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Mathias Shaw stepped into his small flat in Old Town and shut the door with a sigh. The day had been long, and all he wanted was a light meal, a bath, and sleep. Flynn Fairwind was out to sea, on a mission to Boralus and further on for a few more weeks, so Mathias had been burying himself in his work. It beat sleeping alone.
It was why he came to a dead stop once he turned around, seeing Flynn, sitting at their small dining table, a paper box in front of him. “Hey, love,” Flynn said softly, a smile crossing his lips.
Mathias was across the small room in an instant. “You’re supposed to be in Boralus. Light, you’re supposed to be past Boralus, aren’t you?”
Flynn stood, wrapping him in an embrace. “Made port this morning. Went through a bad storm, the Arva took some damage. We’re waiting on a drydock to get patched up, gonna be a couple weeks before she’s seaworthy again. I turned it all over to Cyrus, and caught a portal home. He’ll write me once she’s nearly fixed. No need for me to be there.”
Mathias turned his face up, lips finding Flynn’s. They shared a soft, tender kiss. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t glad to see you. It’s duller without you here.”
“I’d believe it. Burying yourself in your work, are you?” Flynn tugged at his pauldrons.
“How’d you know?” Mathias stepped back obediently, and began unbuckling his armor.
“I wasn’t convince you’d make it home before dark, love.” Flynn took his pauldrons, and disappeared into the bedroom. Mathias knew they were being set on the armor stand, and he followed, stripping off his corseted tunic as he walked. He handed the pieces off the Flynn, who expertly set them on the stand, and then he stripped fully, pulling on a light tunic and pants.
“You look more relaxed,” Flynn said, wrapping an arm around his waist and guiding him back to the living room. “I have a surprise for you.”
“For me?” He asked, surprised.
Flynn scuffed a foot, looking down. “I realized, Mathias love, that despite all the time we’ve been together, I don’t know your birthday. So I thought today was as good a day as any to celebrate it.”
“It’s in the late spring,” he supplied. “But we can celebrate today.”
Flynn brightened. “Good. There’s cake.”
That got a laugh out of Mathias. “Why am I not surprised.”
“I hope you like blackberry.”
“They make blackberry cake?”
Flynn moved to the table and opened the box. “Well, chocolate cake, blackberries on top. Looks like in the frosting too.” He stuck his finger in the box and withdraw, pale purple icing on the tip. Mathias watched, fascinated, as he stuck it in his mouth, and his eyes lit. “Oh, that’s better than they promised.”
Mathias moved into the small kitchen, pulling out two plates and cutlery. “Perhaps we should cut the cake?”
“If you wish. But I want to feed you the first bite.”
“As you wish,” he said, returning to the table. He handed the knife to Flynn, who expertly cut two huge slices, and slid them onto plates. “Trying to kill me with that much sugar?”
“Mathias love, I would bet you haven’t eaten today. You look skinnier than usual. You need to eat,” Flynn said, taking a forkful of cake, and placing it against his lips.
With a sigh, he opened his mouth and took the bite. He blinked as he chewed, surprised at the taste. Rich, fudgey chocolate cake and sweet frosting, balanced with tart blackberries. “That is-”
“Delectable? Fantastic? Better than sex?”
“Not better than sex, but delicious.” Mathias picked up a fork and took another bite. Then he returned the favor, offering one to Flynn. He watched his lover’s eyes close with delight as the flavors hit his tongue.
“Oh love, that might be better than sex.” He waggled his eyebrows at Mathias. “We might have to try something tonight, to refresh my memory.”
Mathias laughed, and put his plate down, moving to kiss Flynn’s cheek. “I’m glad to have you home. I missed you. I’m sorry the Arva took damage, but I’m happy you’re home.”
Flynn wrapped his arms around him, holding him close. “I am too. Especially today.”
Something about Flynn’s tone made Mathias look up at him. “What is it about today? Why of all days are you claiming we’re celebrating my birthday?”
Flynn just looked at him, sea-blue eyes glowing with love. A hand came up, brushing away Mathias’s hair. Then it occurred to him. “It’s your birthday, isn't’ it?”
“Aye,” Flynn said softly. “Thought I was going to spend it away from you, but by chance, I was able to get a portal with a hero. The damage to the Arva wasn’t planned, but it worked out in my favor.”
“And that makes you how old?” They’d never really discussed the age gap between them.
“Thirty-six, love.”
“Still young,” Mathias teased. “Whatever shall I do with you?”
“Take me to bed and ravish me until I walk with a limp?” There was a twinkle in Flynn’s eyes as he said it.”
Mathias kissed him soundly. “That sounds like a lovely idea. Happy birthday, Flynn.”