"About your..." Nat and Aika spoke concurrently.

"You first." Nat offered.

"So I was thinking about your birthday...and I'm going to be honest about it." Aika bit her lip.

"What about it?" Nat chuckled.

"I did plan on surprising you but..." Aika stopped halfway.

"It's okay. I know you've been working really hard at work and for your mama and I don't want you worrying about something so trivial..." Nat assured Aika.

"But it's the first time we're celebrating our birthdays together..." Aika sighed. Nat had done so much for her that she wanted to give him a nice surprise too.

"Hey, as long as I have you and Jamie, everyday feels like my birthday. And talking about birthdays, isn't someone's 3 days away from mine?" Nat reminded Aika.

"Right...I almost forgot." Aika had been so caught up with everything else.

"So, how about this? We can celebrate together on Sunday, no fancy surprises but just a simple celebration with the family?" Nat suggested.

"Sounds good to me. Promise that you won't spring any surprises on me?" Aika held out her pinky. She had experienced enough of Nat's surprises to know that Nat would go all out for her.

"Okay, I promise." Nat wrapped his pinky around Aika's.

~

"Ninang, what are you doing?" Jamie took a seat next to Aika on the floor. Aika and Jamie were alone in the apartment since Nat had to work late in the office.

"I'm making your Daddy's birthday present!" Aika pressed a kiss on Jamie's forehead.

"Ooh, can I help?" Jamie looked at the pieces of paper spread over the coffee table.

"Sure, come here." Aika patted her lap. Jamie climbed into Aika's embrace and made herself comfortable.

"What are all these?" Jamie wondered why Aika had a big heart-shaped glass and thin strips of paper.

"I'm going to write things that I want to tell your Daddy onto these pieces of paper and fold them into mini stars." Aika explained as she showed Jamie an example.

"Wow! Can I write some too?" Jamie wanted to be part of it.

"Of course you can, sweetie. I'll help you." Aika held Jamie's hand as she wrote out the message Jamie had for Nat.

"So first, you tie a knot..." Aika then slowly guided Jamie in folding the paper into a star.

"How many are you going to make? The jar is so big!" Jamie stared at the jar which was only 10% filled.

"As much as the things I want to tell your Daddy..." Aika laughed as Jamie escaped from her lap, having lost interest after one star.

"Ninang, you're sleeping over tonight right?" Jamie looked at the clock. It was 8pm and Nat was still stuck at work.

"I'm sorry sweetie, but I have to head home tonight...But I'll leave after your Daddy comes home." Aika promised her mama that she would be back tonight.

"Okay..." Jamie frowned slightly.

"Come on, shall we get ready for bed? We can continue with that storybook we were reading..." Aika held her hand out to Jamie. The girl immediately cheered up.

~

"

Gabe, is it ready?" Nat looked for Gabe right after he got off a call with a client on the phone.

"Yep, the keys just arrived." Gabe entered the office with a bunch of keys in hand.

"Great! Thanks for rushing it out for me!" Nat took the keys from Gabe.

"What about the contract? Are you signing it?" Gabe asked.

"Not now. At least not until I've asked for her hand." Nat shook his head.

"Wow, perks of being the heir...Reserving the penthouse of our latest release just like that." Gabe scoffed.

"Hey, I'm paying a monthly reservation fee. It's not like I'm occupying it for free!" Nat retorted.

"Ok fine. If anything goes South, you could always treat it as an investment. It's prime land, boss!" Gabe shrugged.

"What a nice way to jinx it. Watch that I don't invite you to our wedding." Nat threw a pillow at Gabe.

"Oh, I'll make sure I appear." Gabe threw it back at Nat.

"Anyways, sorry for holding you back. You can come in late tomorrow if necessary. I'll head home now, the girl's are waiting." Nat grabbed his phone and bag.

"Oh how I love to see Mr Whipped Nathaniel Lee." Gabe teased as he made way for Nat.

~

Nat entered the silent apartment. Seeing how the living room lights were off, Aika and Jamie were probably in Jamie's room. Setting his things down gently, he headed to Jamie's room.

"Hey..." Nat whispered as he opened the door. Only the lamp on Jamie's desk was on, shining dimly on Aika and Jamie.

