A/N: songs to set the scenes:

- Happy Birthday by Sarah Jeffery
- Let It Go by James Bay (Post Birthday-Dinner/Back at Cabin scene)

________________________________________________________________________________

AJ's POV

The first couple of days after getting my cast on were annoying. I had to explain to Kenny what happened and why I now had a cast on my right hand. I got lucky with not having to do a lot physically on-set, and I directed people around to make sure that things were where they needed to be. After today, the remainder of the week was part of the cast rehearsing for 'Night Falls' or we are preparing for Sarah's big 'Queen of Mean' segment which we got to go off-site to film again.

Today is Sarah's birthday, and I already told her we'd celebrate with everyone at the end of the week. I want to treat her tonight to a lovely dinner and hopefully get us back on the right path. She deserves all the romantic gestures so I'm pulling out all the stops. I made reservations at this vegan restaurant near Kitsilano Beach, which I plan on having us walk along after dinner. I got her a simple, beautiful necklace with a small diamond. We usually don't buy each other extravagant or expensive gifts, but I saw this necklace a few months ago and just knew I had to get it of her birthday.

~~

I finish talking to Jason about today's scene as I feel a set of hands snake around my waist. I look down and see pink sleeves. A smile grows on my face as I turn around engulfing my girlfriend in my arms neither of us caring about her costume or wig. "Happy birthday," I whisper into her hairline. I feel her lips turn into a smile against my neck, "Thank you." Her breath tickles my neck sending a shiver down my spine. Because of our moment, I completely forgot Jason and I were still discussing today's scene.

With Sarah still in my arms, I turn us a bit and shoot Jason a smile as he wiggles his eyebrows. "Alright, as I was saying, today's scene is pretty tame in comparison to the other musical numbers. I'm assuming you guys will add the pink smoke later on in editing?" I rub my hands up and down Sarah's back as I talk to Jason. "Yeah, we're cueing everyone to when they are supposed to fall 'asleep'. Before I forget, happy birthday, Sarah!" Jason says enthusiastically gaining the attention from my half-asleep girlfriend. I chuckle seeing her half-open eyes.

"Thanks, Jason. It's kind of funny we're doing Jane's birthday scene today on my birthday," I hear her sweet giggle, along with Jason's. We start walking further into the wooded area towards the filming area. We haven't filmed 'Queen of Mean' yet, so today is Sarah's first day with Malificent's scepter and the Beast's crown. Seeing her in this more dark, sinister outfit for Audrey is pretty entertaining. She's one of the least conniving, mean-spirited people I've met.

Jason leaves us to help set up one final camera for one of the later shots, and I sit in my chair to start playing around with the music for the scene. "You ready for tonight?" I ask with a devilish grin on my face. Sarah has no clue what we're doing tonight, and the only people who know either hasn't had any scenes with Sarah for her to pester them or they've been able to keep the surprise a secret. Cameron is good at keeping secrets, especially ones he helps plan. Sarah's sisters know about tonight too. "AJ, what evil plans are you conjuring up over there?" Sarah leans against the nearby tree. "You'll just have to wait and see," I wink as I finish adjusting the sound for the music. I wish filmmaking for musicals was easier, but there are so many moving parts. If only you didn't have to add the music in later and actors could just sing on film.

~~

The day finishes up rather quickly, and I'm currently leaning against the car waiting for Sarah to finish getting out of hair and make-up. I see Sofia and Cameron walking my way, and I suddenly become very interested in scrolling Twitter. "Hey Collins!" I hear Cameron yell in my direction. I give a quick wave not lifting my head from my phone, "Hey Cam!"

I see two more shadows appear at my feet. As I slowly lift my head, I'm met with the softest brown eyes that I've looked into a million times and still get the same warm feeling in my heart I felt five years ago. "What's up you two?" I slide my phone into my pocket. "You coming to rehearsals the rest of the week?" Cameron asks and I keep my gaze set on Sofia but quickly turn away to not let it become creepy. "I'm not sure. I would if I didn't have this stupid cast on," I lift the slightly heavy arm up. "Well, good luck tonight. I'm sure you don't need it though," Cameron pats my shoulder with a giant grin.

"What are you doing tonight?" Sofia asks turning both me and Cameron's gazes towards her. "I'm taking Sarah out for her birthday, and I'm nervous she won't like my gift," I give a small smile knowing that Sofia doesn't exactly love hearing about my relationship. "Hopefully it all goes well," I see a bit of a small smile on Sofia's face. Noticing it's a bit forced, but she's trying, nonetheless. "I'm sure it will all go great," she puts her hand on my bicep and squeezes it giving me a bit of reassurance.

