#congrats alex u and hyuk r the first official ic post of this blog

[clemencetaught]

hyuk-ah. ➜ Another birthday, another year in passing.

Similar to last year, this one he nearly forgets about too. It’s all too easy, isn’t it? With the semester in full swing, it becomes easier to measure the days not by a calendar but by deadlines. Or meetings. Patrick can’t decide which one is worse.

( On one hand, grading assignments can feel more than a bit like the guillotine blade glistening over his neck. Reading his students’ writing, watching the trajectory of their growth is a delight…but after reading the same kind of answer for the same question about sixteen times in a row, the delight becomes quite…stale to say the least.

On the other hand, however- Ratliff. And these meetings where most of what is discuss could have easily been an email. It’s in these moments Patrick wishes his dear friend could be in proximity. Sure Patrick shouldn’t engage in gossip, but Hyuk’s comments wouldn’t even be understood by anyone else. They certainly would help with passing the time in these cases. )

Which is why, it is, again, a pleasant surprise when he wakes to the smell of earl grey and clementines and pancakes. Elise mentions he must be feeling really old if he’s forgetting his own birthday. And Hiro scolds him because how could he forget his own birthday when he remembers everyone else’s?

Of course, he doesn’t get much time, this time around at work to dwell on the occasion. Between classes, there are meetings to attend and office hours to host. For some reason, there are more students trickling into his office although he only has himself to blame for that one. He’s the one who assigned the midterm paper for next week. Time management is never quite a skill uni students master, is it?

Either way, all that means is by the time he actually gets the chance to sit down, his formal work day is already over and when was the last time he ate again? Breakfast seems like a long time ago at this point.

That, and he hasn’t gotten the chance to look at his phone all day and see Hyuk’s text message that was sent ten minutes ago.

Which asks Patrick to meet him at the London Bridge in the next half hour. Patrick glances up at the clock before it occurs to him that he needs to reread that text. 

The London Bridge, which is a forty minute trip by the tube. The London Bridge which they both used to frequent as university students. The London Bridge, which means Hyuk is forty minutes away.

Not in Seoul.

Springing into action, Patrick pulls on his coat. Nevermind packing up for the day ( Elise and Hiro are oddly tonight too- did Hyuk plan this? ), if his dear friend is in the vicinity, then what else is Patrick supposed to do but go to him? As he makes his way to the nearest tube station, he texts his dear friend back to…scold him? Hyuk already made the trip over in the previous month, one that was planned beforehand- it makes no sense for him to return this month spontaneously. This, Patrick doesn’t necessarily say through text, but what he does say is something along the lines of ‘a phone call would have been more than enough’ or ‘how much did you spend on this flight, ah, I’ll have to pay you back’. But then again, Patrick probably should’ve seen this coming- Hyuk made an impromptu visit last year for Patrick’s birthday so why would it be any different this time around?

( Well, a lot has CHANGED over the course of this past year, hasn’t it? Especially between them. Patrick knows it. Hyuk knows it. They both know the other is aware of it too- you’d think they would’ve had a conversation about it at this point, especially considering…the events of last month. )

Either way, the sight of the London Bridge pulls up far too late for Patrick’s liking. As he reaches one end, he sets about finding his dear friend, who has asked him to meet him here. His dear friend, who knows better than anyone else, if not for him, Patrick most likely would have not done anything for his birthday because if there are people who need him, that’s where his time is going first. 

His dear friend, whom Patrick finds waiting at their spot on the bridge. 

“Hyuk-” Patrick doesn’t get the chance to finish that thought because one moment, his dear friend is hurrying over to him and in the next, he’s throwing his arms around Patrick and suddenly, there’s the smell of Hyuk’s shampoo in his nose, the strands of Hyuk’s hair brushing against his face, and a pair of chilled, but steady hands pressing against the back of his coat. Patrick stumbles back a step, confused. Did something happen? His dear friend, while possessing a temper as volatile as boiling water, is not one for emotional outbursts of the vulnerable kind. 

