Log: Happy birthday! Pt. 2
Jan. 27th, 2016 06:50 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
eskil_douglas[Summary: See Pt. 1]
[Warnings: Gifts! And Fluff. No sex but there is smooching and butt grabbing]
“Thank you…” Vincent says, with a smile, pressing a grateful little kiss to Esse’s lips, “How about I go sort the bed out? I can put some new blankets down and make it a little more cosy?”
“Yes, that’d be lovely,” Eskil says as he picks up the other towel to dry himself, “I’ll fetch the rest of the gifts and bring the rest of the food, shall I?”
“That would be lovely. Don’t be too long…” Vincent grins, oh-so-gently patting Eskil’s behind as he leaves to go ready the bed, replacing the blankets with new, clean ones, fluffing some of the pillows and lighting a few scented candles before climbing back into bed, sighing happily.
“I won’t,” the Swede promises, and then makes short work of getting himself dry. Then he steps out of the bathroom, picking up and pulling on his dressing gown as he makes it through the bedroom and into the living room to pick up the basket with the remainders of their breakfast - most of it, all of it really, being fine to eat cold - and the cake, bringing it into the bedroom before making a second round to pick up plates and glasses and his two gifts for Vincent before finally returning to climb up on the bed.
“You’re so lovely!” Vincent beams, seeing all the hard work that Esse is doing for him. He helps arrange things on the bed and wraps an arm around his little Swede once he has finished gathering all of the treats, planting a grateful kiss to his cheek. “Thank you, caro mio...”
“You’re welcome,” Eskil says, leaning into the touch for a moment, before with a great beaming smile he exclaims; “Now open your gifts!”
“Which one shall I open first?” Vincent asks, excited as he pulls the beautifully-wrapped gifts onto his lap.
“Hmm, the book,” Eskil suggests. He’s fairly certain that Vincent will enjoy the wine and is more interested to see his reaction to the literature.
“OK!” Vincent says, excited. He is careful at unwrapping despite his eagerness--not wanting to ruin the pretty wrapping so carelessly--but he makes quick work of removing the book from its paper.
Eskil watches, curious and hopeful, as Vincent unwraps the book. It proves to be The Decameron written, of course, by Giovanni Boccaccio and translated into English by John Payne.
“Wow!” Vincent gasps, as he inspects the beautiful book. “I have never read any of these...it’s a collection of stories, isn’t it? Wow! Look at it! So wonderful!” he says, carefully turning the book in his hands, leafing through the fresh pages.
“It is,” Esse confirms with an excited nod, “and they’re supposed to be a bit... well, indecent - or at least it was all those years ago when it was written. I was considering getting it in Italian for you, but then I wouldn’t have been able to read it to you.”
“Indecent? How fun!” Vincent laughs, still mesmerised by the beauty of the book and the thoughtfulness of the gift, “It’s set in Florence, isn’t it? My Uncle used to talk of it, a long time ago…” he trails off, and Esse’s words finally reach his brain as he looks to him with a warm, grateful smile: “You’d really read to me?” No-one has read to Vincent, not since he was a child.
“Just outside of Florence, yes,” Eskil confirms, and at Vincent’s question his smile turns soft and fond. “Of course I’ll read to you, sweet man,” he says, pressing a kiss to Vincent’s cheek.
“Well, I-I...thank you. Really, it’s beautiful, thank you…” he murmurs, resting his head against Esse’s shoulder for a moment, “Such a thoughtful gift...I can tell you all about Italy, too.” he sighs, a little sadly. Vincent doesn’t want to spoil the mood, but...part of him really does miss the sunsets of Florence.
Eskil’s hand comes up to stroke through Vincent’s hair, gently, softly, trying to soothe. “I’d like that, you know I like it when you tell me things.”
“Thank you…” Vincent murmurs, tracing his fingers over the cover of the book, “For the gift, and for being so lovely.” I wish I could take you to Florence and show you off. Everyone would love you… he thinks, but says nothing.
“You’re welcome, fuzzy bear,” Eskil murmurs back, pressing another little kiss to Vincent’s face - this one to his brow. “You should open the wine too,” he suggests.
“Yes! Of course!” Vincent says, smiling as he remembers his other gift. He reaches for the wine and unwraps it just as carefully, a wide smile upon his lips as he does.
Even here Esse’s gone for something Italian, a fine Chianti - though even if Eskil knows his wines well enough not to embarrass himself he’s no expert on the subject and he just hopes it’ll be as good as he thinks it’ll be.
“Wow!” Vincent gasps again, so excited, “I’m being absolutely spoilt by Italian things today! This must have been so expensive...thank you so much, Esse, y-you...you’re so wonderful…” he says, choking back a little emotion as he plants a soft kiss to Eskil’s lips.
Eskil kisses back, just as soft and sweet, before murmuring against Vincent’s lips; “Easier to get a hold of than Russian things, and I’m so glad you like it.”
“I love it, I love...I love it.” Vincent says, kissing Esse again and again in his gratitude.
