I made a spotify playlist for Tivons trip (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6FJzd2ezHWqBxZULfAZDFe?si=bbce2d598bc44ee2&pt=ed44d9ef862b4e405717f511f98f476b).

The sun was rising over the distant mountains, the early rays of sun striking the surface of the lake. The light reflecting from the water hit Tivon, who was sitting by the window sipping his morning coffee. He loved the view from their bedroom window. Especially in the morning.

He felt a kiss on his cheek and then arms wrapping around him, hugging him closer to his warm body.

»Good morning.«

Tivon looked up to meet Elias smile. Tivon reached up and kissed him. »Good morning.«

He looked back out the window and Elias leaned on his shoulder, taking in the smell of the coffee. »Your birthday's tomorrow.«

Tivon took a sip of his coffee. »You didn't forget?«

»Of course I didn't.« Elias sat beside him. »So what did you plan on doing?«

Tivon put down his cup and leaned on the window. »Nothing in particular. Didn't really make any plans.«

»That's good,« He reached into his pocket. »Because I did.«

Tivon looked at him as Elias pulled out two plane tickets and handed them to Tivon.

»Paris? A day trip to Paris?!« Tivon looked up, his eyes glowing. »Elias, you know you didn't have to. You don't need to spend money for me.«

»No, no, no. We are going, the ticket and the hotel are already booked.«

»What about your university? You need to save money for that.«

Elias waved his hand. »Don't worry about that. Besides Rea and Ivan also founded the trip.«

»Oh, so you talked Rea and Ivan into this?« Smirked Tivon.

»I didn't have to. I just told them my plan and they gave half of the money to me. And Ivan also volunteered to drive us to the airport.«

Tivon laughed. »Of course they did.«

»What can I say, I'm a charmer.« He slowly leaned towards Tivon, his long black hair falling over his shoulder. Tivon adored the sweet, salty smell of him. Elias brushed his lips against Tivons. »And if you don't say yes and pack your things, we're gonna miss the plane.«

Tivon kissed him and ran to his wardrobe, giggling to himself. Elias smiled and followed.

Ivan was already waiting for them in his car. Elias put their suitcases in the back and joined Tivon on the back seats.

»New hairstyle, huh?«

Ivan looked back at Elias and smiled. »A little change is always welcomed.«

Elias leaned back into his seat and closed his eyes. »I preferred it longer.«

Ivan went through his short hair, frowning.

»I like it.« Said Tivon.

»Thank you, Tivon.« He looked at him in the rear-view mirror. »I see you've changed something too.«

Tivon looked up. »Huh?« Ivan pointed at his nose. »The septum piercing?«

Ivan nodded. »Looks good on you.«

»Thank you.« Smiled Tivon.

Ivan noticed Elias already dozing off. »Late night partying?«

Tivon looked at Elias. »Not really. He had an important exam yesterday.«

»How is it going for him? I couldn't imagine how hard it must be to go to university that late.«

»He's doing amazing.« Tivon smiled and took Eliass hand in his. »I know that he did it mostly for me, but he's been enjoying it and he is doing well. I'm proud of him.«

»That's good to hear.«

Tivon put in his headphones and leaned against the window, looking at the scenery. The forest fields slowly turned into fields with villages and then into a more suburb area. They really are living in the middle of nowhere. Tivon nudged Elias, when they arrived at the airport.

Elias yawned. »That was a nice five minute nap.«

»Five minutes? More like three hours.« Laughed Tivon.

»Really?«

Ivan stopped the car. »Regret living in the middle of nowhere?«

»Nope. Never. Thanks for the drive Ivan.« He exited the car and took the suitcases out.

»I'll pick you up when you get back. Enjoy the trip!«

Tivon smiled. »Thank you Ivan.«

He closed the car doors and Ivan drove away. Elias looked at Tivon.

