It had been a week since the boys' old friend, Volto, had left the note for me on my car. It had been peaceful since then, and I craved it, finding comfort in it. Even though the boys and I hadn't known each other long, after the events that had happened, we had gotten closer. I was enjoying my small break from Momster, though I knew that I would eventually have to return home to the house that I considered hell.

The week had passed by slowly and uneventfully, except for the few times I hung out with the boys after school. We had lot's of laughs over the course of the week, and even though the week hadn't been horrible, I was looking forward to the weekend for two reasons: I was having a sleepover with the boys and it was North's birthday. I had only been informed of it on Wednesday and I was still upset with North for not telling me sooner.

I had scrambled to figure out the right gift for him, and was rather worried about what I had finally settled on. I wasn't very familiar with giving gifts, considering the only times that I had was for my family, and they were easy to please. They had mostly everything they wanted, and if they didn't like what I had purchased for them, they could easily discard it or exchange it.

I didn't want North to discard or exchange my gift, though, I wanted him to like it.

The only nuisance throughout my week had been Zain. After the last time I had saw him, he had been pestering not only me but the rest of our siblings as well. Knox had spread the news of what happened to Marie and Micah, as well as their group of friends, resulting in almost all of us icing him out. I felt bad, knowing that he had an issue and that he needed help, but I wasn't going to allow him to harass me any longer. As far as I knew, Knox and Axel were working together to get Zain back on the right track, but neither were willing to give up where I was staying, even though Zain had been pleading for them to tell him.

Late Saturday morning, I was on my way out of Knox's apartment door, about to be picked up by Victor, when Knox stopped me. It wasn't often that he was home since he decided to help Zain, not that I minded much. We still saw each other often, and he texted me a lot throughout the day, to check in on me. Ever since I had began staying with him, his protective brother instincts had heightened. It was a little annoying, but it was also nice, knowing that he cared so much.

"Sang," he said, setting down his cup of coffee on the side table near his couch. He wasn't yet dressed for the day, though I knew he had plans with Zain and Marie in an hour. Marie had very reluctantly agreed to meeting with them for lunch, but after both Knox and Zain had pleaded with her she had caved. They'd asked Micah and I, as well, but I already had plans, and Micah wasn't all that fond of Zain at the moment and since they didn't want any dead bodies, they didn't push the matter. "Come here for a moment."

I shifted from foot to foot, gripping my keys tightly, looking between my brother and the door. "Knox," I sighed, tugging on a strand of hair nervously. "I don't have time. Victor is outside waiting for me."

He frowned at me and I rolled my eyes. If he was going to be that way. I walked over and settled onto the arm of the couch, glaring at him, not bothering to hide the fact that I was less than pleased with his timing. He ignored my glare and leaned back, a concerned look forming in his eyes. I almost groaned, but knew better. I would just have to listen to whatever lecture he had prepared for me and apologize profusely to both Victor and Gabriel, who Victor had informed me was in the car as well.

After a long moment of silence, my older brother seemed to crumple in on himself and whisper, "Just be careful, okay, kiddo? I love you, and I'll see you later."

I blinked several times, staring at Knox, confused. I wanted to envelope him in a hug and ask what was wrong, but before I could, he had composed himself again and was drinking his coffee, watching TV. I shook my head, clearing my head of the thoughts drifting through it and muttered a small goodbye to my brother before exiting the apartment and hurrying down to the parking lot.

I slid into the passenger seat of the car, flashing the two boys inside of it a big smile. "Sorry," I said, buckling myself in, knowing that if I didn't Gabriel would totally tattle on me to Kota and Owen and then I would have to have Luke get him back, and it would be an entire thing. I didn't have time for stuff like that. Gabriel carefully took the bag I had from me and put in the back with him, and I shot him a thankful smile. "Knox stopped me on the way out, or else I would have been down here sooner."

"It's okay," Victor reassured me, pulling out of the parking lot as soon as I had buckled up completely. "No need to apologize, princess. We know how your brothers can get protective."

