Work Text
Welcome to the Birthday Bash, where all the oneshots are birthday themed.Before we get started, I'd like to leave you with a couple things to keep in mind. 1. I use my own versions of these characters. I use the popular fandom/widely accepted canon names for tags, but I'm not actually using the fanon versions.2. I do not plan on writing sequels or expanding on any of the oneshots included in this work.3. These are copied over from a quiz posted under the same name on my Quotev. If you'd like to take the quiz version, you can find it HERE. Chapter Index (in order):SlendermanSplendormanLaughing JackEyeless JackLiuBENJaneJeffNatalie/ClockworkNinaToby
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
There’s a bouquet of flowers on the kitchen counter when you walk in. You’re still not used to your Slender’s proxies slipping in and out of your home unnoticed. Even if all they’re doing is dropping off gifts.It’s a nice gesture all the same. The flowers are pretty, likely from his own garden (or perhaps his mother’s). And the vase they come in is high quality, a transparent crystal in your favorite color. The blooms smell nice as you shift them around in the vase, looking for the card you’re sure came with the bouquet.He’s predictable like that, polite and formal even with loved ones. And thoughtful enough to send you flowers for your birthday.The small card you find is handwritten in beautiful loopy cursive. Almost illegible. Your name being the only thing on the front. You flip the booklet open. Happy birthday is written on one side, the other is an invitation of sorts. All that’s listed is an address and a time. The bottom of the invitation is signed simply with his name. Slenderman.One quick internet search of the address listed and you already have an idea what to expect. The address being for a nice restaurant. You can only assume that he's taking you to dinner.You idly flip the card over, on the back is a list of names, the flowers in your gift you assume. You almost want to laugh, he’s so old fashioned. Sending your notes and gifts before he actually comes calling. Part of you wonders if he’s ever used a phone, that’d be so much easier and less expensive. But it wouldn’t be Slender then would it?Ah, well, you can wonder if he’s open to trying to use modern technology later. You have a fancy birthday dinner to get ready for.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It’s busy downstairs. You sit at the top of the stairs as you watch Splendorman and his proxies buzzing about.Splendy is excited about something, as per usual.It’s early in the day and the commotion has drawn you from the guest bedroom you’d crashed in after last night’s weekly game night. Still sleepy, but curious, you can start to pick up on what exactly is going on. The proxies are decorating. Splendor darting in and out of the kitchen to occasionally check on their progress as he makes something. Hopefully whatever it is will turn out this time, he does have coin toss like luck when it comes to cooking.Seeing all the effort and joy going into…whatever it is they’re setting up for, brings a smile to your face.Two proxies catch your eye as they step back to admire their work. A banner strung from the ceiling. Twirling, colorful streamers and shiny, multicolored foil stars strung up along the length of the banner. Drawing attention to the words printed in bold all caps letters.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
How could you forget? Today is your birthday. This is all for you.You’re a little surprised Splendor had remembered, he is a very busy entity after all!A voice calls out to you, your gargoyling has been noticed. It’s Splendor, and he seems a little upset to see you. A slight frown on his face.“You’re up early.” No, he’s not upset. He’s disappointed.“Did I ruin the surprise?” You give him a soft smile.He slumps in defeat. So you did. Surprise or not, you appreciate all of this anyway.You stand, making your way down the stairs and tugging Splendor back towards the kitchen. Maybe if you help him this time, Trendy won’t freak out over the house smelling like burning charcoal. Again.You can’t help but be happy. Even if you end up helping prepare for your own birthday party, there’s no better way to spend today than with someone you care about.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The carnival is chaotic as always.At Jack’s insistence, you’re visiting his carnival tonight. Fully expecting him to be up to something.He knows it’s your birthday, and he knows enough about human customs to want to celebrate it. Knowing him, it’s going to be a huge party or some kind of over-the-top display. He’s extra like that.Speaking of Jack, you’ve yet to see him. He must surely be aware that you’re here?You’ve already been wandering around for the better part of maybe an hour?The extra decorations that just so happen to be in your favorite colors, clue you in that something is going to happen. But nothing does, Jack doesn’t show up in a dramatic puff of black smoke, and you’re no better at any of the carnival games than you usually are.You’re prepared to track