( He’s going to ignore the fact that he, too, however, has also pulled off a similar kind of hug, back when they took that vacation to Jeju Island. )

Nevertheless, he hugs his dear friend back, rubbing circles into Hyuk’s coat. He’s here. His heart skips a beat.  He’s really here.

Sheepishly though, Patrick chuckles. Ah, yes, what more could he have expected from Hyuk than brusque care disguised as nagging? He ignores the growl his stomach makes ( and hopefully one that Hyuk did not hear despite being in close proximity ) for smiling giddily back at his dear friend, who looks…softer. It must be because they’re by the water, he rationalizes.

“Nonsense, I had a few biscuits before coming here.” Or so he says rather half-heartedly, but still playful. It’s a half lie in that yes, he did have a biscuit…but not a few- just one. That’s still not nearly enough to go on for a full working day. Hyuk knows he’s lying though, but isn’t that part of just who they are? Patrick gives cryptic lines and half lies and Hyuk responds in clipped words.   

Although he’s not nearly as brisk this time around is he? For perhaps one of the few times in Patrick’s life, he’s witnessing his dear friend well…rambling, clumsily stringing word after word together. Corner of his eyes still crinkling, Patrick can’t help but tilt his head for better comprehension and a better look at his dear friend ( although make no mistake, Hyuk will always look…handsome from any angle )- only for him to realize exactly why Hyuk has asked him to meet here of all places.  

Deja vu settles over him like dust- heavens, when was the last time they’ve been here? It must have been ages- they couldn’t have been much older than Hiro, when they would pass the evening watching the water among the warm lights of the bridge. 

Does Hyuk remember those days? Back when Patrick would drag him to a ‘friend-of-a-friend’s’ house party in an attempt to ‘be more social’ only to ditch half-way through for one reason or another? And because it was too noisy back there, they would spend the rest of the evening by the water instead? Does Hyuk remember those conversations from back then? Of when they would talk about home and books and SHIN*ee and everything and more?

“Oh, you didn’t have to, Hyuk; you being here is already more than enough-” Not that that would’ve persuaded Hyuk otherwise. Had the situation been reversed, Patrick probably would have done the same- a birthday means a gift has to be given. And there’s nothing that is ‘too much’ when it comes to his dear friend because Hyuk is someone worth making the trip for. Someone worth buying a present for. Still, gloved fingers brushing over Hyuk’s own for a moment, Patrick takes the box and studies the wrapping. He raises a brow. 

“Fit me right?” He repeats, puzzled. “You didn’t get me a suit, now did you?” Nevertheless, meticulously, he unwraps the box, carefully not to rip the paper at the folds. Once the box is free of the wrapping, Patrick hands the box back to Hyuk to hold before wrapping the paper into a square to tuck into his pocket. And only then does Patrick lift the lid.

“Oh!”  Eyes glimmer under the warm lights of the bridge. They’re not just any set of cufflinks, Hyuk has gotten him- no these are Rubik Cube themed cuff links, even complete with a rotating mechanism should Patrick ever want to use them the way actual Rubik Cubes are used. He lifts them from the box as the corner of his eyes crinkles, the pupils themselves bright. “They’re beautiful, Hyuk-ah, where did you get these? Ah, they must have cost a fortune.”

Not that that would have persuaded Hyuk otherwise, Patrick would think. “Ah, there’s no need to right now, Hyuk-” Nevertheless, his breath stutters as Hyuk takes a hold of his wrist. This shouldn’t feel like anything new; Hyuk has helped Patrick with buttoning his cuffs many times before, even if it leaves the both of them incredibly flustered. And yet this time, Patrick can’t take his eyes off of Hyuk’s fingers brushing over his wrist as he fastens the cuff links in. He’s thinking of doing something, isn’t he? What is he planning? The anticipation leaves Patrick dizzy with both restlessness and anxiety before Hyuk leans in and-

Lips press against Patrick’s wrist. Oh. The line of thought suddenly vanishes and his heart beats louder. Oh.