The Swede beams and grins into the kisses, so pleased to have been able to get Vincent gifts he truly likes and to have put a smile on his face. “Shall we have some cake and wine before I read to you?” he asks.
“I would love that…” Vincent murmurs, so happy, “But are you really sure that you don’t mind reading to me?”
“Not at all,” Eskil assures, “I like reading so why not do it aloud so we both can enjoy it?”
“You’re so lovely…” Vincent says, smiling warmly at the beautiful kind young Swede in his bed, “What kind of cake is it?”
Eskil reaches for the cake box and opens the lid with a smile. “It’s a Battenburg cake!” he exclaims happily - sweets almost always able to get him smiling.
“Mm! I love marzipan!” Vincent beams, excited, “And of course you would choose such a pretty cake, wouldn’t you?”
“All cakes are pretty,” is all Esse has to say to that, “uncork the wine and I’ll cut the cake?” he asks.
“Good plan.” Vincent says, with a nod, reaching for the wine and uncorking it with a satisfying little pop!.
Two generous slices of cake makes it onto the plates and Esse smiles as he offers one of them to Vincent, putting his own piece of cake in his lap as he picks up the glasses so that Vincent can pour.
“Thank you, sweet darling…” Vincent murmurs, before pouring them each a generous helping of wine, grinning the whole time. He is so ridiculously happy to delight in such hedonistic pleasures with such a handsome, caring young love as Esse.
“Should we toast?” Esse asks, beaming at Vincent as he holds up his wine glass.
“Yes! In Russia, you cannot drink without a toast!” Vincent replies, beaming, “What would you like to toast to?”
“You,” he blurts out before he’s even had a chance to think his words through. Blushing Esse clears his throat and then speaks up again; “I would like to make a toast to having found warmth and care during the cold London winter.”
Vincent smiles at that sweet, beautiful expression of admiration and nods, raising his glass: “To finding warmth and care in the cold London winter.” Eskil is so sweet!
The Swede raises his glass, and then takes a sip, a warm pleased smile spreading on his lips at the taste of it.
Vincent takes a sip of his own wine and lets out a long, happy sigh. “Absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much. I feel as if I am back in Florence, sat outside a cafe on a warm summer evening…” Vincent sighs, a little lost in reverie.
“Tell me what it’s like,” Eskil encourages before putting a spoonful of cake into his mouth, making a little noise of appreciation at the sweet treat.
“Well,” Vincent begins, sipping his wine, “It’s a lot warmer than it is in London, for a start. And there’s more...life there, especially at night. There are always musicians in the streets, playing violins as you walk down the cobbles, and they take requests if you throw them a coin or if you manage to charm one of them enough…” he laughs.
Eskil can almost imagine it, almost, how Vincent strolled down those streets - careless, happy, flirting with every pretty thing that passed him by. He wonders what Vincent would look like in sunlight, and what it would be like walking the streets of Florence with him, stopping at a café to share a drink... “It sounds lovely,” he says a little wistfully - knowing that he’ll never see it, knowing that the opportunity to ever leave was taken away from him nearly a year ago.
“It was…” Vincent sighs, before correcting himself, “It is. It’s...a beautiful place. Really, truly beautiful. I had lots of artist friends and they would always let me sit with them as they drew by the riverside.”
“Good light for drawing?” Esse asks, trying not to focus on the surface or the mention of rivers. “Do you stay in contact with your old friends?”
“Very good. And some of them! The ones who I did not anger, at least…” Vincent laughs, taking another drink of wine.
Eskil takes another small bite of cake and smiles. “Did you create havoc amongst your circle of friends by flirting with them all?” he teases.
“Perhaps just a little...some of them flirted with me!” Vincent explains, laughing, “But I had a lot of good friends who were just that, friends.”
“You all must have had a grand time,” Esse says, sipping his glass of wine. If he was another kind of man he would have been jealous of Vincent’s past - but he isn’t and instead he’s glad to hear about the happy days of old.
“We did, we did! There are a lot of street festivals in Italy. It’s a fun place for a young boy…” he smiles, sighing a little sadly before continuing: “But...I would have traded it all to court a beautiful young Swede.”
“Well, you didn’t have to trade it,” Eskil reasons. “You had it, and now you have me.”
“Precisely, I am the luckiest man in the world.” Vincent beams, taking another large sip of wine, “And I must say that I have never had such a wonderful birthday before.”
“Never?” Eskil asks with a little laugh. “Hmm, well, good things come to those who wait they say.”
“Well, my parents always spoiled me with gifts, but they never spoiled me with attention like this…” he smiles, “It was worth the wait.”
Eskil smiles and finishes off his slice of cake, putting the plate aside, so he can curl up against Vincent’s side. “I’m glad to hear it.”
Vincent drains his glass and places it on his side-table, moving to snuggle up against Esse. “Thank you, again. This is really wonderful.”
