Title: 101 Reasons to Hate Birthday Parties, 1 Reason to Love Them

Author: Third Charm

Fandom: Babylon 5

Pairings: Marcus/Neroon.

Story Type: Romance

Rating: M

Disclaimer: Babylon 5 and all subsequent major characters, plots, and ideas are the property of J. Michael Straczynski, Babylonian Inc. and Warner Bros. The following story was written only for the purposes of entertainment. No income had been made.

Warnings: VERY, VERY AU (As in canon is just a guideline folks!) and AT, not beta read, ATL death of a canon character, profanity, slash and erotic episodes.

Spoilers: You name it; it's in there.

Summary: This is an answer to the Jason Carted Birthday Challenge. Challenge #2: Marcus receives sex toys as a gift from either Susan or Michael for his birthday.

Author's Note: One Earth year equals 0.74 Minbari cycles. The Minbari words and phrases were found at the "JumpNow" website in John Hightower's Minbari dictionary, though not all are direct translations.

101 Reasons to Hate Birthday Parties, 1 Reason to Love Them

How? Marcus just wanted to know how this disaster had started. He was positive he had buried any and all personal information so deep that a team of IT Indiana Joneses wouldn't be able to find ANY it for a century. Just how had the command staff found out that it was his birthday?

"Oh, just bloody great!" Marcus moaned to himself as he watched the flaming monstrosity approach his bed.

The EVIL TRIO who planned this mess even had a cake! Oh, how he hated these things, what with the horrible singing, the annoying jokes, (they were only good if he was the instrument of the torture – NOT when he was the recipient of said torture) and all the fuss. Simply put, Marcus was in hell - and there was absolutely no avenue of escape!

Here he was, still stuck in medlab, wearing nothing but a damned hospital gown, a sheet and a truly humiliating party hat that Susan had stuck on his head while his so-called friends reveled in his humiliation! And, oh, how absolutely, bloody lovely! The idiots masquerading as Babylon Five Command Officers were now singing "Happy Birthday". He truly was stuck in the middle of this crowd of supposed friends until they decided that he had been tortured enough.

And to insult to injury, the bloody bastards had invited the off duty Anla'Shok (Ranger)and the ISA War Council. Now everyone on the station would be privy to his humiliation! And if that wasn't enough, the newly elected Warror Caste Shai Alyt (Caste Leader) was here as a guest of Delenn. Oooh! That damned smug bastard! Marcus just knew that Neroon was laughing at him behind that oh so superior look.

"Come on Cole, blow out the candles!" yelled a laughing Garibaldi.

"Yeah, make your wish and blow out the candles!" added Ivanova.

Marcus glared at them. If looks could kill, the Security Chief and the Station's XO would have been ash.

"Come on Cole, I broke all of my own rules for medlab to make this happen, at least pretend that you are having a good time," said the Doctor.

Marcus sighed. Well, if he played along, he might get the mob to leave faster. He closed his eyes and made the same futile wish he made every year. Marcus took a breath and blew out the candles to the cheers of the crowd. The cake was then cut. Everyone got a piece, even Marcus. Marcus just raised an eyebrow in Franklin's direction.

"Well Marcus, since you've been such a good patient..." the Doctor was cut off by snickers, "As I was saying, since you have been such a good patient, this is your first gift from me, the second you get after everyone else has given theirs."

"And speaking of presents, I'll start the process, that way Delenn and I can get into a relatively safe corner before you get mobbed," Sheridan said as he handed over a packet wrapped in foil.

Marcus took the package with a smirk on his face. "You're all heart, Captain. Thanks for standing between me and the Huns!" he replied sarcastically.

Sheridan snorted and Delenn laughed at the comment as they moved out of the way while

Marcus opened the package, and was stunned speechless. Inside was a real, honest to God book. It was a leather bound and very well-preserved copy of "Morte D'Arthur".

"Read the cards out loud Marcus," came from Susan.

Marcus took out the card and read:

"Marcus,

We wish to thank you for all you have done for the Anla'Shok and for us. Since you seem to be the Station's Lancelot, our very own Gwenaviere and I decided to track this down for you.

Happy Birthday Marcus,

John and Delenn.

P.S. Just remember, you do the Lancelot thing for others. Get involved in MY Camelot, and you'll find out why the Min'aia Den'shok (Warrior Caste) call me "StarKiller". I sure as hell ain't no Arthur!"