»You ready?«

»With you? Always.«

It took them almost five hours to get to Paris. Firstly, they almost missed the flight because they couldn't find the right gate and when they finally found it, the plane got delayed for an hour. Secondly, when they landed, Tivon found out that Elias didn't think about how they would get to their hotel. So they needed to find a taxi that wouldn't cost them too much money. And if that wasn't all, the taxi dropped them at the wrong hotel and they had to walk about thirty minutes. Tivon could see the frustration on Elias, that he tried to hide. He took his hand.

»Hey, it's not your fault.«

He sighed and squeezed his hand. »I know, I just want to make your birthday a special day, but everything has gone to shit already.«

»Hey, hey. It's not that bad and besides my birthday is tomorrow. Today doesn't count.«

»You're right.« He put a hand over Tivons shoulders and hugged him closer. »I promise that tomorrow will be better.«

Tivon held his hand over his shoulder. »Every day is better with you.«

»Don't sugar-coat me.« Said Elias but Tivon could see the big smirk on his face.

They arrived at the hotel, just as the sun was setting on a busy Paris. As they gave their suitcases to the staff, Elias leaned to Tivon and said.

»You can wait here, I'll get the keys.« He leaned to his ear and whispered. »And then you have me all for yourself.«

He giggled as he saw Tivon turn bright red and walked to the reception. Tivon set down on the couch and looked at his phone. He had new messages from Rea.

Enjoy your trip to Paris!! I hope one day will

be enough for you. I tried to convince

Elias to go for at least two days, but he wasn't

having it. I know he doesn't like being around

a lot of people, but still. It's Paris! I hope you'll

have a great time. xx

Just realized that we didn't talk about how

you'll get to the hotel from the airport.

Did you even get to Paris?!?!

Thank you Rea and don't worry,

one day will be just enough.

Yeah, we had to find a taxi and then

we still had to walk to the hotel.

But don't worry, we're here now.

I'll bring you something from here! xx

Elias wiggled the keys in front of him. »At least I didn't forget to book a room.«

»Thank god for your beautiful brain.« Said Tivon as he stood up and followed Elias to the elevator door.

As they were standing in the elevator, alone, Elias slid his hand down Tivons back, pulling him closer. He tilted his head to face him and kissed him.

»Can't even wait till we get to the hotel room?« Smiled Tivon and pulled him by his coat and kissed him back. »Desperate Elias.«

»How can I not be desperate, when you look so good just standing here.«

The elevator door opened. »Oh, shut up.«

Tivon grabbed his hand and pulled him out, running to their hotel room. He slipped the keys from Eliass hand and opened the door. Before Elias could say anything, Tivon shut the door and pinned Elias to the wall. He kissed him and kissed him and he didn't stop. Elias slid Tivons denim jacket off and then he took off his black coat, not letting his kiss off Tivons beautiful lips. Tivon grabbed his face and pulled him closer.

He slipped his hands down and picked him up, almost crashing both of them on the floor. They just laughed it off as Elias took them down the small corridor to the bedroom. He put Tivon down on the bed, continuing the kissing. Tivon slid Elias shirt off, his silver lily necklace falling on his chest. Tivon pushed him on his back, and removed his T-Shirt. He looked down into Elias blue eyes. Dear god, he loved his eyes. He could stare at them for eternity.

»Mesmerized by my beauty again?«

»I just keep accidentally feeding your ego, don't I?«

Elias drew him closer. »Common keep feeding me with compliments.« He whispered in his ear. »But I would rather you keep your lips on mine.«

Tivon pressed his lips to Elias ears. »Ay, ay, captain.« He whispered and kissed him down his jawline, down his neck. He could feel Eliass body shiver with every kiss. It made Tivon giggle. To know that this tough big guy could become so fragile underneath his touch.

He looked at him again and moved a lock of hair off Elias face. He loved him, he loved him so much.

»Is everything okay?«

Tivon smiled gently and kissed him. Elias laid him beside him, kicking the sheets underneath them. They kissed and touched late into the night, tangled together underneath the sheets. As Tivon was about to go to sleep Elias asked.

