Oh, he tried to be sneaky but he knows how hard that can be when Undertaker is so aware and observant of everything. That never stops Astre from trying though. And so he snuck out of bed early to make a nice breakfast for them, setting it all out on a tray with a fresh pot of tea and all the fixings so he could have as much or as little as he wanted.
Then slipped back into their room, almost certain the reaper would be awake already or faking sleep for Astre's sake.
It was easy enough to wake him in the mornings. Even if things were rough before he'd made his morning cup of tea and had the first few sips, he liked to consider himself a morning person, as did most who experienced him early enough in the day. So it was, then, when Astre woke and snuck out of bed, trying to be as quiet as possible, that Undertaker woke after a few moments from the bed moving under Astre's weight.
There seemed to be no cause for alarm. Until he heard jostling and rustling around in the kitchen, Undertaker thought the boy had only gone to the bathroom. It had been years, decades even, since he had last cared to celebrate his birthday, or even to acknowledge it at all. Astre had been known now and then to wake up in the mornings and try to surprise him with breakfast tea. Such a sweet boy.
Even sweeter, he thought with surprise, for Astre to remember a date he had shut out of his mind so long ago, and to try to make it special. He gave up playing possum at the greeting and turned his head to look over at his roommate, so very pleased.
"Well, look at this! Someone has been quite busy, haven't they?"
Of course, when it came to someone as important to him as Undertaker was, he'd always remember those special dates. If not to have any kind of 'proper' celebration like Lizzie or anyone would insist on in England, than at least to show how much he cares.
"I thought you deserved to be treated specially. Especially since you've always been amazing to me, you deserve more than I can give."
He settled on the bed beside Undertaker with the tray, sliding it over to the man and half onto his lap so he'd have a chance to sit up comfortably.
"I made a pot of your favorite tea so you could have as much or as little as you'd like with breakfast. Or past it, in case you feel like just spending the day in bed. I can take care of everything in the house. Or just stay with you all day, if you want. The entire day is clear for us both, I made sure, so the day can be anything you like."
It had taken some planning but Astre was determined.
As much as he'd just treated this day like every other day in a year, Astre always managed to find a way to sneak some feeling into it, more so than he normally did. And each and every time, he couldn't help but be touched by the affection. He loved this boy. He truly did.
And there, he paused, staring down at the tray in his lap as it hit him that he did love the boy. Somehow, somewhere, he had fallen for Astre, not completely but enough that he knew that he couldn't live without the Earl, and that it went farther than just his role in their relationship as the guardian.
After a moment's thought, he reached for one of the tea cups on the tray, not to pick it up, but to let his fingers rest on the handle. "My goodness. Every year you do this for me, even though I remind you you don't need to, and every year you still manage to surprise me. You're so thoughtful."
He sighed then, long and leisurely, with a good morning stretch, then set the tray carefully aside at the foot of the bed, curling his legs up against him so he wouldn't risk jostling it and spilling tea everywhere. As he did, he shifted, turning more toward Astre, and held out his arms, inviting the Earl closer. "Come here, my dear. Let's have a hug first, yes?"
He couldn't help a small laugh at the reminder, the compliment, and he just beams at Undertaker for a moment. Of course he reminded Astre each year but each year, the teen hadn't been able to help himself. And, like each year, he still couldn't. He adored the smiles he got for these surprises and he'd continue doing it each year for as long as it made him smile.
"I never need to but I like to. I like being able to treat you like this. Even if I can't be so sneaky about it, it's always fun to try surprising you."
One day, maybe, he'll manage it. Maybe he'll try to get Undertaker to stay up late so he'll sleep a little more heavily. Although, with all his years working as a mortician, he wasn't sure that would work any better than anything else has.
At first, seeing him move the tray, Astre couldn't help but worry he'd messed something up on it but then that invitation for a hug, being called dear, his heart clenched and he climbed across the bed over to him.
"It's your birthday, you can have anything you want. And even then, I'd never refuse a hug." And into hose arms he went, tucking himself against Undertaker and wrapped his arms around him tightly.
Once the Earl is in his arms, he drapes his own around the teen, cradling him close.A long, deep sigh escapes him as he relaxes into the hold, loving this moment and everything about it. One hand trails up after a few moments, fingers working through Astre's thick hair to rub and scritch affectionately, slowly.
It was several moments before he spoke again, his tone lowered. "And what if I wanted you? What if I wanted to make you feel wonderful?"
