"Collins,"

He heard the sweet voice whispering in his ear, pulling him from a deep sleep. He didn't open his eyes, though, just shifted a little, burrowing deeper into the warm covers and reaching for his lover, gently tugging his arm, wanting him back in bed with him.

"Collins," he heard again, as Angel pulled his arm out of his grasp. Collins whimpered a little, rolling on his side to face him and opening one eye to peer up at him. Angel giggled softly, a bright smile lighting his face, and Collins couldn't help but smile back at him. It was always like that with Angel; no matter how Collins was feeling, one smile from his lover could always brighten his day.

"C'mere, you," Collins growled, playfully, fully awake now though his voice was laced with the last vestiges of sleep. He reached out and grabbed Angel around the waist, pulling him onto the bed with him and leaning in for a kiss.

Angel laughed, a delighted squeal slipping from him as Collins' big arms slid around him. He had other things in mind, though, and he enjoyed the touch for just a moment longer before pulling away, hands against Collins' bare chest as he pushed himself off the bed.

"No!" he protested, laughter in his voice, "Not yet, honey." He smiled sweetly at Collins, reaching out a hand to gently stroke his cheek. He was so excited about today, and even Collins could see it, though he wasn't quite sure why. Mornings were not Collins' most intelligent time.

"Happy birthday, Collins," Angel said softly, eyes dancing with love and adoration for his man.

Happy Birthday.

Collins' eyes widened, stunned that Angel had actually remembered. They'd only discussed it once, the night they met, and it had never come up again. Collins hadn't celebrated a birthday since he turned ten, and was used to it just being any other day. But Angel, Angel had remembered all this time, and he could tell just from the look in his eyes that he was going to make this a special day for him.

Angel, for his part, practically beamed as he reached over to the table beside their bed to grab a small plate of food.

"Made you breakfast in bed," he said, finally slipping into the bed beside Collins. He propped a pillow up against the wall, urging Collins to sit up, and he did, leaning against the soft pillow, still shocked that Angel had even remembered. He looked at the plate of food, registering it and its mouth-watering aroma for the first time. It wasn't much – they had very little money, and some days, breakfast wasn't even an option for them – but to Collins, it looked like a gourmet meal. As Angel straddled him, holding the plate in one hand and taking a piece of toast in the other, all Collins could do was look at him in wonder, amazed at how he ever managed to deserve his love. Angel was the most amazing person he'd ever known, and every day he thanked his lucky stars that he was his.

Carefully, Collins took a bite of the toast Angel held out to him, never breaking his gaze. This was, without question, the most romantic thing anyone had ever done for him, and his heart swelled with love for him. Wanting to share this special moment with him, he reached for the other piece of toast, but before he could pick it up, Angel swatted his hand away, grinning.

"Nuh-uh," he said, waggling a finger at Collins playfully, "It's your birthday, honey. This is all for you."

Collins ate slowly, savouring every bit of the simple breakfast, feeling like a king. In all his life, he could never remember anyone doing something quite like this for him, something for him and him alone. The love he could feel in this simple gesture was nearly overwhelming.

When he was finished, Collins gently took the plate from Angel, setting it aside and slipping his arms around his waist, pulling him close. He scattered kisses across his cheeks, his chin, his nose, before finally letting his lips linger against his lover's.

"Thank you," he whispered when he pulled away, gazing deeply into Angel's eyes, "This is the best gift anyone's ever given me."

Angel just smiled at him, eyes twinkling as he lay his body flush against Collins', pressing his hips down against his lover's.

"That's not your only gift," he whispered, raising a suggestive eyebrow. Collins just gazed up at him certain he knew just what Angel had in mind. This was going to be the best birthday he'd ever had.