»Tivon?« He turned around to him. »Tomorrow we'll do whatever you wish.«

»Anything?« Elias nodded. »Do you think we'll have enough time?«

Elias shrugged. »Probably not.«

Tivon looked at the ceiling. »Hmm, well I want-»

Elias pressed a finger to his mouth. »No. Not, until midnight.« Tivon smiled and nodded. »Now get some rest. You've been up the whole ride to Paris.«

»You know I hate sleeping in cars and planes.«

Elias kissed him on the forehead. »I know.«

»I love you.« Whispered Tivon.

Elias kissed him. »I love you too.«

Tivon woke up, hugging Eliass bear back. It was still strange. He knew what Elias had to go through and he knew that he didn't let anyone touch his back. Except for Tivon. Elias trusted him. Tivon knew his past and Elias loved him for understanding and that's why he trusted him.

Tivon pressed a kiss to his neck, waking up Elias. He turned around.

»Morning, your majesty.«

Tivon smiled. »Morning, my knight.«

Elias grabbed his waist and pulled him on his chest. He kissed him. »Happy birthday love.« He went through his scar over his eye. »Now you can tell me your birthday wishes.«

Tivon leaned his head on his chest. »Hmm, I want pancakes.«

»Pancakes?«

»What? We haven't eaten anything last night.« Elias raised his eyebrow. »That does not count!«

He smirked. »Anything else?«

»Coffee.«

Elias reached out and picked up the hotel phone on the nightstand and picked it up. »One plate of Crêpes, coffee with milk and a black coffee. Thank you.« He put down the phone.

»Anything else, your majesty.«

Tivon wiggled his feet. »I already have everything.«

»That is cliché... And am I worth less than Crêpes?«

»No.« He laughed, but he did think about his birthday wish. »Oh!«

His eyes glew up. »Books! I want to go to that bookstore down the street.«

He had this puppy eyes Elias loved. He kissed Tivon.

»So can we go?«

»Of course.« Smiled Elias.

He moved Tivons brown messy hair from his front and kissed him on the forehead. Tivons cheeks turned pink. He laid his head beside him, still laying on Eliass chest. He traced his finger on his scar on the jaw line.

»We're in Paris.«

Elias looked at him. »Yes.« He brushed his nose against his and closed his eyes. »Do you like it?«

»I haven't seen the city yet, but for now,« he brushed his lips to his. »It's been perfect.«

Elias held his arms, and gently laid him down on his back. »I can make it more perfect.«

A knock on a door interrupted them.

»Le petit déjeuner est prêt, Monsieur.«

Elias sighed. »Everyone always ruining the moments.« He whispered.

Tivon giggled.

»I'll get it.«

Elias reached for his pants and went to the door. He opened the door and put on his usual smirk. The woman holding the tray with breakfast turned bright red.

»V-votre petit-déjeuner, M-monsieur.« She stuttered and held the plate in front of him.

Elias took the tray and smiled. »Merci.«

Tivon had to hold in his laugh. Elias pronunciation was horrible. Elias returned to him with a tray on it a stack of Crêpes with strawberries and blueberries. He put the tray before Tivon and took his black coffee. He sat beside him and looked at Tivon enjoying his Crêpes. Tivon looked at him with a big smile.

»Do you want some?«

Elias just nodded off, smiling. Tivon picked up a strawberry with a fork and offered it to Elias. He ate it and drank his coffee. He stood up and put the empty cup on the tray. He put his silky hair into a messy bun.

»I'm just going to take a shower. You enjoy your breakfast.«

He walked to the bathroom as Tivon finished his pancakes. He reached for his denim jacket on the floor and pulled out his phone. He had a new message from Rea. She sent him a photo of her and Ivan with birthday hats on.

Happy Birthday Tiv!!

Hope that Elias isn't being

too grumpy!

Enjoy the day!!! xx

Tivon drank his coffee and thanked Rea. Elias came back, wrapped in a towel. He took the remaining blueberries and ate them.