"Aika?" Nat peered, only to see that Aika had fallen asleep with Jamie in her arms. After snapping a quick picture with his phone, Nat leaned in to kiss Jamie on the forehead.

"Nat?" Aika woke up suddenly.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you..." Nat whispered. Aika gently removed Jamie's arm from her waist and covered her with a blanket.

"Let's go outside." Aika held Nat's wrist, turning off the lamp on Jamie's desk as they left.

"Sorry for being late..." Nat apologised as he gave Aika a kiss on the cheek.

"It's okay, I love putting Jamie to bed too." Aika smiled. Being able to read bedtime stories to Jamie, tuck her into bed with a goodnight kiss and having Jamie hold onto her hand until she fell asleep was such a wonderful feeling.

"Get home safe and text me when you reach?" Nat let go of Aika's hand reluctantly.

"Yes sir." Aika saluted jokingly.

"See you, sunshine." Nat leaned in for a kiss on the lips.

"Good night, my big boy." Aika grinned as she stroked Nat's cheeks.

~

"

Happy birthday Daddy!" Jamie threw herself onto Nat.

"Thank you, Princess...Urgh why are you so cute!" Nat tickled Jamie.

"Ahh...because I'm your daughter?" Jamie replied amidst the tickling.

"Fair answer...How are you so smart?" Nat chuckled.

"That's because I take after ninang!" Jamie replied.

"Wait...how did your ninang come into the picture? I mean, she is really smart but..." Nat pretended to feel hurt.

"Ninang went to Harvard, you didn't. And everyone says that I speak well, like ninang!" Jamie gave Nat a coy look.

"True...true..." Nat couldn't refute. Jamie was really starting to resemble Aika.

"Come on and get changed! I want to see lola Leni and tita Tricia!" Jamie pulled Nat out of bed.

What's your ETA?

15 minutes. Your sweetie is literally breathing down my neck on my birthday.

See you birthday boy <3

<3

"Princess, the lift may break if you keep bouncing around!" Nat felt the lift shake.

"Sorry, I was just too excited!" Jamie gave her dad a toothy grin. She hadn't seen her lola Leni and tita Tricia in so long.

"LOLA! TITA!" Jamie yelled the second the door opened.

"Jamie!" VP Leni lifted the running girl into her arms.

"I missed you and tita Tricia so much!" Jamie pouted adorably.

"We missed you too, sweetheart!" Tricia softly squished Jamie's cheeks.

"Jamie, you forgot these..." Nat held up the bags they had brought.

"Right! We brought souvenirs from Singapore!" Jamie grabbed the bags from Nat.

"It's supposed to be your birthday but we are the ones getting presents?" VP Leni gasped at the amount of things.

"Lots of this were from my parents, as a way to thank you for taking care of us. I think Aika has already told you who my Dad is?" Nat smiled.

"Yes, Kevin is indeed a close friend. I never imagined that you would be Kevin and Sofia's son..." VP Leni reminisced.

"Fate works in the most amazing ways, mama." Tricia grinned.

"This is for you, Doc." Nat handed a huge bag to Tricia.

"Is this my kaya? Thank you!" Tricia peeked into the heavy bag, the sight of the spread excited her.

"Since you and Aiks didn't want anything fancy, we thought a home-cooked meal would be good?" VP Leni had been cooking since the morning.

"Your home-cooked food is literally the best birthday present! Thank you, Ma'am!" Nat spotted all his favourite dishes.

"I had to remind her that it was a co-celebration, mind you." Aika teased her mama about her food choices.

"The life of a non-favourite, starring Aika Robredo." Tricia chimed in.

"It's okay, ninang! You're my favourite!" Jamie slid her hand into Aika's and smiled.

"You're my favourite too, cutie pie!" Aika kissed Jamie's cheek.

"Lonely, I am so lonely. I have nobody..." Tricia sang sadly.

"You're my favourite too, tita Tricia!" Jamie held Tricia's hand too.

~

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAT!" Karine's voice boomed through Aika's computer.

"Sorry about that, Leni. My daughter is a little on the boisterous side. It's so great to see you again." Kevin chuckled as Alice chided Karine behind the camera.