“You’re welcome,” Eskil repeats, having lost count on how many times he’s said that today already, still meaning it though. Slowly finishing what’s left in his glass Eskil can’t help but yawn. He did go up quite early to have everything ready for the day, and he has been making an effort to really make Vincent’s day as lovely as possible, and now - warm from their earlier bath and the wine and the man beside him, and comfortable in this nest of a bed, he is beginning to feel a little tired.
Vincent kisses through Esse’s curls, smiling as he shifts himself so that Eskil can rest more comfortably against him. “Why don’t you have a nap, sweet Prince?”
Putting away his glass before leaning against Vincent properly Eskil says; “But... it’s your birthday, I shouldn’t be sleeping.”
“Hush, hush, silly thing…” Vincent murmurs soothingly, “Get some sleep. It’ll be nice to just lay here with you, really.”
“Are you sure?” Eskil asks, nuzzling against Vincent’s neck as he closes his eyes.
“Of course, shhh, shhh, get some rest. You let me sleep earlier, after all.” Vincent laughs.
“Mmm,” Eskil mumbles, “I’ll read to you when I wake up, I promise.” He shifts himself even closer, draping an arm around the Russian and it isn’t long before his breathing evens out and his expression softens as he drifts off.
“I’ll enjoy that.” Vincent assures him, in little more than a whisper, holding Esse close and watching as his little Swede falls asleep. He feels so overwhelmed by the sweet gestures of the day--no-one has ever paid Vincent so much attention, no-one has ever spoiled him so much without expecting something in return. And as Vincent watches Esse sleep, gently breathing against Vincent’s chest, the older man has to admit to himself that he might, just might, be falling for the pretty young thing.
Eskil sleeps peacefully, with only the occasional little twist or mumble, for quite some time and when he wakes it’s a slow drawn out thing as he comes to little by little, making sleepy little murmuring noises.
Vincent is so relieved that Eskil did not suffer from nightmares, and has been drifting in and out of light sleep for the fear of it. But at hearing Esse stir, Vincent wakes properly, and kisses through those soft curls.
“Mmrph,” Esse mumbles, a small smile pressed against Vincent’s skin, “warm and cosy... was I out for long?”
“Not too long...not that it matters.” Vincent murmurs, smiling, “Did you have a nice rest?” He strokes a hand through Esse’s hair, trailing gentle fingers down Eskil’s neck.
“Mmm, very nice,” Esse murmurs warmly, “you’re so snuggly to curl up against.”
“I’m glad…” Vincent chuckles, his fingers travelling down Esse’s spine, “You know how much I like cuddling, especially with you.”
“I know,” Esse says, fingers curling a little against Vincent’s chest, “and I’m very lucky to have found someone who enjoys it just as much as I do...”
“Such a sweet little thing…” Vincent chuckles, so blissfully happy, “I’m glad you slept well. All full of cake and wine and happy stories.”
Eskil presses a kiss to Vincent’s jaw and smiles, finally opening his eyes again. “Did you sleep too?” he asks.
“Yes, thank you!” Vincent beams, deciding not to tell Esse that he only slept lightly for fear of Esse’s nightmares, “I had a little rest, so I’m feeling good.”
“Good, good,” Eskil says, rubbing a little at his not entirely healed eye. “What do you want to do now? Eat and drink? Cuddle some more? Or should I read to you?”
“Hm, what a choice…” Vincent murmurs, smiling, “Each one so wonderful. How about I let you wake up a little more before you read to me?”
“That’s probably a good idea,” Esse agrees with a giggle, “or it might just end up as gibberish.”
“Giggly gibberish.” Vincent agrees, grinning as he leans down to plant tickly kisses through Eskil’s curls.
That has the Swede in another fit of giggles and he squirms against the Russian. “Tickly!” he exclaims between giggles.
“Oh, is it?” Vincent grins, moving his fingers to gently tickle against Esse’s neck as he continues the kisses.
“Yeess, very tickly,” his giggles turning into laughs hard enough to bring tears to his eyes.
Vincent finally relents, laughing. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I fear your retaliation…” he laughs.
Esse wipes at his eyes as he catches his breath, still giggling a little. “Hmm, I’ll let you get away with it this time since it is your birthday.”
“Phew!” Vincent says, in a mockingly dramatic sigh, grinning. “You are a very good opponent.”
“Hardly an opponent at all you mean,” Eskil laughs. “Silly fuzzy bear.”
Vincent lets out a playful roar, laughing before snuggling back up against Esse, holding him tight in his strong arms. “Adore you.”
“Adore you too,” Esse says before pressing his lips to Vincent’s in a soft sweet kiss.
“Mm, so gentle. I really like being gentle with you, exploring you all over...snuggling with you. I never thought I would, but...I do, with you.” Vincent murmurs.
“You’re not usually into gentle snuggling?” Eskil asks, curious. “Or is it the exploring part you’re referring to?”