»Are you gonna take a shower too?«

Tivon nodded. He took the clothes from his suitcase and headed to the bathroom. He took a warm shower and then he dressed up into a beige pants, white puffy sleeved shirt and an olive green crochet vest. Tivon fixed his black ring and looked at his scar across his eye. He knew that the whole of Paris will look at it. He sighed and smiled. Let them think whatever they want. He quickly fixed his messy hair to look a little bit less messy and headed back to the bedroom.

»What's that?«

Elias hair was in a braid and he was dressed in his black jeans with his usual black turtle neck sleeveless shirt, holding an envelope. »A present.«

»Wasn't the plane ticket enough?« He said as he walked to him. Elias handed him the envelop and Tivon opened it.

»Musée d'Orsay?« He looked up, his eyes almost watering. »Elias! I-...« He looked at the two tickets for the Musée d'Orsay and looked back at Elias. »Thank you.«

Elias smiled. Tivon grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer, kissing him. When they parted Elias asked.

»So where will we go first? The bookstore or the museum?«

Tivon smirked. »Definitely the museum.«

He ran to his bag and put in the tickets. Then he grabbed the hotel room keys and ran to the door. He turned to Elias. »Coming?«

»Yeah, yeah. I'm coming.«

He grabbed his coat and followed Tivon.

The Musée d'Orsay was beautiful. Tivon couldn't get enough of it. The paintings and the statues were beautiful. Tivons favourite had to be Vincent Van Goghs La Nuit étoilée. He was standing in front of it for at least half an hour. He just rolled his eyes when he asked Elias for his favourite painting and he answered You, Tivon.

The statues were gorgeous. Tivon sat in front of them and drew them in his sketchbook. He talked about the stories behind the paintings to Elias. If Elias was honest, sometimes he didn't really see 'the story' Tivon was telling on the paintings. But he didn't mind. As long as he was listening to Tivons voice, he was okay with it.

After the museum they went to the Jardin des Tuileries park across the river Sena. Tivon sat down on the grass, drawing in his sketchbook while Elias went to the nearby food stand to bought La Gaufre for Tivon and a Tarte fine aux abricots for himself. Elias was lying on Tivons lap, enjoying the warm autmn day, eating his snack.

Later they went to a restaurant where Tivon ordered a glass of white wine, a Beef Bourguignon and Elias ordered Ratatouille with a glass of sparkling water, plus a Crème brûlée for both of them. They talked about the art gallery, the park and looked at the pictures they took. They also talked about the most French thing they had seen – a guy on a bicycle with four baguettes in his backpack, speeding down the street.

Afterwards, they went to a macron shop, where Tivon bought a box of macrons for Rea. He also bought four for them and Elias. When the cashier gave him the bag she asked.

»J'aime ta cicatrice.« She pointed at her eye and smiled.

Tivon smiled back. »Oh, je vous remercie.«

»Que s'est-il passé? Si ça te convient.« She asked carefully.

»Quand j'étais petite, j'ai eu un accident. La foudre m'a frappé et ça m'a laissé une cicatrice.«

She frowned. »Je suis vraiment désolé que cela vous soit arrivé.« She smiled. »C'est vraiment courageux de ta part de ne pas le cacher.« She looked at Elias. »Je peux dire que votre petit ami t'aime bien.«

Tivon blushed and looked at Elias, who was looking at him wide eyes, mouth opened.

»Oui.« Smiled Tivon.

The casier smiled. »Passez une bonne journée.«

»Merci.« He waved at her and took Eliass hand and exited the shop. Elias was still looking at Tivon, amazed. He offered a bit of macron to Elias. He took it.

»Why is your face like that?«

»Since when are you fluent in French?«

»Oh, that! When I was studying, I had to learn it. It's a bit rusty. I haven't spoken it in ages.« Said Tivon.

»Rusty?! It sounded perfect.«

Tivon laughed. »I can tell that you didn't understand a thing.«

»Of course I didn't. I don't understand this language. What were you even talking about?«

Tivon pointed at his scar. »She asked about it. She said it is brave of me to not hide it.« Elias smiled. »And she also said that my boyfriend must really like it.«

Elias turned red. »She did not say that.«

»She did.« He looked up at him. »You liked it.«

»Liked what?«

Tivon pulled him by the coat and whispered to his ear. »Tu aimes quand je parle en français. Tu penses que je dis quelque chose de sexy en ce moment, mais non, je dis juste des bêtises.«

Now Tivon did laugh out loud when he saw Elias face turn even more red. He giggled and continued his way up the street.

