"Happy birthday, mon choupinet," he murmurs, nuzzling some gentle kisses into the line of Stefano's jaw. It's midnight, and it's not the first time he's wished him a happy birthday this week—but this one is actually on his birthday (without fail the first he's received today, seconds after it became the 22nd), and this one is softer than those of the past week. Those were big, loud displays of love—doting with gifts and outings, suits and knives and art galleries. (1/?)
Gifts every day, of varying extravagance. Stefano was, without a doubt, spoiled for the entirety of his birth week. But this is different, and softer. “I want to be sincere, for a moment. Unabashedly open. You are so wonderful—so loved—and I am so lucky. I’m so grateful to have you.” His hand gently grasps at his, fingers linking. “This past week, I’ve organized things, planned things, knowing you’d like them, and it might seem counterintuitive, but I don’t have anything planned for today. (2/?)
Today, I want you to make all the decisions.” A gentle kiss is pressed to his lips here, something soft and warm and loving. “It is your day, after all. I’m here for you, whatever it is you want to do.” He presses his face into Stefano’s shoulder now, just breathing, just existing. “I’ve never felt so lucky. Thank you, for existing as you.” (3/3)
Knowing Shuu, Stefano should have predicted the dramatics leading up to his birthday. And yet, each day is filled with welcome surprises – many at a degree of extravagance he never would have requested himself. Shuu understands him well enough to know what he likes, and Stefano certainly isn’t the type to disagree with being doted on for a time.
But now, this quiet moment on the advent of the day itself, he finally feels as if they have arrived at a culmination of the preceding events.
All of Shuu‘s faces are beautiful, radiant, worthy of making every muse seethe with envy – but by far, the most lovely is the one he wears now – one of delicate happiness. That is the most profound gift he could ever have offered.
“No, thank you,” he says at last, fondly smiling as Shuu leans into him. “I would not be here, as I am now, without you. You welcomed me into your life, and it has been like a magnificent dream. Not so long ago, I would have said that being this happy was impossible.”
There’s a pause, silence between breaths and heartbeats.
“All I want is to spend today with you. Together.”