old Jack down yourself when a carney approaches you. Waving you over and telling you to head for the big top.Oh, but of course. He's going to make a show of it, whatever it is that he has planned.The large tent is dark when you step inside, and remains so as you start walking towards the circle of dirt in the center.A sudden singular light cuts through the dark. A spotlight aimed dead-center in the middle of the dirt ring.With a puff of smoke and an over exaggerated bow, Jack appears. Straightening up to his full height with a wide sharp toothed grin and offering his hand out as you continue walking towards him.The rest of the big top lights up as soon as your hand meets his. The crowd in the overflowing stands go wild with cheers.Jack raises your hand as far as it’ll go and shows you off with a flourish. Music starts playing, drowning the crowd out.In the corner of your eye, you catch something moving behind you.It's carneys hauling in something heavy and absolutely massive. A multi-tiered cake, bigger than Jack is tall, being carried into the ring. It’s set down on an equally large table you had failed to see in the dark earlier.You look up at Jack.“Happy birthday!” He yells over the still playing music.“Happy birthday!” The crowd echoes back.The music falls silent, the overhead lights dimming. Jack speaks again.“And now, it’s time to cut the cake!”The spotlight rolls off the two of you over to the cake as several carneys struggle to cut into it. Showing off the slice they get out when they do. There’s ooh and ahhs from the stands before the light is back on you and Jack. He throws his arms wide.“Let the festivities begin!”The crowd pours from the stands into the center of the ring, filling the tent with voices of people having a great time.You smile up at Jack. This may not be the most conventional birthday party, but it sure is memorable. How on Earth will Jack outdo himself next year?
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
There’s few people Jack genuinely enjoys the company of, you’re lucky to be one of them.Hanging out with him today is extra special, though you doubt he cares, and you’re not one to make a big deal about it being your birthday in the first place. Still, it’s nice to wander around with someone who has scary dog privileges.He may not be the best conversationalist, but his sarcastic quips make you laugh sometimes. Though you're sure if you told him your reason for wanting to hang out today, he’d make fun of you. He doesn’t need to know, he’s just glad to have an excuse to “step out of the office” for a little while.But of course, mother nature had to rain on your parade. Literally.The two of you are forced to take shelter in a nearby abandoned building. Stuck waiting out the rain unless you wanted to get absolutely soaked to the bone. Jack surely minds less than you, bad weather never seems to bother him all that much. A plus side of being…whatever the hell he is.Somewhere nearby, water steadily drips. Your hideout is dry, for now. The only problem is, what are you supposed to do while you wait for the storm to pass? This derelict old building is empty, and even if it wasn’t, would you really want to hang out on a moldy couch or a mattress encrusted with who knows what.You shift from foot to foot, glancing over at Jack. He’s either mildly irritated or apathetic in a way that makes him unreadable. Neither of you say anything for a long while before you take a breath to speak.Jack beats you to it. He turns towards you.“It’s your birthday.”You’re not sure if that’s a statement or a question, but you wait for whatever he’s going to do next. He can be full of surprises. And as it turns out, this is one of them.He holds out something wrapped in brown craft paper. A neat, thin rope tying it closed. A birthday present?He patiently waits as you slowly take it from him. Turning the gift in your hands, then finding a spot to tear it open.“It’ll get ruined if you open it now.” He curtly comments.You pause, glancing back out at the rain. He’s right.“If I can’t open it yet, will you at least tell me what it is?” You ask.Jack huffs in quiet amusement. That’s a no than.With the gift tucked close to your chest, the two of you go back to watching the downpour. No amount of rain could ruin this: being able to spend your birthday with Jack.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It’s not everyday you get to drag Liu to a get together. It was his idea.A small party with you, him, and some close friends. Nothing too big, just a couple hours of socializing, playing games, and eating food.He’s fine with people, you know that, does great with ‘em actually. You still find yourself worrying over him though, like being here for your birthday party would be too much for him.He does tend to hermit himself away for the most part. Outside of work he prefers to stay home or keep to short outings.You’re a little surprised he suggested a “house party” in the first place. But you’re glad he did, you’re having fun. So much so that you don’t even notice him slip outside to take a breather on your friend’s apartment balcony.By the time you get around to looking for him, he’s settled into one of the balcony’s cheap plastic lawn chairs. Staring out at the view, lost in thought.You clear your throat and he finally notices you. Giving a sheepish smile and showing you his phone. Shaking it for good measure.