From Now Until Forever
This feeling is the first time baby; this kind of love is a first baby. The person that makes my heart flutter, my love is for you.
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Donghae opens his eyes to see a giant teddy bear perched on top of his chest. Confused, he sits up carefully, holding onto the stuffed animal. He smiles as he spots the blue envelop hidden in its arms. There is one word on it: Donghae
Happy birthday my love. There’s a set of clothes I want you to wear in the closet. I’ll be waiting down in the lobby. Love you, Hyukjae.
Slipping out of the covers, Hae steps into the closet, immediately seeing the dress shirt and pants he’s expected to wear. He debates between getting ready right away or taking a shower first. A look in the mirror and his messy hair confirms the latter. Hae hops into the shower, reminiscing his past birthdays.
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Donghae is 5 and he can’t wait to play at his party. Kids from all around the neighborhood start pouring in and Hae is too excited to sit still as his mother combs his hair. He peeks among the crowd, scurrying around legs and feet until he comes crashing into another boy, caught doing the same thing. Surprise is mirrored in both faces and they burst out laughing in unison. Hae is immediately drawn to the other boy and can’t help but feel comforted at the sight of his bright eyes and kind smile. He learns that the other boy is called Hyukjae, and the name rolls of his tongue so easily, Hae finds himself calling out to the other for the rest of the day.
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Hae is 7 and Hyukjae is 8. The boys are allowed to stay up until midnight to celebrate Donghae’s birthday for the first time. Hae is ecstatic to turn 8-the older the better!-but he is also thrilled to be able to spend it with his best friend. They stay up late, much later than their usual bed time, playing games and eating cake. But the sugar rush is quickly fading and the boys cannot keep up with all the excitement. As the bell chimes midnight, the mothers walk in to find their sons fast asleep and holding hands. They giggle at the sight of their adorable boys and snap a picture. The polaroid stays pinned on Hae’s bulletin board, on top of his desk.
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Donghae is 9 and as much as he loves getting gifts, he doesn’t like being showered with attention. It makes him feel shy and he unconsciously withdraws himself. As the kids circled around him, singing and laughing, there’s a sudden urge to run. To flee the scene and find some quiet. Hae feels stuck in place, frozen to the core, until a small hand gently grasps his own and all the anxiety simply melts away. Surprised, Hae looks up to see Hyuk smiling, looking happier than Donghae has ever seen him. Immediately, as though his happiness is contagious, Hae finds himself smiling too. When the time comes to blow out his candles, Donghae wishes Hyukjae will stay forever by his side, keeping him grounded like he always has. For the rest of the party, Hae keeps a firm hold on Hyuk.
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Hae is 13 and starting to think he’s getting too old to have birthday parties. Especially since kids his age are becoming more and more aware of the opposite sex. The girls are starting to change, becoming more delicate, more fragile. Hae doesn’t like it. He wants to play soccer with everyone, explore the outside world and simply have a good time. However, more and more of his friends are starting to chase the girls around, obeying their every command. Hae doesn’t like this much either. He’s grateful that Hyukjae hasn’t changed at all. Still the same person, with the same, familiar gummy smile. Donghae vows to spend his next birthday with just the two of them, the way he likes it best.
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Donghae is 16 and has been for the past few days. He misses his best friend, Hyukjae, more than ever. Ever since the abrupt move a few months ago, Hae has hardly heard from the other boy. Loneliness that he had never felt before starts to creep into his life and Hae feels like he’s being torn apart. The phone rings and Hae is surprised to hear the voice on the other line. “Happy birthday Donghae… I wish I was there to say it in person.” Suddenly there are tears, yells and accusations but most of all there is love and Donghae suddenly feels whole again. Just being able to hear Hyukjae’s voice brings a smile to his face. It’s the best day he’s had in awhile and he is happy to spend it talking to the person that means the most to him.
