Ok, while coming up with ideas for this story, I realized something.

February 14th-Valentine's Day

February 20-Birthday/s

February 27th-Anniversary???

They have a busy month. 

I mean, even though they had their moment at their birthday party, it was a week off. Omg I'm talking about Artemis and Shino btw if that wasn't apparent-

Anyways enjoy this little birthday story I put together for the one and only 🖤💛🧡 (+🖤💜🤍)

—~Shino POV~—

I've told people, time and time again, I'm not one for parties. Nobody should've been surprised when I didn't show up. Rikku had set up a birthday party for me and Artemis. For once I didn't forget it was my birthday, but I didn't like it. When I woke up, I congratulated myself for surviving another year. It was never part of my plan to go play games, socialize, or even eat cake. Maybe I'd get myself a cupcake or something, but that's about it. They were upstairs, while I sat in my room downstairs. Door locked, light off, under the covers. I did whatever I wanted on my phone with some headphones on. Silence. I barely noticed that someone entered my room. 

"Party pooper.." Artemis whispered, sitting on my bed. 

"I'm fashionably late." I say, not taking my eyes off my phone. I won't let him talk me into going up there.

"You wouldn't know anything about being late, or fashionable. I think your more of a..."painfully early" type of person." Artemis joked. 

We sat in silence for a while before Artemis took my phone.

"Hey- Give that back.." I groaned, staring up at the ceiling now.

"30 minutes. All I'm asking." Artemis offered, slipping my phone into his pocket.

I think for a moment before mumbling a "fine". Artemis seems proud of himself. I put on a sweater and some jeans so I don't show up in my pajamas. Sneakers are just fine. When I get upstairs, everyone is staring at me. For a moment I think they didn't even want me here. Then Rikku jumps out of the crowd, hugging me tightly. I hug back and smile.

"We all sent him down to convince you, he got peer pressured, don't be too made at him." Rikku confirmed. I chuckled.

"Happy birthday Shino and Artemis!" Rikku says, then everyone else in the room repeats. I couldn't help but crack a smile. 

"Yeah yeah, whatever...I only came here for the cake." I shrug and take a slice. 

—~+~—

Maybe I stayed for more than 30 minutes. It's been an hour. People start leaving, soon enough it's just Artemis, Rikku, and me. Rikku gives us both a hug before turning to the mess of our dorm.

"I'll clean this up." Rikku giggles nervously and glances at the mess again.

"Don't worry, I'll clean up, you should go get some sleep. You planned all this, you deserve the rest." I smile and ruffle her hair gently. Rikku nods and heads down to her room. 

"Join me?" Artemis says, offering his hand. I look at him, then his hand, before taking it and getting dragged to the balcony.

Artemis smiles and looks out on the sunset for a moment, then at me. 

"About two years ago, you gave me a kiss that started our relationship." Artemis takes my hands gently. "Allow me to return the favor," Artemis whispers. 

He pushes me down by my shoulder and tightly holds my my hand. I don't fall on the floor, instead I hover slightly above it. Artemis holds me closer to him before kissing me. Since we're talking about our first kiss, might I say this was significantly better. I taught him well. We hold the kiss for a while, not wanting to let go of each other, but eventually we do.

"You've earned yourself some respect Artemis." Rikku says from inside the dorm. She's holding a glass of water. This dorm has impeccable timing. 

Artemis giggles, slightly embarrassed. I smile and look away. 

Best birthday gift ever.