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David’s eyes flutter open as his nose registers the sweet scent of caramel floating over from the steaming cup on his bedside table. He pushes himself up to a sitting position and rubs the sleep from his eyes. He grins when he spots the to-go cup of coffee. And ooh! Is that a bagel? He doesn’t even need to taste the drink to know what’s inside the cup - a caramel macchiato, skim, two sweeteners, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. His husband knows him well.
Speaking of said husband, where even is his life partner? It’s practically dawn on the morning of their first wedding anniversary - okay, fine, a peek at the clock indicates it’s just after ten o’clock but still… The blankets on Patrick’s side of the bed are neatly pulled up and it would appear he’s already showered because David notices a towel peeking over the side of their hamper that wasn’t there last night. He listens for any sign of Patrick downstairs but is met with silence. A glance at Patrick’s dresser across the room confirms his suspicion. David notices the absence of the keys, phone, and wallet that Patrick places there every evening when he empties his pockets. Patrick must have left again after dropping off breakfast.
For a brief moment, David is annoyed. It’s not unusual for Patrick to get up before David, in fact, it happens most days. But he kind of hoped that he’d at least be able to kiss his husband good morning on their wedding anniversary! That doesn’t feel like too much to ask, David thinks to himself. It’s only been a year, surely the honeymoon isn’t already over, is it?
He puts a stop to that irrational train of thought when he remembers the steaming cup of coffee and the bagel on the nightstand next to him. His husband may not be here to kiss him good morning but he did manage to already run into town and bring back David’s favorite drink before heading out again to wherever he currently is. Maybe all hope was not lost. Plus, David knows they have plans later to go to their favorite restaurant in Elmdale for a celebratory dinner and then return to the cottage to watch the wedding video that Ray put together for them.
Watching the video was definitely not David’s idea. They haven’t watched the video from their wedding day yet. After the disastrous events that threw all of David’s carefully made plans out the window, David wasn’t sure he ever wanted to watch that video. Of course, the day ultimately turned out wonderful and, true to his word, at the end of it Patrick kissed David’s worried-looking face and called him his husband. Which obviously was the most important part, but David can’t help the fact he’s still a little sore he had to cancel the wood-fired pizza oven that morning. So no, David wasn’t too eager to watch whatever mess Ray managed to capture on video. But then he recalls a conversation they had during dinner a few weeks back when Patrick, his sweet, traditional-minded husband, argued it was a Brewer family tradition.
***
Patrick slides his hand across the table and places it atop David’s, giving it a small squeeze. “C’mon David, it’ll be fun.”
“Mkay,” David huffs, narrowing his eyes at his darling husband. “I think you and I have very different ideas of what we consider fun.”
“How bad could it be?”
“I don’t think you want me to answer that,” David replies.
“Ray worked hard on that video, David. He said he even added some extra special effects in post-production.” Patrick, bless his sweet little heart, miraculously keeps a straight face when he adds that last part.
David shudders and pushes back from the table. “Yeah, I’m going to have to stop you right there,” he says as he grabs his plate and starts to make his way to the kitchen to put his dish in the sink.
Patrick’s strong hand wraps around his wrist, stopping him before he can pass. David manages to set his plate back on the table a half second before he’s gently tugged down onto his husband’s lap.
Taking advantage of their proximity, Patrick slowly runs his nose up the length of David’s neck before placing a tender kiss beneath David’s ear and whispers, “David, we owe it to Ray to watch that video.”
David practically melts at the affection, but he’s determined to stand his ground. He pulls back slightly so he can meet Patrick’s eyes, and oh God, Patrick’s pleading eyes this close up are weapons of mass destruction. The man is not fighting fair. David is this close to saying fuck it but he manages to hold strong. “We paid Ray for services rendered, I’d argue our obligation to him has been fulfilled.”
Patrick chuckles a little at David’s obstinance but it’s clear he’s not going down without a fight either. “Fine, you’re right, forget about Ray. But, what if I told you it was a Brewer family tradition?”
David arches an eyebrow at that. “Umm, is it?”
“Mmhmm,” Patrick hums, nuzzling at David’s neck again. David tilts his head to give Patrick better access but before he can reply, Patrick continues, “My parents didn’t have a video, it wasn’t something people did when they got married, but every year on their anniversary they pull out their wedding album and reminisce. I was kind of hoping you and I could start a similar tradition.”