“Sorry, work.” He says simply.“It’s fine.” You reply.You offer him a smile. Coming over and leaning against the balcony beside him. You face the door inside, back towards the party and your friends having a good time.“Thanks.” You tell him. He looks confused. “For helping to plan all this. It means a lot.”“Ah. You’re welcome.”He pauses, probably doing his best to put on a cheery attitude. But he’s a little tired. When is he not? Being the workaholic that he is, he’s always overworking himself. Maybe it was a little silly to hope that he’d get a break tonight.“Are you having a good time? I think we could have gone without someone bringing Mario Kart.” He laughs a little as your friends start making a ruckus inside.The noise dies down shortly, leaving you and Liu with the muffled sounds of music and the ambient evening noises outside.“Yeah, I am.” You softly state.Watching your friends for another moment or two before turning away from the party inside the apartment and joining Liu in watching the world beyond the balcony. The party can wait just a little longer.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“What a boring birthday party.” You dramatically whine.You're hoping it’s enough to get BEN to pay more attention to you. Maybe defend himself with a “hey, you’ve never complained about staying in and gaming for hours on end before!” But no, he just scoffs and chuckles at you, knowing that you’re not being serious.You do have a point though, aren’t birthday parties supposed to be special? Not just doing the same thing you always do when you hang out with BEN? The extra snacks don’t count, nor did Toby, Nat, and Jeff hanging out with the two of you earlier (before all them made excuses to leave, BEN’s doing most likely.)You huff as you throw yourself down, reaching for a nearby bag of chips as you do. Munching on them while you watch BEN set up the next game. A VR one, if the headset is anything to go by.He waves you over.“Want to see me lose in VR now, huh?” You joke.“Hey, I let you win when we were playing Smash Bros didn’t I?” He fires back.You roll your eyes as he sets the headset onto your face and starts to adjust the fit. You’d won fair and square, all his friends said you did!In the headset there’s nothing but a gray, gridded void. Beside you, you can feel BEN disappear, appearing on-screen a moment later. Standing in the gray in front of you.“Ready?” He asks.You shrug at him, hands raising into an I don’t know gesture. A good enough response.The void glitches, then suddenly, it’s not a gray void of nothingness anymore. The world around you now is an actual place. A familiar actual place. Somewhere you’ve mentioned before because you loved being there.It’s like you’re actually there. The same ambient sounds, and all the texture and models are as you remember the real thing to be.You take a moment to look around before turning back to BEN with an unimpressed look. Hands on your hips, BEN mirrors the gesture.“Not good enough for ‘ya?” “I dunno, it’s alright.” You say, somewhere between snarky, disinterested, and joking.He laughs at your easy to see through bluff.“Come on,” he grabs your arm, bringing you out of the real world and over into the digital one. His voice now in front of you instead of coming through the VR headset’s headphones. “Take that stupid thing off, we’re gonna be late for the real party.”Damn him, he’s more thoughtful than he lets on. You’ll have to remember to thank him later.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Jane’s kitchen is filled with the sound of quiet music and the smell of delicious food. You sit at the eat-in counter, throwing out idle chatter and comments as Jane makes dinner. A special birthday dinner all for you, and the whole reason you’re visiting tonight. This is your gift from Jane, though you’re sure she’s got an actual gift waiting out of sight somewhere.Jane’s really going all out tonight. Not surprising, she is a considerate person. It may be casual, but she’s still making you a full meal. With side dishes and everything. There’s probably a cake hidden in the fridge too.You sip from the drink in your hand as Jane turns away from you to check on the main course. It’s ready, and Jane shoos you away to the table when you drift over to help her.The table has already been set, nothing too fancy but it looks nice. And you wait patiently for Jane to bring everything over. First the main dish, then the sides. She makes sure everything is where it should be before taking your plate and serving you first. Finally serving herself, she sits across from you with her own plate. Now the two of you can eat. It's a nice meal. There's enough food that you could easily eat until you couldn't eat any more. But you have enough self restraint to save room for the cake you're sure is going to be pulled out from somewhere any time now.With dinner now finished, Jane clears the table. Once again waving you off when you try to help.She has you remain at the table as she leaves the room to get something. Your actual gift, you assume. She returns with a small cake and a box tucked under one arm. The candles on the cake are already lit as she carefully places it in front of you. Setting the box out of the way.