Syn’s Birthday Present

Brian Elwin Haner Jr swallowed, as he walked up to his friend’s house. He felt quite worried about his fellow guitarist and band mate, Zachary James Baker. While the other members of Avenged Sevenfold had already called him to wish him a “Happy Birthday", he still had yet to hear from Zacky - and it was almost three in the afternoon. He really hoped that Zacky didn’t actually forget that it was his birthday. Then again, the alternative might be even worse.

Brian rang the doorbell, as he waited for his friend to answer. After about a minute, there was no answer. Perhaps, his doorbell was broken? Brian tried knocking, instead.

"Zacky!" Brian called out. “Yoo-hoo, Zacky V? You home, Mr. Vengeance?"

After about another minute, there was still no answer. Brian entered the house, as he had a spare key. He hoped desperately that nothing had happened to his friend. That would be a terrible way to spend his birthday.

Brian made his way over to Zacky’s bedroom, and he saw that the door was closed. As he slowly opened the door - he saw that his friend was lying prone in bed, on top of the covers. He even heard the soft breathing of his friend. He smiled mischievously, as he went to sit of top of Zacky’s legs.

"Icky, that you?" Zacky mumbled - referring to Ichabod, his dog.

"Yo, Zacky, bud," Brian commented, softly. “Are you okay? It’s the middle of the afternoon. You didn’t forget what day it is today, did you?"

"That late, already?!" Zacky exclaimed, shocked. “How did that happen?"

"I don’t think I can answer that question," Brian replied, softly. “You do remember what day this is, though - right?"

"Uh, no, sorry, I don’t," Zacky mumbled. “Why? What’s special about today? We don’t have a show to perform, do we?"

"Zacky, it’s my birthday!" Brian replied, feeling a little hurt. However, he knew just what would make him feel better. He began to run his fingers up and down the soles of Zacky’s feet.

Zacky began to laugh helplessly, as he struggled to escape from Brian.

"That’s what you get for forgetting my birthday, Zacky boy!" Brian commented, smirking. Granted, he already planned on tormenting his friend - but now he had the perfect excuse. “You can squirm, but you can’t get away from me."

Brian looked behind him, and saw that his friend was squirming wildly. A smile tugged at Brian’s lips, as this was just what he liked to see.

"Aw, poor Zacky!" Brian taunted. “Well, this can be your birthday present for me. Your feet are so much fun to tickle. I simply could do this all day, y’know. What do you think about that, huh?"

Brian smiled, when he saw that Zacky finally stopped struggling. It was clear that his friend was getting quite tired.

"That’s right, Zacky," Brian continued, chuckling. “Just keep right on laughing. Your laughter is such music to my ears."

Brian looked up, as Icky walked into the room. He crawled on the bed, and lay on top of Zacky’s torso. Brian smiled, as he continued to tickle Zacky’s feet.

"I see Icky is enjoying this, too," Brian commented, smirking. “He loves hearing you laugh and laugh. I think he’s enjoying this as much as I am."

Brian tickled Zacky’s feet for about a little while longer, until he realized that they had to leave, soon. The band planned on having dinner at Johnny’s bar. Very reluctantly, Brian finally stopped tormenting Zacky.

"Wow, Brian!" Zacky commented, breathing heavily. “I’m so sorry that I forgot your birthday, but… Hey, wait a minute! You were planning on doing this to me, anyway - weren’t you?"

"Uh, yeah, I was," Brian admitted, swallowing. “I’m just glad that you’re okay, though. When I saw you sleeping in the position that you were in, though - I just couldn’t resist."

"Well, you did manage to wake me up," Zacky commented, softly. “I guess it’s almost time for supper, isn’t it?"

"Yeah, it is," Brian replied, as he stepped off the bed. “We’re gonna go to Johnny’s Bar, tonight."

"That sounds awesome," Zacky replied, as he sat up. “I’m quite hungry."

"That’s good," Brian replied, as he reached out to hug Zacky - who hugged back. “I think we should get going."

"Once again, I’m sorry for forgetting your birthday," Zacky commented, softly. “I’ll make it up to you, later."

"By letting me tickle your feet, again?" Brian asked, smirking.

"Very funny, Brian," Zacky replied, smiling softly. “Now, if you don’t mind, I need to get dressed."

"Right, of course," Brian replied, as he stepped out of Zacky’s bedroom. He had a feeling that he was in for a great evening, being able to celebrate his birthday with some very special friends.