He can't help but snuggle into those arms, eyes shut, and just savors the embrace. It's so warm and comfortable in his arms, it always is, and he just wants to sink into that embrace. And he would if he hadn't made breakfast, he doesn't want Undertaker to miss out on a meal just because Astre wanted to lay against him for an age.
That question is a bit of a surprise thought and he lifts his head, eyes lighting up a bit.
"It's your birthday though. The day should be all about you. I should be pampering you in every way you want."
Not quite how his own birthday usually went but Astre enjoyed making Undertaker's day special, liked being able to give him some joy that he'd missed out on over the years.
Astre can stay there as long as he wants, for all Undertaker is concerned. He's not that hungry right now, though he will be a little later, and what concerns him is the teen in his arms. As soon as he looks up, Astre will find fingers shifting, pulling out of his hair only to comb back up through it again.
"I've heard that's what birthdays are like, yes. But they should also be about what that special person desires, shouldn't they? My desire is to spend the day with the one person in this world or any other who means anything to me."
"Mm." He is right, and he can't argue it. He wouldn't want to either. Whatever Undertaker wants, Astre knows he'd do anything to try to give him. There's a smile and he nuzzles against him before squeezing him.
"You're absolutely right." Astre concedes after a moment, nuzzling against him again before just laying his head against one shoulder, tilted up a bit to watch him with a smile. "So, what would you like first then? I'm at your beck and call."
And, how could he really object to anything Undertaker wants? Though he wonders what he had in mind about making him feel good.
What would he like first? What, indeed? He loves Astre more in this moment than he has before, that he has noticed, and when he looks at this very moment later on after the fact, he will begin to realize he has loved the boy as much for a very, very, very long time. He grins at the face smiling at his, one he has sought to protect however he can for so long, and carefully shifts to let them lay over on the sheets.
"What I want, my lord, is for you to be completely at ease and let me take care of you today. It may be my special day, but I have longed to see you at peace for so very long. Please, let me do what I can to make that a reality."
He lets them both fall back, unable to help but nuzzle against him again, cheeks pink and heart pounding. He lifts his hand, unable to resist, and gently lets his fingers caress a cheek. It's the most daring he's been, he thinks, since his birthday, but he can't help himself. Not with those words singing in his head.
"I already am." Astre's voice is soft and he still smiles for him but there's no hesitance. Just trust and adoration. "If that's what you want, I'm only too happy to make it reality for you."
Even if he might normally argue that he is at peace. Finally, years after his families deaths and his contract broken, he's at peace. He has Undertaker and they have a cozy home. And they're happy.
The cheek under Astre's fingers nudges in against the palm, silently enjoying the touch and affection and asking for a little more. Those touches have always melted him, always soothed him when little else would. He doesn't need it now, but that it isn't needed makes this so much more precious to him.
"That all sounds lovely, my lord. I'd like to start with a nice massage across your shoulders, but I don't think I could bear to be away from your face just yet." A soft, loving kiss to the teen's nose. "I love you so."
His palm cups that cheek and Astre lets his thumb gently brush over that skin, savoring it. And savoring it more when he hears those words, feels his heart melt. He could live forever just to hear Undertaker say that again and again.
"I love you. So much." It's almost a whisper and he smiles up at him for that little kiss before leaning up a little to try sneaking a small kiss.
"Luckily, I'm still slight enough that you can reach my shoulders from any angle. And I can hug you close while you do."
Never did that cease to appeal to him in any way. Already, he was thinking on how best to utilize such a situation, where he could rub the boy's shoulders and still allow Astre to hug on him. He gave the Earl a gentle squeeze, humming softly to him as he did.
"Sounds like the best way for us to do that would be to have you lying against me, hm? I'm not too keen on leaving the bed just yet, so what do you say? Lie on me while I give you a good rub?"
He hummed softly for a moment, nuzzling in against him and just savoring his position for the time being. And that squeeze he was given just made him grin against Undertaker. This is what he loves most, what he needs, this love and care that only Undertaker can give him.
"I like the sound of that. Would that be comfortable for you though?" He'd be more than happy to just lay against him for as long as possible. And kissing him. Loving him.
"I want to give you the best birthday you've had in years."
He doesn't need to see that grin to hear it in the teen's voice, always such a delight. He can't help a little scritch against the boy's back for the sake of it. Rather than voice his reply, he cradles Astre to him and slowly works his way over to his back, pulling the Earl with him. It would only be too easy for Astre to resist, and Undertaker won't fight him if he does, but he doesn't think the teen will.
Once they're positioned just right, he smooths palms up and down his Earl's back, starting off small.
