"Thank you Syd," Matt replies as he puts his finger under my chin and kisses me again. "What time are you meeting Julia and Amanda?"

"12:30."

"Oh perfect, so you have time to come snuggle!" Before I can reply Matt is already picking me up and tossing me onto his bed before pulling off his shirt and jumping under the covers next to me. I can't stop the giggle that escapes as he wiggles into a comfortable spot pulling me against his chest.

I pull out from his arms and run across his room to my bag, grabbing a smaller gift bag from inside. I kick off my shoes, pants, and jacket, just leaving my oversized sweater on and run back to Matt's bed where he is now sitting up watching me. "Gift first," I instruct, shoving the bag into his hands.

"You didn't have to get me anything," he says looking at the bag in his lap, but I just wave him off as I sit in front of him on my knees, anxious to see if he likes his first gift. I got him other things too but this one was small and I wanted to give it to him now.

"Open it, open it," I chant, bouncing around in his bed like a Mexican jumping bean. Matt rolls his eyes at me but opens the bag anyways. He pulls out the tissue and places it on the side before reaching in and pulling out the gift.

"New hands wraps?" he questions, pulling out the 4 new wraps. I nod anxiously and twist his nightstand lamp so he can see them better. "Wait, this one has little Rotties on it! I have Malcolms on my wraps!" I laugh as he examines all the wraps, getting more and more excited. The first pair is black with white Rottweilers on them, the second is blue with the Penn State logos on them, the third is red with the word Satan written all over them in white, and the fourth pair, my personal favorite, is white with the word Barbie written all over them in pink. The last pair is a joke that I know he won't wear but it is our thing.

I scoot closer as he examines them waiting for a response. Maybe this was a stupid gift, I mean I have seen his collection, he has like every color wrap imaginable. Why would he want more? "I just thought they were cute, you don't have to wear them."

Matt pulls me onto his lap showering my face in soft little kisses, "I can't wait to wear these, I love them!" I smile hiding my face into his chest as he pulls us both down to lay in his bed. "You're so amazing babe, how did you even do this?"

I shrug and wrap my arms around his neck, "I know a guy."

"Well this is honestly the coolest gift anyone has ever gotten me. Thank you so so much babe." My heart is racing in my chest as Matt flips us over so he is hovering over me. "I know you need to go in a few minutes but God I wish you could stay all night."

I lean up and kiss his bottom lip which he is sticking out, giving me the sad puppy face. "You have me all night tomorrow, just me and you Matt." Despite that answer Matt isn't satisfied and lays on top of me as I try to wiggle out from under him. "Babe," I whine, "I need to go. Victoria's Secret is having an awesome sale, I don't want to miss it!"

"Oh well in that case get the fuck out." I laugh as he rolls himself off of me and quickly pulls me up, pushing me toward my stuff.

I stop in front of my stuff and turn around to Matt, "Happy birthday babe." Matt smiles and kisses me softly and slowly his hands hold either side of my waist. This is us, things go from 0 to 100 and then back down again.

"Mmmmm already the best birthday of my life. Thank you for making my birthday special, it really does mean a lot." I look down at the floor as I get a little choked up. Matt spent so long pushing people away, I just want him to know what it is like to have someone care and want to celebrate him. "I hate to say this but you should go. I will see you at 2pm for your elaborate birthday plan I have no idea about."

I get dressed again and grab my stuff, Matt holds my hand and walks me downstairs to the front door instead of making me sneak out again. I give Matt one more kiss goodbye before leaning up and whispering in his ear, "Sleep good birthday boy because you won't be getting any tomorrow."

I laugh as Matt groans biting his bottom lip and reaching for me as I run toward my car. I get in and pull away while Matt watches me protectively from the door, even though he must be freezing standing there in just sweatpants.

I pick up Amanda and Julia and we shop for about 3 hours. When I get home it is almost 4am, so I sleep until 12 before getting up to get everything ready for Matt's birthday. We are spending the night in the city so I need to pack, and of course because I am extra I need a number of outfits. Matt had no idea what we are doing so I texted Celia and had her pack for him. This led to a number of texts from Matt complaining that he wants to know what we are doing. A little before 2, I head over to Matt's in jeans and a plain T-shirt. Thankfully for us, it is actually abnormally warm for New York in November so we will be able to walk around the city without freezing to death.