»Wait.« He ran after him. »What did you say?«

Tivon only giggled.

»Tivon, what did you say?«

He looked over his shoulder and winked. »Later. At the hotel.«

Eliass brain just stopped working. Tivon held his hand. »Come on, the bookstore is around the corner.«

Tivon brought five books. He wanted to buy more, but he wouldn't have enough space in his suitcase. He already felt guilty because he had spent almost three hours in the book store. But it seemed like Elias didn't mind. He tried to hide it, but Tivon could see that he was looking up words in a French dictionary.

When they got out of the bookstore the sun was already setting. They started walking towards the hotel and Tivon said. »Now I have to buy something for Cornelis. There's the shop right there with- « He noticed that Elias wasn't with him. He was standing before an antique shop, looking through the display window. Tivon came closer. »Elias?«

»Yeah?«

»Is everything okay?«

»Yeah.« He held his hand. »Let's go.«

Before they went, Tivon glanced at the display window and immediately knew what Elias was looking at. A dagger with a blue crystal.

When they got to the store that sold herbs Tivon said. »Oh, I must've forgotten one book at the store.« He looked at Elias. »Can you buy the usual herbs for Cornelis, I'll be right back.«

»Sure.«

He gave Elias a kiss on the cheek and ran down the street. When Elias bought the gift for Cornelis, Tivon was already back, his face beaming.

»Well, you look happy.« Smiled Elias.

»I just love books. We should get back to the hotel, I'm getting a little tired.«

Elias wrapped his hands around his shoulder and they returned to the hotel room.

Tivon flopped on the bed, kicking his shoes off.

»Who knew walking around Paris and eating could be so tiring.«

Elias crawled to him. »It's not midnight yet. You can still wish for something.«

»More?« He looked at Elias. »This day has already been more than I could ask for.«

Elias raised his brow and Tivon looked at the ceiling. »Buuut a bath would be nice.«

Elias wrapped his arms around him. »Say no more.« He picked him up and carried him to the bathroom.

Tivon leaned his head against the bath, relaxing his body in the warm bubble bath. This day had to be one of Tivons favourite so far. The museum, the park, the food and Elias. He couldn't wish for more.

»Something on your mind?«

Tivon looked at him. »Just been thinking about this beautiful day.« He smiled. »And how lucky I am to have you.«

»Hmm, really?« He slid to him. »I should be the one to say that.«

Tivon rolled his eyes and cupped his face, kissing him. Elias slid his hand behind Tivons neck, deepening the kiss. Tivon wrapped his arms around Eliass neck.

»I saw you looking at the dictionary at the bookstore.«

»Mhmm?«

Tivon gently pushed Elias against the edge of the bath. »Have we learned anything?« Tivons slowly tiptoed his fingers up to Elias shoulders.

»Maybe If you say it again?«

Tivon giggled. He leaned to his ear. »Tu aimes quand je parle en français.« He slowly brushed his fingers over his chest. »Tu penses que je dis quelque chose de sexy en ce moment,« He was caressing his lips over his jawline to his lips. »Mais non, je dis juste des bêtises.« He said those words slowly.

Elias slid his hands down his back and pulled him closer.

»The only words I got from that were French and sexy.« Said Elias.

»Mhmm? I think that's close enough.«

Tivon wrapped his arms around Eliass neck again.

»Close enough for-« A knock on the door disturbed them. Elias sighed. »French people and their interrupting.«

»Monsieur, voulez-vous que j'apporte le gâteau à l'intérieur sur la table?«

»She's asking if she should bring the 'so called cake' inside on the table.« Said Tivon with a smirk.

»Oui!« Shouted Elias from the bath. »French people and spoiling surprises.« He whispered.

The woman left the room and Tivon laughed.