"I'm sure we'll hear about everything from Sarah tomorrow at rehearsals," Cameron pats my back again and walks away towards the lot's exit. "I'm happy for you AJ," Sofia puts her hand on my forearm and squeezes my forearm. She gives me a tight-lipped smile and turns to walk away. I sigh knowing that I'm unintentionally hurting Sofia even if she plays it off as being happy for me. My phone vibrating pulls my attention away from the two bodies half-way across the parking lot. I take my phone out and look to see a message from Melonie, who I hadn't heard from in a while.

Mel

You ready for tonight?

Sarah has been texting me all

day asking if I know anything.

She's excited for tonight, but

won't stop pestering me.

I let out a small chuckle at how Sarah can't seem to just let surprises happen. She always asks questions trying to get someone to crack. I love the girl, but she needs to just enjoy surprises.

AJ

I'm extremely nervous. I

don't know why either.

I apologize for her pestering.

Mel

AJ, everything will be

fine. You both love

each other so much it's

disgusting! 😁

I smile at her encouraging words, and quickly slide my phone back in my pocket hearing two voices approaching me. I look up and see China and Sarah walking towards the car both talking very animatedly. I smile at the two friends but shift my gaze to the beautiful girl I love. I'm truly amazed that someone like her would love someone like me, and I'm truly the luckiest person on this planet. They are still a ways away, but Sarah meets my gaze and beams a beautiful smile at me, which only makes my smile grow.

Once they finally get close enough, I push off the car and outstretch my arms to pull Sarah into my body. "You two are so cute, but I feel super single right now," China crosses her arms watching the two of us. "I'm sorry, McClain. Want a hug?" I ask opening one arm for her to join into a group hug. "It's alright. I appreciate the gesture though. Sarah, happy birthday, and AJ, you better treat her right!" China yells as she backs away from us.

"Ready for a great night, birthday girl?" I look down at Sarah as she watches China leave. She looks up at me with a beautiful grin. "I've been looking forward to it all day. I can't wait," she gets up on her tiptoes and pecks my lips. I walk us to the car feeling my nerves build back up thinking about how I want the night to go perfectly.

~~

I wait in the kitchen scrolling through my phone mindlessly. I chose to wear a simple white t-shirt with a pair of grey dress pants. It was possibly going to be chilly out tonight, so I have a grey suit jacket too. If anything, I can make sure Sarah uses it if she gets cold.

I was in such a daze I didn't even realize Sarah standing in the doorway watching me. I catch a hint of her perfume and slowly look up drinking her in. She's wearing a lime green romper that stops mid-thigh, and I can't stop my thoughts running wild looking at her. God, she's beautiful. She's a goddess. I see her cheeks tint with a bit of red from my stare. "You're beautiful," I let slip barely above a whisper as I bring myself to stand up from the bar stool. "Thank you," she steps closer meeting me halfway. I take her hand and twirl her around looking at her from all angles. "Truly remarkable," I breath out catching a soft giggle leave Sarah's lips. "You're such a flirt," Sarah stops twirling and places her hands on my chest. "Only saying the truth, baby," I place my hands on her hips giving them a light squeeze.

"We should get going," Sarah tries getting out but my hands start moving slowly towards her bare sides. "Alright," I ghost her lips feeling her heavy breath against my own. I brush my fingertips against the exposed skin on her ribcage and move my lips to kiss her forehead. Smiling at the effect I can feel I'm having on her. "Let's go then, birthday girl," I take Sarah's hand and lead her out of the house towards the car.

~~

Sarah's POV

Seeing the effect my outfit has on AJ has been fun, but also antagonizing. Her touch against my ribcage earlier sent butterflies through my stomach and heat in between my thighs. The entire drive to wherever AJ is taking me, her hand stayed on my thigh rubbing small circles on the bare skin. What she was doing to me was driving me crazy, and I love seeing this side of her again. I know this past weekend wasn't great between the two of us, but things are slowly going back to normal, and it is only Monday.

I'm excited for tonight. AJ plans pretty great surprises. Last year for my birthday, we travelled to visit my family and she planned a morning just for the two of us. She took me to see the sunrise on this wooded trail and we just enjoyed each other's company. She never gets me anything extravagant or luxurious, but our relationship wasn't built on those types of gifts. We gift each other experiences and moments we can cherish forever.

AJ squeezes my thigh pulling me from my thoughts and I realize we've stopped in front of a restaurant. "You ready for some fantastic vegan food," AJ squeezes my thigh once more before opening her door exiting the car. She rushes over to my door and opens it for me. She extends her hand helping me out, "Thank you."