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Hyukjae is 18 and in love. He’s finally able to return to his hometown, back to Donghae’s side. Better yet, he’s able to come on the other’s birthday. Swallowing his apprehension, Hyukjae surprises Donghae on his doorstep, flowers in hand and a kiss on his lips. Before the other can even object, Hyukjae hastily embraces the birthday boy. A whispered I missed you is shared and Donghae accepts all that is Hyukjae. They spend the night together, chatting away, ignoring the outside world and happy to create one of their own.
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Donghae is 21 and unpacking his belongings. It’s his first apartment-his first step towards independence- and he feels blessed to be able to share it with his beloved. He’s making good time of it, considering the sheer amount of boxes surrounding him-until Hyukjae pounces on his back and wrestles with him. They end the bout with a tender kiss and Hyukjae whispers a quiet Happy birthday Hae against his lips. They spend the rest of the day in bed, laying in each other’s arms and enjoying their privacy. Cheers to adulthood, Hae thinks.
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Hyukjae is 22 and it’s the first long weekend in awhile. Although it’s been a few weeks since Donghae’s actual birthday, they’re celebrating it tonight at Hae’s favorite sushi restaurant. Hyukjae insists on driving Donghae and even blindfolds the other, despite it not being a surprise. Donghae is grateful to have such a sincere and caring person in his life. Although robbed of his sight, Donghae feels very secure in the presence of his lover. Feeling around for the other’s hand, he gently rests his on top of Hyukjae’s. Hyuk smiles, glancing at Hae’s peaceful face and decides right then and there to cherish Donghae for the rest of his life.
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Hae awakes on his 24th birthday to the delicious aroma of pancakes, first thing in the morning. Smiling slightly, he waits in bed for his lover to surprise him with breakfast. There’s a lot of noise coming from the kitchen-a lot of banging and clanging-and Donghae chuckles to himself. Running out of patience, he calls out to the other man, a soft Hyukjae, love. Almost immediately, Hyuk’s head appears at the door. His bed head is unbearably cute and the sheepish grin makes him all the more adorable. Hyukjae mutters a hasty apology and the head is gone. When he reappears, there is a plateful of oddly shaped pancakes, complete with syrup and whipped cream. Donghae can’t help but smile when he realizes they are in the shape of disproportioned hearts with Happy Birthday written on them in chocolate sauce.
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Donghae is 25 and the clock strikes midnight as he sips some tea. He is alone, awaiting Hyukjae’s return. Nowadays, Hyukjae spends more and more time at the office. By now, they’ve upgraded to a bigger apartment, closer to downtown, but Donghae feels the walls pressing in on him, feeling more alone that ever. There’s a knock on the door and Hae jumps, surprised. At the door is Hyukjae’s assistant, Sungmin. He stands there sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck. Nervously, he explains Hyuk’s orders and takes him back to the office, where Donghae is greeted by a candlelit dinner. Hyukjae awaits him, wine already in hand. He welcomes Hae with a kiss, despite Sungmin’s presence and Donghae finally feels his loneliness and anxiety disappear, melting away until all that’s left in him is love and happiness. He realizes in that moment that home is not where he lives, but it’s wherever Hyukjae is.
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Hyukjae is 26 and awaiting his lover. He sits causally in the lobby, flowers in hand and dressed for the occasion. He ignores the looks and stares he gets and huffs slightly at how long Donghae is making him wait. Just as he is about to call his lover, a familiar figure approaches and Hyukjae can’t help but admire how amazing Donghae looks. He is greeted with a breathtaking smile and even after all these years, he can’t help but blush. He smiles back shyly and stands up to present the flowers. Leaning in slightly, he brushes his lips against Donghae’s. They smile into the kiss and in that moment Donghae is happier than he’s ever been. Hyukjae grabs his hand and leads him out of the apartment building, turning coyly and all it takes is a few for Donghae to fall in love all over again.
Happy birthday Hae.
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Wahhh it's been so long since I've written any fanfics! I'm so glad I finished this on time. I realized it was around Hae's birthday the last time I disappeared so I never got around to writing him a birthday fic... Anyhoo it's been so long that I'm out of touch but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless! Thanks for reading! ♥ Happy birthday Donghae~