Marcus blushed and sputtered as he finished reading the card. He finally stammered out a thank you. Every one laughed, well at least all the Humans did, the aliens just looked puzzled. Then someone began to tell the story of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Well, someone told the short, short, version anyway. After the end of the tale, Neroon snorted, looked over to Sheridan, and bowed his head in an acknowledgment. Sheridan nodded his head in return, while dodging a swat from Delenn, who was muttering about how the Rangers were much better behaved than that and how dare he suggest, even in jest, that she could EVER act like such a hussy!

After that, there were gifts and ribald cards from Vir and Londo, who both got him some expensive, and probably contraband, liqueurs. There was a ceremonial dagger and a tersely worded well wish from G'Kar. Lyta gave him a meditation crystal and said it was from both her and Kosh. There was a gag gift of extra bandages and first aid supplies from of all people, an evilly grinning Lennier. The card read simply read, "So you aren't in medlab so much." It was met with roars of approval and an embrace to a stunned Lennier from the Doctor.

The Rangers had all pitched in and got Marcus a spare field survival kit. Marcus was touched the most by this gift. It meant that at least some people cared as to whether he lived or died. It could save his life one day. He bowed to his fellow Rangers as well as he could from the hospital bed.

"Su'nahan ah' mal'ier (Thank you my brother)," Marcus said to the Ranger who had present the gift to him. He and the others bowed back, the Humans had smiles on and the Minbari looked smug. Well, when didn't they?

"Alright, only two more to go. Here, take ours first," Garibaldi said as he handed over a large, colorfully wrapped box.

Marcus was immediately on his guard. He knew this wouldn't be good, judging from the looks on Ivanova's and Garibaldi's faces. With another glance at Susan Marcus was POSITIVE that he wouldn't like this at all!

"Well come on, open it!" urged Susan, grinning like a mad hatter.

Marcus stalled and took out the card first. He read:

"To our favorite P.I.T.A,

It is our hope that if your frustrations are eased, then you'll be less of a frustration to us.

Enjoy!

Michael and Susan"

After the laughing over the card, Marcus took a deep breath and unwrapped and opened the box. He got the shock of his life. Inside there seemed to be the entire inventory of an S&M toy store; cock rings, vibrators, plugs, gags, cuffs and more. Marcus was blushing furiously as he slammed the lid down. Hard. He looked up and saw his two friends holding on to each other and laughing so hard that tears were flowing down their faces.

"Your face! We should have brought the camera!" wheezed out a laughing and gasping Garibaldi. He and Ivanova laughed even louder at seeing the puzzled expressions on the faces of the other guests.

Marcus's expression and voice became deadly. "One word, one syllable of a word, as to what is in that box and I will make your lives a living HELL!"

Seeing that they had humiliated Marcus, and in a bad way, his two friends became very serious. "Hey, Marcus we didn't mean anything by it. It was only a joke, okay?" Michael apologized. "Here, I'll take it and get rid of it."

Marcus forced himself to calm down. He handed the box over and told them that he forgave them. Then he admonished them not to do anything like that again and to never speak of it to anyone! Garibaldi took the box and made his way to the exit. Neroon stopped him at the door. It seemed that the Warrior wanted to ask something of the Chief. Marcus couldn't make out any of their conversation since Susan had distracted him as she apologized as well.

"Well, that just leaves my last gift," said Franklin as he tried to lighten the mood. With a flourish, he brought out Marcus's release forms.

Marcus immediately brightened up. "Steven, that is the best present I could get today. Can I leave now?"

Seven nodded and turned his attention to the guests. "Alright people, you heard him, the man wants out! That means he needs privacy to dress, so shoo!" the Doctor ordered the crowd, to the disappointment and catcalls of some of the departing female Rangers. Everyone else left with well wish to Marcus.

Once he was alone, and behind the drawn screen, Marcus dressed as quickly as possible. He wanted out of medlab. He wanted to go back to his quarters and be miserable in peace. God, how he hated his birthday! And once again, he had been forced to pretend to be happy to please a crowd. Once he was dressed, he loaded his gifts into his new kit, grabbed his release papers, and left with a flip farewell to the Doctor, who did "flip" him off.

Outside, the medlab Marcus was again shocked. Neroon was standing alone in the corridor. It looked as if he had been waiting for Marcus.

"Shai Alyt," Marcus said and bowed.

"Anla'Shok Cole. I wish to extend my felicitations on this anniversary of your natal day," Neroon intoned formally.

"Thank you, Shai Alyt," Marcus replied just as formally.

