seattle ; monday afternoon

[necroslacker]

Sam's birthday was in a few days. He'd honestly forgotten about it just due to the other things that had taken up residence in his head lately. It'd taken Ramon bringing it up to remind him. And when Ramon had realized that Sam had forgotten, he'd decided to throw a small, impromptu party at the house. Sam had tried to get out of it but Ramon had insisted and Sam hadn't been able to get him to relent.

Ramon had promised small and Sam was glad he was keeping to his word. There were a small group of people in the backyard, hanging out and chatting away. Ramon had even gotten his mom and Haley to show up which amused Sam, at least. Some had brought presents but most hadn't been prepared and Sam didn't really care anyway.

After getting over his initial dislike of the idea, Sam was a little more relaxed now. He had a drink in one hand and was quietly talking with Brid while the party went on around them.

He'd been nineteen in a few days and Sam was kind of amazed he was still alive. So, he could relax and enjoy himself.

[NFB but open for calls/texts/visits. Sam wouldn't have told a lot of people about his birthday but if you think you know and that Ramon might have called you, feel free to show up or call or whatever!]

Comments

[whenshewasnice]

Natalie laughed. Just a short sound, but it happened. "I thought it was kind of a given."

[necroslacker]

"Yeah, but I didn't wanna assume," he told her, shrugging. "So, I wasn't gonna assume until I heard otherwise, you know."

[whenshewasnice]

"Well, feel free to assume now," Natalie told him, amused. "Assume away. I'm staying."

[necroslacker]

"Good," he sighed, smiling. "Good. I had several bribes prepared in case you didn't wanna stay so now I can leave those for another time."

[whenshewasnice]

"I just cheated myself out of bribes?"

She didn't seem too upset by this thought.

"Too bad."

[necroslacker]

"Just for this time," he told her, laughing. "I'm sure I'll still have them for next time when I'm trying to get you to stay over. I stockpile my bribes."

[whenshewasnice]

"You think I am going to need bribing some other time?"

Well, occasionally that might be the case.

[necroslacker]

"I think anything's possible," Sam told her, shrugging. "So yeah, I think you might. Maybe. One of these days."

[whenshewasnice]

"That's a lot of uncertainty," Natalie remarked, with another kiss. It was his birthday celebration, she was allowed.

Besides, she was a little needy these days. "Maybe you just like the idea."

[necroslacker]

"I'll never tell," he said, waggling his eyebrows at her. "But, I like a lot of things. Bribery might be included."

[whenshewasnice]

"Mmhmm." She continued to look amused, even as she turned to glance around. "So... Who are the people I don't already know?"

[necroslacker]

"A few of them I don't even know," Sam chuckled, glancing around. "I think they're friends of Ramon or Frank's that I don't know. There are some members of Brid's family here. Some people from the Council. And I think Haley brought a friend so she wouldn't get too bored."

[whenshewasnice]

Natalie let go of his hand so she could wind an arm around his waist, leaning against his side. "Does it make me a bad person if I think you should specifically point out Brid's relatives to me so I don't accidentally talk to them?"

[necroslacker]

"It doesn't," he said, draping his arm across her shoulders. "It's just a few of her brothers. Luckily, her dad's not here."

Brannoc at a party? So weird.

Sam nodded at her brothers. "Though, I think even Brid drives them crazy sometimes."

[whenshewasnice]

"Still, I'm staying away from them," Natalie told him quietly. "Not really a family I should associate with, especially at your party."

[necroslacker]

"That's fine," he assured her with a little smile. "I'm not gonna force us all into bonding activities or anything. You can associate with me. And Frank. And my mom. And Haley. And the food table."

[whenshewasnice]

"Good," Natalie nodded. "I can do that. And then later I'll just associate with you and no one else."

[necroslacker]

"And how will you associate with me later?" Sam asked. "Hmm?"

[whenshewasnice]

"Wouldn't that be a spoiler?" Natalie teased him. "I think it would."

[necroslacker]

"What's wrong with spoilers?" Sam wondered. "Besides, I'd call it more of a hint. A teaser of what's to come."

[whenshewasnice]

"And do you really want me dropping hints with everyone around?" she replied, smirking a bit. Just a bit. "I'm sure some of them have excellent hearing."

[necroslacker]

"You would whisper it to me," Sam said, not about to be deterred that easily. "And I don't care if they overhear. They shouldn't eavesdrop."

[whenshewasnice]

Natalie gave that a quiet chuckle. "Well, you do seem pretty keen on getting your teaser, I'll give you that."

[necroslacker]

"Does that mean you'll help a guy out?" he asked hopefully. "I'd be most appreciative."

[whenshewasnice]

"You even sound hopeful," Natalie remarked, with her own brand of quiet amusement. Still, she turned a bit, getting even closer than she was. Maybe in a moment she might whisper something. "I thought you weren't expecting presents."