“Mmm, both. I mean, I’ve always enjoyed cuddling after sex, but not just cuddling by itself. And exploring, going slowly, being intimate...I’ve hardly ever done that…” Vincent says, thinking about his hedonistic, fling-filled past.
Eskil’s treacherous mind makes him wonder if Vincent would prefer it if they didn’t take things slow, being intimate and cuddly rather than full on passionate, but reason fights back saying that if he did he wouldn’t be so eager to seek it out. Neither of them is really winning, so Eskil just says; “You do seem to enjoy it though, don’t you?”
“No, I love it.” Vincent assures him, “I like being gentle, and soft. Makes going fast and rough all the more fun…” he grins.
Esse nods and tries to pack up his insecurities again and put them away. “You have a point,” he says with a little laugh that can’t really cover his nerves entirely, but one would have to be quite perceptive to pick up on it.
Vincent is not quite perceptive enough to pick up on Eskil’s nerves, but he does know Esse well enough to know that the subject of relationships can be difficult for the both of them. “Really though, I do adore you, and all this,” Vincent assures him, “It’s new, certainly, but that doesn’t make it bad.”
That is something that Eskil can wrap his mind around and agree with. “You’re right,” he says with conviction, “and I adore you too.”
“You know, this morning, my back was hurting quite badly. And now I can hardly feel it. I think you are a magician, Esse…” Vincent laughs.
Eskil laughs at that. “One would have assumed that what we’ve been doing would have made it worse, but perhaps having you lie on your back was a good idea for several reasons...”
Vincent can’t help but growl a little lustfully at the memories. “I like laying like that...probably because I’m very lazy…” he laughs.
“Clever lazy bear, letting me do all the work,” Eskil teases. “Good thing for you I like looking at you coming undone beneath me.”
“It is a good position for watching, isn’t it? Very good…” Vincent chuckles, not mentioning the fact that he also likes it because it means that Esse won’t be able to see his back scars.
“It is,” Esse agrees, “though, well, it’s easy to get a bit too distracted to actually watch...” he adds with a sheepish smile.
“Mmmm, that’s very true...it’s...uh...it’s lots of fun…” Vincent chuckles, grinning.
“Watching? Or being distracted?” Eskil asks with a little laugh.
“Oh both, definitely both.” Vincent grins, “Though I think the one downside is that you can’t squeeze my behind.”
Eskil grins and shakes his head. “No, that would be tricky, you’re right.”
“I suppose I’ll just have to settle for begging for that afterwards…” Vincent chuckles, nuzzling up against Esse’s hair.
“How could I ever deny you that,” Esse says, smiling softly and curling his fingers against Vincent’s chest hair.
“Well I mean it is my birthday…” Vincent replies with a smirk, wondering quite how much he can get away with by using that excuse.
“It is,” Esse chuckles and reaches down with one hand to actually squeeze Vincent’s butt gently. “Happy birthday.”
Vincent lets out a content little groan, sighing happily: “You should’ve just done that. Could’ve saved some money…” he laughs.
Eskil doesn’t say anything to that, just wraps his arm around Vincent’s waist and holds him close, burying his face against his chest, pressing a little kiss to his fuzz.
“Mmm, thank you…” Vincent murmurs, with another happy sigh. “How are you feeling? Too hot? Too cold? You need a drink or anything?”
“I’m good,” Eskil mumbles against Vincent’s chest, “but I wouldn’t say no to a drink.”
“A drink or a drink?” Vincent laughs. “I can make coffee, if you like.”
The Swede is torn, coffee would be good for waking up a bit more - but another glass of wine would also be quite lovely. Finally he settles on coffee because the bottle of wine was for Vincent and it’d be rude if he was the one who ended up drinking most of it. “Coffee would be lovely, though let me make it? It’s your birthday.”
“I don’t mind, really…” Vincent murmurs, though he isn’t too forceful--he knows that Esse wants to spoil him, after all.
Seeing how it’s mostly a token protest Esse grins and shakes his head. “I’ll make it, you just stay right here and I’ll be right back,” he says, pressing a kiss to his cheek before slipping out of bed and is off to prepare the coffee for them.
Vincent murmurs a “Thank you” and settles back into the pillows, arms resting behind his head. He realises he is smiling--grinning, no less--and pretty much has been ever since Esse arrived. This has been a perfect birthday for Vincent--sharing a bed with his love, being spoilt and doted on with gifts and kisses and sweet words. No watching his manners or his actions in public, no having to spend time with people he secretly detests. Just sex and wine and food and gifts--a hedonist’s absolute dream.*
And that is how the rest of the day continues as well - the two of them never venturing far from the bed, cuddling, kissing, drinking, reading and eating until they both are about to succumb to sleep curled up together under the blankets.
“Happy birthday, Vincent,” Eskil mumbles one last time, smiling softly and already half asleep.
“Thank you for this. For...everything. You’re wonderful, so wonderful…” Vincent murmurs, half lost in a dream. He doesn’t mind turning one year older if he gets to do it like this: spending a lovely day at home with a beautiful, kind young man who Vincent now knows he has definitely begun to fall for.