"Please, call me Neroon. You have earned the right. May I walk with you to your destination?" asked Neroon.

"Um, yes of course, Neroon. I'm just returning to my quarters," the Ranger replied.

They began walking together and chatting about the Rangers, the Warrior Caste and the Station. They shared political insights and gossip about shared acquaintances. Marcus found that this conversation was more enjoyable than the rest of his day had been. He was a little disappointed when they reached his quarters. He found that he didn't want to be alone now.

"Thank you for your thoughts and your conversation Neroon. I bid you farewell," Marcus said.

"Marcus, I find our conversation most stimulating. I do not wish to see it end just yet. Perhaps, you could drop off your belongings and join me for evening meal at my quarters?" Neroon asked.

"That sounds wonderful. I really wasn't looking forward to eating alone," Marcus said as he opened the door and walked in.

As Marcus put his things away, Neroon looked around. By, Valen! Marcus lived a more Spartan life than even the most devout of the Religious Caste! There were no mementos, no stills, nothing to show who lived here. What could have made the Ranger disconnect from life so strongly? The Ranger in question pulled Neroon from his thoughts.

"Well, that's done. Shall we leave?" Marcus asked.

"Yes, of course," Neroon answered as they left and began the journey to Neroon's diplomatic quarters. "You did not seem to enjoy the celebration," Neroon stated as they walked.

"Yes, well, I see those bloody things as excuses that your friends use in order to torture you in public. I even have a list of them. It's called the "101 Reasons to Hate Birthday Parties" list," Marcus answered dryly.

Nerron laughed. "So I see. Tell me, what is the reason that Humans celebrate the anniversary of a person's natal day?"

"We call it a "birthday". I think that the tradition started in the far past. You see, before the advent of modern medicine, most children born did not survive past their first year of life. Many women died in childbed as well. Every year the child lived was seen by the family as another victory over death, hence the celebration of it," Marcus answered.

"Ah, and the pastry and candles?" Neroon inquired further.

"The cake represents the sweetness that the family and guests wish to bring to the individual's life in the coming year. The candles represent the years that a person has lived. There is supposed to be one for each year, but the older you are, the harder that is. We "older folks" use one candle to represent a certain number of years. We mostly use one candle for one year for children. As for the blowing out of the candles, well there is an old Earth legend. It says that if the person who is the celebrant of the birthday, makes a wish and then blows out all the candles in one breath, the wish will come true," Marcus said as he finished his explanation of Human birthday celebrations.

"I believe that I understand now. May I ask what you have wished for, Marcus?" Neroon asked.

Marcus smiled sadly. "Ah, there is another part to the legend. If you tell anyone what you wished for, it will not come true."

"Then I shall not inquire further," Neroon said as they reached his quarters.

Neroon opened the door and ushered Marcus in. The Shai Alyt had been given the standard V.I.P. quarters set aside for visiting dignitaries. Marcus looked around and spotted the already set Minbari table.

"Ah, I see that my staff has already laid out evening meal. Shall we dine?" asked Neroon.

"Yes, please. I am looking forward to a meal that hasn't been murdered by the medlab staff!" answered Marcus. As the Ranger and the Warrior sat down to the meal, Marcus found that the table bore most of his favorite Minbari foods. "I see that we have similar tastes in cuisine," he said in surprise.

Again to Marcus's surprise, Neroon looked a bit sheepish at that statement. "I have a bit of a confession to make Marcus. You see; I wished to give you a gift for this day as well. I had my staff find out what foods you favored, and had them prepared for this meal," the Warrior softly stated.

"Oh, um, thank you for the thought and this lovely meal. But what would you have done had I not accepted your invitation?" Marcus asked; a bit flustered.

"I would have had it sent to your quarters with a card stating that it was my gift to you," answered Neroon.

Marcus was floored. He knew Minbari customs rather well. To send a gift of such magnitude openly meant only one thing to the Minbari. It was meant as an opening to courtship. Marcus looked up at Neroon with a stunned and somewhat confused expression.

"Neroon…" Marcus couldn't finish the thought let alone the sentence.

"Yes, Marcus. I mean exactly that. I wish to court you. Do you accept my offer of courtship?" Neroon asked formally.

"I, … how, … but, but why?" Marcus stuttered out.

"Do you know how the Min'aia Den'shok find their mates?" asked Neroon

Marcus, still unable to speak coherently, shook his head no.

"We are like most other Minbari in that our souls call to another's, but what sets us apart is that many times our souls connect to our mates' souls during the heat of battle. We believe it is because a Warrior cannot mask who they truly are when they fight for their life," Neroon gently explained.

