A/N: Long one!

𝐘/𝐍'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

The moment I stepped into my apartment, exhaustion hit me like a freight train.

The overnight shift coming off a double had been brutal—back-to-back calls, barely a second to breathe, a structure fire that left me smelling like smoke no matter how many times I washed my hands or took a shower.

By the time I finally got off, I was running on fumes, the kind of tired where your body felt too heavy for your bones.

But then I stepped into the apartment. And I froze. Balloons. Everywhere.

My bedroom door was cracked open, and I could see a ridiculous amount of more balloons floating near the ceiling, a pile of gifts on my bed, streamers hanging from the headboard.

The smell of pancakes, bacon, and coffee drifted in from the kitchen. And then I heard giggles.

I sighed, shaking my head as I dropped my bag by the door.

I smirked, running a hand down my face before following the sound of clanking dishes.

Storm was standing on a step stool at the stove, her tiny frame wrapped up in my oversized hoodie, her hair still a little messy from sleep. She was carefully flipping pancakes, tongue sticking out in concentration.

Madelyn stood next to her, barefoot, hair in the messiest bun possible, wearing my hoodie too, sleeves bunched at her elbows. She was mixing something in a bowl, completely in her element like she'd been living here forever.

Neither of them noticed me yet. I leaned against the doorframe, crossing my arms. "So this is why I smell syrup the second I walk in?"

Storm turned first, her face lighting up. "YOU'RE HOME!"

Before I could react, she jumped off the step stool and ran straight into me. I let out a small grunt as she wrapped her arms around my waist, squeezing tight. I ruffled her hair, sighing as I finally let myself relax.

"Yeah, kid. I'm home."

Madelyn smiled at the scene, setting the bowl down before stepping closer, arms looping loosely around my waist."Happy birthday, baby."

I hummed, leaning into her. "You two are ridiculous."

Madelyn smirked. "Yeah yeah yeah, whatever, you still adore us."

I tilted my head, pretending to consider it. "I mean, Storm's alright. You? Jury's still out."

Storm gasped. "Oh my God. RUDE."

Madelyn huffed dramatically, shoving me lightly. "Wow. And to think I made you pancakes."

I caught her by the wrist, pulling her into me, letting my lips graze her forehead before moving to quickly place a kiss on her plump lips. "Alright, alright. You know how much you both mean to me. Can I at least sit down before you two start bullying me?"

Storm giggled. "Nope. You should be used to it by now."

Madelyn grinned. "She has a point."

I groaned, dropping into a chair at the table, watching as the two of them worked side by side. It was so normal. So domestic. Like this was just our life. And honestly? I didn't hate that idea.

"Okay, okay!" Storm said suddenly, running to grab something from the counter. "Before you eat, I wanna give you your present!"

I raised an eyebrow, grinning despite myself. "Damn, no suspense?"

Storm shoved a neatly wrapped box onto the table, bouncing on her toes. "Open it!"

Madelyn smirked, sitting next to me. "She's been waiting all morning for this."

I chuckled, shaking my head before carefully peeling the wrapping paper back. Inside was a small wooden box, handcrafted, with my name engraved on top.

I stilled for a second. Storm fidgeted. "You can open it."

I glanced at her, then slowly lifted the lid. Inside was a stack of handwritten letters, each one labeled for a different occasion.

When you're having a bad day.
When you miss me.

I swallowed hard, fingers running over the edges of the letters. Storm shifted nervously. "I know I don't always say stuff out loud, and I know you worry about me sometimes, so I just... I wanted you to have these. Just in case."

My throat tightened. She was twelve. Twelve, and she was already thinking about how to take care of me. I exhaled sharply, closing the box before wrapping my arms around her, pulling her into my lap. "Thank you, Storm," I murmured, pressing a kiss into her hair. "I love you, kid."

She squeezed me back. "I love you too."

Madelyn watched the scene, smiling softly as I heard her camera click. "Okay, now I'm getting emotional."

Storm pulled back, sniffling dramatically. "We're all soft!"

I chuckled, wiping my eyes. "Yeah, yeah, shut up."

Madelyn giggled, resting her chin on my shoulder. "My turn."

I glanced at her. "Oh, you got me a gift too?"

Madelyn smirked. "Duh. I'm the girlfriend. Plus, this isn't the only one but you can open the rest later."

I laughed. "Right, right. Okay, what'd you get me?"

She reached into a bag and pulled out a small velvet box. My heart stuttered.

