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The last day of the year always had a special atmosphere, the closing of chapters and new beginnings, but on this occasion the atmosphere in the house was imbued with something even warmer: Logan was turning 24.
The morning began with a thunderous ‘Happy Birthday!’ that echoed throughout the house. Jack was the first to pounce on Logan, waking him up without the slightest regard for his poor brother.
“Come on, birthday boy, the day won’t wait!” he exclaimed, shaking his arm.
He barely had time to stand up before Liam came running in with a breakfast tray that almost fell out of his hands.
“Watch out!” Gabriel shouted from the hallway, but the other managed to keep his balance just in time.
“Breakfast in bed, because you deserve it,” he said with a wide smile, setting the tray down in front of Logan, who could barely contain his laughter.
“Thanks, guys. But I think I’ll have a more relaxed breakfast if you’re not all staring at me like I’m a spectacle.”
The morning passed with a back and forth of little gifts and jokes. Franco, always looking for Logan's attention, seemed intent on being his shadow all day. Dam, do you want me to get you something? Can I help you with that? Do you want to see what I did? he asked over and over, like a puppy eager to please. Logan, patient as ever, smiled and patted him on the head.
"He's like a little boy with his mother," Dino murmured, amused, as he watched the scene from the couch. Paul nodded beside him, though he couldn't help but laugh.
During lunch, Jack and Kimi took it upon themselves to prepare a simple but delicious meal. They didn't want to overindulge since it was New Year's Eve dinner that night, but they wanted to make something special for Logan anyway.
The aroma of spices filled the house as they moved around the kitchen with surprising coordination. Although they weren’t exactly known for being experienced, with Dino’s help (who was perhaps more of a hindrance than anything) and a clear recipe on the table, they managed to prepare a meal that left everyone satisfied.
“See? It wasn’t even that hard,” Jack said, patting the Italian on the back as they placed the plates on the table.
“Say that again after they try the dessert,” he replied, half joking, half serious, as he glanced sideways at the cake that Gabriel had painstakingly decorated.
The table was decorated with a simple tablecloth and some makeshift candles, but the warm gesture made up for any missing details. Logan, sitting in the center, tried not to be the center of attention, but everyone's gaze inevitably fell on him.
After lunch, they moved into the living room, where Liam and Dino had prepared an activity to keep them entertained: a guessing game that combined absurd categories like "memes" and "iconic quotes someone has said during the season."
“Okay, this one is easy,” Liam said, looking down at his phone and smirking. “Who said ‘Mate, he’s so slow’ during a race?”
“It was Ollie!” Franco quickly replied, pointing at him excitedly.
Between jokes and laughs, the birthday boy enjoyed the company, letting the warmth of the moment wash over him. Every little gesture, from Jack’s determination to win each round to Gabriel’s dedication to making sure everyone had something to snack on, reminded him how lucky he was to be surrounded by them.
As evening fell, Oscar found his chance to deliver his gift. And while the others were busy with the game, he approached Logan, in his hands he carried a small, carefully wrapped box. Making an excuse, he led him into the kitchen, where he offered him the package. Inside was a delicate bracelet, a simple and easy-to-miss piece, but pretty just the same.
“It’s beautiful,” he said, looking at Oscar with a sincerity that made him feel momentarily invincible. “Thank you, Osc. Really.”
“And well…” he hesitated a moment before reaching for a bag hidden behind the door and handing it to him. “I thought you might like it. This is part of… well, you know, more than just a detail.” Oscar avoided looking directly at him, his cheeks slightly flushed.
Logan took the bag curiously, setting the bracelet down carefully on the counter. Inside he found a large, fluffy blanket with a simple but cute design. It was the kind he had mentioned in passing once before, the perfect addition to his corner of the nest. He ran his fingers through it, noticing the softness of the material and how it seemed made to envelop him completely. He didn't expect to receive something like that as a courtship gift, but maybe he should have seen it coming, with Oscar being the alpha courting him.
“Oscar…” He looked up, his eyes shining with genuine gratitude that went beyond words. “This is… perfect. How did you remember this?”
“I hear more than you think,” he replied, scratching the back of his neck with a nervous smile. “I wanted to give you something you’d actually use. Something that would make you think of me. For your nest.”
Logan chuckled softly, a low, warm sound that made the Australian relax his shoulders.
“I always think of you, Osc. But this… well, I think it’s going to become my new favorite. Thanks.”
Oscar nodded, still a little embarrassed, but relieved to see Logan’s reaction. Before the moment could get too emotional, Franco burst into the kitchen with the enthusiasm of a hurricane.
“Dam! Dino says you can’t escape the next game. It’s the most important game of the day, and we need you.” His eyes flicked to the blanket he was holding. “Is that new?”
“It’s a gift from Oscar,” he replied, holding it out to him with a smile.
Franco reached out to touch it, his curious fingers sinking into the fabric.
“It’s so soft! Can I use it too?”
“Maybe, if you behave,” he replied, pretending to consider his request as he rolled up the blanket and set it aside. “But right now it seems I’m needed in the living room.”
Dinner was the culmination of a day full of love. Gabriel, Oscar, Ollie and Paul took care of the food while the rest prepared everything to welcome the new year. Logan, for his part, tried to enjoy the moment, although he couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by all the attention (and because he wasn't allowed to help with the big things, he was starting to feel restless).
When the clock struck midnight, after swallowing the twelve grapes to the sound of the twelve chimes (not wanting to exclude any tradition), glasses were raised to toast the new year. Around the room, everyone moved to be able to hug each other.
Franco, as expected, ended the night cuddling up to Logan, claiming his attention as the others watched fondly. The omega, with a mix of tenderness and exhaustion, thought he couldn't have had a better birthday. Although the world around him sometimes seemed chaotic and demanding, he knew he would always have a safe place among them.
The blanket over his legs and the bracelet on his wrist were tangible reminders of how much they valued him, but the real gift was something much deeper: the certainty that he had found his place, his family, and that, in this house full of chaos and love, he would always be welcome.
And that was all he needed to start the year with a smile.