"Marcus, when we fought den'shah (a duel to the death), my soul connected to yours. In your eyes, I saw my other half. I saw that which was missing from my heart and my soul. And may Valen forgive me, I almost destroyed it," the Warrior paused to take a steadying breath before going on, "I have meditated on this greatly on this subject and now know that I wish to court you with my final intent being marriage," Neroon finished in a soft and somewhat nervous voice.

"I… I don't know what to say," said a dumfounded Marcus after he finally found his voice.

"Say yes, Neroon pressed.

"I … I … Can we eat first?" Marcus blurted out, confused and embarrassed.

"If you wish," answered an amused Neroon.

They ate. It was awkward at first. Each man tried to start a stilted conversation while pointedly ignoring the elephant in the room. All the attempts were dismal failures. Finally, in desperation, Neroon made a comment about needing to meet with Shakiri when he returned to Minbar. Oh, and could he by any chance borrow some of that Human invention called "duct tape"? It may be needed to shut the Wind Sword up. The tension broke and Marcus laughed until his sides hurt. The meal progressed in a much more relaxed atmosphere after that.

As they finished dessert, Marcus gathered the courage and wits to broach the subject. "Neroon, I find that I enjoy your company. You make me laugh and I don't need to have the mask of the jolly, polite and friendly Ranger on around you. You make me feel comfortable, but that does not mean that I can develop romantic feelings toward you. To be honest, I've never been attracted to males of any species. Now, that doesn't mean that I would cherish a friendship with you. I have very few true friends and would be very honored if I could you among that number, " Marcus finished a bit nervously, hoping that he hadn't just insulted one of the most powerful political and military figures of the Federation.

At the Rangers words, Neroon looked thoughtfully at Marcus. After a time, Neroon finally reached across the table for the Ranger's hand. He gently covered Marcus's slim hand with his own larger one.

"May I?" the Warrior gently asked.

Marcus's eyes grew large. For a Minbari to ask another to hold their hand was akin to a Human asking for a kiss. He bit his lip nervously, wondering how to handle this escalating situation. Finally after a bit of thought, he nodded yes, hoping that is was just a Minbari "goodbye kiss" and he'd make it out of the Warrior's quarters with no harm or foul.

Neroon gently picked up his hand and turned it palm up. While one hand cradled Marcus's, Neroon brought the other over to cover it. Then, Neroon looked deeply into his eyes, and slowly drew his fingers down Marcus's open hand in a caress. Marcus shivered and gasped at the touch and was completely surprised at both the sensation and his reaction to it.

"By Valen, I was right. Marcus you do not see what is before you because you are unawakened," Neroon stated. His voice was a little awed.

Marcus blushed, knowing that Neroon referred to his virgin state. "How, how did you know?" he whispered.

"By your quarters, they speak of a man who has kept himself locked away from others, by your reaction to such a simple caress. Marcus, have you even indulged in the Human version of this, the act called kissing?" Neroon gently asked as he again caressed Marcus's open hand.

"A bit," Marcus stammered out, still shivering from what Neroon was doing to his hand. Valen, having your palm touched shouldn't feel that good!

Neroon looked at Marcus with gentle, loving eyes. "We are both Warriors. To know that you had the strength to wait until your soul was called to while I indulged foolishly, it humbles me. It shows that you are the stronger one of us. I ask for your forgiveness for those past actions."

"There is nothing to forgive. We did not know each other then, nor is it my place to judge you," Marcus answered, still blushing.

"A'fel E', Marcus (I love you, Marcus). A me'lirla E' (I cherish you)." Neroon said as he stood up. "I would like to give you another gift tonight," Neroon smiled gently down at Marcus. "To be precise, it is a gift I would ask of you. Would you let me lead you through the rituals of Li'ransa (sexual awakening) tonight?" Neroon asked as he extended a hand to the still blushing Ranger.

Marcus looked at Neroon's extended hand, then up to his expressive eyes. He saw only love and respect there. It hit him then, a sense of peace, a feeling of warmth, as if all was right in the universe. Looking into Neroon's eyes, Marcus felt as if he had finally come home. It felt as if something long missing had finally been found and had slid into place in his soul. It felt as if the soul wrenching loneliness that had been with him since the destruction of Arisia had finally been lifted. He made his decision then. Marcus took Neroon's offered hand and stood up.