"No worries, Kevin. I've heard about her and your wife from Aika, glad too see you doing so well!" VP Leni assured her old friend.

"I was telling Aika about how grateful I was to you and Jesse back then. Now with Nat, I think my family owes you so much..." Kevin was grateful.

"Don't mention it at all. There are no such things as debt between friends. You were there for us when Jesse passed too. Beside, Nat and Jamie have been nothing but a joy to our family!" VP Leni didn't want him to feel indebted in any way.

"Thank you for celebrating Nat's birthday for us, we appreciate the love your family has shown Nat and Jamie the past year." Alice smiled.

"Let me know if you need any assistance during the campaign, Leni. I will spare no qualms as long as you ask." Kevin offered his full support.

"Thank you, Kevin." VP Leni appreciated the offer.

~

"Jamie, it's time..." Tricia whispered to the girl. Exchanging looks, Jamie followed Tricia to the kitchen.

"Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to Daddy and Ninang...Happy Birthday to you!" Jamje sang as Tricia held a cake.

"Happy Birthday!" VP Leni, Tricia and Jamie wished Nat and Aika.

"Wow, is that the two of us?" Nat looked at the drawing on the cake. It was based off a picture that they took.

"Custom made for our January babies!" Tricia grinned.

"It's so pretty! Thanks, Patty." Aika hugged her sister.

"Make a wish and blow the candles out!" Jamie hurried.

After a quick wish, Nat and Aika blew out the candles together.

"Daddy, can you get me a cake like this during my birthday too?" Jamie asked as she took a bite.

"Your birthday is in 4 months but yes, you can." Nat laughed at Jamie's request.

"Yay! I want mine to have you, me and ninang on top! Just like this picture!" Jamie tapped on Nat's phone screen to reveal his lockscreen wallpaper. It was a selfie of the three of them.

"Trish, sugar overload alert..." VP Leni whispered with a smile to Tricia.

"That's not all we have planned. You and ate are going to get tonight all to yourselves. We promised a sleepover with Jamie, right?" VP Leni turned to the girl, who nodded vigorously. 

"You two go enjoy your birthday date and leave this cutie to us!" Tricia gave Jamie a hi-five. Jamie was equally excited to be staying over.

~

"Princess, be a good girl and listen to your lola Leni and tita Tricia okay?" Nat gave Jamie a hug. 

"I know, Daddy. There's no reason not to listen!" Jamie answered smartly, making Tricia burst out in laughter. 

"Enjoy yourselves, birthday boy and girl. Jamie will be in good hands, now shoo!" VP Leni was about to chase the couple out of the house if they stayed any longer. 

"Guess it's you and me, sunshine..." Nat held out his hand. 

"Time for some fun, birthday boy." Aika placed her hand in Nat's.

"Anything you feel like doing?" Nat asked as they buckled their seatbelts. 

"It's your birthday, not mine? Shouldn't we be doing things you want?" Aika chuckled.

"It's technically our birthdays. Plus, whatever makes you happy is what I want." Nat grinned. 

"Hmm, how about some fun?" Aika suggested. 

"The arcade?" Nat offered. 

"You're on." Aika nodded. 

"Ooh, let's play that!" Aika dragged Nat to the dance machine after getting their game cards. 

"You know I have coordination problems!" Nat whined as he followed behind. 

"You know what they say, face your fears up front!" Aika winked as she tapped the card on the reader. 

"Right, left, right, up, down..." Aika instructed Nat like a teacher. 

"My legs aren't listening!" Nat was fumbling and missing every single step. 

"10/100...you got 10 out of 100?" Aika couldn't believe her eyes. 

"Hey, at least it wasn't a 0?" Nat turned beet red. Dancing was just not it. 

"Fair point. Your turn to choose a game." Aika handed Nat the game card. 

"I was a sharpshooter in the army. Got a few awards even." Nat winked they stood in front of a shooting game. 

"Mind imparting your prized knowledge to me, Mr Sharpshooter?" Aika stood in front of the gun at a loss. 

"You aim at your target, clear your mind from distractions and go for it..." Nat guided Aika's hands to the trigger. 

"Trust my instincts?" Aika questioned.