[Warnings: Gifts! And Fluff. No sex but there is smooching and butt grabbing]
“Thank you…” Vincent says, with a smile, pressing a grateful little kiss to Esse’s lips, “How about I go sort the bed out? I can put some new blankets down and make it a little more cosy?”
“Yes, that’d be lovely,” Eskil says as he picks up the other towel to dry himself, “I’ll fetch the rest of the gifts and bring the rest of the food, shall I?”
“That would be lovely. Don’t be too long…” Vincent grins, oh-so-gently patting Eskil’s behind as he leaves to go ready the bed, replacing the blankets with new, clean ones, fluffing some of the pillows and lighting a few scented candles before climbing back into bed, sighing happily.
“I won’t,” the Swede promises, and then makes short work of getting himself dry. Then he steps out of the bathroom, picking up and pulling on his dressing gown as he makes it through the bedroom and into the living room to pick up the basket with the remainders of their breakfast - most of it, all of it really, being fine to eat cold - and the cake, bringing it into the bedroom before making a second round to pick up plates and glasses and his two gifts for Vincent before finally returning to climb up on the bed.
“You’re so lovely!” Vincent beams, seeing all the hard work that Esse is doing for him. He helps arrange things on the bed and wraps an arm around his little Swede once he has finished gathering all of the treats, planting a grateful kiss to his cheek. “Thank you, caro mio...”
“You’re welcome,” Eskil says, leaning into the touch for a moment, before with a great beaming smile he exclaims; “Now open your gifts!”
“Which one shall I open first?” Vincent asks, excited as he pulls the beautifully-wrapped gifts onto his lap.
“Hmm, the book,” Eskil suggests. He’s fairly certain that Vincent will enjoy the wine and is more interested to see his reaction to the literature.
“OK!” Vincent says, excited. He is careful at unwrapping despite his eagerness--not wanting to ruin the pretty wrapping so carelessly--but he makes quick work of removing the book from its paper.
Eskil watches, curious and hopeful, as Vincent unwraps the book. It proves to be The Decameron written, of course, by Giovanni Boccaccio and translated into English by John Payne.
“Wow!” Vincent gasps, as he inspects the beautiful book. “I have never read any of these...it’s a collection of stories, isn’t it? Wow! Look at it! So wonderful!” he says, carefully turning the book in his hands, leafing through the fresh pages.
“It is,” Esse confirms with an excited nod, “and they’re supposed to be a bit... well, indecent - or at least it was all those years ago when it was written. I was considering getting it in Italian for you, but then I wouldn’t have been able to read it to you.”
“Indecent? How fun!” Vincent laughs, still mesmerised by the beauty of the book and the thoughtfulness of the gift, “It’s set in Florence, isn’t it? My Uncle used to talk of it, a long time ago…” he trails off, and Esse’s words finally reach his brain as he looks to him with a warm, grateful smile: “You’d really read to me?” No-one has read to Vincent, not since he was a child.
“Just outside of Florence, yes,” Eskil confirms, and at Vincent’s question his smile turns soft and fond. “Of course I’ll read to you, sweet man,” he says, pressing a kiss to Vincent’s cheek.
“Well, I-I...thank you. Really, it’s beautiful, thank you…” he murmurs, resting his head against Esse’s shoulder for a moment, “Such a thoughtful gift...I can tell you all about Italy, too.” he sighs, a little sadly. Vincent doesn’t want to spoil the mood, but...part of him really does miss the sunsets of Florence.
Eskil’s hand comes up to stroke through Vincent’s hair, gently, softly, trying to soothe. “I’d like that, you know I like it when you tell me things.”
“Thank you…” Vincent murmurs, tracing his fingers over the cover of the book, “For the gift, and for being so lovely.” I wish I could take you to Florence and show you off. Everyone would love you… he thinks, but says nothing.
“You’re welcome, fuzzy bear,” Eskil murmurs back, pressing another little kiss to Vincent’s face - this one to his brow. “You should open the wine too,” he suggests.
“Yes! Of course!” Vincent says, smiling as he remembers his other gift. He reaches for the wine and unwraps it just as carefully, a wide smile upon his lips as he does.
Even here Esse’s gone for something Italian, a fine Chianti - though even if Eskil knows his wines well enough not to embarrass himself he’s no expert on the subject and he just hopes it’ll be as good as he thinks it’ll be.
“Wow!” Vincent gasps again, so excited, “I’m being absolutely spoilt by Italian things today! This must have been so expensive...thank you so much, Esse, y-you...you’re so wonderful…” he says, choking back a little emotion as he plants a soft kiss to Eskil’s lips.
Eskil kisses back, just as soft and sweet, before murmuring against Vincent’s lips; “Easier to get a hold of than Russian things, and I’m so glad you like it.”
“I love it, I love...I love it.” Vincent says, kissing Esse again and again in his gratitude.