Marcus blushed again. "Vi'is, ah' ma'fela na, (Yes, my first lover,)" he whispered nervously.

Neroon let out a breath he did not know he was holding. "And only, Zha'aia (one heart). Zha'aia de'sher (one heart, forever)," Neroon answered and led them to the sleeping chamber.

Marcus looked at the bed, a Human style one, and shot a surprised look at the Warrior.

"Yes, well, there was a, how do you Humans say, "a mix up" with the quarters. These were the only ones left open when I arrived. Now, it seems fortuitous," at Marcus's inquisitive look, he continued, " It will help you, ma'fela, in the rituals, if you are in more familiar surroundings."

Marcus blushed again. Valen, at this rate he'll be scarlet for the rest of his life! He glanced at the bed again and began to tremble in trepidation. The full impact of his rash decision hit him like a ton of bricks at that moment. Oh, Valen! What had he just agreed to?!

Nor could he back out of it now. Marcus knew enough about Minbari culture to know that that was just NOT done! Oh, Lord! What was he going to do? Neroon was a man, Minbari and a Warrior to boot! Minbari didn't engage a "friendly experimentation". Physical intimacy was an extremely serious matter to them. Then there was the fact that he knew nothing about the subject from a Minbari aspect. Just what would Neroon expect of him?

"Neroon, I don't know what to do, where to even start. All my other experiences, and rather limited experiences at that, were all with Human females," Marcus whispered out, barely able to get the words past his suddenly dry lips.

"Be at ease, beloved. As you have accepted my offer it is my honor to guide you this night," Neroon replied. When Marcus said nothing, but continued to blush and stare at the bed, he stepped toward him.

"Easy now, my One. We must all start somewhere. There much that I need to learn tonight as well," Neroon said softly, comfortingly as he took Marcus into his arms.

He stroked Marcus hair, murmuring about its texture resembling the finest of silk, trying to put the younger man at ease and succeeding. Marcus's unabashed pleasure in such a simple touch made Neroon wondered at his own selfishness, ignorance, stupidity and unintended cruelty in the past before he firmly shut the door on that train of thought. The war and all it entailed were just that, in the past, and he and this bold and beautiful Human called Marcus were here in the present, and Marcus was all that mattered in this point in time.

Gently, Neroon touched his forehead to Marcus's, a truly intimate touch for the Minbari. "We can start the rituals of Fal othla'cha (foreplay) by you teaching me how to kiss," he suggested.

And so they kissed. Gently, tentatively at first, then with passion as time progressed. Neroon was a quick study. Soon, he took control of the kisses, and proceeded to trace and explore every delicate bit of Marcus's lips and mouth. When they were done, both men were breathing raggedly and very aroused.

"I had never thought such an act could be so pleasurable," Neroon rasped out as he caressed Marcus's bearded cheek.

"Kissing has never felt so good before," Marcus said, his eyes glazed and voice just as ragged.

"Do you wish to continue?" asked Neroon as he began to caress Marcus's arms.

"Vi'is," Marcus rasped out.

"May I undress you?" Neroon asked.

Marcus nodded, and asked the same of Neroon, who nodded as well. They slowly began to remove each other's uniforms. Cloaks and tunics went first. Finally, each caressed the other's bare skin. Neroon was enthralled with the hair on Marcus. He ran his fingers across Marcus's firm chest, and was rewarded with gasps as he touched his nipples.

"We are not so different then," Neroon whispered. He continued to caress Marcus and reveled in his unrestrained response. "Ker'Shan (Beautiful.)"

Marcus moaned and trembled at each touch. When Neroon dipped his head and took one of his nipples in his mouth, Marcus's knees practically gave out. Sensing that his young lover was overwhelmed, Neroon guided Marcus to the bed. Slowly, so as not to loose contact with each other, they sank down onto it and continued to explore each other. After a time, they broke apart. They lay on the bed, still facing each other, and tried to catch their breath again. As soon as their hearts stopped racing Neroon gathered Marcus close again.

"I want to see you, beloved. May I remove the rest?" Neroon softly whispered in Marcus's ear.

Marcus nodded and sat up, wanting to remove his boots. Neroon was quicker. He knelt down beside the bed and removed them for Marcus, along with his socks. Somehow, he had toed of his own in the process. As his hands traveled to the waistband of Marcus's trousers, Neroon noticed that the Human he loved so much had become very nervous again. He changed his mind as to how to proceed. Neroon stood up and undressed completely. He stood still; proud of his body and wanting Marcus to see just how much he affected him.