A kiss on the wrist- an act perhaps in this day and age considered not nearly as explicit and passionate as one on say, the lips. But they’ve never been one for forthrightness in this realm, have they? Hyuk, at least, isn’t. 

Hyuk looks up again and says something, to which Patrick can only nod at in a daze. Yes, the cufflinks do fit well, but suddenly they’re the last thing on Patrick’s mind because now all he’s thinking about is the lingering warmth of smooth lips pressed against his skin and how wonderful it would be to feel those lips again, on his wrist and maybe even his own lips too.

And then, suddenly, Patrick’s other hand is held up before Hyuk kisses that one too and god, how Patrick would really like a repeat of that…and maybe of January’s happenings too. Alas, it would probably be useful too for Patrick to remember how to speak…especially if Hyuk is talking about giving one other gift-

( Patrick would argue Hyuk has already given him not one, but THREE unforgettable presents. How much more does he have in mind? )

Cheek hot as Hyuk’s hands climb from his wrist to his shoulders and Patrick, well, responds in kind and pulls his dear friend in a step closer so they’re flush against each other. The February chill doesn’t feel nearly as biting as before as he watches his dear friend, wanting to capture each and every moment in a bottle. From the warmth of his hands to that shy side smile Patrick has come to recognize and know so well.

Patrick mirrors him though, beaming at him with a shy smile of his own. Leaning into the hand cradling his cheek, he presses a kiss against his dear friend’s- no Hyuk’s something more at this point now- his beloved’s palm.

“Thank you Hyuk-ah. I think you’ve given me one of my favorite birthdays yet.”

A ball of fog expands into the air after a trembling breath takes place; long fingers of one hand latched onto tubes painted aquamarine. The other hand is busy fiddling with what rests in his breast pocket, making sure, for the nth time, that the small box is still there, ever so present to the point that it's left a temporal dent on the fabric of his shirt. Teeth bite on his bottom lip --- once, twice; enough to leave an edge of mouth with a small peel which represents nervousness.

He doesn't even remember the last time he was with these many knots in his stomach; a collection of butterflies and twists alike, finding a home in the ever so chaotic depths of the detective. Hyuk takes another deep breath; grabbing his cellphone and glancing at the last text message received from his dear friend ('I'll be there').

It hasn't even been that long since the last time they saw each other; his brain still replaying that last meeting at the beach, when the calendar marked his birthday and his best friend etched a new feeling into his heart. It was brief but undeniably dulcet (and unconsciously wanted, too, that he figured out with time) moment; where time sweetly froze and he was able to decipher, with surprise and warmth, how well the lines of Patrick's lips matched his.

Oh, boy. Just thinking about it sends spirals of temperature up his neck. He truly hasn't been the same ever since --- in a good way. Even his co-workers wonder why he's been more lenient than usual. And, well...whatever this might be, he likes it. Just as much as he likes him. Patrick.

Regardless of feelings bubbling up, this isn't much about putting those puzzle pieces together (they will fall into place with time, won't they?), but about a special occasion; a special day: His best friend's birthday; a mark Hyuk never misses, no matter where he might be or what he's doing. It's why he's decided to take, once again, a plane all the way to Europe --- because a videocall won't do, nor a text message with those exasperating emojis that the detective can't even use properly. Patrick deserves more than that, and he can argue all he wants; Hyuk will not be convinced otherwise.

And so he's here, asking Patrick to see him at the London Bridge, at the time where is dark enough for the towers and rails to lit up and reflect their lights upon the dancing waters. It's a way to reminisce the past, about those days where they'd escape social events just for them to walk all the way here; about those days where Patrick would talk about the stories written behind the bridge and Hyuk would listen intently; about those days where they'd laugh and chat whilst living their adventures of youth.

It's a way to reminisce the past. And connect the present. Much like the bridge links one point to the other.

He waits, patiently so, actually. Knows that Patrick barely gives time for himself even when being a special occasion; prefers to carry on with his endless duties as a responsible professor and doting father. That's Patrick Myungdae Grace for you: A gentleman who often puts loved ones first before even thinking about his own self.