~~

As soon as we enter the restaurant, we are ushered to a private corner away from most of the other patrons. We both look over the menu before a waitress comes over to take our drink order. "Can I have a glass of rose wine?" I ask the waitress and she scribbles it down turning her attention towards AJ. "I'll take the Four Winds IPA, and then can we have the veggie rolls to start?" AJ looks up from her menu and I catch a slight blush on the waitress's cheek. I roll my eyes as her stare lingers a bit too long before she walks away.

"Babe," AJ takes my hand on the table grabbing my attention. "It's only you, no one else," I nod and give her a smile. "I know, but I can still get a bit jealous," my words make her chuckle a bit. "Have you decided on what you're getting?" She asks looking back down at the menu, still holding my hand on the table. I feel her brushing her thumb. I glance over the menu again and it's so hard to pick. This place is exclusively vegan, and I truly appreciate AJ's efforts at the lifestyle I'm wanting us to live. "I'm stuck between the curry and the drunken noodle," I glance over my menu and AJ's eyes are already planted on me. "Is something on my face?" I go to pull my hand from her current grasp, but she tightens her grip. "No, I was just admiring the beautiful woman in front of me," her words cause my cheeks to heat up. "Your way with words still amazes me," I try hiding the red spreading on my face with the menu.

Our exchange is cut short when our waitress comes back with our drinks. "Your veggie rolls will be out shortly, but are you ready to order?" Her attention is only on AJ, and I squeeze AJ's hand reminding myself she only wants me and no one else. "Babe, have you decided?" She returns the squeeze and I look to the waitress's annoyed face. "I'd like the curry, please," I fold the menu and hand it to the waitress. "I'll have kung pao chick'n, please," AJ doesn't take her eyes off me as she hands the waitress her menu.

~~

The rest of our time at the restaurant was great. Both of us enjoyed our dinners, and I fully expected this to be the only thing AJ had planned since we have to be on set early for rehearsals. When we leave the restaurant and start driving towards the beach, I become utterly confused. "Where are we going?" I turn towards AJ who's got a smirk building on her lips. "You'll see," she glances over to me and turns her attention back towards the quiet Vancouver streets.

She finds some parking on the street and quickly runs around to open my door. "Such a gentlewoman," I kiss her cheek as she closes my door and takes my hand walking us towards the beach. It's a beautiful night, and I couldn't have asked for a better birthday. We're getting to see my family Friday since Kenny has hinted that we will have the day off if these next three days of rehearsals go according to plan.

I'm brought out of my thoughts when AJ stops us right before the sand walkway starts. "Do you want to take heels off?" AJ asks already untying her shoes. "Rolling my ankle when I'm needing to dance probably isn't a good idea, so I probably should," I nudge AJ a bit making her lose her balance a bit. "Oh, is that how we're playing it, Jeffery?" AJ quickly regains her balance and goes to grab my sides. I see her quickly look around and then suddenly I'm over her shoulder being walked down towards the beach.

"AJ! Put me down!" I exclaim smacking at her back lightly. She gently puts me back down on the sand and I finish taking off my heels. I hold them in my right hand and wait for AJ to finish taking off her socks shoving them into her shoes. "Shall we walk and enjoy this beautiful evening, birthday girl?" AJ outstretches her hand. I take her hand, and she leads us towards the shore.

~~

AJ's POV

My nerves since leaving the restaurant has sky-rocketed and they won't chill the fuck out. I steal a few glances digging up the courage to give Sarah her gift. We've been bit rocky since we came on to Descendants 3 and I want her to know exactly where my head is at. The sunset is level with the waterline and the sky has beautiful hues of oranges and yellows cascading the skies. Sarah stops us to look out over the water and I can't peel my eyes away from her beautiful profile. Her subtle curls framing her face perfectly along with her light make-up. I will never get over how lucky I am to have Sarah not only in my life, but also the person with my heart.

"This view is beautiful, isn't it?" Sarah words break me from my trance. "Yeah, absolutely breath taking," Sarah turns to meet my eyes still admiring her. "You're not evening looking," I laugh at Sarah's annoyance. "I'm sorry, there's a better view in front of me compared to the sunset," Sarah turns her head hiding her crimson cheeks. With Sarah facing the sunset again, I take out the small, wrapped gift out of my inner suit pocket. I clear my throat to get her attention.

Sarah turns and sees the small box in my hand. Her eyebrows raise in shock. "AJ," she gasps out as I hand her the gift. "You shouldn't have," she looks up into my eyes and I shake my head. "It's your birthday, Sarah. I'd give you the world, if I could," I put my hands on her cheeks to keep her gaze on me. I give her a gentle kiss on her lips and take a small step back for her to open her gift. She slowly rips the paper and hands me the trash to shove into my pocket to throw away later.

