Birthday Time!/Calm Down Beau

Alexei smiled at Beau from across the table. He wondered how long Beau had saved up for the restaurant. It must have taken him sometime.

"I'm glad you brought me here," Alexei said to Beau, grinning.

Beau smiled back, albeit a little shyly. He had indeed saved up for a while; this was his first time celebrating Alexei's birthday, and he wanted it to be special.

He squeezed Alexei's hand as they waited for the waiter.

"Do you really like it? I thought it'd be cool, ya know--I mean, it's definitely not a bar, but you know. I mean, look, there're um...fish and stuff." He nodded at the fish tanks built into the walls.

"Augh...maybe I shouldn't have brought you here. Too weird for your birthday, right?" He made his puppy face, starting to doubt his decision to make reservations.

"No no! It's fine," he replied, smiling at him. He leaned over to quickly kiss him on the nose. "I love it. I'm excited! I don't go out very often, you know."

He looked up as the waiter walked over.

"Hello, my name is Enrique, I'll be your waiter. Oh, are you here with your father? How sweet."

Beau's smile disappeared. He turned to face the waiter, his eyes bulging; he gripped Alexei's hand so hard, both their knuckles turned white.

"...My father? I'm sorry, but neither of us brought our father, fuckface--are you insinuating that my boyfriend looks old? It's his fucking birthday, you colossal asshole--who taught you your manners, a fucking horse?!"

Alexei continued to smile, but it became more forced as more words poured from Beau's mouth. Everyone in the restaurant had turned to stare at them. Everyone.

"Beau, shhh, it's okay," Alexei whispered, but he feared it didn't matter.

The waiter just stared. Not one of these customers again; the one ex-marine that he had served earlier that night had been bad enough.

"Ah. I'm so sorry, sir," said Enrique, plastering on his fake service smile. "He's your boyfriend, of course. I'm sorry, I lost my contacts earlier so--"

"You better be fucking sorry," Beau growled, glaring at him. "It's the man's birthday. What kind of sick fuck ruins a man's 40th birthday?"

Alexei sighed heavily.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled, standing up and grabbing Beau by his ear. "We'll be leaving, here's a tip."

Alexei handed Enrique a ten from his wallet, even though they hadn't even ordered.

"Don't give him a tip!" exclaimed Beau. "This bitch tried to ruin your special night, Alexei--come on, I'm sorry I even brought you here."

He grabbed Alexei by the hand and lead him out of the restaurant, slamming the door behind them.

"Can you believe that dick?!" he shouted once they were outside. "What a fuckass--I can't believe he's working in a classy dive like that, the fucking attitude! Come on, I'll find you someplace better, okay? Someplace where the employees don't talk shit."

He wrapped his arm around Alexei's waist, pulling him close and sighing.

"I knew I shouldn't have picked that place, I just knew it. I fucked up."

"Beau, it's fine!" Alexei said, pressing a kiss to his lips. "It's my fault, I mean. I'm nearly old enough to be your dad as it is. My age is catching up with me."

He smiled at Beau.

"It's not his fault."

"No, you're not at all, really," he insisted, already stammering. "I mean you're, you're wonderful--I don't give a fuck, okay? I don't give a fuck about how old you are. You're all I give a fuck about, if that makes any fucking sense."

He pulled Alexei into a hug, squeezing him tightly. Their breath mingled in the cold air.

Alexei nuzzled his neck.

"You're wonderful, baby," he mumbled, kissing him on the neck. "Let's just go home and drink."

"Are you sure?" he asked, pouting. "I wanted this to be kinda special, ya know...I wanted you to get some nice food in a real fancy place for a change."

"It's fine," he insisted, kissing his nose. "We can just do that tomorrow or something, I'm in the mood for rum."

"...'kay," he agreed finally, wrapping an arm around his waist again. "What will we eat?"

He chuckled as they walked home.

"I'll cook anything for you."

"But it's your birthday," he objected, his eyes wide. "You shouldn't have to cook on your birthday--we should order something, or find a new restaurant, or maybe I could cook."

He scratched his head, remember the last time her had tried to cook; Alexei had come home to a kitchen and boyfriend coated in flour.

"...I'm sure it'll be better than last time."

"Oh, but I love cooking for you, Beau," he purred, kissing him on the lips. "It's fun for me to cook for you, don't worry about it!"

"...'Kay," he mumbled. His cheeks reddened slightly, but not because of the cold.

"What're we havin', then?"

"What would you like? How about...pancakes!" he said, squeezing Beau's hand. "Easy and delicious and it means that afterwards I can tie you up and pour chocolate on you."

The redness spread to his ears, and he ducked his head.

"...'Kay. I mean, that'd be fine, if, uh, if that's what you want to do..." He swallowed, tugging at the collar of his coat.

"Though I was kinda, um, planning a surprise, if you wanted."

Alexei grinned, mainly because Beau had turned so red and it was adorable. That was mainly why he had said it. It was something he still sort of planned on doing anyway.

"Surprise?" he asked, leaning against Beau's shoulder. "Oh, what could that be?"

"I'm not supposed to tell, it's a surprise!" he chided, frowning. "...I guess I could give you a hint, but you'll have to do something for me if you want it."

"I know what it is~" Alexei insisted, grinning widely. "You just don't know that I know what it is."

"N-no you don't!" he insisted, hoping to God Alexei didn't know. He had worked so hard to keep it a secret.

"Stop kidding or I'll--I'll do something, okay? Don't be a dick!"

"Will you pick me up and carry me home~?" He asked suddenly, holding out his arms expectantly.