“Happy birthday.” She says.Thankfully, she doesn’t sing to you. But she doesn’t sit down either. Instead, she gestures to the cake. Ah. She wants you to blow the candles out first.Knife now in hand Jane cuts the cake, but only gives you your piece. Not bothering to cut one for herself.You glance over at the present still on the table. Pushing your slice of cake to the side, you reach for the box. Cake can wait just a little longer.You pick the present up as Jane gets to cleaning dishes and putting leftovers away. What she’s doing becomes background noise as you open the gift.It’s several things in one box. A couple bars of her handmade soaps, in some of your favorite scents. Something related to one of your hobbies. And lastly, a piece of clothing you’d been eyeing for a while.You look each item over for a moment, setting them back into the box with a smile and leaving the table. Crossing the kitchen and heading over to Jane, where she stands at the sink. Still washing dishes.She pauses what she’s doing, turning to look at you as you approach. Raising her arms to return the embrace when you hug her.You enjoy the quiet ambience of the kitchen as the two of you stand there, holding each other. Tonight, on your birthday, there’s nowhere else you’d rather be.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It’s already pretty late. The night dark, the streets quiet, and the streetlights lining the way home. But you’re not even a little nervous about the long walk, not with Jeff walking you home.Beside you, he’s laughing about something he said. A retelling of a story or a good joke, you’re not so sure, as you’d gotten lost at some point during the conversation. You honestly have no idea what he’s talking about anymore.At least he’s in a good mood. You are too, having spent the day with close friends. But you’re tired now and not as sharp as normal.A sudden weight dropping onto your shoulders nearly knocks you over. Stumbling over your feet and trying to stay upright as Jeff tugs you into a side hug. His arm remains across your shoulders and keeps you close as the two of you continue to walk.He goes back to whatever it is he was talking about, and you find yourself spacing out. Jeff may be a surprisingly overly friendly guy, but you suspect he might be a little drunk. Or maybe he isn’t, he’s not all that shy about grabbing at people to begin with.You look away from him, finding your eyes drifting upwards.It’s clear tonight. You can spot stars twinkling just barely brighter than the ambient nighttime glow of the nearby city.This is…nice. Just you, Jeff, the stars above, and the streetlights.But comfortable moments like this don’t last forever.A shake of your shoulders brings you back to the present. You come to a stop, turning back to Jeff in confusion. He’s already stopped walking, looking at you with an amused smile and raised brows. An expression that tells you he won’t be able to resist laughing if you do anything else funny.Why’d he stop?Oh. You’ve already reached your home.He follows you to the front door.“I’d say happy birthday, but,” He shrugs when you glance over at him. “Pretty sure it’s not your birthday anymore.”With your front door now unlocked, Jeff takes a step or two back towards the street. Right, this is where you part ways.“It’s late. You’re welcome to crash on the couch.” You offer.“Nah.” He sighs out, almost sounding a little disappointed. “Got work tonight.”You give a sad hum.“Alright.”That’s his que to leave, and Jeff turns and starts walking away. You stay by the door, not ready to head inside just yet.“Thanks for hanging out with me tonight!” You shout after him.He keeps walking. One hand raising up in a half wave over his shoulder to acknowledge what you’d said. That’s the best you’re gettin’. You'll have to bug him about missing out on a birthday sleepover some other time. At least you got to spend time with the guy on your birthday.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
You’re kicking yourself a little right now. You did say you wanted to keep your birthday celebration casual, but this is a little ridiculous. Though, you should have expected this. Nat is never one for arriving on time. And she’s really testing your limits today.She’s almost an hour late already, with no sign of her showing up any time soon. No “sorry, ran into bad traffic” excuse text either.If you didn’t know any better, you’d assume she ditched you for something more exciting. It’s just dinner for christ’s sake, and not even a fancy one. All you want to do is eat at your favorite place with someone you care about.You’re half tempted to give up and go home, when Nat magically appears by your side. She may be great and sneaking around, but you had been caught up stewing in your thoughts to begin with. Her cheery mood only makes you