Astre relaxes against him, eyes closing for a moment. Even if he's only smoothing his hands across Astre's back right now, it feels wonderful. And he's so cozy while laying against his reaper.
He nuzzles into the mans neck and smiles against his skin. "This is so nice. I feel like I should return the favor for your birthday."
Even if Undertaker is asking to take care of him. He wants Undertaker to know how important he is to the young man.
Those hands don't stop their business over Astre's back, smoothing down the ripples in the teen's clothing for some unnecessary excuse to keep touching him. Astre's hair brushes against his cheek as the boy nuzzles against him and Undertaker takes that moment to nuzzle back, pressing the side of his face in against that soft hair.
"As you have so many times before, you mean? But you already are."
So nice. Warm and comforting too. Although he does find himself resenting his clothes a bit for being in the way of that touch. He won't rush or push anything though. This is Undertaker's day, anything the man wants is what Astre will give him. There isn't anything he's unwilling to give Undertaker.
"I can't help myself. I love surprising you and treating you as specially as you deserve. You've stolen my heart." He says the last part so softly, still nuzzling against him so gently.
He would try to be no less for the boy, keeping him close, keeping him warm and safe from everything that had ever hurt him, or would ever try. No one deserved what the Phantomhives had gone through. Life had tragedy enough as it was. But they had each other now, if nothing else in the world, and that was all he needed.
"You just love trying to spoil me, I think." He pressed a soft kiss to the mess of dark hair so near to his lips, scritching gently along one shoulder blade. "Quite an odd way to treat a thief, wouldn't you say?"
He hums and laughs softly, happily nuzzling against him in return for that kiss. How spoiled they both are and Astre regrets absolutely nothing. He turns his head then and kisses his neck.
"Can you blame me? You're so wonderful and you've never let me doubt that I'm loved." Another little kiss. "Is it? You're a very unique thief, stealing away my very heart. That means I need to treat you very specially, don't you think?"
And Astre had never thought about having such feelings before.
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timeasmymeasure
backdate to 3/25 | action
Date: 2021-03-29 10:39 pm (UTC)Then slipped back into their room, almost certain the reaper would be awake already or faking sleep for Astre's sake.
"Happy birthday!"
little heathen
Date: 2021-03-30 05:37 am (UTC)There seemed to be no cause for alarm. Until he heard jostling and rustling around in the kitchen, Undertaker thought the boy had only gone to the bathroom. It had been years, decades even, since he had last cared to celebrate his birthday, or even to acknowledge it at all. Astre had been known now and then to wake up in the mornings and try to surprise him with breakfast tea. Such a sweet boy.
Even sweeter, he thought with surprise, for Astre to remember a date he had shut out of his mind so long ago, and to try to make it special. He gave up playing possum at the greeting and turned his head to look over at his roommate, so very pleased.
"Well, look at this! Someone has been quite busy, haven't they?"
but he loves this heathen
Date: 2021-03-30 06:19 am (UTC)"I thought you deserved to be treated specially. Especially since you've always been amazing to me, you deserve more than I can give."
He settled on the bed beside Undertaker with the tray, sliding it over to the man and half onto his lap so he'd have a chance to sit up comfortably.
"I made a pot of your favorite tea so you could have as much or as little as you'd like with breakfast. Or past it, in case you feel like just spending the day in bed. I can take care of everything in the house. Or just stay with you all day, if you want. The entire day is clear for us both, I made sure, so the day can be anything you like."
It had taken some planning but Astre was determined.
he does
Date: 2021-03-31 05:43 pm (UTC)And there, he paused, staring down at the tray in his lap as it hit him that he did love the boy. Somehow, somewhere, he had fallen for Astre, not completely but enough that he knew that he couldn't live without the Earl, and that it went farther than just his role in their relationship as the guardian.
After a moment's thought, he reached for one of the tea cups on the tray, not to pick it up, but to let his fingers rest on the handle. "My goodness. Every year you do this for me, even though I remind you you don't need to, and every year you still manage to surprise me. You're so thoughtful."
He sighed then, long and leisurely, with a good morning stretch, then set the tray carefully aside at the foot of the bed, curling his legs up against him so he wouldn't risk jostling it and spilling tea everywhere. As he did, he shifted, turning more toward Astre, and held out his arms, inviting the Earl closer. "Come here, my dear. Let's have a hug first, yes?"
<3
Date: 2021-03-31 07:59 pm (UTC)"I never need to but I like to. I like being able to treat you like this. Even if I can't be so sneaky about it, it's always fun to try surprising you."
