* 𝑺𝒆𝒕𝒉'𝒔 𝒃𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒅𝒂𝒚 ! ⸻ ✎ Theo's gift to you. @starpoacher
The restaurateur upon first view has an impenetrable air of confidence, Theo was always a witness to the ego, he nurtured it, fed it, enabled it. He loved every inch of skin that wrapped around Seth's soul, but under the facade, he knew his love had a plethora of issues, ones he was only privileged to know when they deepened their bond.
Seth abhorred the idea of aging, the darkening under worn eyes, greys peppering his full chestnut hair, and his smooth skin wearing down. These were his fears, superficial to most, paramount to his boyfriend.
Theo had agonized over appropriate action for months. In the back of his mind the prodding issue of ' What should I do? ' was ever recurring. He did not want to give Seth any grim reminders - and he himself, has never celebrated his own birth. This was .. foreign concepts. In his downtime he'd be seen scrolling through a laptop, reading articles on ' best birthday experiences ' - nothing stood out to him.
Eventually, he settled on something intimate, but still a grand enough gesture to satisfy the tastes. He closed down the bar to normal patrons, Seth liked its ambiance. He sent Franklin home, there would be no need for him since it was a mocktail-only event. He invited people that Seth liked - so it was an small gathering.
Covering Seth's eyes he leads in him, only to reveal the dimly lit venue with the soft music barely blanketing the conversations being had. Hands lay on his waist as he embraces from behind. " It's a party for you, I hope you don't mind me springing it on you. "
Attendees were at the tables, Daejeon and Izzy sharing a drink and laughing at the bar. Eun was eagerly looking up and chatting up Llyod with a glint in his eye. Jun was on his own, waving at Seth and suddenly at attention when he entered the room.
" I got everything catered and we have some live performances lined up, so I think you'll have a great time. It's just .. a celebration of you in a new year, all the new friends you've made since moving out here. I think it was worthy of a gathering. "
Everyone had strict rules to not utter ' Happy birthday. ' or ask ' how old are you ? '