»Well, now that you already know, the cake is waiting for you.«

Tivon gave him a quick kiss. »Lova ya.«

He quickly got out of the bathtub, dried himself up and dressed up. Elias followed him. The little cake was waiting for him on the table, lit up by one candle. Tivon crouched beside the cake while Elias laid down on the bed.

»Make a wish.«

Tivon closed his eyes and blew the candle. He removed the candle and sat beside Elias with the cake in his hand.

»Lemon cake?«

»Your favourite.«

Tivon smiled and started eating it, offering every third bite to Elias. When he finished, he put the plate on the bedside table and laid beside Elias.

»Any more wishes? You have five more minutes.«

Tivon looked at him. »Only five minutes?«

»And what do you have in mind that five minutes are not enough?«

Tivon leaned his head on Eliass chest and hugged his arms around Elias waist.

»Just cuddles.« He said quietly.

Elias pulled him closer and closed his eyes. »Gladly.«

He was stroking Tivons messy hair, stopping by his ears where his hair would curl up.

»Thank you Elias.« He looked up at him. »Thank you for everything.«

Elias moved a lock of hair from his face. »No worries Tiv.« He traced his scar with his finger.

»I love you.«

»I love you more.« Said Tivon and kissed him.

They stayed there for a couple of minutes and then Elias asked.

»What did you say to me at the Macron shop?«

Tivon smirked. »I said You like when I speak French. You think I'm saying something sexy right now, but no, I'm just talking nonsense.«

»Really?!«

Tivon smiled and nodded. »I knew it would make you blush. And I love to see you blush.«

»Fair.«

»Did I tell you I love you.«

Elias smiled. »Maybe, but you can say it again.«

Tivon kissed his chest and said quietly. »I love you.« He kissed his neck. »I love you.« And then his lips. »Je t'aime mon amour.«

Elias hugged him tight as they slowly fell asleep.

Tivon woke up, still held tight in Elias hands. Warm. Waking up in his arms was Tivons favourite part of every day. He tried to move, so he could go pack his things, but accidentally woke up Elias. He pulled him closer.

»Five more minutes.«

»You can sleep if you want. I was just about to pack my things.«

»No. I can't sleep without you.«

Tivon rolled his eyes. »Can't sleep without your emotional support Tivon?«

»Please, five more minutes.« He muttered.

»Okay. Five minutes.« He leaned on him. »Midnight is over and you already order me around.«

»Shut up.«

Tivon laughed. »Oh.« He reached to the floor where his bag of new books laid. »Since my birthday is over,« he pulled out a box, while Elias supported his head on one hand. »I've got something for you.«

He handed him the box. Elias looked at him. »It's not my birthday.«

»I know.« He sat up. »Come on. Open it.«

Elias removed the cover of the box.

»Tivon,« his voice was soft. »You didn't have to.«

He pulled out a dagger with a blue crystal from the antique shop.

»You were looking at that dagger like it was me.«

All of a sudden Elias hugged Tivon. »Thank you Tiv.«

Tivon hugged him back. Elias gave him a kiss and then examined the dagger.

»It's beautiful.« He looked at Tivon. »But how are gonna get it on the plane?«

Tivon didn't think about that. And it showed. Elias laughed. »Didn't think about that?«

Tivon flopped down on the bed. »I didn't even think about it.«

»What about Rea?«

Tivon looked at him and raised his brow. »Rea?«

»I mean, she is an important person. She could write something to the airport.«

Tivon sighed. »I could try.«

He reached for his phone and rang Rea up.

»Tivon!!«

»Hi Rea!«

»How is Paris? Oh, what about the museum? Oh, and that food you send us a picture of!« She was talking so fast, Tivon could barely keep up.

»I'll tell you everything when we get back. Speaking of coming back. I brought Elias a dagger.«

»Ouu a dagger? What kind of dagger?« Interrupted Rea.

»Yes a dagger. The problem is that we need to somehow bring it on the plane.«

Rea sighed. »And you need my help with that, don't ya?«

»Yes.« Smiled Tivon.