And… oh… if that wasn’t the sweetest thing David’s ever heard. There was a time, not all that long ago, when he thought he’d never find love and now here he was with this man who has made his every dream come true and all he was asking is to watch some silly video together. And if David’s being honest, it’s not silly at all. The day may not have been exactly what he planned but ultimately this video documents the day they pledged their love and lives to one another in front of all the people they love most. Besides, the thought of Marcy and Clint cuddling together on their couch, flipping through their wedding album absolutely melts David’s heart. Being able to have that with Patrick sounds… really lovely.
David turns toward his husband once more and places a soft kiss on his lips before waving the white flag. “Okay, honey, if it means that much to you, we can finally watch the video.”
Patrick’s grin is triumphant. “Thank you, David.” He returns David’s kiss with one of his own then adds with an awkward little wink, “And hey, I’m looking forward to re-living Alexis walking you down the aisle in her wedding gown.”
“Oh my God!” David groans. “You are such a troll.” He stands and playfully swats Patrick’s chest before finally making his way to the kitchen. But he can’t hide his grin when he hears Patrick chuckle as he collects his dishes and follows David to the kitchen.
***
Shaking himself from the memory, David remembers the coffee that’s rapidly losing heat on the nightstand next to him. He reaches over and grabs the cup with both hands - because spilling coffee in bed would be incorrect - and brings it to his lips. His shoulders give a little shimmy and his eyes close as he savors the first glorious sip. It’s still quite hot, Patrick must not have been gone for long. David wonders how he didn’t hear Patrick coming and going at all this morning. He knows he’s not exactly a light sleeper but he usually doesn’t sleep like the dead either and let’s face it, Patrick isn’t exactly built for stealth. But then he remembers what they got up to last night and a faint blush paints his cheeks as he hugs the coffee cup to his chest and smiles. His insides warm from the memory and the hot beverage. He guesses a pair of orgasms for each of them works better than an Ambien at getting David to sleep like a rock. Maybe that was Patrick’s plan when he practically mauled David after they finished dinner last night - not that David was complaining. They may have been together for a few years at this point but David is still insatiable when it comes to his husband and if last night was any indication, Patrick feels the same way.
Still, where the hell is Patrick? Just then, David notices a small white envelope on the nightstand next to where he found his blessed coffee. His name is printed neatly on the front in familiar handwriting. Perhaps whatever’s in this envelope will solve the mystery of Patrick’s whereabouts.
He sets the cup back down and reaches for the envelope. He carefully slides his finger under the seal and pulls out the notecard. He instantly recognizes the stationary from a set they sell at the store. Patrick is always busting David for bringing items home from the store, David idly wonders if Patrick paid for this but he knows Patrick did.
He flips the card open and grabs the bagel with his other hand. He takes a large bite as he reads the message his husband left for him.
Happy Anniversary Handsome!
I’m sorry I had to run out so early - believe me, I would have rather spent the morning in bed with you. I’m meeting a vendor at the store for a delivery. I tried to reschedule but it couldn’t wait. I shouldn’t be too long.
While I’m gone, though, I’ve arranged a little surprise for you. I know things have been crazy lately so I hope this will help you de-stress a bit. Enjoy the coffee and bagel and when you’re ready look on the hook behind the bathroom door and head to the guest bedroom.
I love you, baby, and I can’t wait to celebrate with you later.
Love Always, Your Husband
David’s just about finished the bagel by the time he’s done reading Patrick’s note. Of course Patrick would leave him a handwritten note instead of just sending the information in a text. The first anniversary is the Paper Anniversary after all and his husband is nothing if not a sucker for tradition. It’s just one of the many things David loves about him.
David is intrigued by the “little surprise” Patrick says he’s planned. Based on Patrick’s comment about helping him de-stress, David’s first guess is a massage. But he wouldn’t do that - given what happened the last time Patrick arranged a massage for David - would he? What else could it be, though? Surely he wouldn’t have arranged for something like a yoga class. David shudders at the thought.
Patrick wasn’t wrong about things being crazy lately, though. The store has been busier than it’s ever been and with the Rosebud Motel Group opening a dozen more locations by the end of the year, they’ve had to step up their distribution to get products to the various locations across North America. It’s all good but the constant go, go, go is running David ragged.
