once he'd grown old enough to strike out on his own. But, Emmet was an enthusiastic learner on his own time. Emmet had surprised him many times with his expansive knowledge of such wide variety, and so it was likely that he would also be aware of this human ritual.

So then, Ingo had to decide if he should try and follow the stereotypical birthday rules - a cake, a song celebrating the person, and a heartfelt gift. Perhaps Emmet would be anticipating exactly that, and would be disappointed otherwise.

Or, perhaps, Emmet would want something boisterous, something unexpected for his very first birthday ever. A dramatic birthday certainly fit Emmet and his love of fun, interesting things. To this day, his twin still pouted about not putting nunchaku into their cover story to distract from his sudden appearance. He would normally grant his brother anything, but at the time he'd thought it too silly and frivolous to be believable. Not realizing how much it meant to Emmet, he'd dismissed it and they'd moved on without it being incorporated. But, there was still apparent disappointment in Emmet's voice whenever he brought it up. It did provide a possible gift for him, then, and Ingo added it to the considered options.

For now, he would gather the parts of what made a birthday, and work out which version would better suit his sweet brother later.

Next was the cake. Emmet did not need to eat, but a birthday wouldn't be complete without one, right? Much of the appeal was having an interestingly decorated cake anyway. At least, that was the impression he'd gotten from the various bakeries he'd visited for research. The bakers had all been very skilled in their craft, and he found himself able to relate to their passion in regards to baking the perfect cake. Ingo found himself easily discussing the merits of selecting your materials carefully, as well as the exacting process of baking. He would still leave the actual production of the cake to the bakery he chose, but he felt enlightened on a process he'd never understood before.

Unexpectedly, the bakery that most eagerly discussed baking with him had also provided the perfect celebratory song. It seemed the bakery was frequently selected for birthday parties, and had quite the repertoire of advice for him as well. After all the help he'd been given, Ingo would have been foolish to not select that bakery for Emmet's first birthday cake.

Pleased with his progress, the rest of his plans fell quite easily into place. Although they would be working on their birthday, he and Emmet loved their jobs in the Subway. It would also allow him to surprise Emmet even more when they went to the bakery after their shift, picking up a specifically requested plain white box. Once they arrived home, Emmet would open the cake, he would sing a song for his brother, and then Emmet would receive his gift.

And then, perhaps, he could show Emmet just how much he loved him for the rest of the night.

His ears turning red at the thought, he tried his best to focus on his battles throughout his work day. He and Emmet saw each other frequently through their shift, and spent their lunch together as well. Unfortunately, they did not have any shared battles, but with plenty of time in between, he did not mind too terribly much.

It only became strange when he stepped off his train after the final battle of the day, having looped the tracks a few extra times due to the intensity of the battle. After waving to the challenger, who had not won this time, he clasped his hands behind his back as he looked around. The final passengers of the day were leaving, but he could not see any Agents around. The Station was nearly empty, only the distant din of footsteps exiting echoing softly in the air. Strange. He did not think he'd been *that* late. Had everyone truly finished up their shift quietly and left?

Emmet was probably waiting for him in the office, however. His twin had never once left him behind in Gear Station, stubbornly waiting no matter how much their shifts mismatched. Still, despite how odd he felt the situation was, he still felt light and energized. Emmet would love the cake, gift, *and* song. He was so certain he'd calculated properly, but he eagerly awaited Emmet's response anyway.

As he opened the door, he began to say "Emmet, I have finished my shift." He only got a few words in, however, before being interrupted by the sound of confetti poppers going off and a chorus of 'Happy Birthday, Boss!' Staring blankly with his mouth open slightly in surprise, he maintained his hold on the door handle. Inside, all the Agents had gathered, along with Emmet who stood with his arms spread wide at the front.

"Happy Birthday to us, Nii-san!" Emmet cheered, quickly closing the distance between them and enveloping Ingo in a tight hug. Leaning back when Ingo stayed shell-shocked, Emmet laughed lightly and dragged him further into the room. "Come on, come on. Everyone's been waiting!"

Slowly, the reality that Emmet had planned a surprise party for him dawned on him. Amidst their friends and coworkers congratulating him and Emmet on their birthday, he also received chastisements for having kept it from them before. Touched beyond capacity, he felt himself flush warmly, apologizing for keeping it secret and thanking everyone for thinking about him. Although he'd thought nothing of his birthday before, now that Emmet was here, it was going to be something worth celebrating every year. And now, their friends would know as well, willing and able to celebrating with them.