»Ugh, and when is your flight?«

Tivon looked at Elias and asked. »When is our flight?«

Elias looked at the time. »In an hour and a half.«

»Hour and a half?!« Shouted Tivon.

»Hour and a half, are you serious?!« shouted Rea through the phone. »Get your asses out of the hotel and to the airport. I'll try to do something about the dagger.«

She hung up and Elias and Tivon started running around the room, packing their things. This time they didn't even ask how much the taxi cost, they just hopped in the first one they saw. The taxi man sped his way through Paris to get them to the airport. They ran through the airport to their gate and of course they stopped Elias, because of the dagger.

»Mrs. Rea elle vous a écrit pour avoir la permission d'avoir la dague avec nous.«

The security lady didn't take any of their shit and Tivon was about to lose his mind. The woman didn't want to believe that they could know president Rea. Elias was just about to say something to her when a man ran to the lady and handed her a paper. She read it and looked up, her eyes wide.

»Mes excuses messieurs, vous pouvez partir.« She apologized and showed them the way to the plane.

»Merci« Said Tivon as Elias grabbed their luggage.

They ran and just barely made it to the plane. Tivon cheeked his phone.

Did you make it??

Just barely. Thank you for the help.

No problem, but I'm expecting

something in return.

Don't worry, I have a whole

box of macrons for you.

<3 x

Tivon closed his eyes and leaned back. Elias held his hand.

»Sorry for the trouble.«

Tivon smiled. »It's not your fault. I should've thought before I brought the dagger.«

»Welcome to my world.«

Tivon quietly laughed and leaned on Eliass shoulder.

Tivon could see Ivan and Rea waiting for them at the gate. Reas blond wavy hair was put in a pony tail and she was still dressed in her formal clothes. She must have come straight from work. He waved at them and when Rea noticed them, she ran straight into Tivons arms.

»Happy birthday Tivon!« She looked at Elias and hugged him too. »Was Paris nice?«

»Too many people, but nice nonetheless.« Said Elias.

Tivon gave her the box of macrons. »Here, for all the trouble.«

»You know I was joking.« But she still took the box with a smile.

Tivon then turned to Ivan and handed him a book. »I hope you'll like it.«

»It's your birthday, not mine.«

Tivon just smiled.

»Okay guys!« smiled Rea. »Now let's go to my place.«

»Your place?«

Rea looked over her shoulder. »Did you think I wasn't going to prepare you a birthday dinner?«

»You cooked?« Asked Elias.

»I tried.« She turned around and started walking. »Ivan helped me.«

»It was mostly me.« Whispered Ivan.

»I heard that!«

Rea had two houses. One was the big official house, more like a luxurious villa for her presidential stuff. The other house was a small humble house in the woods by a river. She spent most of her free time in that house.

»I hope the dagger is pretty. I had to go to my other house in the middle of making vodka watermelon.« Rea complained as she was walking up the stairs to the door.

»That sounds disgusting.«

Rea stuck out her tongue towards Elias and opened the door. She almost jumped when she saw Cornelis sitting by the table, her hair put up into a messy bun.

»Geez, Cornelis. How the hell did you get into my house?«

»The back door was open.« She had her rocks spread over the table.

»Was it?« She looked at Ivan. »Didn't I close it?«

Ivan only shrugged »It's your house not mine.«

Rea sighed. »One day I'll probably just get assassinated.«

She went to her room to change into more comfortable clothes. Tivon went to Cornelis and gave her the herbs.

»Hope Elias brought the right ones.«

She took it, looking up at Tivon with a genuine smile. »Thank you Tivon.«

Tivon rarely saw Cornelis smile so genuinely. She reached into her bag and gave him a little box.

»Happy Birthday.«

Tivon opened it and in it was a black septum piercing. »It's beautiful.« He looked up. »Thank you.«

»Okay guys. Sit down, the food is ready.« Shouted Rea as she stormed down the stairs.