When she sees the velvet box, her eyes shoot up to meet mine. "AJ, is this what I think it is?" Her voice sounds shaky like she's about to cry. "Open it," I give her a small smile. She cracks the box open, and her expression softens at the sight of the diamond necklace. "It's beautiful," her words are barely above a whisper. "Need help putting it on?" I put my hands out for her to hand me the box.

I take the necklace out of the velvet box and place it back inside my inner suit jacket pocket. I unclasp the necklace and Sarah turns around moving her hair away from her neck. I place the necklace around her neck and clasp it together. I kiss her exposed neck before she turns back around. She puts her arms around my neck, and I put my hands on her exposed sides brushing my thumbs against her soft skin. "Thank you for my necklace. It's perfect," she kisses my cheek and I hum at the feeling of her thumbs now brushing the skin on my neck. "You're very welcome, beautiful birthday girl," I kiss her forehead and rest my chin on her head.

We remain in this embrace for a few minutes watching the sun disappear into the water. "Shall we go back to the cabin, my lady?" I ask into Sarah's hairline before kissing her temple. I hear her hum and peak down at her closed eyes. "You fall asleep on me, pretty girl?" I let a small chuckle out seeing her start to smile. "You're just so warm and comfy, I didn't want to move," I feel Sarah's breath on my neck, and it sends a shiver up my spine. "How about we get back to the cabin, and we properly cuddle?" Sarah nods against my chest and I start leading us back up the path towards the car.

~~

Sarah's POV

The whole drive home I kept my left-hand on AJ's neck playing with her baby hairs and I held the diamond dangling off my new necklace. When I first saw the velvet box, I thought AJ was proposing to me or giving me some sort of ring. I don't know what I would've said if she had. We've been up and down constantly, and I'd feel like she had only done it to ease my mind more than she's already trying. I'm relieved it was only a necklace.

I'm pulled from my thoughts as the cabin comes into a view. After AJ turns the car off, her hand makes its way onto my bare thigh rubbing small circles. It makes goosebumps appear all over my body and sends shivers down my spine. I love AJ's affectionate side, and I know it's on full display because it's my birthday. She always works so hard to make days like these perfect, and today, by far, has been one of my favorite birthdays.

AJ leans over and kisses my cheek. "Let's head inside, baby," she whispers into my ear. I waste no time and hop out of the car before AJ can even get her door open. I'm already standing in front of the door as AJ is walking towards the porch. As she unlocks the door, I can't help but start feeling these butterflies and nerves like it's our first date all over again. I've been with this girl for a year and a half, and she still makes me feel like it was just yesterday. I never knew I could continue falling for her, but it happens every day and I wouldn't change a thing.

I step inside the cabin and as soon as I hear the door lock behind me, I feel AJ's arms wrap around my waist. She brushes my hair away from my neck and starts leaving soft kisses along it. I tilt my head to further expose my neck allowing AJ to kiss more of it. I hum at the feeling of her lips hitting all the right spots. Her warm breath against my skin sends shivers down my spine. I put my hands up behind me holding her in place. I feel her gently bite the skin, soothing it with her tongue.

"Don't leave any marks," I whine out hearing my ragged breath. "Yes ma'am," AJ's raspy, deep voice is sweet, but lust filled. I turn and attach my mouth to hers not wanting to wait any longer. "I want you," I feel AJ's lips turn upward as I move away from her mouth kissing down her jaw towards her neck. AJ squats a bit and grabs the backs of my knees with no warning. I instinctively wrap my legs around her waist and don't stop my attack on her neck and jaw.

We get up the stairs so quickly, I don't even realize that we're now in the bedroom. AJ backs up towards the bed. Her knees meet the edge of the bed, and she falls backwards. I end up straddling her hips but refusing to let our lips break apart. "Tonight is about you, birthday girl. So let me take care of you," AJ slows our kisses down and gently rolls us over to hover over my body. Her hands work their way up my legs and thighs meeting the bottom of my romper. The heat I feel building up between my legs and the need for her to touch me is only growing. Her seductive teasing is sending me over the edge, and I'm growing impatient even if I love the way she worships my body.

AJ moves her lips down my jaw towards my neck over my clothed chest and stomach. She peeks up and gives me a heart stopping smirk. I take my lip between my teeth and moan out at how her simply looking at me makes me feel good. "Please," I barely get out, "Please, AJ. Don't stop." And with that, she helps me take my romper off. I move to get her shirt and pants off, admiring her body. "You're beautiful," I hear her say making me blush. I grab her neck and pull her lips back to mine and feel her fingers slowly make their way between my legs.