When I get there, Matt pulls the door open dramatically looking over my outfit and then his own, "Ok good, I wasn't sure how to dress because you," he pauses pointing at me aggressively, "WON'T TELL ME ANYTHING!" I laugh and sneak past him to say hi to his parents. We don't spend long at his house but Matt shows me the gifts he got so far. It is actually sweet how excited he is especially his "gift" from Malcolm which Celia had told me she does every year. She always gets a dog card and gift and gives it to Matt from Malcolm, the card even says to Dad in it.

Tom and Lily also stopped by and gave Matt a gift this morning which Matt says he has hidden in his closet. He opens a bag hidden up in the corner and I laugh until there are tears in my eyes. Inside the bag is close to 100 condoms and in the card it says "To Matt (and also Sydney)". Matt closes the bag laughing but I stop him and grab a handful out, "We need these."

Matt looks at just how many I grabbed, "Wow. . . remind me to send them a thank you card because I was extremely underprepared for today apparently."

I drop the condoms into my bag and wink. "Ready to go have an awesome birthday!?"

"Yes! But honestly this is all unnecessary, I would have been happy just us spending the day in bed together."

"I know but I wanted to make it special."

Matt pulls me close and kisses my forehead, "You have no idea how much all this means to me. I have never in my life had someone put this much effort into anything for me." I wrap my arms around him and we stand there for a moment together, just appreciating everything. He really is just the sweetest guy, so thankful for everything all the time, even the littlest of things.

"Alright let's go, I have big plans!" Matt gives me a nod and salutes me as I roll my eyes and pull him downstairs. We say goodbye to Celia and Nick before heading to my car and getting in. Matt protests at the idea of me driving but gives in when I hand him a Nutella donut and coffee I picked up on my way over.

"Alright please give me a hint," he whines for about the 9th time in the past 45 minutes. We are almost to the city and I can see the wheels in his head turning. "Oh oh, are we going to see the animals at the Bronx zoo!? I know you really really wanted to do that, it would be fun!" I laugh and reach out to grab Matt's hand. Only he would think we'd spend his birthday doing something I said I want to do and only he would be excited about it anyways even though I know he has been to the zoo many times.

"Shh you will see soon." A little later we pull up to the hotel in the middle of the city across the street from Central Park. Matt hops out and runs to my side of the car, opening my door before the guy at the hotel can do it. From the corner of my eye I can see him make a smug face to the bellhop while he grabs my stuff and his from the back seat. I shoot the bellhop an apologetic look as I hand my keys over to the valet before grabbing Matt's hand and walking inside. "Wait here, I will go check in and don't be nosey mister."

"Yes ma'am," he pouts looking around the lobby of the hotel while I walk off to check in.

"Hi, can I help you?"

"Yes checking in under Rider." The lady at the desk nods and types away on the computer before looking up and handing me 2 keys.

"Room 22B, just take the elevator to the 22th floor and it will be down the hall on the left. Enjoy your stay." I grab the keys off the desk and skip over to Matt who is buried in his phone with a small frown on his face.

"Babe, everything ok?" I grab his hand protectively, figuring he is upset thinking about his mom.

"Syd this is too much I don't deserve all this. I know you told me not to be nosey but $1500 a night babe! I am supposed to spend money on you not the other way around!"

"Well I can and I want to, so suck it up Matt. Now come on please let me spoil you for a day." Reluctantly Matt picks up his bag and walks with me to the elevator. When we get in I hit the button and Matt wraps his arms around my waist from behind kissing the back of my head sweetly. I know while he may sound a little unappreciative, this is just him being uncomfortable with the attention. Even though the whole school used to throw a huge crazy party for Matt's birthday, it was never about him, it was just an excuse to throw a party and get drunk.