The Swede beams and grins into the kisses, so pleased to have been able to get Vincent gifts he truly likes and to have put a smile on his face. “Shall we have some cake and wine before I read to you?” he asks.
“I would love that…” Vincent murmurs, so happy, “But are you really sure that you don’t mind reading to me?”
“Not at all,” Eskil assures, “I like reading so why not do it aloud so we both can enjoy it?”
“You’re so lovely…” Vincent says, smiling warmly at the beautiful kind young Swede in his bed, “What kind of cake is it?”
Eskil reaches for the cake box and opens the lid with a smile. “It’s a Battenburg cake!” he exclaims happily - sweets almost always able to get him smiling.
“Mm! I love marzipan!” Vincent beams, excited, “And of course you would choose such a pretty cake, wouldn’t you?”
“All cakes are pretty,” is all Esse has to say to that, “uncork the wine and I’ll cut the cake?” he asks.
“Good plan.” Vincent says, with a nod, reaching for the wine and uncorking it with a satisfying little pop!.
Two generous slices of cake makes it onto the plates and Esse smiles as he offers one of them to Vincent, putting his own piece of cake in his lap as he picks up the glasses so that Vincent can pour.
“Thank you, sweet darling…” Vincent murmurs, before pouring them each a generous helping of wine, grinning the whole time. He is so ridiculously happy to delight in such hedonistic pleasures with such a handsome, caring young love as Esse.
“Should we toast?” Esse asks, beaming at Vincent as he holds up his wine glass.
“Yes! In Russia, you cannot drink without a toast!” Vincent replies, beaming, “What would you like to toast to?”
“You,” he blurts out before he’s even had a chance to think his words through. Blushing Esse clears his throat and then speaks up again; “I would like to make a toast to having found warmth and care during the cold London winter.”
Vincent smiles at that sweet, beautiful expression of admiration and nods, raising his glass: “To finding warmth and care in the cold London winter.” Eskil is so sweet!
The Swede raises his glass, and then takes a sip, a warm pleased smile spreading on his lips at the taste of it.
Vincent takes a sip of his own wine and lets out a long, happy sigh. “Absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much. I feel as if I am back in Florence, sat outside a cafe on a warm summer evening…” Vincent sighs, a little lost in reverie.
“Tell me what it’s like,” Eskil encourages before putting a spoonful of cake into his mouth, making a little noise of appreciation at the sweet treat.
“Well,” Vincent begins, sipping his wine, “It’s a lot warmer than it is in London, for a start. And there’s more...life there, especially at night. There are always musicians in the streets, playing violins as you walk down the cobbles, and they take requests if you throw them a coin or if you manage to charm one of them enough…” he laughs.
Eskil can almost imagine it, almost, how Vincent strolled down those streets - careless, happy, flirting with every pretty thing that passed him by. He wonders what Vincent would look like in sunlight, and what it would be like walking the streets of Florence with him, stopping at a café to share a drink... “It sounds lovely,” he says a little wistfully - knowing that he’ll never see it, knowing that the opportunity to ever leave was taken away from him nearly a year ago.
“It was…” Vincent sighs, before correcting himself, “It is. It’s...a beautiful place. Really, truly beautiful. I had lots of artist friends and they would always let me sit with them as they drew by the riverside.”
“Good light for drawing?” Esse asks, trying not to focus on the surface or the mention of rivers. “Do you stay in contact with your old friends?”
“Very good. And some of them! The ones who I did not anger, at least…” Vincent laughs, taking another drink of wine.
Eskil takes another small bite of cake and smiles. “Did you create havoc amongst your circle of friends by flirting with them all?” he teases.
“Perhaps just a little...some of them flirted with me!” Vincent explains, laughing, “But I had a lot of good friends who were just that, friends.”
“You all must have had a grand time,” Esse says, sipping his glass of wine. If he was another kind of man he would have been jealous of Vincent’s past - but he isn’t and instead he’s glad to hear about the happy days of old.
“We did, we did! There are a lot of street festivals in Italy. It’s a fun place for a young boy…” he smiles, sighing a little sadly before continuing: “But...I would have traded it all to court a beautiful young Swede.”
“Well, you didn’t have to trade it,” Eskil reasons. “You had it, and now you have me.”
“Precisely, I am the luckiest man in the world.” Vincent beams, taking another large sip of wine, “And I must say that I have never had such a wonderful birthday before.”
“Never?” Eskil asks with a little laugh. “Hmm, well, good things come to those who wait they say.”
“Well, my parents always spoiled me with gifts, but they never spoiled me with attention like this…” he smiles, “It was worth the wait.”
Eskil smiles and finishes off his slice of cake, putting the plate aside, so he can curl up against Vincent’s side. “I’m glad to hear it.”
Vincent drains his glass and places it on his side-table, moving to snuggle up against Esse. “Thank you, again. This is really wonderful.”