"Too bad you don't know how annoying it is," I rolled my eyes. I would love to see them grow up with my brothers; I was sure that some countries could use it as a torture mechanism. "Micah and Knox are constantly up my ass, and Marie tries to defend me since she has to go through it too, but mostly we just talk together about how annoying it is."

"Now you have to deal with us being protective too," Gabriel teased me, ruffling my hair. I turned and pouted at him. His eyes widened and he shook his head fast. "None of that, Trouble. Not today. There will be a smile on your face, and a smile only, or else North might have our head."

"It's not my birthday," I pointed out, turning back around in my seat. "Shouldn't North be the one to be smiling all day?"

"I don't think that's physically possible for him," Gabriel grumbled and I giggled while also shaking my head at him. Victor chuckled too, glancing over at me.

"Be nice, Meanie."

"How 'bout you be good, Trouble?"

"How about you two stop bickering?" Victor interjected, sending me into a fit of giggles and Gabriel into a rant. I listened to Gabriel continue on about how he should be able to do whatever he wanted with his Trouble, and how if Victor had an issue with it, then he could kiss his ass.

I thought that I should probably tell them to both shush, but instead I listened, taking enjoyment out of their banter. It reminded me of Luke and North's, and it was even more entertaining considering that I was used to Victor behaving so refined; it was amusing to see him act this way with Gabriel. They had just about finished with their banter when we arrived at Nathan's house.

Having no patience, I darted out of the car before someone could open the door for me, and ran straight into Sean's waiting arms. He squeezed me tightly and I giggled, pulling away to look up at him. His eyes were shining and there was a big smile on his face. I secretly hoped that I was the one that had put it there, but I knew better than to think such a thing.

"Hi!" I exclaimed, practically bouncing on my toes. I had been waiting nearly all week for this, and I was rather excited to spend all day and all night with them.

"Hello, pretty girl," he replied and ruffled my hair before turning to face Victor and Gabriel who had joined us. "Oh good, you got her bag for her. I'm sure you can handle that, I'm going to take her inside and hand her off to the birthday boy before he comes looking for her himself."

I laughed then started to walked inside, squeaking when Sean poked me in the side as I walked by. I sent him a mock glare and he smiled innocently at me with a small shrug. I shook my head at him and turned back around, walking through the doorway only to collide with a firm chest. I let a small "oomph" as I stumbled backwards slightly. Hands gripped my hips, steadying me, and I looked up to smile gratefully only to let out a small gasp at who it was.

"Owen," I said then quickly corrected myself. "Mr. Blackbourne. I'm sorry. Sean distracted me..."

Owen's lips tilted up in the slightest smile as he looked over my shoulders, most likely looking at his best friend. "He has that tendency to distract people. He claims it's one of his more endearing qualities. I frequently inform him that it's more annoying than endearing."

A giggle bubbled out of me at his words and he seemed to be pleased that he could amuse me. The moment lasted only a second longer, due to the fact that I heard an eruption of laughter from deep inside the house and I began to wriggle with excitement. Owen's smile widened slightly, and he stepped out of my way so I could enter the house.

I speed walked down the hall into the living room. "Hi!" I exclaimed when I arrived, still practically quivering with with all the pent up excitement inside of me.

"Sweetie, you're finally here!" Kota's face lit up and I moved to hug him, but before I could reach him, I was tugged into a lap. My eyes widened slightly, but I knew exactly whose lap I was seated upon by the musky scent that reached my nose.

I giggled and leant against North's chest, tilting my head back to look at him. "Look, I love you and all, and you're the birthday boy, but I would like to greet the others before you claim me for the rest of the night."

He let out a small grunt of disagreement, but released me anyways. Once I was able to jump to my feet, I wound my arms around Kota in a tight hug. I was passed around to each of them, and after each hug I felt lighter and lighter, almost as if I could drift off the ground completely. I saved North for last, and when I got to him, I hugged him tightly.

"Happy birthday, North Star," I whispered into his ear. His grip tightened on me and he buried his face in the crook of my neck. The moment lasted for what felt like forever, and I didn't want it to end, but the boys began to tease us. I blushed and plopped down onto Nathan's lap, burying my face in his chest. North scolded the other boys from embarrassing me, but I kept my face hidden anyways.

