Work Text:
Simon’s birthday was not celebrated with the same fervour as Nahyuta’s amongst the people of Khura’in. As he had married into the royal family as opposed to having been born into it, that only made sense; but it was a pleasant surprise to Nahyuta in the week leading up to the day that the people clearly intended on a festival of sorts amongst themselves like they did for himself and his family. (Where Nahyuta saw it as a sign of the people’s goodwill and acceptance, Simon was displeased and, Nahyuta suspected, a little uncomfortable with the whole affair. He hoped Simon would come around -a royal decree to cease all feasts in his honour would be… problematic.)
That did mean that he received very knowing looks and remarks from just about everyone when he went on errands to prepare. He wasn’t even looking for presents or decorations, only ingredients; but the shopkeepers were sly and overly helpful nonetheless. At least nobody seemed opposed to the ‘foreigner in court’ anymore.
The day itself arrived. There was no shared countdown to midnight, nor a birthday kiss first thing in the morning; though Nahyuta’s schedule was clear, Simon hadn’t taken the day off, and he had worked the night at the office. Without his phone. …Perhaps he needed a refresh of self-care and communicative availability. In his defence, it was a busy time for the office.
Nahyuta may have wanted Simon to have a relaxing day, but this was what he had chosen -and if he was being honest, it was conducive to at least a mild surprise when Simon came back later. So he set to work. It was technically speaking a simple undertaking, with a basic recipe and no real decoration to speak of. Still, with no prior experience in matters like this, he’d better pay close attention to the instructions.
All things considered, he was content with his work when he finished some hours later. As was customary, he then went to Tehm’pul Temple to pray; both the regular psalms, and prayers for Simon on his birthday. For spiritual health and fulfilment, for good fortune in the coming year, for being granted many happy years in the future. It was a lengthy process, one he was happy to perform. He knew Simon would reap the fruits of his labour.
Nahyuta hurried home in the late afternoon and put the final touches on his work. All that was left was to wait.
A little earlier than he had expected, the door opened. He shot to his feet and approached Simon with a smile.
“Happy Birthday, darling.”
Simon smiled tiredly back and wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him closer for a kiss. “Thank you, culver. How was your day?”
“Productive.” Nahyuta gestured at the table, where proudly displayed on a decorative plate stood a glazed chocolate cake. Simple, and without candles, but -hopefully- rich in flavour. “I hope it is to your liking.”
Simon squeezed him affectionately but continued in a teasing tone. “I thought you insisted on no material gifts on birthdays, Sad Monk.”
“A cake hardly counts. We have both… bent the rules before, anyway.”
He barked a laugh. “Truer words have rarely been spoken. It looks good.”
“Shall we have a slice and see for ourselves?”
“What an ingenious suggestion. Let’s get to it.”