"Relax," she laughed, bumping her knee against mine. "Not a ring. It's something else."

I opened the box, revealing a silver chain necklace, simple, sleek, with a tiny engraved charm. It read: "You are my safest place."

I blinked, staring at the words for a long moment. Madelyn shifted nervously. "I know you don't always talk about your feelings, and I know you don't always like being vulnerable, but... I just wanted you to have something that reminded you you're never alone."

I swallowed hard. Then I pulled her into me, crushing her in a hug. She laughed softly, burying her face in my neck. "You like it?"

I nodded, pressing a kiss to her temple, then a soft kiss on her neck. "I love it, Madz."

"Good."

We sat like that for a moment, until Storm cleared her throat.

"Alright, alright," she said, wiping a fake tear. "That was cute and all, but we have a plan."

I raised an eyebrow. "A plan?"

Madelyn smirked. "We're taking you to dinner later. Me, you, Storm, Caleb, and Lili."

I eyed her. "That's it?"

Madelyn grinned. "Mmhmm."

Storm giggled behind her hand. I narrowed my eyes. But honestly? I was too tired to investigate. I sighed dramatically. "Fine. But first, I need sleep."

Madelyn ran her fingers through my hair. "Good. Get some rest. We have a big night ahead. You need to eat your breakfast first though."

I didn't think much about the way she said it. Not yet. Storm brought over my plate before we all sat down to eat together.

.  .  .

𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐲𝐧'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

"This looks so good," Storm grinned, stepping back to admire the setup.

The venue was perfect—soft lighting, candles on every table, elegant but warm. Fairy lights lined the ceiling, a huge Happy Birthday Y/n sign was set up near the back, and the entire place had this cozy yet celebratory vibe.

Carlacia adjusted one of the banners. "Okay, we killed this." Lili nodded, checking her list. "Food is set. Drinks are stocked. Music is cued. Caleb is on his way with the cake—"

"Speak of the devil," Carlacia cut in as the doors swung open. Caleb walked in, holding a massive cake box, his parents trailing behind him with extra decorations.

"Delivery service," he announced. "And look, I brought reinforcements."

Rachel, his mom, beamed at me. "Madelyn, honey, I had to come help. This is a big deal!"

I smiled. "I really appreciate it."

She waved a hand, setting down a bag of extra decor. "Oh, please. Anything for Y/n. You have no idea how long we've been waiting for her to get her act together."

Caleb grinned. "Facts."

I laughed, shaking my head. Rachel smirked. "I mean, really, we were all just waiting for her to stop being stubborn and realize she was in love with you."

My face flushed. "I—"

"I mean, look at you two," she continued, gesturing at me like I was some prize. "You're gorgeous, you're sweet, you adore her—you're basically the whole package."

Storm nodded aggressively. "Agreed."

I laughed. "Thanks, Rachel."

She patted my shoulder. "And just so you know, I can't wait for the wedding."

I choked. Caleb snorted. "Oh my God, Mom."

Rachel shrugged. "What? I'm manifesting!"

Carlacia and Lili burst out laughing. Storm grinned. "I support this."

I shook my head, laughing despite my flaming cheeks. "Okay, okay," I sighed, clapping my hands together. "Let's finish setting up before Y/n gets suspicious."

Rachel winked. "Whatever you say, future daughter-in-law."

I groaned. The teasing would never end. But honestly? I didn't mind and I knew it meant a lot coming from Rachel, she's the closest person Y/n has left that's like a mother figure plus, besides Y/n's dad, I don't think anyone knew Eleanor the way Rachel did.

.  .  .

By the time Storm and I got back to Y/n's apartment, it was already golden hour, that perfect time of day where the sun bathed everything in warm light, making the city feel softer somehow.

I unlocked the door quietly, peeking inside to check if Y/n was still asleep.

Sure enough, she was knocked out on the bed, sprawled out on her stomach, her arm hanging off the edge, the blanket barely covering her.

Storm giggled beside me. "She looks dead."

I smirked. "She's been working her ass off. Let her rest a little longer."

Storm nodded before darting off to her room to start getting ready. I set our bags down and tiptoed into the bedroom, perching on the edge of the mattress.

Y/n let out a small grumble but didn't wake up. I smiled, brushing my fingers through her hair. "Baby, wake up."

She groaned into the pillow. "No."

I laughed softly. "Come on, we have to get ready."

"Five more minutes," she mumbled, eyes still shut. I leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. "If you don't get up, I'm stealing your hoodie collection."

One eye cracked open. "You wouldn't dare."