Well, there’s one thing David knows for sure, he won’t find out what Patrick’s got up his sleeve sitting here in bed. He takes a few more gulps of his coffee and pops the last bite of bagel into his mouth before kicking off the covers and finally stepping out of bed.
He shuffles over to their en suite bathroom. He takes a few moments to freshen up and complete steps one through four of his nine-step skin care regimen, because who knows what he’s going to find across the hall in the guest room. Finally, he peeks behind the door and spots the luxurious, plush robe Patrick’s hung there for him.
“What are you up to, Patrick?” David wonders aloud, pulling the robe off the hook and hugging it to his chest. He guesses there’s only one way to find out…
***
Patrick takes one last sip of his tea and sets the empty cup on the ground next to him. He leans back in the chair on their back patio and pulls his phone from his front pocket. Resting his right ankle on the opposite knee he starts mindlessly scrolling through his email and messages, making note of the time. It’s just past ten so David should be waking up soon.
Patrick’s honestly surprised he didn’t wake him when he snuck in to drop off David’s coffee and breakfast a few minutes ago. Especially because David looked so peaceful as he slept and Patrick couldn’t help but linger for a few moments. It took all the willpower he possessed to not brush the errant curl back from David’s forehead and kiss him awake. A year into this marriage and Patrick still sometimes had a hard time believing his luck that this gorgeous man was all his. But, Patrick had a plan and he was determined to see it through, so he carefully set the food and the note he had written on the bedside table and tiptoed from the room.
He headed out to the stone patio in their backyard which is where he’s currently sitting, anxiously trying to kill some time until David wakes and he can set his carefully laid plans in motion. Well, technically the first step was complete - drop off David’s breakfast with instructions for where to find the rest of his surprise. Patrick hopes the rest of the plan goes as smoothly.
Historically speaking, he hasn’t had the best luck when it comes to trying to surprise or do something romantic for David. Hell, he fumbled asking David out on their first date so badly that David had invited Stevie to attend. A memory that still makes Patrick cringe. Though, it wasn’t all bad because that night ended with the best first kiss of his life. And Patrick can’t forget the hike and romantic picnic he had planned to ask David to marry him that ended up with David having to carry Patrick halfway up a mountain. The list goes on, but even though things may not have gone to plan, Patrick has to admit that the result was always better than he could have hoped for. Still, he wouldn’t mind at least one win here.
He glances up toward their bedroom window to see if he can see any sign of David stirring but it would appear he’s still in bed. Despite the fact they agreed to close the store today for their anniversary, if David’s read the note he left, he’ll think Patrick is at Rose Apothecary accepting a delivery. Which wasn’t entirely false, Patrick had been at the store already this morning. He’d already signed for the delivery and got it put away in their stockroom all before nine o’clock. Which gave him just enough time to stop over to the cafe to grab their breakfast before heading back to the cottage.
Patrick feels a swell of pride in his chest when he thinks of this little home he and David have built here together. Indeed his home is wherever David is but Patrick has to admit that he’s relieved it ended up being this quaint little cottage on the outskirts of this town where they met, the town where they went into business together, and, most importantly, the town where they fell in love. Schitt’s Creek may not be where they end up forever but for now, it’s the perfect place for them.
It’s been less than a year that they’ve been living in the cottage, having closed on it shortly after their wedding last year - after Patrick sorted out the thoughtful, albeit outrageous, offer David made on the place to surprise Patrick. A few months of some minor renovations followed before they finally moved in. Patrick loved his apartment, which unofficially became their apartment shortly after the engagement, but he loves the extra space they have here. Space they’ve slowly been making their own. Between the thoughtfully designed interior that David’s worked so hard on and the carefully landscaped lawn that Patrick spends several hours a week on, this place reflects them as individuals and as a couple and Patrick thinks it’s perfect. And even though David is always finding little things here and there to tweak and still has a hearty wish list of projects, Patrick knows that David loves the place just as much.
Turning back to his phone he smiles as he reads the text message his mom sent about a half hour ago, wishing her “sweet boys” a happy anniversary and requesting they FaceTime her and his father this afternoon. He fires off a quick reply of thanks and promises they will talk later. He knows David won’t mind, he never turns down the opportunity to chat with Marcy and Clint.