"Always." Nat replied. Aika pressed the trigger and let go slowly as the bullet travelled to the target. 

"Bullseye." Nat beamed with pride as the scoreboard flashed a 10.

"I think I'm talented in shooting..." Aika crossed her arms.

"Talented at shooting arrows at my heart indeed. I think I need CPR." Nat joked as he held his heart.

"That's Patty's job, not mine." Aika retorted. 

"Right. Anyways, choose one and I'll win it for you." Nat pointed to the array of stuffed toys displayed, arranged according to points. 

"Go big or go home, muscles." Aika pointed to a unicorn on the highest shelf. To win that, Nat would have to hit the bullseye every time. 

"Your wish is my command." Nat got into position. 

"You're the first person to win this, sir." The staff was impressed when Nat managed to score a perfect 100. 

"Here, for you." Nat handed the unicorn to Aika. 

"You surprise me all the time, muscles." Aika chuckled as she looked at the stuffed unicorn in her hand. 

"To be honest, I was trembling during the last bullet." Nat confessed. 

"It's okay, no one noticed except for me." Aika whispered into Nat's ear. 

~

"What do you want for dinner? Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Western?" Nat and Aika were done with the arcade and walking around the mall. 

"Actually, I was thinking we could grab something home? Spend time alone without any distractions?" Aika pursed her lips. 

"Home? You bet." Nat was definitely up for it. 

"I'm starting to think that you're actually a genius. I mean, I know you're dangerously smart but I can't help but admire your brain..." Nat's sudden confession confused Aika.

"What is this random confession in the middle of sushi and bubble tea?" Aika chuckled as she sipped on her drink. 

"I mean, us sitting on the floor, stealing each other's food and laughing at the most random things on earth is literally the best way to spend our birthdays. Who needs fancy restaurants and candle-light dinners when this is way more fun?" Nat stole a sip of Aika's drink. 

"Compliment accepted." Aika shrugged. 

"Oh, reminds me. I have a present for you." Nat got up and headed to his bag, fishing for something. 

"Is it gift exchange time?" Aika reached into her bag too. 

"Happy birthday, my love." Nat handed a wooden box to Aika. 

"A key? And a blueprint?" Aika was confused as she looked at the contents. 

"It's the key to the penthouse of a complex we are building and that's the layout." Nat explained. 

"You bought it?" Aika asked. 

"Not yet. But this is my promise to you. By the time this complex is ready, I would have proposed to you and we would decide on whether we want this unit. Together." Nat looked at Aika. 

"How long more will it take?" Aika was curious. 

"Latest by the end of the year." Nat wasn't sure about Aika's reaction. 

"12 months left for us then." Aika grinned, making Nat heave a sigh of relief. 

"I have something for you too. Not an apartment though..." Aika joked as she handed a glass jar to Nat. 

"A jar of paper stars?" Nat looked at the jar. 

"Open one of the stars." Aika pried the cover off and handed one star to Nat. 

"I love it when you hug me after a long day." Nat read the note on the star. 

"It's an encouragement jar. Read one whenever you feel down." Aika held Nat's hand. 

"Did you write on every single one of them?" Nat was speechless. There were at least 100 stars inside the jar. 

"I had more but the jar was only this big." Aika pouted. 

"I would literally die to read everything now but I'm holding myself back so badly now." Nat willed himself to close the jar. 

"This has to be the most out of the world gift exchange..." Aika starred at the gifts. 

"The most special one, I'd say." Nat gave Aika a kiss. 

"It's weird how birthdays are just like any other day but still manages to give you the flutters..." Aika leaned her head on Nat's shoulder. 

"Sunshine?" Nat called out. 

"Hmm, big boy?" Aika hummed. 

"I may not have been here for your last 33 birthdays but I promise to be here for the rest of your birthdays. Right by your side. Telling you that I love you and that I'm so blessed to be by your side." Nat held Aika's hand tight. 

"Thank you for reminding me that I'm old." Aika laughed in resignation. 

"We'll grow old together, it's okay." Nat assured. 

"I'm holding you to it." Aika turned to look at Nat. 

"I promise." Nat whispered before leaning in and capturing Aika's lips. 

Campaign season coming up!!!