I grinned, kissing her jaw. "I would. And I'd wear them better than you."

She exhaled, rolling onto her back to pull me down into her arms. "You're a menace."

I giggled as she buried her face in my neck, holding me hostage.

"You smell good," she murmured sleepily. I smirked. "You always say that."

"Because it's true," she mumbled, voice still thick with sleep. I ran my fingers down her spine, letting her wake up slowly. After a few moments, she finally sighed. "Fine. I'm up."

I grinned, leaning down to kiss her properly. "Good girl."

She froze. I smirked, standing up. "Now come on, we have to get ready."

Y/n groaned loudly. "You did that on purpose."

I winked. "Maybe."

She muttered something under her breath as she dragged herself out of bed, stretching before following me into the bathroom. Storm peeked in from the hallway. "Are y'all done being gross?"

Y/n smirked. "Not even close."

Storm gagged. "Ew."

I just laughed, nudging Y/n toward the sink. "Get ready, birthday girl."

Y/n rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. As we got ready, it was easy, comfortable, full of teasing and little touches—Y/n tucking my hair behind my ear, me adjusting her collar, us stealing quick kisses in between.

At one point, she stood behind me, watching as I put on my earrings. I caught her staring in the mirror. "What?"

She shrugged, wrapping her arms around my waist. "You look beautiful."

I smiled softly. "You're just saying that 'cause it's my job to look good next to you."

She shook her head, pressing a kiss to my shoulder. "No. I'd say it either way."

I turned, brushing my fingers against her jaw. "You clean up nice too, Calloway."

She smirked. "I know."

I rolled my eyes, but I was grinning. Storm appeared in the doorway again, now fully dressed. "Can we go before y'all start making out again?"

Y/n chuckled, grabbing the keys. "Let's go, brat."

Storm grinned, running ahead. I looped my arm through Y/n's as we walked out, feeling lighter, happier, ready for the night ahead. She had no idea what was coming.

.  .  .

𝐘/𝐍'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

The second I stepped into the restaurant, I knew something was off, it was way too quiet. I frowned, glancing at Madelyn. "Are we in the right place?"

She smiled—a little too brightly. "Of course."

Before I could ask another question, the lights flickered on completely, and suddenly—

"SURPRISE!"

I froze. The entire restaurant was packed with people—Caleb, Lili, Madison, Carlacia, JD, Drew, Mariah, even some of my crew from the firehouse.

Balloons and lights filled the space, the tables were lined with food and drinks, and a huge Happy Birthday banner hung near the back.

I blinked. "What the hell?"

Madelyn squeezed my hand, grinning. "Happy birthday, baby."

I turned to her, still in shock. "You did this?"

"Well," she smirked, "I had some help."

Caleb grinned from the bar. "You're welcome." Storm bounced excitedly. "We tricked you!"

I laughed in disbelief, shaking my head. "I—You guys—"

Carlacia raised her glass. "Speech, speech!"

I groaned, rubbing my face as everyone cheered. "Oh my god."

Lili smirked. "Come on, birthday girl, give us something."

I exhaled, looking around at everyone—all the people I loved, all the people who showed up just for me. I looked over seeing Caleb's family here as well which made my heart swell.

My chest felt tight in the best way. I sighed, shaking my head with a smile. "Alright, fine. I was not expecting this, and honestly, I hate being the center of attention—"

"Lies!" Caleb called out. I rolled my eyes. "Anyway. I love you guys. And I have no clue how Madelyn pulled this off without me figuring it out—"

"She's sneaky," JD cut in. "She's terrifying," Caleb corrected.

Everyone laughed. I glanced at Madelyn, who was just smiling at me, warm and full of love. I squeezed her hand. "I truly don't deserve you, Madz. Thank you."

Her face softened, and she leaned up to kiss my cheek. "You're welcome, birthday girl."

Storm clapped. "Okay, now can we party?" Madison raised her glass. "Hell yeah, we can."

The rest of the night was a blur of laughter, drinks, music, and way too much food. At some point, I found myself at the bar with Caleb and JD, all of us watching Madelyn and the girls dance together. JD smirked. "She's obsessed with you, man."

I smiled, watching as Madelyn laughed, twirling Storm around.

"I know," I murmured. Caleb nudged me. "And you're obsessed with her."

I sighed, pretending to be annoyed. "Yeah, yeah."

JD chuckled. "Damn right." I just shook my head, smiling. Because yeah—I was.

