Work Text:
Vein did not care much for birthdays. To him, they were meaningless celebrations that served no purpose. Each year, he let his pass by without a thought, living like it was any other day. If he happened to become aware of someone else's birthday, he'd politely wish them well, then move on. On occasion, people would extend invites to their parties. But Vein never attended any, claiming to be much too busy. For the most part, it was true. Owning a modeling company wasn't light work, after all. It wasn't unusual for him to stay late at the office underneath piles of paperwork, or tapping away at his computer.
People at the company used to ask when his birthday was, but he was quick to change the subject if that happened. They soon learned to not bother. Birthdays were simply not for Vein. That is, until someone new entered his life. Someone he found himself caring for more than he knew he should. Someone who slowly began to change his perspective on things. Someone who made him think that maybe some birthdays were worth the effort.
The first July that rolled around after meeting him, Vein found himself, for the first time in a long time, buying a birthday gift. It wasn't anything grand. A pair of silver earrings he remembered being mentioned in conversation some time ago. The day of, the box sat out on Vein's desk, wrapped nicely with a little bow. He kept eyeing it while working, anxious thoughts racing through his head. He worried that this was too bold, or unprofessional, or excessive. He felt his body tense if he stared too long, strong feelings of discomfort and mild dread slowly rising. It felt like a betrayal to himself. He hated that he was going against something he so firmly believed in, something he lived by for so long. And yet.
When the blonde came bounding into his office at the end of the day, Vein suppressed whatever negative emotions he had. He handed the box over with a smile, ignoring the distraught voices plaguing his mind. The pure joy and excitement on Xia Fei's face instantly melted away everything unpleasant.
~
The workday was coming to an end. He expected Xia Fei to come bursting into his office any moment now, something he got into the habit of doing shortly after being hired to the company. Even back then, Vein allowed him. The mere presence of the man was enough to lift Vein's mood. Though he didn't think he would ever truly admit it, Vein missed Xia Fei on the days he wouldn't stop by. He knew he would come today, however. Because today was Xia Fei's birthday. And much like previous birthdays, a gift sat out on Vein's desk waiting for him. The wrapping was pristine and, of course, a bow tied it all together.
Throughout the day he had been eyeing it, forming a small smile when he imagined Xia Fei's reaction. At one point he even laughed at himself, remembering all the years before when he refused to acknowledge a day like this. How did one person manage to make him so weak?
The door sprang open and a tired groan shortly followed.
"Bosssssss…I'm exhausted." He dramatically threw himself down onto the soft leather couch and sighed, resting his head on the back.
"Oh? Did the shoot go overtime today?" Vein paused his typing. He leaned back in his chair and turned to face Xia Fei.
"No, it's…well, yes, but it's not that. Or, I guess it is? Ugh, I don't know, everything about it was so tiring." He slumped down further, making sounds of mild irritation.
Vein hummed lightly. "Why not tell me all about it over dinner?"
Xia Fei turned his head to face Vein, then noticed the wrapped box on his desk. Right. Today was his birthday. In all the excitement and frustration of the shoot he had completely forgotten what day it was. He blinked at it in silence for a moment, before finally speaking up.
"Ah, right. That's today huh?" Xia Fei turned away, laughing halfheartedly.
Vein gave him an amused smile. "Forgot your own birthday?"
Xia Fei grumbled something unintelligible, his face flushing. In truth, it embarrassed Xia Fei a little that his boss cared so much. While he appreciated the gesture, he didn't feel like he deserved the special treatment. He disliked the extra attention it brought, aware of the small remarks other people at the company made about the two's close relationship. He especially hated that he knew he wouldn't be able to repay it properly.
He stared up at the gift box again. The gentle sound of the wall clock ticking by filled the room. Vein watched him patiently, sensing he had something on his mind. Eventually, he spoke up.
"Boss, when's your birthday?" Xia Fei said it quietly, as though the topic was taboo. And in a way, it was.
Vein stared at him, thinking carefully. It wasn't the first time Xia Fei had asked him this. That first July, after he had gifted him the earrings, Xia Fei brought it up. Vein brushed off the question, saying it wasn't important and shifted the subject. Xia Fei asked a few other times after that. Each time, Vein never answered, always redirecting the conversation or ignoring the question entirely. Xia Fei eventually stopped asking.
Now here he was, bringing it up again. This time, Vein wasn't sure how to answer. His stomach twisted at the thought of telling Xia Fei. Everything in him told him to ignore it just like he always did. He found the thought of being celebrated repulsive. But at the same time, he found the thought of Xia Fei celebrating him enticing. Endearing.
The silence was suffocating. Xia Fei fidgeted with his hands. "Sorry. I know you're not big on birthdays. You don't need to answer me."
Vein was quiet for a moment longer. His gaze never left Xia Fei. He shut down his computer and abruptly stood up.
"Let's treat you to a nice dinner, shall we?" He grinned at Xia Fei, acting as though nothing had happened.