a little more upset.She flashes you a grin and before you get a chance to call her out for making you wait around so long, she’s dragging you inside the restaurant with her. Already excitedly telling you all about her most recent adventures while “working”, if you can call being some strange nonhuman entity’s occasional employee work.You may still be pissed off at her, but you have to admit, she’s great at lightening up even the most sour of moods. Her stories are always fun, if a little violent or gory.Nat’s in the middle of telling you how she won a mud wrestling battle with a snake monster. Going into great detail of how thick the mud was, and how slippery everything was due to the heavy downpour that happened to be thundering down at the time. When she cuts herself off, blinking for a moment with a concerned frown, like she had forgotten something.She’s back to that cocky smile as she slaps something onto the table between the two of you. Only explaining herself when you give her a raised eyebrow.“This is for you.”It’s a rock. Pretty with its green iridescent color, like a beetle’s shell. But still just a rock.“It’s your birthday, remember. Ain’t a proper birthday without a gift.” She adds.Well, at least she cares.Neither of you need to say any more, you’ll let her being late again go this time. There’s good conversations and good food to get to.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It’s dark when you step inside the room. The whispering you heard from inside just a moment before giving away what’s about to happen.The overhead lights are turned on and you squint in the sudden light.“Surprise!” a chorus of voices shout.You look around the room. Seeing all the decorations, the food, the smiling faces.Nina stands at the front of the group, the happiest of all of them. Probably delighted to see that the surprise birthday party she’s thrown for you turned out. You don’t bother to tell her you had already figured it out. You could have guessed what she was up to given she wouldn’t tell you why she was so adamant about you meeting her here.Nina is quick to engulf you in a tight hug, bouncing slightly before letting you go and stepping back. She shoves a small box into your face.It’s made of paper, probably folded by her.She’s too excited to wait any longer for you to open it with the rest of the gifts. She practically dances in place as you look at the box now in your hands.You open the box. Careful not to rip it.Inside is a bracelet, made of metal and plastic beads. Various charms dangling off of it. One of your favorite animal, another in your favorite colors, and yet another of one of your favorite characters. In fact, all of them mean something to you. All things that you love. A bracelet handmade by someone who cares enough about you to remember them all.You look up at Nina.“Do you like it?”Your smile says it all. She beams back at you.“Here,” she takes one of your hands. “Let me help you put it on.”It fits just right, the thoughtfulness of it warming your heart as you continue to admire the gift. Only for Nina to start dragging you over to the waiting group of friends.“Come on, let’s get this party started!”Better not let Nina’s planning efforts go to waste!
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
There’s a knocking at your bedroom window. A familiar face peering in at you as you turn to look.It’s Toby, late to the “party” and visiting you in the middle of the night. Like he often does. He’s excited to see you, as always, as he opens the window and nimbly climbs into the room.Tonight, you do not share his excitement. Unable to stop the prickly feeling of slight irritation towards him.Yeah, you may have said you didn’t really want to celebrate your birthday. But come on! It’s your birthday, the least he could do is celebrate with you during regular people hours.At least he’s sharp enough to pick up on your bad mood. But it does little to stop him, the twinkle in his eyes only dimming for a moment before he’s at your bedside. Trying to get you up. Half dragging you into a sitting position before sitting on the bed beside you.“Gotcha’ something.”The bastard doesn’t even shrink at the glare you give him. Though he seems to have the wrong idea about what you’re so mad about.“I know, I know. You said you didn’t want anything,” He involuntarily twitches slightly before rummaging around in his pocket for whatever it is he wants to give you. “But I know you’ll like it.”He finds what he’s looking for, pulling it out and hiding it in a closed fist before you get a chance to even guess what it is. Gesturing for your hand and shoving the gift into your palm. He sits eagerly, waiting for your reaction as you look down at the thing.A small chunk of wood carved into the shape of a hatchet. The wooden charm attached to a carabiner. It’s a makeshift keychain.You look up at Toby. He takes your lack of angry shouting or pouting to be a good sign.“Knew you’d like it.” He says with an air of pride. “Made it myself.” He adds.Oh? Well, maybe it’s not that shitty of a gift then.You can be mad at him later, after he’s eaten the slice of cake you saved for him.