Just then Patrick spots some movement in the window to their master bathroom and his stomach does a little somersault. David is awake. To avoid being accidentally spotted, Patrick grabs his empty cup from the ground, quickly deposits it in their outdoor trash bin, and moves closer to the house. He’s not worried that David won’t follow the instructions he left, he knows that even if David doesn’t necessarily love surprises, his curiosity will win out in the end. Patrick also knows that he’s got a bit of time before David will make his way to the guest bedroom because it’ll be a cold day in hell before David risks being spotted by someone other than Patrick without doing at least the first four steps in his skin care regimen.
Leaning up against the side of the house, his fingers tap out a nervous beat on his denim-clad thigh as he mentally counts down the seconds until he thinks David is done. His poor track record at surprising David notwithstanding, he’s not even sure why he’s so nervous. Patrick always feels more confident when he’s had time to adequately prepare himself for any given task and he knows he’s spent enough time getting ready for this. He supposes the reason he’s put more pressure on himself than the situation probably warrants is that he wants it to be perfect for David’s sake. Patrick has always thought David was a hard worker, his dedication to Rose Apothecary has impressed Patrick since day one. But Patrick is concerned with how thin David has stretched himself lately, with the store and with the house. David has earned some pampering and rather than sending him to some fancy spa, Patrick wants to be the one to give it to him.
Confident that it’s been enough time, Patrick brings up the music app on his phone and starts the playlist he created for the occasion, making sure it’s set to play over the portable speaker he set up in their guest room yesterday. He stuffs his phone back in his front pocket and takes a fortifying breath before quietly turning the knob on their back door.
“Here goes nothing,” he says, releasing the breath he’d been holding.
***
David slips the soft robe over his shoulders and slides one arm at a time into the sleeves. It’s been years since he’s worn a robe this luxurious. He’s actually both shocked and impressed that Patrick, his little straight-legged, mid-range denim-wearing businessman, picked it out. Despite years of being with David, Patrick has maintained his no-nonsense fashion choices - and honestly, David wouldn’t want it any other way - but perhaps, over the years, Patrick has picked up a thing or two from David’s love of fashion.
David is mid-debate about whether to leave his boxer briefs on under the robe or ditch them altogether when he hears the soft strains of a guitar floating over from the room across the hall. Has Patrick come back? He still isn’t sure what’ll greet him in the guest room but he trusts his husband and knows that whatever Patrick has planned for him will be a safe space. In a moment of impulsiveness, David reaches up beneath the robe and shimmies his boxer briefs down his legs. He tosses them in the hamper near the door on his way out of their bathroom.
Crossing the room, David makes his way to the hall and opens the door to the guest bedroom that sits opposite the master. He twists the knob and pushes open the door. His hand freezes on the doorknob and his eyes go wide as he takes in the sight before him. The bed that’s usually centered against the far wall has been pushed to the side and in its place is a professional massage table. White rose petals are scattered on the hardwood floor and dotted on the various surfaces around the room are the lavender and cedarwood candles that are so popular at their store. It smells heavenly and David can already feel himself relaxing as he fully takes in the tranquil environment Patrick has created here. David wonders when Patrick had time to do all this, without David even knowing. Perhaps Patrick is stealthier than David gives him credit for.
To complete the experience, there is soft music playing from a small speaker in the corner of the room. The song is familiar and after a few beats, David recognizes it as an acoustic, instrumental version of Precious Love . He vaguely remembers hearing the Jazzagals singing it while he and Alexis were waiting in the foyer at Town Hall before they made their entrance. David reaches up to swipe a rogue tear from his eye. He can’t believe the thoughtfulness Patrick has put into this surprise. His heart swells with love for his husband.
Out of the corner of his eye, he spots another notecard sitting atop the massage table. He wanders over and picks it up, reading the handwritten message inside:
Hey babe,
Let’s try this massage thing again, shall we? Hop on up and make yourself comfortable, your masseur will be with you shortly.
Love, P
David makes a sound somewhere between a laugh and a sob as he remembers Patrick’s reaction to the happy ending he unknowingly paid for last year. David tucks his lips to the side in a grin, it’s just like Patrick to want to have a redo. A quick scan of the room confirms there’s no envelope of cash with an easily misconstrued note laying around anywhere.