One day, maybe, he'll manage it. Maybe he'll try to get Undertaker to stay up late so he'll sleep a little more heavily. Although, with all his years working as a mortician, he wasn't sure that would work any better than anything else has.
At first, seeing him move the tray, Astre couldn't help but worry he'd messed something up on it but then that invitation for a hug, being called dear, his heart clenched and he climbed across the bed over to him.
"It's your birthday, you can have anything you want. And even then, I'd never refuse a hug." And into hose arms he went, tucking himself against Undertaker and wrapped his arms around him tightly.
<333333
Date: 2021-04-05 05:36 am (UTC)It was several moments before he spoke again, his tone lowered. "And what if I wanted you? What if I wanted to make you feel wonderful?"
no subject
Date: 2021-04-05 06:48 pm (UTC)That question is a bit of a surprise thought and he lifts his head, eyes lighting up a bit.
"It's your birthday though. The day should be all about you. I should be pampering you in every way you want."
Not quite how his own birthday usually went but Astre enjoyed making Undertaker's day special, liked being able to give him some joy that he'd missed out on over the years.
no subject
Date: 2021-04-07 06:31 am (UTC)"I've heard that's what birthdays are like, yes. But they should also be about what that special person desires, shouldn't they? My desire is to spend the day with the one person in this world or any other who means anything to me."
no subject
Date: 2021-04-08 03:26 am (UTC)"You're absolutely right." Astre concedes after a moment, nuzzling against him again before just laying his head against one shoulder, tilted up a bit to watch him with a smile. "So, what would you like first then? I'm at your beck and call."
And, how could he really object to anything Undertaker wants? Though he wonders what he had in mind about making him feel good.
no subject
Date: 2021-04-20 01:35 am (UTC)"What I want, my lord, is for you to be completely at ease and let me take care of you today. It may be my special day, but I have longed to see you at peace for so very long. Please, let me do what I can to make that a reality."
no subject
Date: 2021-04-20 06:58 am (UTC)"I already am." Astre's voice is soft and he still smiles for him but there's no hesitance. Just trust and adoration. "If that's what you want, I'm only too happy to make it reality for you."
Even if he might normally argue that he is at peace. Finally, years after his families deaths and his contract broken, he's at peace. He has Undertaker and they have a cozy home. And they're happy.
no subject
Date: 2021-04-29 10:33 pm (UTC)"That all sounds lovely, my lord. I'd like to start with a nice massage across your shoulders, but I don't think I could bear to be away from your face just yet." A soft, loving kiss to the teen's nose. "I love you so."
no subject
Date: 2021-04-29 11:05 pm (UTC)"I love you. So much." It's almost a whisper and he smiles up at him for that little kiss before leaning up a little to try sneaking a small kiss.
"Luckily, I'm still slight enough that you can reach my shoulders from any angle. And I can hug you close while you do."
no subject
Date: 2021-05-01 01:46 pm (UTC)"Sounds like the best way for us to do that would be to have you lying against me, hm? I'm not too keen on leaving the bed just yet, so what do you say? Lie on me while I give you a good rub?"
no subject
Date: 2021-05-03 03:20 am (UTC)"I like the sound of that. Would that be comfortable for you though?" He'd be more than happy to just lay against him for as long as possible. And kissing him. Loving him.
"I want to give you the best birthday you've had in years."
no subject
Date: 2021-05-08 05:33 pm (UTC)Once they're positioned just right, he smooths palms up and down his Earl's back, starting off small.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-11 07:27 pm (UTC)He nuzzles into the mans neck and smiles against his skin. "This is so nice. I feel like I should return the favor for your birthday."
Even if Undertaker is asking to take care of him. He wants Undertaker to know how important he is to the young man.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-16 06:25 am (UTC)"As you have so many times before, you mean? But you already are."
no subject
Date: 2021-05-16 07:26 pm (UTC)"I can't help myself. I love surprising you and treating you as specially as you deserve. You've stolen my heart." He says the last part so softly, still nuzzling against him so gently.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-20 12:48 pm (UTC)"You just love trying to spoil me, I think." He pressed a soft kiss to the mess of dark hair so near to his lips, scritching gently along one shoulder blade. "Quite an odd way to treat a thief, wouldn't you say?"
no subject
Date: 2021-05-26 12:06 am (UTC)"Can you blame me? You're so wonderful and you've never let me doubt that I'm loved." Another little kiss. "Is it? You're a very unique thief, stealing away my very heart. That means I need to treat you very specially, don't you think?"
And Astre had never thought about having such feelings before.