“You’re welcome,” Eskil repeats, having lost count on how many times he’s said that today already, still meaning it though. Slowly finishing what’s left in his glass Eskil can’t help but yawn. He did go up quite early to have everything ready for the day, and he has been making an effort to really make Vincent’s day as lovely as possible, and now - warm from their earlier bath and the wine and the man beside him, and comfortable in this nest of a bed, he is beginning to feel a little tired.
Vincent kisses through Esse’s curls, smiling as he shifts himself so that Eskil can rest more comfortably against him. “Why don’t you have a nap, sweet Prince?”
Putting away his glass before leaning against Vincent properly Eskil says; “But... it’s your birthday, I shouldn’t be sleeping.”
“Hush, hush, silly thing…” Vincent murmurs soothingly, “Get some sleep. It’ll be nice to just lay here with you, really.”
“Are you sure?” Eskil asks, nuzzling against Vincent’s neck as he closes his eyes.
“Of course, shhh, shhh, get some rest. You let me sleep earlier, after all.” Vincent laughs.
“Mmm,” Eskil mumbles, “I’ll read to you when I wake up, I promise.” He shifts himself even closer, draping an arm around the Russian and it isn’t long before his breathing evens out and his expression softens as he drifts off.
“I’ll enjoy that.” Vincent assures him, in little more than a whisper, holding Esse close and watching as his little Swede falls asleep. He feels so overwhelmed by the sweet gestures of the day--no-one has ever paid Vincent so much attention, no-one has ever spoiled him so much without expecting something in return. And as Vincent watches Esse sleep, gently breathing against Vincent’s chest, the older man has to admit to himself that he might, just might, be falling for the pretty young thing.
Eskil sleeps peacefully, with only the occasional little twist or mumble, for quite some time and when he wakes it’s a slow drawn out thing as he comes to little by little, making sleepy little murmuring noises.
Vincent is so relieved that Eskil did not suffer from nightmares, and has been drifting in and out of light sleep for the fear of it. But at hearing Esse stir, Vincent wakes properly, and kisses through those soft curls.
“Mmrph,” Esse mumbles, a small smile pressed against Vincent’s skin, “warm and cosy... was I out for long?”
“Not too long...not that it matters.” Vincent murmurs, smiling, “Did you have a nice rest?” He strokes a hand through Esse’s hair, trailing gentle fingers down Eskil’s neck.
“Mmm, very nice,” Esse murmurs warmly, “you’re so snuggly to curl up against.”
“I’m glad…” Vincent chuckles, his fingers travelling down Esse’s spine, “You know how much I like cuddling, especially with you.”
“I know,” Esse says, fingers curling a little against Vincent’s chest, “and I’m very lucky to have found someone who enjoys it just as much as I do...”
“Such a sweet little thing…” Vincent chuckles, so blissfully happy, “I’m glad you slept well. All full of cake and wine and happy stories.”
Eskil presses a kiss to Vincent’s jaw and smiles, finally opening his eyes again. “Did you sleep too?” he asks.
“Yes, thank you!” Vincent beams, deciding not to tell Esse that he only slept lightly for fear of Esse’s nightmares, “I had a little rest, so I’m feeling good.”
“Good, good,” Eskil says, rubbing a little at his not entirely healed eye. “What do you want to do now? Eat and drink? Cuddle some more? Or should I read to you?”
“Hm, what a choice…” Vincent murmurs, smiling, “Each one so wonderful. How about I let you wake up a little more before you read to me?”
“That’s probably a good idea,” Esse agrees with a giggle, “or it might just end up as gibberish.”
“Giggly gibberish.” Vincent agrees, grinning as he leans down to plant tickly kisses through Eskil’s curls.
That has the Swede in another fit of giggles and he squirms against the Russian. “Tickly!” he exclaims between giggles.
“Oh, is it?” Vincent grins, moving his fingers to gently tickle against Esse’s neck as he continues the kisses.
“Yeess, very tickly,” his giggles turning into laughs hard enough to bring tears to his eyes.
Vincent finally relents, laughing. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I fear your retaliation…” he laughs.
Esse wipes at his eyes as he catches his breath, still giggling a little. “Hmm, I’ll let you get away with it this time since it is your birthday.”
“Phew!” Vincent says, in a mockingly dramatic sigh, grinning. “You are a very good opponent.”
“Hardly an opponent at all you mean,” Eskil laughs. “Silly fuzzy bear.”
Vincent lets out a playful roar, laughing before snuggling back up against Esse, holding him tight in his strong arms. “Adore you.”
“Adore you too,” Esse says before pressing his lips to Vincent’s in a soft sweet kiss.
“Mm, so gentle. I really like being gentle with you, exploring you all over...snuggling with you. I never thought I would, but...I do, with you.” Vincent murmurs.
“You’re not usually into gentle snuggling?” Eskil asks, curious. “Or is it the exploring part you’re referring to?”
“Mmm, both. I mean, I’ve always enjoyed cuddling after sex, but not just cuddling by itself. And exploring, going slowly, being intimate...I’ve hardly ever done that…” Vincent says, thinking about his hedonistic, fling-filled past.