Still, David is surprised that Patrick would trust another masseur to come in after what happened last year. Is Patrick planning on being the one to give the massage? David wonders. It’s not exactly in Patrick’s wheelhouse but David’s game if that’s what his husband has planned. He’s suddenly a little unsure, though, if his decision to go commando was a good one. It’s a risk but if it turns out to not be Patrick, David figures he’ll still be covered by the sheet. Not giving it any more thought, David drops the robe and sets it on the bed along with the notecard before climbing up onto the massage table. It’s a little awkward trying to pull the sheet up over his lower back, typically the masseur is there to help, but he figures a haphazard job is better than bare-assing it in case Patrick’s hired someone else to do it.
Lying on his stomach, looking down at the floor through the headrest, David only has to wait a few moments before he hears footsteps entering the room, and then he hears the door shut softly. He lets his eyes close and wiggles a little to get more comfortable as he waits for whatever is coming next.
***
Patrick toes his shoes off by the backdoor in the kitchen and quietly walks to the staircase leading to the bedrooms upstairs. He can hear David shuffling around up there, it sounds like he’s in the guest room now. Patrick’s heart rate kicks up as he carefully tiptoes up the stairs, mindful of the few steps he knows will creak if you step in just the right spot. He pauses at the top to make sure David didn’t hear anything and doesn’t come out to check.
After a few seconds, he doesn’t hear anything other than the music playing. Satisfied that David must be ready, Patrick approaches the bedroom door and slowly peeks his head in. He’s greeted by the sight of David lying prone on the massage table he rented from a place in Elmdale, a white sheet sloppily covering him from mid-back to mid-calf. A soft smile crosses Patrick’s face at how adorable David looks just laying there. Not wanting to keep him waiting any longer, Patrick softly shuts the door, walks over to where David lays, and starts adjusting the sheet so it’s not dragging on the floor.
Before Patrick can figure out where he wants to begin a muffled “hi” comes from where David’s face is sitting on the headrest.
Shit , how could it have not crossed Patrick’s mind that he would have to speak to David while performing the massage? He was so intent on learning the proper technique and figuring out how to get the room set up without David noticing that it never even occurred to him they’d converse during it.
His cover will be blown the second he opens his mouth but nothing will make David lift his head faster than if Patrick doesn’t reply.
In a moment of panic he blurts out, “Hallo! Guten Morgen,” in his best German accent. And immediately wonders how badly he’d injure himself if he jumped out the window over there. He had to learn a little German for his role in Cabaret and it was the first thing that popped into his head, Patrick is sure he’s going to live to regret this choice.
The minute Patrick walked into the room, David knew it was him. He’s spent enough time around Patrick to recognize the sound of his footsteps. Besides, he had opened his eyes just in time to see Patrick’s sock-covered feet pass by as he walked into the room so David was momentarily confused when Patrick broke out his Emcee voice in response to David’s greeting. Has this all been an elaborate plan for Patrick to try out some kinky role-play scenario? If so, David is here for it. Just imagining Patrick in his Emcee getup with that sexy little accent is doing things to David. He lifts his hips from the table slightly to adjust himself, suddenly very happy with his decision to go commando. Whatever the hell is going on here, though, David isn’t going to be the one to break the spell.
Patrick’s relieved when David’s head doesn’t pop up after hearing his greeting. Maybe he can still pull this off. He mumbles something about relaxing and getting the massage started, fully embracing the accent now. In for a penny, in for a pound, right? David doesn’t say anything more so Patrick gets to work.
Recalling the YouTube videos he spent hours studying, he begins by sliding his hands down each side of David’s spine and then back up, applying gentle pressure with his fingertips as he goes. He repeats the motion a few times then slides his hands up to David’s neck and begins to carefully knead the muscles along the neck and upper back. He makes sure to pay extra attention to the spot between David’s shoulder blades where Patrick knows he tends to hold a lot of tension. He knows he’s hit the right spot when he hears, “Mmmm, yeah, right there.”
“Sehr gut,” Patrick replies, still clinging tightly to his German alter ego.
Patrick’s confidence is bolstered by the response he’s getting from David. He spends a few more moments working the knots on David’s neck before working his way down the length of David’s left arm, massaging and kneading the soft skin as he goes. He gently lifts David’s left hand and lovingly massages the palm and each finger, resisting the urge to place a kiss on David’s palm. He reluctantly returns David’s hand to where it rested on the table before circling the table to repeat the process on his right arm. All the while, Patrick is loving the little sounds of pleasure slipping from David’s lips.