I listened as the others laughed and began to talk again, quietly keeping an ear out for when Victor, Gabriel, Sean, and Owen walked in. It took them a few minutes, but when they finally joined us, I sat up and lifted my head. Seeing as there was limited seating space, I urged Nathan to sit on the floor with me and allow Owen to sit. He sent me a grateful look as he took a seat.

"So," I said, smiling brightly, unable to conceal the utter bliss I was feeling at the moment. "What's the plan for the day?" I directed the question towards North, expecting that he would know, considering it was his birthday.

He scowled and sent a glare to his brother, who winked at me. "I don't know," he grumbled, still glaring at Luke. "They won't tell me. They say it's a surprise."

"Do I get to know?" I asked curiously, looking over at Kota, blinking a few times. It wasn't my birthday, it wasn't my surprise, so I figured that I could be let in on the secret, right?

Kota smiled softly and shook his head. "Sorry, but no, sweetie. Knowing North, he would find a way to get you to tell him what we're doing today."

I pouted slightly which caused Gabriel's eyes to widen. "I thought I told you no more of that!" he exclaimed, covering his eyes. I laughed at his reaction, and leaned my head against Nathan, enjoying their company. I had no idea what we were doing, but that didn't exactly matter, seeing as I was happy so long as I was with them.

"We have to leave soon," Luke announced, causing both me and North's eyebrows to shoot up. We exchanged looks, as if we were trying to silently work out what exactly was going to happen today. We were both rather intelligent, but with all the boys actively trying to keep the day's events a secret, I knew we had no chance.

"Are we going to eat before we leave, or are we going to eat when we get there?" Owen inquired, looking around the room, as if waiting for answers. I shrugged when his eyes landed on me and nudged Nathan with my elbow, encouraging him to respond.

"We can find somewhere to eat there," Kota spoke up and we all accepted it. What Owen and Kota said went. "Let's get going. Did everyone put their bags in the cars?"

"Uh, actually," I said, slowly standing up, raising my hand as if I was addressing a teacher. Sean caught the gesture and sent me a scolding look, causing me to quickly drop my hand back down to my side. "I don't even know where the hell my bag is." I sent an accusing glare Victor and Gabriel's way.

Gabriel rolled his eyes at me. "Shush your face, Trouble. Of course I put it in the car for you. I'll always take care of you."

My heart warmed at his words and I pressed a kiss to his cheek to show my appreciation for taking care of my bag. I leaned down and did the same to Victor, a silent thank you for driving me. I had barely taken half a step back when an arm wound around my waist and I was thrown over a shoulder. I squealed and gripped the black T-shirt tightly, knowing exactly who had scooped me up.

"Someone's impatient," I giggled, reaching to poke North in the side. He tapped my thigh gently as a warning to stay still and I grinned, kicking my legs slightly.

He scoffed with exasperation and this time swatted at my butt. "Sang," he exclaimed, his grip on me tightening. "Do you want me to drop you?"

"I guarantee that none of these boys would let you drop me," I pointed out which caused several of the boys following us out the door to laugh. North himself began to chuckle slightly at my words, and I grinned, aware that the words I had said were completely correct. My world was righted again when North dropped me into the backseat of his Jeep.

"Oh, lucky me, I get to ride with the birthday boy," I exclaimed in a sing song voice, grinning teasingly at North who was reaching over to buckle in my seat belt for me.

"First of all," North said as he backed up, gripping the top of the car door to lean down and look at me. "Stop calling me the birthday boy. Second of all, shouldn't you be nice to me since it's my birthday. Lastly, if you don't stop teasing me I'll kick you out and make you go with Owen."

I blinked at him, and raised any eyebrow. "Why are you trying to make riding with Sean and Owen sound like a punishment? Because it's not."

