Title: Anon's Special Day
Status: Complete
Characters: Anon, Fang, Trish, Reed, Naomi
Rating: SFW
Classification: One Shot 
Author: P.M.

>Another day, another boring trudge to school
>Ending a night of Rock Ring and waking to this oddly frigid morning does nothing to help Anon's mood
>Maybe one day he'll wear appropriate clothing for the weather
>Today is not that day. Tomorrow's not looking good either
>The school comes into view, as well as his rival
>Anon gives the bollard a hefty smack as he passes it. The pain coursing through his palm a reminder that he's not yet strong enough 
>He saw what Principal Spears did that day. That flag pole didn't stand a chance
>Neither did the students that put the underwear up there
>Motion in the corner of his eye drops him from his clouds of thought
>Now there's a sight for sore eyes
>The Goth-Ptero-GF known as Fang runs up to meet Anon at the top of the stairs

>Texting is no replacement for the delightful sensation Anon's tightening heart experiences as he walks with Fang in person
>Smalltalk chirps out between the two of them, filling in the gaps of their weekend that were too small to text
>The school's entrance comes into view. Now there's an opportunity. Those doors aren't wide enough are they?
>An arm reaches across Fang's shoulders, pulling her into Anon in a side-hug as they pass the threshold into the school
>Fang quietly squawks out a note of embarrassment, before playfully pushing Anon away
>Gotta maintain that punk outcast appearance eh?
>Red blush marking her face does a poor job of hiding her feelings however
>The moment was soured as a certain dinosaur rounded the corner, walking a straight line to them
>Raptor Jesus what does the tangerine terror want now? And what's that in her hand?
>Naomi reaches her destination in front of the pair, offering out plastic platitudes in greeting
>Where's Naser to pull her away when Anon needs him? She's going to make them miss their first classes
>Anon's thoughts are interrupted as Naomi finally ends her spiel and thrusts a small box wrapped with a ribbon towards him
>Wait what? Right in front of Fang?
>What scheme is she trying to pull off now?
>Anon swears he can hear the bones in Fang's hand grind together in anticipation of a second round
>Naomi must have heard it too, as she abruptly finds a reply to go with the box
>"Happy birthday Anon!"
>What!? Wait... uh. Oh. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
>The box is gingerly taken from Naomi's hands
>Raptor Jesus, it's already been a year since the last one?
>Anon can't even remember what happened last year
>Is this what getting old feels like?

>Fang is stunned to silence beside Anon, her face communicating her message before her voice can
>"It's your birthday!? Why didn't you tell me?"
>Anon scrambles for the proper words. The truth of it sounding out like a half-baked lie
>I mean really, who forgets their birthday? I guess only weirdos like himself
>Anon tries to distract Fang away from his excuse by revealing what the box contains
>Attached to the ribbon, a small pre-made tag reads 'Happy Birthday'. Naomi must have expected him to see that first
>The ribbon is torn away, and the box unfolded to reveal a cupcake
>That's... actually kinda nice. Breakfast never seemed to last very long after his trek to school
>Anon gives Naomi a small word of gratitude as he takes a bite out of it
>Not his favourite flavour, but there's enough sugar and frosting on it to give him adolescent diabetes and that's good enough for him
>A bittersweet feeling seeps into Anon's heart. Even if it is a scheme, Naomi did go out of her way to remember his birthday and get him a gift
>The expression adorning his face tells Naomi all she needs to know
>Her mission accomplished, she excuses herself, walking away from the pair
>Anon can't quite figure her out. Maybe she's still sore about prom and is trying to one-up Fang
>Speaking of, Fang still looks pissed. Shit. Think fast don't fuck this up
>Anon offers her what remains of his cupcake
>Her gaze sweeps between Anon and the treat until she accepts it with an amused huff.
>That cupcake never stood a chance. One blur of motion later and it's all gone.
>Fang's face twists around until it finally settles with a satiated smile, heavy eyelids drooping down for a moment
>A quick turn of the box reveals the flavour of the cupcake. Something that makes Fang react like that is well worth knowing

>One mental note to save it into his phone later, Anon looks around to find a garbage can
>And it's all the way over there.
>Fuck it. No way is he going to walk that far
>His arm snaps back with its payload and launches it forward towards the bin
>It sails in a clean arc through the air and-
>Oh fuck it's too high
>Just as Anon resigns himself for another walk of shame, a pink shape whips around the corner and offers its body as a backboard
>Swoosh, nothing but can
>Reed just stands there with a look of surprise on his face as the bin hungrily accepts the cardboard offering
>It only takes a moment for Reed to connect the dots, his vision sweeping to where Anon and Fang stand
>A wink and some finger guns later, he's gone
>That guy's timing is impeccable I swear
>Just before Fang can continue interrogating Anon, the klaxon of the school's early-warning bell rings out. 
>Relief washes over Anon's face. He is in no way ready to deal with the questions coming from Fang.
>But she reminds Anon that he's not out of the woods yet, and that she expects a proper answer during lunch
>Shit
>With a cheeky tongue poking out and wink later, Fang heads off to her first class
>Anon is left in the hallway with a smoldering red face of his own
>God damn. What that ptero does to him