After a few minutes, Hyuk hears hurried steps on the humid ground; such a sound making him turn at once. There he is; the tall man with the kind face and soft eyes, a few strands of hair being blown by the biting, Londoner wind. He looks beautiful as ever, especially when his eyes crinkle due to a smile pulling his lips.

The detective's heart is singing. Loudly. He almost feels his rib-cage is going to explode.

Before Patrick could possibly voice any kind of apology about being a few minutes late (Hyuk doesn't care --- he just cares that he made it in one piece), an impulse makes Hyuk throw his arms around his best friend to wrap him into a tight, affectionate hug; the type only Patrick gets (otherwise Hyuk is too emotionally stiff, as some say). When he pulls away, his fingers remain clasped onto his dear friend's forearms, thumbs unconsciously rubbing the space there as a grin stretches his mouth.

"You look tired. Have you eaten anything? Don't tell me you're only running on tea and the birthday breakfast Hiro and Elise made you--" He scowls, before his features slowly turn softer. "I...wanted us to meet here because I thought...maybe we could, walk a little and..uh...eat at that place we used to go to...when we were younger. The one with fish and chips? I checked and they close until late---"

Since when is he a rambler? He stops himself, awkwardly clearing his throat whilst hands slip away from Patrick's body. "Oh," he quickly goes to fetch the box he's been guarding all this time and hands it to his dear friend. It's small, long; dark green. "For you. I also...wanted to see if they fit you right, could you...open it to check?" Hyuk tries to not rush Patrick into opening the gift, his fuse very short in comparison to his dear friend's. Once it's open, a pair of Rubik's cube cuff links is found inside. The little cubes even twist some, in case Patrick needs a distraction while wearing them. Of course Hyuk had to get them for him.

"Let me," Hyuk grabs one of the cuff links and then takes a careful hold of Patrick's wrist; turning it so his palm is exposed. At first, the detective's focused on putting it on, eyes even narrowing as to look at the shirt's hole under the shadow of artificial lights. But then, he realizes how close he is, how Patrick's wrist is exposed to him even if the rest of his shirt hugs his arm effortlessly. Suddenly, he can feel his heart in his throat and there's the need to---

Just do it, Lee Hyuk. For once, follow that voice. And he does it. He gently kisses the center of Patrick's wrist.

Even if heat crawls all the way to his cheeks, he pretends that what he did is casual; fingers stumbling a little but finally managing to keep the cuff link on place. "There. It--It looks nice. Let's see the other---" And he does the same thing: grabs the cuff link from the box, and then his dear friend's wrist.

He kisses that one, too. The mark tender. A honeyed whisper of utter affection. I'm here. I'll always be here. For you. Just for you.

A clear of his throat; a little, bashful side-smile as the detective attempts to gain his usual composure and peeks to see Patrick. He doesn't apologize for what he did, nor does he try to quickly change the subject. There's no ounce of regret in that body of his and, besides...at this point, that wall where the awkwardness of sentiment was stored is slowly but surely crumbling down, isn't it?

Slow but steady steps.

"I--also got you another thing, but I'll...give it to you until we get to eat." A rainbow fountain pen, that's neatly wrapped in the oh so famous newspaper wrapper he uses. It's saved in the pocket of his trousers; awaiting for the right time to fall onto Patrick's hands.

Hyuk's hands, which rested right under Patrick's wrists, move so they can meet his dear friend's shoulders. He pats them, then pretends to accommodate the lapel of his shirt, when in reality he's getting his palms ready to climb up. And they do, rise and a little timidly; fingertips daring to reach his dear friend's face. The detective's fingers are calloused, but his touch tries to be soft; caring --- loving.

He gives him a smile. One that, he hopes, tells Patrick how proud he is. Of him, his best friend (and something more). Of who he is, who he's become. And how he still holds gentleness and mercy by his hand, despite it all.

"Happy birthday, Dae-yah."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE MOST WONDROUS PROFESSOR @ofgentleresolve 🥺🎂