AT THIS POINT, GABRIEL and Nathaniel had lost count on the number of times they'd gone out. But, tonight was special. Before Nathaniel came into the picture, today was just another day in Gabriel's life. Isabel never felt the need to celebrate Gabriel's birthday, nor gift him with something special and meaningful.

But that was before Nathaniel. 

Gabriel was invited to Nathaniel's apartment a few hours after work for drinks. Gabriel had no idea if Nathaniel had remembered the date; after all, he only mentioned it once in conversation, and it's not like the fire station gave a shit. The captain pulled Gabriel aside and gave him a card and a generic gift voucher, but as far as coworkers went, that was the extent of their kindness. Isabel was far worse; she started Gabriel's day with a screaming match about the kitchen being a mess (despite Isabel being the one that trashed it with Seo-yun yesterday) and, after reminding her it was his birthday, she angrily said that she was too broke to get him anything.

He wasn't particularly feeling the love from anyone. So, he was hoping Nathaniel would at least acknowledge it. If not, then drinks with him sounded like a good second-best.

When Gabriel set foot in his apartment, it was clear that Nathaniel had ulterior motives. On his dining table sat two candles on a little cake (that he picked up on the way back from work), as well as two glasses with a wine bottle that Gabriel didn't recognise. Gabriel was at a loss for words; Nathaniel got him to sit down as he awkwardly sang the happy birthday song to Gabriel, finishing it with a kiss on his cheek as he blew out the candles. 

The two ate a slice, indulging in the cake's rich cocoa and coffee taste, before popping the bottle of wine open. A few drinks later, the two ended up in Nathaniel's bed, stripped of clothing, cuddling as a movie played on on his TV. Nathaniel nibbled on Gabriel's earlobe, teasing the man. Just as Gabriel was about to lose himself to Nathaniel's lips, Nathaniel pulled away.

"Oh shit, I forgot; I got you something," Nathaniel said, climbing out of the sheets. He pulled out a small wrapped gift from his bedroom closet. Gabriel sat up, pausing the movie. He handed it to Gabriel, trying but failing to contain his excitement. Gabriel shook his head, face like a stunned mullet as he clutched the wrapped present in his burly hands.

"No way. Nathe, first the cake and the wine, and now this? I can't, you've spoiled me too much."

Nathaniel silenced him with a kiss. Gabriel melted at the touch of his lips.

"Come on, Gabe, just open it. I wanna see your reaction."

Gabriel grinned, shaking his head, as he untacked the tape from the wrapping paper. "Fine, just this once, probie."

Nathaniel cringed. Gabriel giggled. "You're lucky this isn't returnable."

After finally peeling the paper from the present, it revealed a navy velvet box, the top and bottom closed together like a pearling oyster. His heart skipped a beat. Gabriel opened the jewellery box and inside found the most beautiful watch his eyes had ever seen. The band was genuine hickory-coloured leather, something Gabriel always had a soft spot for but never had the reason to splurge on. As he turned in his hands to look at it, the light caught on the edge of the watch's face. Diamond finishes encrusted the inner lip of the face, seamlessly blending with chromatic roman numerals circling the edge. 

This.. this would have cost Nathaniel a fortune.

Gabriel was gobsmacked. Nathaniel couldn't help but giggle at the sight in front of him. "I hope you like it, Gabe."

He shook his head, putting it back in the box, "Nath, there's... there's no way I can accept this. It's far too precious. This would have cost an arm and a leg."

Nathaniel smiled warmly as he ignored Gabriel's words, fishing the watch from the box. " It's what boyfriends do. Oh! I didn't even tell you the best part! It's engraved on the bottom."

Gabriel covered the watch before Nathaniel could show it to him.

"No, Nathe. This... this gift is amazing, but-"

"No but's!" Nathan playfully said, grasping Gabriel's hand with both of his, "This watch was made just for you. It's a gift, Gabe. Please, wear it."

It's not that Gabriel didn't want it--this was the most thoughtful gift he had ever recieved from anybody--it was that he wasn't used to receiving such gifts from people. When he was a kid, sure, he got his fair share of presents from his parents, but he hadn't been receiving much at all since Isabel. When she would actually remember his birthday, it was the most standard, thoughtless presents she could get her hands on; lynx body spray (he doesn't wear that), socks, or shaving apparatus. He had gotten used to and accustomed to the mediocre, cliche stuff. But a diamond encrusted, engraved, genuine leather banded watch?

He felt like he didn't deserve it. No, he knew he didn't deserve it. He believed he only deserved mundane things. 

"It fits perfectly," Gabriel said, resting his head on Nathaniel's shoulder. Without thinking, Gabriel said, "I love you."

Nathaniel moved away from Gabriel, looking at the man with wide eyes. Gabriel flew into a panic. 

"I mean... I love this present. I also, like, really like you, but if it's too early to start saying that, then I'll take it back."

Nathaniel was too stunned to speak. Gabriel begun to stammer, his heart rate climbing like a terrified cat up a tree. 

