Of MM: Matchmaker Birthday

The phone hasn't quit ringing all morning, my friends all calling to wish me a Happy Birthday.

Isabela is trying to get me to agree to a party at the Hanged Man, but honestly? I just want one thing...well maybe two.

First I want Fenris, but that isn't different from the everyday. Secondly I want cupcakes.

Fenris is out, getting me iced coffee and I have a sneaking suspicion he's also getting my surprise...which he's refused to tell me no matter how little clothing I wear.

There's a sharp knock at the door and I rush to answer it, Demon hot on my heels.

"Maeve!" I cry, smiling as she almost tackles me to the ground, singing Happy Birthday. It's pitch perfect and beautiful, she should record it for birthday cards...

"Happy Birthday Ash!" She cries, handing me a little box with pink ribbon wrapped around it. She's got a larger one in her hands that she balances on her hip before bending down to accept some of Demon's sloppy kisses.

"What's this?"

"Open it and see..." She responds, her classic smirk firmly in place.

I open the package gingerly, gasping as I open the tiny box. They're earrings, silver wolves that cover almost the entire ear lobe when worn. I love them instantly, "Thank you dearest!" I cry,  pulling her into a half hug as we walk into the kitchen.

"I'm so happy you like them! They reminded me of your little wolf so I thought you'd enjoy them."

"I do!" I'm now eyeing the bigger box, wondering what the hell is inside.

"And for the final surprise..." Maeve lifts the lid and I have to stifle the urge to throw my arms around her and laugh.

They're cupcakes...six smushed, somewhat deformed cupcakes with dripping pink frosting. It lookes like a toddler made them...

"You made these didn't you?" I ask, a chuckle escaping.

Maeve's cheeks flush red as she bites her lip, "I tried Ash, I really did! Anders watched me make them and he says I did good but I know they look like shit and damn it, it's the thought that counts right?!"

I stop her from saying anymore, wrapping my arms around her and laughing into her hair as we sway back and forth on our feet, "I love them dearest, and yes it's the thought that counts."

She smiles and kisses my cheek before getting two plates and some napkins. She sets a cupcake onto one and hands it to me.

Suddenly, I am filled with doubt...I love Maeve, I really do...but the woman cannot cook to save her life and her baking skills are even worse.

I pick up the cupcake, my fingers immediately getting coated in frosting, and examin it. It looks fully cooked. I wonder if I'll find cracked eggshells in it...

"I'm not gonna die am I?" I finally ask.

Maeve rolls her eyes, "Jesus Christ Ashlynn!" She cries, "I swear Anders watched me and helped me make them...he's even eaten some of them."

"And he isn't stuck at your place with a stomach virus right? I mean you would tell me if they made him sick wouldn't you?"

"For heaven's sake just eat the damn cupcake woman!"

I shake my head, laughing at her as I take a small bite. Actually, it's pretty good considering it's a smushed cupcake.

"See? I can make cupcakes damn it..."

"Heh, that's still debatable, I mean are these even still considered cupcakes?"

"Shut up." She sticks her tongue out at me.

I hear the front door open, Fenris's velvety voice greeting Demon at the door.

Fenris enters the kitchen with my coffee, and a small wrapped present of his own. I smile as he leans in to kiss me, setting the present aside, I'll open it later.

"FenFen," Maeve calls, "Want a cupcake?"

"That depends," He says as I lean into his side, "are they edible?"

"Of course they're edible!!" Maeve glares at him.

"Don't worry love, I ate one, they taste really good actually."

"Let's just hope I don't have to take you to urgent care later..."

"FenFen that offends me!" Maeve pouts and he pulls her close for a hug.

"I apologize, I would love a cupcake."

He takes one and stuffs the whole thing into his mouth. I lose it, I mean the man has pink frosting all over his face...

"Pfft! Men..." Maeve groans, throwing a napkin at Fenris.

The laughter soon dies down and Maeve smiles at me, "So is this a good start for your birthday?" She asks.

"Yes dearest, thank you."

The three of us lift our cupcakes, bumping them together like they were champagne glasses.

"Happy birthday Ashlynn!"