inkspresso

a shooting star

Zach parks in the car in his driveway. He turns to Jack. "You haven't told me what you want for your birthday celebrations." He mumbles.

"You don't have to give me birthday sex, babe." He chuckles. "Every time with you already feels like it's my birthday."

"But today is a special day." He says in a sing-song voice. "I'll do anything you want."

Jack turns serious. "Don't say that." He shakes his head.

"I mean it. Anything. Just ask for it." He smiles. And gosh, he has such an innocent look on his face that it only makes him want to ruin him even more.

"Listen, we both know," he points at Zach's house, "everyone's waiting for us."

"I-"

"Babe, c'mon, I know when you're hiding something." He chuckles. "You tried really hard, though, and I love you for it." He pecks him. "Moving on, so here's what I want: Once everyone leaves, I'll give you ten minutes to put on whatever makeup you want and that lingerie I know you bought."

Zach blushes heavily. "How -"

Jack continues. "Then, I am going to rip whatever is still on your body and only stopping when I feel like it." He says quietly. "I need you to know that I am not stopping if you cry." He says it slowly. "I'm only stopping if you say the word red. That's it. Whatever I do to you, it'll be for my pleasure only. Are you okay with that?"

He purses his lips and nods.

"I'm going to need you to say it outloud."

"Yes. I-I'll make the effort of being more verbal."

Jack kisses his cheek. "Great, let's go then. I wanna eat your food."

They step out of the car and walk to the porch. Zach pauses as he inserts his keys in the keyhole. "Wait, do you know what I got you?"

He shakes his head. "Not the slightest of clues."

"At least that." He chuckles. "I sincerely hope you like it."

"Coming from you, I'll love it." He smiles.

Zach turns the key and opens the door to let Jack in first.

"Surprise!" Everyone screams in unison.

Jack's smile goes wider as he looks at the guests. His family and his closest friends. A small group, yes, but filled with people that adore him to death.

He opens his arms to throw himself onto all them to hug them tightly. Zach hugs him from behind just as tightly.

"Let's eat, please, I've been salivating ever since I got those damn spinwheels out of the oven." Daniel pleads.

All chuckle and head to the garden. Ava had made a beautiful spread with all the food Zach prepared, and Daniel and Kristin cooked.

"Please tell me you made the food." Jack mumbles.

"I did, I just didn't cook most of it." He reassures. "I was too busy checking up on my kids." Zach smiles.

Jack pouts adorably. "You're gonna be a great dad." He nudges him.

"I'm gonna be the favourite." He pokes his tongue out and rushes to grab some food.

The curly head practically melts as he too moves to grab some food. Jack watches as everyone eats and hums loudly. It gives him a sense of pride and satisfaction. Is this what Zach feels every time?

He sees a hand wearing plenty of rings take out the same pastry as him. Corbyn. He looks up at him.

"Happy birthday, man." He smiles softly.