>Fuck English, fuck math
>More useless poetry crap that Anon can't see being useful ever
>I mean fuck, it says the drapes were grey! It means they're grey! If they were sad then the author should have said so! Fuck
>And then Mr. Carlesiidewski piles on an unbelievable amount of math homework
>Couldn't even get Reed's help this time. He was too preoccupied discussing something with Trish
>It was clearly a private conversation, and Anon's not one to interrupt his homie like that
>Reed grabs onto Anon's shoulder with a consolatory hand as they walk to the cafeteria, listening to him gripe
>Anon is almost too preoccupied with voicing out his misfortunes as Reed pulls him along
>Wait, what's going on here? This isn't the way to the cafeteria
>"Reed, this is the wrong way."
>"Nah man. Gotta grab something from the auditorium first before we grab our grub. Alright? We're taking a scenic route."
>Yeah sure. Hopefully Fang is out grabbing her own food. Wouldn't want to look like he was flaking out on her by leaving with Reed
>A short jaunt later, the auditorium stands before them
>Reed pushes through the door first, quipping that he'll get the lights, and that the item in question is by the stage

>The stark darkness of the room alleviates Anon's fear of encountering Fang
>It doesn't, however, alleviate his fear of tripping and having another bollard incident.
>The light leaking from the door only reaches so far. Anon has to trust his feet just like-
>Damnit Stella stop projecting those invasive thoughts about shounen anime
>Reed said to grab something by the stage while he gets the lights. What's taking him so long?
>Gotta get this and go before the lunch line becomes insurmountable
>Would Reed really sacrifice a second helping of food for this? Surely not
>Can't even see what to grab. Batdino is nowhere to assist in this darkness
>And then all Anon can see is blinding white
>Hands shoot up to massage his impaired eyes as a hiss of pain escapes him, "Could have used some warning Reed."
>"Sorry bro." Reed pauses a moment, "It's right in front of you"
>How the raptor manages to have permanently dilated pupils yet still recover that fast Anon will never know
>The pain and white afterimage eventually fades, leaving Anon directly in front of a decorated cake
>Flowing icing announces the occasion: "Happy Birthday Anon!"
>"SURPRISE!"

>Anon whirls around, his vision quickly settling on two dinosaurs sitting right behind him in the front row, both looking incredibly smug
>Fang and Trish sit side-by-side, the pair doing a poor job of hiding their amusement
>Even Reed is displaying the face of a man whose perfect plan came to fruition
>But, how did they get a cake on such short notice?
>"Munchies for munchies my man." Reed replies, the glassware in his backpack signaling its presence as he finally joins everyone
>"Cafeteria staff will make anything you want, provided they have an incentive."
>That's... good to know. Not that Anon believes he would ever have anything to incentivize them with
>Fang pushes up off her seat, walking towards Anon before encircling her arms and wings around him
>And then the singing begins
>If there is a better way to have someone sing Happy Birthday, Anon cannot fathom it
>Even Reed and Trish join in as Fang rocks him back and forth to its tempo
>Anon's heart thrums against his ribcage with its own sympathetic voice, he himself being left speechless
>He knows Fang can hear it, can feel it, can understand the unbounded love pulsing within
>She certainly knew it couldn't be quietened by a hug alone
>As the song reaches its crescendo, they pull apart slightly, giving just enough space to bring their lips together
>A spark crosses between them on contact, signaling the coming end of their embrace, yet promising a future encore
>They part with a smile, Fang moving over towards the cake
>"Come on Anon, let's get some cake before Reed eats it all."
>Anon turns around and
>She wasn't kidding. Reed's dishing himself out an entire quarter of the cake onto a plate

>His lunch replacement in hand, Anon sits down to enjoy another gamble with diabetic shock
>Or at least he would if Reed wasn't unsubtly hinting at something
>No seriously, what is this? Interpretive dance? Dino sign language?
>Now Anon wonders if he was shitposting at some critical moment in Mr. Tsuki's class
>Shit, will this be on the final exam?
>Without warning, Trish grabs the back of Reed's head and dunks it straight into the pile of cake on his plate
>Even months of being with these dinos doesn't prepare Anon for pranks of this caliber
>Reed emerges from his cake mountain, a content smile on his face as he chews away at what his mouth scooped up during the descent
>Anon swears he heard Reed say "Now it's a party", but with that much food in his mouth it's hard to say
>That makes Anon wonder, does this mean he's next in line if he joins one of their birthday celebrations?
>Eh. Probably worth it. Not like his cue-ball-head is that hard to clean anyway