Sean, who had been walking by during this interaction, on his way to Owen's car, promptly burst into laughter. He was laughing so hard, in fact, that he had to lean down and rest his hands on his knees to catch his breath. Silas had been in the midst of climbing into the passenger seat and he too paused to laugh. I pressed my fingers to my mouth, concealing a smile as North looked between all of us, irritation flickering on his face.

"I'll kick you out of the car too," North warned Silas. Silas only cracked up again and shut the door, buckling himself in. "Baby, you're a terrible influence."

"Says the boy who's in a gang!" I reminded him and he responded by shutting the car door so we could no longer speak. I finally allowed myself to laugh and Silas turned in his seat to give me a high five.

"Only you could get away with that," he said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Only you."

A few minutes later, Gabriel and Luke joined us in the car too, both of them laughing too. I was certain that Sean had made them aware of the conversation that had occurred, and Luke even gave me a hug for it, apparently finding the entire thing hilarious. When North got into the car, he sent us all a look, as if daring us to try to mention the previous conversation between him and I. 

I sent him an angelic smile and his face softened slightly.

The ride wasn't all that long, but it was entertaining. Gabriel, Luke, Silas, and I had tried to play a game of Eye Spy but after Gabriel and Luke began bickering, North made us stop, and even turned up the radio loud enough that he wouldn't be able to hear what we were saying in the back seat. I pouted, causing Silas to reach over and turn down the volume. It was a good thing that we pulled into the parking lot of a hotel when we did, because I thought North was ready to kill his brother and his best friend.

Before North could get out, I launched myself as far as my seatbelt would allow and wrapped my arms around his neck, planting a kiss on his cheek. "Sorry for being annoying!"

I didn't wait around for his reaction. I unbuckled, then let Luke help me out of the car and bolted towards where I saw the others standing. Nathan spotted me and braced himself, opening up his arms for me. I grinned and jumped into his arms, winding my arms around him. He lifted me slightly, chuckling at the amount of energy I had inside of me. I was once again trembling with pent up excitement and energy.

"Oh, North must have loved having you, Gabriel, and Luke in his car," Nathan chuckled, setting me back on my feet. I giggled bouncing on my toes slightly, bouncing my shoulders in a small shrug as if I didn't know what North was feeling.

Kota noticed my squirming and wrapped an arm around me in an attempt to still me. "Before we do anything, Sang, we have to check into the hotel rooms and get some food. Calm yourself, cutie."

I pouted but managed to calm myself slightly. We waited for everyone to join us but then we all  entered the hotel together. Kota and Owen decided that they would take care of checking us in. The rest of migrated to the other side of the lobby, some taking a seat, and some looking around. I was going to walk over to the window and admire the beach that you could see from it, but before I could, a hand was slipping into my own and I looked up to smile at Victor.

"Hi, princess," he whispered.

"Hi, my prince," I muttered, leaning against him, watching the boys interact with each other rather than the beach. I narrowed my eyes at the sight of Luke and Sean talking, almost 100% that they were conspiring.

It only took a few minutes for Owen and Kota to take care of everything, and then we were headed up to our rooms. Apparently, Victor had reserved three rooms for us, and the boys were supposed to figure out sleeping arrangements among themselves. As the boys filed into their rooms, carrying their bags with them, I caught Owen by his sleeve, and frowned slightly.

Owen's eyebrows shot up questioningly, concern forming in his steel eyes. "Miss-" I shot him a glare and he immediately corrected himself. "Sang, what's wrong?"

"Where, uh, am I supposed to stay?" I inquired, taking a step back from him, suddenly feeling bad for grabbing him to get his attention.

A millimeter smile graced his face. "Wherever you would like." 

a/n: Alright, so here is part 1 to North's birthday and I hope you guys find certain parts of this funny, because I mean I do but then again I'm the write so do I really count?? Part 2 to his birthday will be posted later today so make sure to keep your eyes open for that. Dedicated to the lovely Maybe_Baby03 because she's so adorable and so sweet and I appreciate her very much. She's also the one who convinced me to post part 2 of this today so thank her for that.

Song: Hot Summer by Sizzy Rocket

xoxo,

ry.