"I-I'm sorry! I don't expect you to say it back, it just came out, God, this is so awkward--"

Gabriel was silenced with another kiss. He was bewildered, moaning in surprise, but as the kiss lingered, he eased. 

"Sorry, I just wasn't expecting that is all," Nathaniel finally said, a tiny smile forming at the corner of his lip. "I love you too, Gabe."

Nathaniel broke into a grin, before leaning in for another kiss.  One of Gabriel's hands came up to Nathaniel's jaw, his thumb gently stroking the stubble struggling to grow back, the other reaching around for the small of Nathaniel's waist. Firemen have to be clean shaven. Gabriel wishes he could see Nathaniel's beard. He knew he was capable of growing one; his chest and abs were covered in a layer of coarse, thick, black hair, and he always had the faintest of stubble dotting his jaw and moustache area. Maybe when he's retired, he'll be able to grow it out. 

Wait. Did Gabriel just begin imagining a future with Nathaniel?

Breaking away from the kiss for a split second, Nathaniel gently pushed Gabriel down on the bed, climbing on top of him. Gabriel responded with a gasp, and a confused smile. 

"Now, despite our emotional level up in our relationship, I do believe that the birthday boy deserves some birthday sex," Nathaniel purred, trailing fingers around the outline of Gabriel's chest. He smirked.

Gabriel smirked. Nathaniel lowered himself on top of Gabriel, brushing aside the wrapping as he trailed kisses down his neck. Gabriel only managed to get a few words in, before he lost himself in Nathaniel's love. 

"Someone really does deserve that."

#

Out of breath, Nathaniel grabbed his phone and went to his music app, playing the first song he saw. Everytime the two had sex, Gabriel noticed that Nathaniel had that urge, much like how a smoker would light one up afterward. Nathaniel would hum the lyrics to himself, drumming the beat of the song on Gabriel's chest. Absentmindedly, Gabriel would play with his hair, eyes looking up at the ceiling. 

Gabriel was about to drift off to sleep when Nathaniel turned up to look at him. 

"Can I ask you a hypothetical question?"

He arched his eyebrow. "Sure."

Nathaniel propped himself up on his elbow, trailing his finger slowly up and down Gabriel's abs. "What would the most ideal life look like to you?"

Gabriel pondered. He wanted to say the life he had now, working as a fireman, living in a huge house, saving lives. But he couldn't. Aside from the obvious fact, he didn't like his life that much. 

"It... it would be like this. You in my arms. Maybe in a proper house, not an apartment, either the bustling city outside or the sound of the lapping ocean behind us. I'd still be a fireman, but maybe i'd work part time. I always did want to do more. Maybe I'd volunteer at a homeless shelter, or at a food bank."

Nathaniel smiled. "Of course, you hero. Hard disagree on the bustling city, but a beachside house sounds great. The gulls would piss me off, though."

Gabriel felt himself smirk. "Oh, you don't want a gull army? We could feed them chips every day, get them to like us. They'd be our security. I'd just point a finger and they'd swarm intruders."

The man giggled, before resting his head back on Gabriel's chest. "That's just giving me Finding Nemo vibes. I reckon a dog would be nice. I only like one breed though."

"What's the breed?"

"Kelpies."

Gabriel's eyes widened. "I've always wanted a kelpie!"

Nathaniel's grin was almost as wide as a cheshire cat's. "She'd be a girl. I'd call her Nelly or Nova. We'd go on long walks on the beach. It would be so nice."

"I'd push you in the water."

Nathaniel shook his head. "I'd take you down with me."

"Sure you would, probie."

The two started giggling. Something in Gabriel's heart shifted; he wasn't sure if it was because of the way Nathaniel smiled, or the warmth he felt as Nathaniel's chest vibrated onto his, but he knew he truly did love this man. He doesn't want to spend another day with Isabel. He is all he wants. 

The two went quiet. Gabriel looked back up at the ceiling, still playing with Nathaniel's hair. His mind wandered; he could picture it. He'd come home from work, and Nathaniel was there in their beachhouse, either covered in paint from a piece he'd been working on or smothering their kelpie with love. They'd cook, they'd debrief, they'd kiss. But, most of all, they would be together. Uninhibited, free, and with no secrets.

Gabriel went to speak, but Nathaniel's breathing had slowed to a steady rhythm; asleep. He, too, was drifting off. Gabriel gave him a tender kiss on the head, before bringing the blanket up higher to cover them. His eyes grew heavy. His heart was full. 

This affair needed to end. He needed to break off his marriage, and prioritise. Right now, his only priority was drifting off into the most peaceful sleep he had had in a long time.

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Hey hey! Don't forget to leave a comment and a vote if you're enjoying the story so far. Let me know what you think of this chapter by leaving an in-line comment here.

I am thinking of writing a NSFW scene that continues straight (ha) from the chapter break. It won't be a part of this book and necessary to read, rather, it'll be posted on my "Bonus Chapters" book on my wattpad page purely for smutty pleasure. Is that something you guys would want to see? Leave an in-line comment here :)

Much love,
J.S x