Tivon had to give some credit to Rea. And Ivan. The food was amazing. Afterwards, they sat in the living room where Elias and Tivon showed the photos they took in Paris. They were all sipping on the watermelon vodka. Even Elias had a glass, even though he hated it and he never drank alcohol. Rea liked the dagger, so that was good. At least it was worth all the trouble. It was nice to be with Rea, Ivan and Cornelis after so long, laughing and telling each other stories and stuff that happened to them. Tivon noticed Elias dozing off on his shoulder.

»I think we should go Rea.«

»You can stay here over night. I have a spare room.«

»Oh, I don't want to bother you and Elias...,« He looked down at him. »I think that vodka got into his brain.«

Rea stood up. »He had one glass.« She took her coat. »One glass.«

Tivon only smiled.

Rea helped Tivon carry Elias to the car.

»Y-you don't n-need to carry me. I c-can walk o-on my own.«

»You definitely can't.« Said Rea.

»I'm-m sleeeepy...«

»I know, I know. You can sleep in the car dear.«

They got to the car and Tivon laid Elias down on his lap.

»How much vodka did you put in that watermelon? Even I feel tipsy.«

»I don't remember if it was two or three bottles, because someone wasn't thinking straight when he was buying a dagger.«

»Oh gosh. Sorry.«

Rea sat on the front seats.

»You're coming with us?« Asked Tivon.

»Yeah, I'll keep you company for these few hours.«

Tivon smiled, Ivan started the car and drove away.

»I just hope that Cornelis won't curse my house.«

They all laughed at that.

»Thank you again Rea. For everything.« He was still helping Elias stand, even though the sleep did help him sober up a bit.

»Oh, don't worry. I'll always be there for you Tiv.« She smiled. »Now get Elias to bed. He's gonna pass out.«

»I'm fineeee.«

»Sure you are honey.«

She pressed a kiss on Tivons cheek and waved him goodbye. Tivon waved back as Ivan and Rea drove away. He looked at Elias.

»Come, let's go to bed.«

He sat him on the stairs as he took off his shoes. Elias hugged him from behind.

»Is everything okay Elias?«

He kissed him under his ear and mumbled something Tivon didn't understand. »Okay, let's get you to bed.«

He helped him up the stairs to their bedroom. »I can get to the bed alone.«

»Okay, okay. I just don't want you to hurt yourself.«

Elias kissed his cheek. »I won't.«

Tivon went to the wardrobe to take his night clothes out as Elias flopped on the bed.

»Gosh Elias, your gonna break the bed.«

Elias smirked. »Not without you in it.«

Tivons cheeked blushed as he rolled his eyes. He sat on the edge of the bed and removed his shirt. He reached for his T-Shirt when suddenly Elias hugged his waist, slowly kissing his back scar up to his neck. Tivon looked at Elias and kissed his forehead. Elias looked him in the eyes.

»Let's get married.«

It threw Tivon a bit of edge, but he just smiled.

»We already are.«

»We a-are?«

»Well, technically.« He took Eliass hand where he wore his black ring. Tivon showed him his ring. »Maybe we never made it official, but Cornelis and Rea were there.«

He could feel Elias tears falling on his skin. »Elias?« Elias was crying. Tivon reached his hands to Elias cheek, wiping away his tears and looked him in the eyes. »Elias what's wrong?«

Elias kissed him. »I love you Tivon. I love you so much.«

»Oh, Elias.« He hugged him, as Elias sobbed into his shoulder. »I love you too.« He stroked him gently down his back. »I love you more than everything.«

He cupped his head and kissed him. »Now go change, let's go to sleep.«

Elias nodded and went to his clothes. Tivon put on his T-shirt and looked over his shoulder. Elias removed his shirt, his braid falling down on his back, over his scar. Gosh, he loved this man. He smiled, removed the bed sheets and climbed into the bed. Elias joined him, hugging his arms over him. He kissed his neck.

»I wish I would have met you earlier.«

Tivon took his hand and kissed the ring on his finger. »Me too. But I'm just glad, I have you now. And I promise, I'll never let you go.«

»Me too.« He whispered as he fell asleep.