This time Utterson was the one to organise everything.
After all, today was a special day: 27th May, Jekyll's birthday.
Technically it was Hyde's too, but he had been created at night, so his celebration would wait – he had wanted it so.
Thus, the daytime belonged to Utterson and Jekyll.
"Happy birthday, Henry!", the lawyer greeted him, "You're past the age of fifty now! How does it feel?"
The blond glowered at him: "You're older than I, you know the answer!"
"Point taken", Utterson laughed.
Jekyll chuckled, when the lawyer presented him with tickets to an opera that would be performed today.
"That's so you, Gabriel. But I love going to the theatre or the opera with you."
Utterson laughed: "Yes, because you love me. Now do come. It will start in two hours, we must not be late. You're going to like it, it's a comedy."
Jekyll blinked: "This early in the day?"
"This early in the day. After that, we will go to my place, I'm cooking for you. I will not take no for an answer."
The Doctor giggled: "As if I could possibly refuse that offer!"
...
Utterson was right; the opera was comedic gold.
Not just once Jekyll laughed along with the audience at the witty dialogues and the music was so cheerful and upbeat, that it raised his spirits even higher than they already were.
In his joy, he took the high risk of taking Utterson's hand.
The lawyer blushed a little, but didn't pull away.
Fortunately Jekyll remembered that they were basically in public, before anyone could see it and retracted his hand. At the reminder that his love for the other was illegal, he got the morbs.
"What's the matter?", Utterson asked worriedly, when he noticed.
Jekyll sighed: "I wish we didn't have to be a secret."
Utterson frowned a little. "Yes, me too. But let us not dwell on that now. Carpe diem, my friend."
"Yes, you're right."
...
After the opera visit, they decided to take a walk in the nearby park to enjoy this beautiful spring day, before they would go to Utterson's.
"It's very warm today, isn't it, my friend?", Jekyll noted.
"Perfect May weather", Utterson agreed.
The two conversed like ordinary friends, as they walked.
"Spring is my favourite season!", the Doctor proclaimed, "When the fresh green leaves and all the flowers come out of hiding and the birds sing – even here in London!"
Utterson chuckled: "Truly, though I will always be partial towards autumn, when the leaves unfold all their colour, before they wither and are carried away by the wind – it's just so poetic to me!"
Jekyll grinned. "Shall I wax poetics about the seasons right here in the park, my friend?"
Utterson glared. "Don't you dare, Prof. Dr. Henry Jekyll!"
"Alright, alright! I'm sorry!", the blond laughed.
...
They continued their walk and then went to Utterson's humble abode.
"I haven't been here in a while", Jekyll remarked, as he entered. "Is it just me or is it looking even cosier than last time? Did you finally hire a housekeeper?"
The lawyer laughed: "I did. Or to be more specific, Lady Summers told me that her niece – the daughter of her hair stylist – had just learned how to keep house, so I let her work for me and Lady Summers pays."
Jekyll grinned. Clever Lady.
"Speaking of Lady Summers", he said, "Isn't she in Cornwall to check on her estate and visit her in-laws?"
Utterson nodded. "Yes, I got a telegram today. She's enjoying her holiday and wishes you a happy birthday."
Jekyll couldn't help but smile.
"Her birthday's on 15th October, right?"
"It is", Utterson confirmed. "She's less than five months younger than you, just a kind reminder. Now, Henry, why don't you sit down, while I cook us a good meal? Miss Mariner isn't the best cook, so I do it by myself. You can look through my books meanwhile."
The Doctor took a seat and relaxed, as the lawyer scurried through the kitchen.
Instead of taking a book to entertain himself in the meantime, he listened to Utterson's voice, as the black-haired man was singing something in Italian, while he cooked.
Jekyll didn't listen to the words, he was too captivated by the other's singing.
I still think he should have become an opera singer instead of a lawyer, he thought.
Of course, Utterson was a good lawyer and just as suited for that work, but still … it was such a shame.
It wasn't long, before the most delicious and tantalising smell waved over from the kitchen, making Jekyll's mouth water.
It was middle afternoon, when Utterson came to serve the food.
"Buon appetito", the lawyer wished him and the two wasted no time in digging into the food.
"Mmhh! Oh, it's scrumptious!", Jekyll cried enthusiastically, "Really, Gabriel, your cooking is to die for!"
Utterson chortled: "Well, it wouldn't be very beneficial to die for it, would it?"
...
After their meal, the two just sat on the couch, cuddling.
"This is perfect", Jekyll whispered.
Utterson hummed in agreement.
Edward should be here though, he thought, Then it would be absolutely perfect.
"I love you so", the blond sighed happily.
Utterson sighed as well, but bitterly, because he still couldn't say it back.
Jekyll noticed and took the other's hand. "I know, Gabriel", he soothed the older. "Don't beat yourself up over it. Edward will never be able to say it either."
"I'll be able to say it one day", Utterson promised, "I know I will! Just wait for me a little longer."
Jekyll laughed: "Please, Gabriel. Why should I not be able to hold out just a bit longer, when I have loved you for so many years, while thinking you would never love me back? I don't mind waiting for a bit longer, now that I know that you love me – and in a way, Edward too. Right, you do?"
"Point taken", Utterson chuckled and kissed the other. "And yes, there is no denying that I've grown very attached to him. Though I wouldn't say that I'm in love with him just yet."
"I know", the Doctor replied, "Knowing you, my dear, you would tell him so, once you're sure that you do."
"Certainly would", the lawyer laughed. "Do you think he loves me?"
Jekyll smirked: "Oh, absolutely! Don't tell him I told you this, but …" he woered his voice to whisper conspiratorily, "… He is heads over heels into you! Completely smitten! He's just unaware of it – or in denial."
The two giggled like a chatty old couple plotting mischief.
"Don't worry, I won't say anything", Utterson snickered. "I don't want to put him off now, do I?"
...
After escorting the birthday boy home in the early evening, the black-haired lawyer said goodbye.
"Thank you for the best birthday I had in decades", Jekyll whispered, looked around to see if someone was looking and then clasped the other's hand.
"Anything for you, Harry", Utterson smiled. "Goodbye, my mad scientist."
Jekyll laughed: "Goodbye, my musically gifted lawyer! And enjoy your night with Hyde – I'm certain, he will be delighted to take you to some romantic location again."
Utterson smiled lopsidedly. "Oh, I already have my plans for the other birthday boy too. Don't worry about it. "Good rest evening. Now, where is our little troublemaker?"
"I'm heeeere~", a guttural voice responded from the background and Hyde emerged.
"Hi, Gabe", the brunet purred.
"Hello, Edward", Utterson chuckled. "Ready for your own birthday celebration?"
"Is Lady Summers the most stalwart person in London?", Hyde retorted, "I was created ready!"
The two older men chuckled.