>The dwindling slab of dessert marks the passing time
>Anon is about ready to throw in the towel when Fang finally presents him with the question he's been dreading all day
>How could Anon forget his own birthday?
>Where does he even start? With how every birthday had a completely different set of kids join in?
>Anon swears the gifts could have been found at a gas station, the parents using the occasion as cheap day-care for their kids
>It dwindled down from there. Eventually, it was just him and his parents. 
>The two of them didn't care much for it either
>Just another day with their spawn
>Anon hasn't even received a text message today never mind a phone call
>Maybe they'll remember they forgot when tomorrow rolls around
>Probably not if last year is anything to go by
>By the end of his tale, Fang looks like she regrets asking
>Even Trish looks to be contemplating how she's treated Anon over the past few months
>Reed is, well... he did stop eating his cake. That's gotta count for something
>The trio glance back and forth at each-other before coming to a silent agreement
>Fang pulls Anon out of his chair before her arms squeeze into him as if he might turn to dust and blow away
>She isn't alone either, Trish and Reed join in the embrace seconds later providing their own strength and support for Anon
>...It's been a really long time since Anon has felt like this
>Even he can't play the stoic now
>Shuddering breaths. In and out, in and out
>All those lonely years, all that regret, just let it go

>Anon is the one to signal the end of the embrace, his emotional roller coaster arriving at the station at last
>Reed and Trish are the first to peel away, with Fang taking a moment longer before she too decouples from him
>Anon wipes the tears out of his eyes. His friends may understand the watery trails lining his face, but the rest of the student body is a bit more primal
>The next classes are soon. Would be best to get everything cleaned up
>Reed announces that he'll deal with what remains of the cake.
>Anon heaves a laugh. Guess Reed's getting his second round after all
>Their farewells said, Fang and Anon split off to their next class, hand in hand

>Anon's not sure which of the deities granted his wish, but Dr. Fernsworth isn't in class today
>Something bad on the news Anon guesses. He did skim across a story about a toxic waste transport tipping over today.
>In his place is some substitute teacher who just can't be bothered
>Fang is definitely taking advantage of the situation. Her fingers are a blur across her phone screen as she shuffles through multiple conversations
>Meanwhile, Anon is attempting to put a dent in his math homework
>Maybe he can bump up his grades if he stops mooching off Reed all the time. A bit of a long shot sure, but the military is looking less and less appealing by the day
>Fang's whirlwind of fingers pauses a moment to query Anon's plans for today
>Rock Ring, Saturnia, shitposting and...
>Pffff no. He's not doing anything if she's the one asking
>Her eyes glint in the light before she returns to her phone, the tornado of texting returning to wreak havoc on her phone screen
>Anon heavily considers getting some typing tips from Fang. At the speeds she's going, she could conquer entire websites
>Then again, he can't explain to her why he wants texting lessons. The secret must remain contained

>Last class of the day, freedom close enough to taste
>Doesn't mean that Anon is home free however.
>Who is Coda and why do people keep going back to him? Sometimes he's Fine, sometimes he's in D.C.
>Fang's already completed her worksheet, and is softly plucking away at the strings of the hall pass
>Every now and then she'll glance at Anon's worksheet and prod him towards the correct answer
>All but the last one anyway. Seriously what did the Italians do to have everything in music named by them?
>Fang isn't divulging any answers for this one
>Anon's pleading look must have done something however, as Fang finally responds
>"I'll help you on one condition."
>Well, it couldn't be that bad could it? It is his birthday
>Anon agrees without even bothering to ask what the condition is
>A predatory grin forms on Fang's face, her prey cornered
>Her unstructured practice halts, replaced with hushed chords
>The chords pick at Anon's memory. They're familiar, yet ethereal, tracing the edges of his thoughts
>Then, a lightning strike of realization courses through Anon, his eyes widening. Fang takes that as her cue
>Without a sound, Fang encores the words sung in the auditorium
>A secret to everyone else in class. They're either too focused on their own classwork or are taking a page out of Mr. Jingo's book and have headphones on
>Still didn't prevent Anon's heart from skipping a beat nor did it prevent the rush of red tint from spilling onto his face
>This was certainly a new tier of prank Anon hadn't even considered. A knife's edge away from complete and utter embarrassment
>Anon needs a minute to recover from that while Fang busies herself fixing up his worksheet.

>The orchestration of school bells signals the finality of the school day
>Reed and Trish are both there to greet the duo at the exit.
>Trish passes a bag to Fang, who upon inspecting the contents, hands it over to Anon
>What are these? Movies? 
>Anon scans over the titles. Planet of the Grugs, Triassic Park, Despot Kong, The Last Unicorn, Unga-Bunga of the Jungle, to name a few
>Et tu, Trigge?
>Apparently the school library has a selection of old movies archived away
>Quite the coincidence that Trish chose these in particular. Did she get some advice from Naser?
>Trish's poker face is marred by the mirth dancing in her eyes
>He'd have to get even later. Fang is already guiding everyone to the main event of the day
>Anon's party to be hosted at her house, complete with even more cake and movies
>Diabetes is looking better and better every day
>If Fang's Dad decides he's had enough of Anon, the refined sugar coursing through his veins should give him an edge in running away
>Maybe
>The human's and ptero's hands find each other, fingers interlocking, as Anon gives his answer
>"Yeah, that sounds great."