I stood in the middle of the restaurant, surrounded by all my favorite people, watching them laugh, eat, drink, and celebrate me.

I wasn't used to having a night where I wasn't in control, where I didn't have to worry about anything, where I could just exist and enjoy.

And yet, somehow, Madelyn made it happen.

"Alright, birthday girl! Time for shots!" I turned just in time to see Caleb, JD, and Carlacia at the bar, all of them grinning like troublemakers.

Carlacia held up the bottle. "What's your poison, Y/n?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "I dunno if I should—"

"Oh, no, no," Caleb cut in, grabbing my shoulders. "It's your birthday. You don't get to say no."

I rolled my eyes. "That doesn't sound legally binding."

JD smirked. "It is. Birthday law. Look it up." I exhaled, giving in. "Fine. But just one."

Carlacia raised an eyebrow. "One for now."

I pointed at her. "Don't start."

Madelyn appeared beside me, wrapping an arm around my waist. "Y/n can have as many shots as she wants." Carlacia grinned. "I like how you think, Madz."

Madelyn smirked. "I'll take one too."

Caleb whistled. "Oh, we're really partying now."

Madison and Mariah walked over, already holding drinks. "Oh my god, this party is iconic," Madison said, looping an arm around Mariah. "Y/n, you should have birthdays more often."

Mariah smirked. "That's not how that works, babe." Madison shrugged. "It should be."

Lili slid into the group, holding a tray of lemon drops. "Here, I got us started."

I groaned. "You're all terrible influences."

Storm giggled from across the room. "Take the shot, coward!"

The whole group laughed.

I sighed, shaking my head. "Fine. Cheers." We all clinked our glasses together before downing the shot in unison. The burn was quick, sharp, but not unwelcome.

I set my glass down, wincing. "Jesus. I forgot what drinking feels like." Madelyn laughed, brushing my hair back. "You good?"

I nodded, grinning. "Great, actually."

Caleb nudged me. "Alright, let's get this dance floor started."

Carlacia grabbed my wrist. "Yeah, birthday girl, let's go!"

The music was loud but perfect, the kind of beat that made it impossible not to move. Madelyn was already swaying, her hands on my waist, pulling me closer.

I smirked. "Oh, so you can dance?". She grinned, spinning me around. "I have a few skills."

I let myself relax into it, moving with her, letting the music swallow us up. Somewhere to the side, Storm was dancing with Lili and Madison, Caleb was attempting (and failing) to show JD some ridiculous dance move, and Carlacia had Mariah twirling her in circles.

Everyone looked happy. I glanced at Madelyn. "You really did all of this for me?"

She tilted her head. "Of course I did.". I looked around the room, taking it all in.

All these people, all these memories, all this love. I turned back to her, heart in my throat.

"I love you." The words fell out, raw and unfiltered. Madelyn froze, eyes wide. She broke into the biggest smile I had ever seen. "You love me?" she whispered, like she was tasting the words. I nodded. "I do. I'm—I'm in love with you."

Madelyn didn't hesitate. She grabbed my face, pulling me into a kiss—deep, slow, unhurried, like she wanted to memorize the moment. I could feel her smiling against my lips. When she pulled back, she rested her forehead against mine.

"I love you too," she murmured, breathless. "I'm in love with you, Y/n."

My heart stumbled. I swallowed, pressing another quick kiss to her lips. "Yeah?"

She laughed. "Yeah." Someone whistled loudly.

"Y'ALL DOIN' THIS RIGHT HERE?"

I groaned as Caleb, JD, and Carlacia cheered from the bar.

Carlacia grinned. "Get a room!"

Madelyn just smirked. "Oh, don't worry. We will."

I choked. "Madz!"

She just laughed, tugging me back onto the dance floor as I saw Storm fake gag across the room with Caleb's little sister.  And for once, I let myself just exist in the moment.

.  .  .

𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐲𝐧'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

By the time we got back to Y/n's apartment, the night had settled into something softer, quieter. The party had been perfect—filled with laughter, drinks, dancing, and moments that I knew would be replaying in my head for a long time.

But now? Now it was just us. Storm had gone home with Lili and Caleb so Y/n and I could have the night alone. She tossed her keys on the counter before stretching, rolling her shoulders with a tired sigh.

"God, I'm exhausted."

I smirked, slipping off my heels. "Too much love and attention for one night?"

She shot me a lazy grin. "Something like that."

I stepped closer, fingers brushing against her wrist. "Well, the night's not over yet."

She raised an eyebrow, curiosity