When the elevator reaches our floor I step out and walk down the hall to our room while holding Matt's hand. I nervously open the door and even I am speechless when I look at the room inside. It is gorgeous and so worth the $2,500 I paid, now to just pray Matt never finds out just how much I spent. We both step inside in awe of the room and the view. We are overlooking Central Park and it is gorgeous. I have stayed in the city a number of times before but this is incredible and so much nicer than any other stay I have had in the past. I know the hotel room is probably way more than we need, but it is close to Nick's restaurant and also close to the apartment Matt grew up in.

"Babe this is. . . wow." We both look around the room, running around looking at all the cool features and yelling each other's name when we find something new. We finally relax and sit on the small couch in the room, Matt is sitting in the middle with me on his lap looking up at him with a cheeky smile. "Yes I love it, stop gloating you brat." I giggle and snuggle into his chest as he lets out a deep breath.

"Alright don't get too comfy, let's go explore!" I hop up and drag Matt up despite some resistance. "Matttt hurry! The Central Park Zoo closes at 4:30 and it is already 3:15!"

"Ah ha! So we are going to a zoo!" I laugh and nod enthusiastically as he punches the air proud of himself. We both run down to the elevator like kids and I let Matt lead me to the zoo. He lived here for years so he knows the route perfectly, probably able to do it with his eyes closed. Matt proudly beats me to the front gate and pays for our tickets to the zoo but I let him have it because he looks so happy.

"Poop head," I mumble as we both walk into the zoo and look over the map.

Matt laughs and kisses me before pulling me off toward the penguins. "When I was little the red pandas were my favorite so my mom always made sure they were the last animals we saw. We would come for the seal feedings and then see the penguins, the bears, go over to the tropical zone with the monkeys and reptiles, and then go loop around so we saw the pandas last." I listen as he talks, asking questions occasionally just to keep him talking.

"Panda!" I yell as we finally make it to the red pandas and Matt follows my gaze to the adorable little panda curled up into a ball.

"My favorites! Did you know that they have a false thumb that helps them climb bamboo!? Oh oh, and they were given the name panda before the black and white pandas. They're the OGs but no one is ready for that conversation." I snuggle into Matt as we stand there watching the pandas for about 10 minutes before we finally decide to go. It is almost 4:30 anyways and Matt said we have to go to the gift shop.

We walk over to the gift shop and Matt opens the door for me before darting off toward who knows what. I wander around with no intention of buying anything. I think about getting Matt a red panda shirt or something but I decide that he probably won't wear it and maybe for Christmas I can get him something red panda related that he would actually enjoy more. I look around for Matt realizing he has completely disappeared and catch him with a wicked smile at the register. "Rude Matt, it is your birthday what are you doing!?" The cashier laughs as I slap his arm repeatedly as she hands him the bag.

"Ops, I forgot," he says innocently but his face lets me know he is anything but innocent. I roll my eyes as he wraps his arm over my shoulder and we walk, out slowly walking through the park as he tells me more about his childhood.

"That rock right there," he points to a giant rock on a hill that hangs over creating a large probably 8-foot drop, "yeah I was running and tripped and tumbled off of it once and that is how I broke my leg when I was three. And there, over there is where I had my first kiss. Granted I was 4 but whatever, age is but a number."

We spend about 30 minutes walking around the park before ending up back at the hotel. Matt looks the happiest and most carefree I have seen him ever and I am relieved. I was a little worried all these memories might make him sad and cause him to be upset but instead he continues to share more and more memories with me willingly.

"Soooo," I probe when we get back to the room, "what did you get at the zoo?" I poke the bag with my foot as he grabs my hand and pulls me back to the couch.

"It is for you actually. I know I know, it is my birthday, but let me have this moment ok?" I nod as he hands me over the bag and I reach inside. I pull out a small little red panda stuffed animal and look up at Matt. "I wanted you to remember today too. I know I will forever already, but I wanted to get you something so you never forgot either."

I feel the tears prick at the corner of my eyes as I lunge across the couch into Matt's arms. "Thank you Matt," I choke out trying to keep myself from crying like a baby.

"Don't cry, I hate when you cry babe." I sniffle and dab at my eyes before placing the panda down and grabbing Matt's face in my hands.

"They are happy tears." I pause and look at Matt, like really look at him before gasping out, "God you're incredible." I watch a relaxed smile take over his face and his eyes light up like I just told him the best news ever.