Eskil’s treacherous mind makes him wonder if Vincent would prefer it if they didn’t take things slow, being intimate and cuddly rather than full on passionate, but reason fights back saying that if he did he wouldn’t be so eager to seek it out. Neither of them is really winning, so Eskil just says; “You do seem to enjoy it though, don’t you?”
“No, I love it.” Vincent assures him, “I like being gentle, and soft. Makes going fast and rough all the more fun…” he grins.
Esse nods and tries to pack up his insecurities again and put them away. “You have a point,” he says with a little laugh that can’t really cover his nerves entirely, but one would have to be quite perceptive to pick up on it.
Vincent is not quite perceptive enough to pick up on Eskil’s nerves, but he does know Esse well enough to know that the subject of relationships can be difficult for the both of them. “Really though, I do adore you, and all this,” Vincent assures him, “It’s new, certainly, but that doesn’t make it bad.”
That is something that Eskil can wrap his mind around and agree with. “You’re right,” he says with conviction, “and I adore you too.”
“You know, this morning, my back was hurting quite badly. And now I can hardly feel it. I think you are a magician, Esse…” Vincent laughs.
Eskil laughs at that. “One would have assumed that what we’ve been doing would have made it worse, but perhaps having you lie on your back was a good idea for several reasons...”
Vincent can’t help but growl a little lustfully at the memories. “I like laying like that...probably because I’m very lazy…” he laughs.
“Clever lazy bear, letting me do all the work,” Eskil teases. “Good thing for you I like looking at you coming undone beneath me.”
“It is a good position for watching, isn’t it? Very good…” Vincent chuckles, not mentioning the fact that he also likes it because it means that Esse won’t be able to see his back scars.
“It is,” Esse agrees, “though, well, it’s easy to get a bit too distracted to actually watch...” he adds with a sheepish smile.
“Mmmm, that’s very true...it’s...uh...it’s lots of fun…” Vincent chuckles, grinning.
“Watching? Or being distracted?” Eskil asks with a little laugh.
“Oh both, definitely both.” Vincent grins, “Though I think the one downside is that you can’t squeeze my behind.”
Eskil grins and shakes his head. “No, that would be tricky, you’re right.”
“I suppose I’ll just have to settle for begging for that afterwards…” Vincent chuckles, nuzzling up against Esse’s hair.
“How could I ever deny you that,” Esse says, smiling softly and curling his fingers against Vincent’s chest hair.
“Well I mean it is my birthday…” Vincent replies with a smirk, wondering quite how much he can get away with by using that excuse.
“It is,” Esse chuckles and reaches down with one hand to actually squeeze Vincent’s butt gently. “Happy birthday.”
Vincent lets out a content little groan, sighing happily: “You should’ve just done that. Could’ve saved some money…” he laughs.
Eskil doesn’t say anything to that, just wraps his arm around Vincent’s waist and holds him close, burying his face against his chest, pressing a little kiss to his fuzz.
“Mmm, thank you…” Vincent murmurs, with another happy sigh. “How are you feeling? Too hot? Too cold? You need a drink or anything?”
“I’m good,” Eskil mumbles against Vincent’s chest, “but I wouldn’t say no to a drink.”
“A drink or a drink?” Vincent laughs. “I can make coffee, if you like.”
The Swede is torn, coffee would be good for waking up a bit more - but another glass of wine would also be quite lovely. Finally he settles on coffee because the bottle of wine was for Vincent and it’d be rude if he was the one who ended up drinking most of it. “Coffee would be lovely, though let me make it? It’s your birthday.”
“I don’t mind, really…” Vincent murmurs, though he isn’t too forceful--he knows that Esse wants to spoil him, after all.
Seeing how it’s mostly a token protest Esse grins and shakes his head. “I’ll make it, you just stay right here and I’ll be right back,” he says, pressing a kiss to his cheek before slipping out of bed and is off to prepare the coffee for them.
Vincent murmurs a “Thank you” and settles back into the pillows, arms resting behind his head. He realises he is smiling--grinning, no less--and pretty much has been ever since Esse arrived. This has been a perfect birthday for Vincent--sharing a bed with his love, being spoilt and doted on with gifts and kisses and sweet words. No watching his manners or his actions in public, no having to spend time with people he secretly detests. Just sex and wine and food and gifts--a hedonist’s absolute dream.*
And that is how the rest of the day continues as well - the two of them never venturing far from the bed, cuddling, kissing, drinking, reading and eating until they both are about to succumb to sleep curled up together under the blankets.
“Happy birthday, Vincent,” Eskil mumbles one last time, smiling softly and already half asleep.
“Thank you for this. For...everything. You’re wonderful, so wonderful…” Vincent murmurs, half lost in a dream. He doesn’t mind turning one year older if he gets to do it like this: spending a lovely day at home with a beautiful, kind young man who Vincent now knows he has definitely begun to fall for.