David wants to know where Patrick learned to perform a massage like this. Sure he’s been on the receiving end of many a shoulder rub from his husband and he knows, quite well, how big and strong Patrick’s hands are but this is rivaling any professional massage David’s ever had. He can’t remember the last time he’s felt so relaxed, he’s practically a puddle here on this massage table.
Somewhere in the course of the last few minutes, the song has changed and David has to blink back the tears threatening to fall as an instrumental version of Always Be My Baby comes from the speaker. He doesn’t think he’s ever been more in love with his husband than he is right now. This whole experience just might be the most thoughtful gift David’s ever received. He’s about two seconds from turning over and telling Patrick so when oh! Patrick’s strong hands begin to massage the round globes of David’s ass and there’s no way David’s going to put a stop to that ! He was already half hard when Patrick started talking in that sexy accent but now with his husband’s hands working over the muscles on his rear, he’s pretty much all the way there. David’s only regret is that this damn sheet is covering him, he’s desperate to feel Patrick’s hands on his bare skin there. But all too soon Patrick’s hands start traveling down one of David’s legs, kneading his hamstring and calf. Which feels amazing, but David whines as he mourns the loss of Patrick’s hands from his ass.
Patrick spends a few minutes giving attention to each of David’s feet, pressing his knuckles into the arches and gently rotating each toe. He works his way back up the other leg and has to bite his lip to stop himself from making any sound in response to the moan David lets out when Patrick’s hands end up back on his ass cheeks. Patrick’s intention when he came up with this idea wasn’t to make it sexual, he truly just wanted to help David relax but the noises coming from his husband are positively sinful. Patrick needs to briefly remove one hand from David’s ass to adjust himself. His jeans have suddenly become uncomfortably tight. He takes one more pass up David’s back, stopping to work his lower back for a few minutes before ending up at his shoulders again.
Having fully massaged David’s backside, all that’s left for Patrick to do is get David to flip over so he can do the front of his shoulders and neck. And, of course, reveal himself as the masseur. Patrick’s brain knows that David has enjoyed himself but that doesn’t stop his stomach from doing a little flip wondering what David’s reaction will be when he realizes it’s been Patrick the whole time.
He taps David on the shoulder and says, “Turn please.” He still uses the accent but since the jig is nearly up, he’s fully switched back to English.
David has zero complaints about the amazing massage he just received but if his suspicions about what’s coming next are correct he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t even more excited to get on with that part. This is why he practically scrambles to turn himself over when he hears Patrick instruct him to do so. With eyes shut, David gets himself situated on his back, his lower body is still covered by the sheet but the sheet is thin and there’s no hiding the evidence of what Patrick’s ministrations have done to him. He blinks his eyes open expecting to see his husband’s loving gaze but is instead met with Patrick’s angry eyes. What the actual fuck?
“David!” Patrick exclaims, throwing his hands in the air. “Seriously?”
“What?!” David squawks as he props himself up on his elbows, looking truly affronted.
“ This! ” Patrick gestures to David’s crotch, the tenting of the sheet even more obvious in his half-seated position. Patrick looks completely stricken. He plops himself down on the edge of the bed behind him and drops his head in his hands.
David’s truly confused now. The massage, the accent - wasn’t this the whole point? Unless…
“Patrick, honey, look at me,” David says, fully sitting up and turning so his legs dangle off the table toward where Patrick is sitting. He waits until Patrick’s eyes peek over the ends of his hands which still cover the rest of his face before continuing. “Did you think I wouldn’t know it was you?”
“Yes?” Patrick runs his hands down the rest of his face letting them fall into his lap and shrugs. “Maybe? I don’t know. I just wanted to surprise you.”
David wants to kiss that little pout off Patrick’s adorable face.
“Babe, you did,” David quickly reassures. He slides off the massage table, dragging the sheet with him - realizing this probably isn’t a conversation to have stark naked - and kneels in front of his husband. He places one hand on Patrick’s knee and tips Patrick’s chin up with the other so he’s forced to meet his gaze. “This was the most thoughtful and romantic thing anyone’s ever done for me. Thank you.” He leans in and finally gives in to the urge to kiss the pout from Patrick’s lips. “I never imagined all of this,” he gestures around the room, “was waiting for me when I woke up this morning. But, Patrick, I knew it was you from the moment you walked in.”