~
The first July Vein offered to take him out for a birthday dinner, Xia Fei couldn't believe it. He was already surprised by the gift, putting on the earrings immediately, but now he'd even get a delicious celebratory meal for the first time in years. The restaurant was a higher-end one, a place Vein frequented from time to time. The atmosphere was almost romantic; with dim lighting and distanced tables, pleasant music playing through speakers and soft chatter from other guests.
They sat in a quieter corner. Xia Fei had taken his time with the menu, thinking over each option carefully. He wanted to ensure his choice would be worth it, not knowing when he'd be able to eat at a place like this again. He didn't know that this night would lead to Vein taking him out to dinner more often.
And, when it came time for dessert, Xia Fei almost cried when Vein said he would be allowed to order something. Vein found everything about that night to be disgustingly cute.
~
Today was no different. They went to Xia Fei's favorite restaurant this time. As always, he was allowed to order whatever he wanted, including a dessert. Even though he had been here several times before, Xia Fei still looked over the menu carefully, wanting his dinner to be exactly what he was craving.
While they ate, Xia Fei rambled on about his day, complaining about the director and the other models he had to work with. He ranted about the director being too strict, the lighting being much too bright and warm, the makeup team being too demanding. He ranted about one of the other models being disrespectful and making rude comments, or another causing the shoot to go overtime. It wasn't entirely their fault, but still frustrating all the same.
Vein listened and watched him carefully as he spoke. He enjoyed seeing the various expressions Xia Fei made. Every now and then, he piped in with a teasing remark, but Vein was more than happy to just listen to Xia Fei talk. His voice was one of his favorite sounds in the world.
For dessert, Xia Fei ordered a slice of chocolate cake. He insisted Vein order something as well, and after some back and forth, Vein agreed to share the cake with him. He sang a quiet "Happy Birthday" when it arrived, and waited for Xia Fei to take the first bite. Xia Fei stared at the piece he chose for himself on his fork.
"Thank you," he said, focusing firmly on the cake. "You really don't have to go out of your way like this for me."
Vein clinked his fork against Xia Fei's, his own bite of cake ready. "I do this for you because I want to."
Xia Fei stared at the two forks. "But why? You don't treat anyone else this way. You barely even wish everyone else a happy birthday."
Vein did not answer. Xia Fei did not expect him to. They began eating in silence, though Xia Fei was quick to fill it with new conversation.
~
The first July Vein drove Xia Fei home, he insisted on taking a bus. He claimed the present and dinner were enough as is. Vein playfully argued back. He refused to let Xia Fei go until he finally agreed to let Vein chauffeur him home.
The ride was a noisy one, with Xia Fei rushing out various gratitudes before starting new conversation about whatever came to mind. Once they reached his dorm, Vein walked him up to his door. He clicked his tongue in distaste at how rundown the place was, but kept any remarks to himself. A few days later, Xia Fei received a raise.
~
The car ride was quiet. The radio was low and it was late enough to where there were few cars on the road. They drove in silence, Xia Fei slowly nodding off. He stared out the window, watching the street lights pass by. At his feet was the unopened gift box. He felt it bump into his feet every now and then. Each time he was reminded of its existence, he felt his skin crawl.
"I used to think birthdays were stupid too, you know. I didn't care much about celebrating mine, and I tried to avoid telling people when it was. Not many people asked, anyway. A few classmates here and there, sure, but they were just being polite. I'd go to a party if I was invited but didn't really care enough to stay long. To be honest, I wouldn't even know it was my birthday until my mom called. I just didn't see a point in celebrating it. Why celebrate a year closer to death? That's kinda morbid, but, you know. It all felt pointless."
Vein stayed silent. His eyes remained focused on the road ahead. In truth, there was a lot he wanted to say. I celebrate your birthday because you deserve it. I treat you to dinner because I enjoy spending time with you. I let you order dessert because I like the way your face lights up when you read the menu and ponder over what to get. I do all of this because you are worth the effort.
These words will remain unsaid. Vein, of all people, did not have the courage to admit these to Xia Fei directly. For all he knew, he never will. How ironic that the man who hated dishonesty was now afraid of being honest.
"Sorry, I know I’m rambling. The point is, I understand where you're coming from. At least a little."
Neither of them said anything the rest of the ride. Xia Fei glanced over at Vein here and there, but Vein never once took his eyes off the road. His expression was unreadable. They soon arrived at his apartment complex, and Xia Fei said his farewells.
"Thanks again. I know I said this already, but you really don't need to be doing all of this for me. I appreciate it a lot, though."
He lingered for a moment longer, watching Vein, before stepping out of the car. Right before Xia Fei closed the door, Vein finally spoke up.
"August 23rd."
"Huh?" Xia Fei didn't know if he heard him right.
Vein turned to face him, a tiny grin on his face. "You asked me when my birthday was, so I’m telling you."
"I…huh?! Wait-"
"Happy birthday, Felix."