hold me closer, necromancer

Nick came to sometime on the hike down. He didn’t look super happy, but then again, he didn’t complain either. He kept an eye on Ramon for the rest of the trip, even though Sam's friend was just smiling and whistling. Sam scratched Taco’s head and tried to hide his smile.

( Ramon offered to drive... )

[NFB, NFI. Taken from Necromancing the Stone and TBC as this chapter is super long. Warning for: description of a dead body.]

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!]