Gavi's apartment was mostly cleared out. He lowered the loud music on the speaker and surveyed the various empty plates and discarded napkins left behind. But it was one of the best birthday celebrations with his team he'd ever had. Lots of food, cake, good music, and laughter.
Of the few stragglers, Gavi spotted Robert in the foyer, putting his denim jacket on and ready to leave. Gavi bounded over.
"Hey! Thanks for coming to my party."
"Sure. I had a lot of fun."
"Um, listen. I want to ask you a favor. Can you stick around after everyone leaves?"
Robert grinned. "You want me on cleaning duty, huh? Fine, you little gremlin. Only for you. But next time hire a cleaner, yeah?" He pinched Gavi's cheek in a light tease.
Gavi nervously laughed. He didn't dissuade him from thinking that was the reason. He went back over to Fermín and Pedri who were the only ones still left around. They asked if he needed help cleaning up but he told them it was all fine. Pedri hugged Gavi and when he pulled back he looked at Gavi with suspicion. "Why do I feel like you're up to something?" he asked.
Pedri had a sixth sense when it came to Gavi. Gavi assumed a look of innocence. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Fermín grabbed Pedri, pulling him to the door so they could catch the Uber that was waiting outside. Gavi waved bye to them.
Finally, finally, it was just him and Robert.
Robert, the gorgeous fool, actually had a black garbage bag in hand as he walked around the living room throwing empty red plastic cups inside. "Who knew 20 people could be this messy..." Robert muttered to himself.
Gavi walked over to him. "Um, thanks. But you really don't have to do all that." He reached an arm out to take the garbage bag out of his hand.
But Robert held onto it, raising an eyebrow at him. "You don't want me to clean?"
"Uh, no. There's something else I wanted to ask you. A favor. A big favor."
Robert stared down at him. He smiled and reached over to squeeze his shoulder with camaraderie. His hand was so large on him. "Sure! Anything for the birthday boy."
"You mean it?"
"Yeah. It has to be better than cleaning up, right?" he said with a grin.
"Uh..."
Robert let go of his shoulder. He dipped his head lower, blue eyes fixated on him. "Gavi, you seem nervous. Is something wrong?"
"No?" Gavi said. He was finding it very difficult to ask for this favor. It would change their relationship forever, no matter what Robert ended up replying. He shook out his nerves and straightened his posture. He exhaled slowly. "Okay, I'm just going to come out and say it. Can I give you a blowjob?"
Robert dropped the black garbage bag he was holding, half the contents spilling out. He blinked a few times and shook his head, as if waking from a bad dream. "What? I think I misheard you."
"Please," Gavi said, bringing his hands together in a praying motion. "You said you'd do anything for the birthday boy. And this is what I want."
Robert stared down at him. "Have you been drinking a lot?"
"No. Honestly I haven't. I only had two drinks."
"Then you're absolutely crazy. Why are you asking me?"
"Because!" Gavi said, flailing his arms in Robert's general direction. "Look at you! You've been my wet dream for like years, since your Dortmund days."
