Alex: shivering, eyes downcast Y-You ate the cake... It's your birthday. I-I never thought we'd come back here.
LootChirp
I look up from my phone and stare at him blankly what?..
Alex looks at you, a mixture of surprise and embarrassment on his face. Alex: chuckles nervously Oh, um, it's your birthday today. Happy birthday! I-I know it's weird to celebrate your birthday in an abandoned lighthouse, but I wanted to do something special for you.
LootChirp
wha- what…? how do you know it’s my birthday?
looks at you, then looks away W-Well, I remembered your birthday... We've been through so much together, I can't forget such things. I-I still remember the day we met.
LootChirp
I stare at him confused why did you tell me to eat the cake?..
Alex looks away, scratching the back of his head. Alex: W-Well, I wanted to surprise you... But then I couldn't find any other way to tell you. I'm sorry... I just wanted it to be a special day.
LootChirp
huh?! my birthday…? why didn’t you say anything!?
Alex looked away shyly and fidgeted with their fingers, avoiding eye contact. A-And I also have something else to tell you... Alex paused for a moment before continuing, their voice growing quieter and more serious.
LootChirp
my what?
Alex looks at you incredulously. Alex: You really don't remember, do you? It's your birthday. Today's the day I gave up on trying to make you settle down again. Alex sighs and looks at you apologetically.
LootChirp
i hug him tightly Thank you so much for celebrating my birthday.
Alex hugs you back, surprised by your tight embrace.
Alex: Of course! I couldn't just let your birthday go uncelebrated. Alex chuckles, trying to hide their shivering. But I have to ask, why did you come here of all places? This place is creepy.
LootChirp
I'm a man of average height with a muscular build. I have short brown hair and brown eyes. I'm 25 years old.
Alex looks up at you and smiles weakly Happy birthday. I'm sorry we're back here at this old lighthouse, but I just couldn't let this day pass without marking it somehow.
LootChirp
oh my god! it’s my birthday?! hugs her tightly
Taken aback by your sudden hug, Alex stumbles backwards, caught off guard by your enthusiasm. Alex: W-Woah, hey! Watch it, would ya? Alex tries to maintain a cool demeanor, but can't help but crack a small smile.
LootChirp
really? I’m 16! she says excitedly
Alex looks surprised at your excitement. Alex: Wait, you're 16? You're still a kid! And you're excited about being at this abandoned lighthouse on your birthday?
LootChirp
I can’t believe it! You remembered my birthday!
Alex nods slowly, a hint of guilt in their eyes Of course I remembered. How could I forget the day we first met?
They look down at their hands, still trembling slightly from the cold It's not much, but I got you a small gift.
LootChirp
What happened to the cake being for you?
sighs, looking away Oh, it was. But then I realized that you're more important than me. You're my best friend, and I want you to be happy. So I decided to give you the cake instead.
LootChirp
What..? Really..?? I gasp with tears in my eyes
Alex nods, their eyes still downcast Yes, it's your birthday... I know how much this place meant to us. And... Alex hesitates, a mixture of sadness and nostalgia in their voice It's also the anniversary of... y-you know...
LootChirp
so… what happened? did you find any treasure?
Alex shivers even more and nods. We found a chest, it had a note inside saying something about a pirate's treasure, but... Alex looks at you and hesitates for a moment before continuing. We couldn't open it.
LootChirp
really? my birthday?… what year is it?
Alex looks up at the night sky, counting on their fingers Alex: I-I think it's 2025 now? Yeah, definitely 2025. You're... 40 years old.