Marcus's eyes traveled across the strong body the Warrior had bared for him. He blushed scarlet when his eyes reached Neroon's very impressive arousal. Marcus quickly dropped his eyes. He was curious and wanted to explore more of Neroon, but all of a sudden, Marcus knew exactly what those virgin Victorian brides had felt like.

Neroon saw Marcus's dilemma, and gently smiled. He sat next to the Human. "Marcus, look at me. I want you to know me, to see me. To see what your love and the response of your body does to me."

Curiosity, modesty and need warred within Marcus at Neroon's words. Need and curiosity finally won out. Marcus again looked at his lover's body, this time avidly perusing Neroon's arousal.

"Can I…?" he nervously whispered, unable to finish the question.

"Yes, touch me, my love. Explore and get to know the body that will show you physical love," Neroon purred as he took Marcus's hands and laid them on his hard thighs.

Marcus did as he was told, exploring everywhere. He followed Neroon's gentle instructions as to how to caress his body. He loved the little hisses and gasps he pulled from his lover. When Marcus touched the base of Neroon's bonecrest where it met his neck, Neroon moaned. When Marcus ran his hand down Neroon's spine, the Warrior growled, and when Marcus built up the courage to measure Neroon's arousal with his hands, Neroon swore.

Marcus then quickly found himself flat on his back with a fiercely aroused Minbari Warrior covering him. Neroon kissed Marcus passionately as his hands roamed everywhere, their bodies rubbing together. Marcus's trousers and boxers disappeared. Neroon's hands found Marcus's erection and stroked it. The Warrior wanted to inflame his love's passion until it burned away all the nervousness and modesty, and it worked. Marcus began to arch into Neroon's caresses, hips thrusting into his strokes. Finally, finally, Marcus was moaning and writhing beneath him without restraint!

"Su'rahan. Su'rahan, ah' ma'fela. Kaszha'hak... (Please. Please, my lover. Make love...)" Marcus never finished the sentence he'd moaned out. Neroon's mouth descended on his again with a fury.

"You need not beg, ma'fela. A' li'ran nehan E', zha' aia (I want to give you pleasure, one heart)," Neroon said as he began to position Marcus.

The Warrior spread Marcus's legs apart and lay between them, lining up their erections. Then Neroon began to move, thrusting gently. Marcus moaned at the friction and the feel of Neroon's arousal rubbing against his own. He grasped the Warrior's shoulders as his own hips began to move in counterpoint. Soon, their movements grew more rapid, more passionate, and the air filled with their cries and rasped out endearments. Finally, they spiraled to completion together. The experience was so overwhelming for Marcus that he didn't even notice when an almost equally exhausted Neroon briefly left him in order to clean them both up.

Afterwards, they recovered, lying in each other's arms. As Marcus came back to reality, a thought occurred to him. "Neroon, why…?"

He was cut off by a gentle kiss. "Beloved, to my Caste, the ritual of Li'ransa is even more sacred than the Shan' Fal. (Pleasure Ritual) I wished to give you the gift of Lenore Na (first climax) this night. All else may wait until the Shan' Fal. Full consummation will wait until we are bonded."

"You are pretty sure of your self aren't you?" Marcus teased with a smile.

"Can you say, after this, that you do not wish to wed?" Neroon asked, a smile on his lips as well.

Marcus chuckled. "You know me too well. Yes, Neroon, I will marry you." Marcus snuggled back into Neroon's arms, when another thought occurred to him. "Neroon, what did you say to Michael at the party?"

The Warrior groaned. "I had hoped that you had missed that conversation. Well, I see that I have another confession to make, ma'fela. I had, quite by accident, found out about the little "surprise" that those to two idiots you call friends had planned for you. When the Chief was leaving to dispose of the "evidence", I stopped him to explain as to why I thought your reaction was so virulent. Mr. Garibaldi seemed truly repentant of his actions when he heard my explanation. I also asked that he not dispose of the box. After all beloved, such implements of pleasure may come in useful during the Human ritual of the "honeymoon"," Neroon finished with a leer.

Marcus starred at his new fiancé, dumbfounded. Finally he began to laugh. Marcus laughed for a long time. When he recovered, Marcus spoke again.

"Neroon, I think my wish came true today. I always wished for someone who could love me for me; quirky sense of humor and all. I see that I've gotten a Warrior with an equally quirky sense of humor. I also found my one reason to love birthdays; you," Marcus finished with a kiss and snuggled back into his soul mate's arms.

THE END