"So what is your panda's name?" Matt asks as he picks it up again inspecting him. I laugh and think hard about what to name him.

"Hmmm, how about Luke?" I ask, grabbing the panda from him and kissing its soft head.

"Ok," he laughs, "why Luke?"

"Well because I felt like naming him Lucifer would be frowned upon and Satan has already been taken."

"It is perfect. Luke it is." I laugh as Matt looks at the little stuffed animal and pats its head.

"Ok perfect, now we need to get dressed, otherwise we will be late!" I grab Luke and place him gently on the bed before opening my bag and pulling out my outfit and heels for the night. Matt is standing in the middle of the room confused as I grab his bag and find the outfit Celia packed for him.

"More? Babe my cold black heart can only take so much today." I flip him off as I throw him his outfit and walk into the bathroom with mine and my make up bag. I quickly change into a reddish maroon bodycon dress that is definitely way too short for winter but so worth the cold purely for the reaction I know Matt will have. I touch up my hair and make up and slip on my black heels before stepping out of the bathroom.

When I get out Matt is looking out the window over the park, already dressed in his black pants and white button-down. The outfit is so simple, yet on him is so hot. I sneak over to him and wrap my arms around him while his back is still facing me. "Ready to go handsome?" I ask while letting go and stepping away.

When Matt turns around and looks at me I get the exact reaction I was hoping for. Immediately his eyes get wide and his mouth opens a little, his eyes trail down my body slowly as his breathing becomes slightly ragged. "Holy fuck," he whispers, still taking in my appearance. I do a little twirl for him and laugh as he reaches out and slaps my ass. My confidence in front of Matt has skyrocketed since that night we showered together. I am no longer nervous or anxious in front of him, actually feeling the most comfortable in my own skin when he is around.

"Come on we need to go." I grab his hand and drag him out, grabbing both our jackets and my bag on the way out. I hand him his jacket when we get into the elevator and he slips it on before taking mine from my hand and helping me into it. When we get out I pull up Google Maps on my phone but get confused before we even get out of the building and decide to just ask Matt for help. "We are going to your dad's restaurant for dinner, so instead of me getting us lost and also me potentially freezing to death can you just lead the way?"

"Absolutely love." Matt grabs my hand and effortlessly leads us to the restaurant. On the way there I am pretty sure he trips a guy who whistles at me but when I look up at him he looks back at me with a confused look on his face. Likely story Matthew. When we get to the restaurant Matt opens the door for me, just as I am about to thank him for being a gentleman he grabs my ass and squeezes causing me to gasp.

I walk over to the hostess but she recognizes Matt instantly and waves us over to follow her. The entire restaurant staff looks a little nervous as word of Matt's arrival gets around. I feel bad at how stressed some of them look simply because Matt is there but I know he loves the food so I don't feel that bad. Matt pulls out my seat and I cautiously sit waiting for him to do something inappropriate again. "Thank you," I tell the hostess as she hands us each a menu and scurries off.

The chef comes over and Matt immediately stands and greets him. "Happy birthday Matthew," he says in a thick Italian accent as he gives him a hug. "I remember when you were just a small boy and now all grown up, your father must be so proud."

"Thank you Giuseppe. This is Sydney, it is her first time here. Can you make sure her dinner is amazing for me?" I smile shyly at Giuseppe as he turns to me with a big smile.

"Oh she gorgeous Matthew." I blush at his compliment as he reaches for my hand and kisses it. Matt stands there looking at me proudly like I am something special.

I smile softly at the sweet little Italian man, "It is nice to meet you, Giuseppe."

"I be in kitchen, but when you decide what to order, Veronica will make sure it get to me." We both thank him as he rushes back off to the kitchen and Matt takes a seat again.

"Giuseppe started here when my dad opened this place, he had known me literally since I was born. He is the reason I take Italian in school; I would love to be fluent enough to talk to him in Italian since he works so hard on his English." I reach across the table and grab Matt's hand, he rubs his thumb over my hand which is still a little cold from the walk over.

"Oh well, if you want to work on your Italian let me know, I am fluent." Matt looks up from his menu quickly as I continue to look over mine.

"You're