“You… you did?” Patrick asks softly, shoulders drooping. David’s heart cracks a little at the defeat in Patrick’s voice.
David cups Patrick’s cheeks with both hands and smiles softly. “Patrick, listen to me. Even if I hadn’t recognized your feet as you walked past, I know my husband’s touch. And honestly? Knowing it was you, doing that for me, only enhanced the experience. Though I am impressed by your skills, you’ve been holding out on me, mister.” David playfully pokes Patrick’s shoulder. “Where did you even learn to give a massage like that?”
“I, uh, watched a lot of YouTube videos.” Patrick does that little upside-down smile of his and his eyes soften. But then a wave of embarrassment crashes over him. How could he think he’d fool David into believing he’d hired a professional masseur? He feels like such an idiot. Burying his face in his hands again, he groans. “I can’t believe I used that stupid accent,” he whines, looking back at David.
David laughs at that. “I thought the accent was sexy. You know how I feel about Emcee Patrick,” he says, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
Patrick’s cheeks flush remembering what they did the time David made him wear his costume home after a performance last year.
Patrick’s body visibly relaxes. He reaches out and runs his fingers through the hair at David’s temple. “I’m sorry, David.”
David tilts his head, his brow furrowing. “For what, baby?”
“You’ve been so stressed lately with the store and the house. I wanted to do something to help you relax. I just wanted everything to be perfect for you. But when you turned over and I saw that ,” he gestures once again to David’s crotch, “I freaked out a little remembering how a stranger gave you a hand job on our wedding day last year. And I guess, selfishly, I wanted to replace the memory of that massage with a new one - one that I gave you.” Patrick shrugs, diverting his eyes from David’s.
Suddenly, David cannot bear the distance between them. He climbs into Patrick’s lap and wraps his arms around Patrick’s shoulders, tugging him as close as possible. Patrick’s hands snake up David’s back as he returns the embrace. David had no idea Patrick was still so upset about what happened during that massage. But he’s glad it’s coming out now.
David reluctantly pulls back from their hug, leaving his hands firmly gripping Patrick’s shoulders. He looks directly into his husband’s whiskey-colored eyes as he says, “I love you , Patrick. Anything that’s come before pales in comparison to how I feel about you . I meant what I said last year, nothing compares to you, my amazing husband.”
Patrick smiles and tilts his head forward, resting his forehead on David’s. “I love you too, David. And hey, happy anniversary! I don't think I've had a chance to say that yet. Thank you for talking me down, it was silly of me to overreact like that.”
“Nonsense. Whatever you’re feeling is entirely valid. And happy anniversary to you too, honey.” David rubs his nose against Patrick’s before pulling back to smile at him.
Patrick’s loving gaze is devastating as he puts a hand behind David’s head and pulls his face closer until their lips meet. He tenderly nips at David’s bottom lip. David’s arms wrap back around Patrick’s neck as he deepens the kiss. Patrick’s lips part slightly, allowing David to slip his tongue inside. David groans and his body begins to wake again as he gets the first taste of his husband on their anniversary. A few minutes of making out with his husband on this bed and David is raring to go and judging by the feel of Patrick as he squirms beneath him, it would seem he is as well.
David pauses their kissing just long enough to ask. “Now that we’ve worked all that out, can we get back to the good stuff?” Taking advantage of his place on Patrick’s lap, he wiggles his ass against Patrick’s bulge. David knows how to get what he wants when it comes to his husband.
Patrick laughs and playfully rolls his eyes. “Fine, on one condition, can we forget I ever used that accent?”
“Oh, absolutely not.” David vehemently shakes his head. “I’ll be bringing that up for the foreseeable future.”
“David!” Patrick groans. But that’s all he manages to get out before David stands up, drops the sheet from his waist, and pushes his husband back onto the bed.
Laying on top of Patrick, David pulls back slightly and grins. “Patrick Rose-Brewer, you are my happy ending,” he says, echoing the vows he made exactly one year ago. “Now, please allow me to give you one.” He winks before descending onto his husband once again and making good on that offer.