A/N Another lame title brought to you by me xD. Actually, it's a line from a song, because apparently when everyone else got sprinkled with the amazing title fairy dust i was totally missed. Anyway,I've had this idea for a while and I finally started it. Yeah, this chapter is a bit short but the next one's longer, I have it written, I just need to type it up.
"Happy birthday!" Skipper, Kowalski and Rico shouted in unison as Private entered HQ.
Private smiled shyly. "Awww, thanks guys, but you know I don't want to make a big deal out of my birthday."
"Too bad, today's your special day and your going to enjoy it, that's an order soldier." Skipper said, showing the youngest cadet to the table, where a birthday cake sat, ten candles lit.
"It's completely frivolous, but Skipper says its necessary, so make a wish Private, and if the HQ catches on fire, I wont be responsible." Skipper sent a glare to the scientist, promptly shutting him up.
Private giggled at the others bickering and blew out the candles. I wish I could meet my parents.
"Cake" Rico said proudly, cutting a piece for Private and waiting for his reaction.
"Mmmm, it's really yummy Rico, good job and thanks" Private mumbled through a mouthful of cake,
Rico took a bow. "Well thank you."
"We got you a gift too" Kowalski said, handing Private a crudely wrapped package. "It's from all of us, but I wrapped it" He continued on proudly.
"Thanks guys, but Kowalski, stick to the science" Private laughed.
Kowalski let out a humph as Private unwrapped his present.
"Oooooh, season 2 of the Lunacorns, yay!" Private squealed happily.
"Thanks guys, really, I didn't expect anything, this was awesome!" Private said, delighted that they had went to all this trouble just for him.
"Your welcome" Skipper replied, patting the top of the younger's head affectionately. "You can have the rest of today off, we'll go do some drills or something so you can watch that silly show"
The three oldest penguins filled out of HQ.
Private sighed contentedly. Skipper rarely gave days off and Private knew he should savour it. He popped in the new DVD, feeling comforted by the familiar theme song.
"Just because its your birthday doesn't mean you can stay up all night, you need your rest soldier." Skipper scolded gently, spotting the youngest still glued to the TV.
"Sorry Skippah" Private said with a sheepish smile. "Guess I lost track of time."
Skipper cleared his throat nervously, knowing he couldn't procrastinate any longer. "Actually Private, I'd like to talk to you."
Private eyes widened in fright, wondering if he was in trouble.
Skipper chuckled at the younger's reaction. "Don't worry, you're not in trouble." He took a seat next to Private as he turned off the TV and looked at Skipper.
"I really don't know how to say this." Skipper started. "Do you remember when you came here?"
Private shook his head no.
Skipper took a deep breath. "Well you were transferred here from another zoo, you were really little, no wonder you don't remember. It was heartbreaking, how they could just ship out someone so tiny and innocent without their parents, all alone. You were so scared and alone...you spent the first week crying for your parents. I couldn't stand to see you cry like that...it was horrible. This might sound a little crazy, but I promised you that I'd help you find your parents when you were old enough, which I think is now." Skipper looked to the ground, wondering if he sounded like a complete moron.
"Really Skippah?" Private asked hopefully, feeling an incredible joy.
"Well yeah" Skipper said a little embarrassed. "I figured it was only fair, when they ripped you away from your family and parents and everything. Don't get me wrong, I'm not letting you go by yourself, no matter how well your trained, your still a child, so I'm coming with you-"
Private felt as if he would explode from overwhelming delight. He leapt up and hugged his leader tightly. "Oh thank you Skippah! Thank you so much! It's exactly what I wished for! It came true! It's the best birthday present evah!'
Skipper smiled. "Yeah, okay, you're welcome little guy" He awkwardly patted him on the back before prying the youngest from him.
"Really Skippah, it mean a lot" Private said earnestly, tears of joy in his eyes.
"Are you crying?" Skipper asked incredibly. Children are so emotional.
"From happiness" Private whispered.
Skipper cleared his throat. "Then its a good time for you to hit the sack, sorry for keeping you up" He said, heading to his bunk.
"Thank you Skippah, again" Private said, giving a last heartfelt hug before jumping into his own bunk, soon dozing off and dreaming of the journey to come.