AN: This piece is sort of a post-script to my fic "Boundaries," which can be read on Ao3 under the same username.
"Move over," Merlin muttered, his request nearly lost in the yawn that followed it.
"Can't," Harry responded. "I'm too stuffed. You'll have to roll me off you." But despite his words, he managed to raise his head from Merlin's shoulder and unsling his arm from around Merlin's waist. Slowly he sat up against the edge of the couch, running his fingers through his hair and gazing into the soft flicker of the TV lights.
"That's your own fault," Merlin said matter-of-factly. "You shouldn't have eaten so much cake."
"And youshouldn't have brought so much cake over in the first place if you didn't want me to eat it," Harry ribbed. He turned so that Merlin could see the teasing grin on his face. "But I can't thank you enough for it."
"There issuch a thing as saving it for later," Merlin said without looking at Harry. His glasses reflected the TV's onscreen action.
"I may have heard of the concept," Harry said lightly. "But I prefer a method known as 'indulging yourself.' Especially since it's mybirthday."
Merlin sighed, finally looking over at Harry. "At least you let me help you finish it off."
"Of course." Harry smiled. "I couldn't let you not taste your own work." Warmly he reached out and clasped Merlin's hand in his. "Ian, this has been an amazing birthday, and I'm so happy I got to share it with you. I'll have to return the favor when it's your turn."
It wasn't until after they had shared a kiss that Merlin pointed out, "Do you even know when my birthday is?"
Harry let go of Merlin's hand. "Actually I was hoping you would tell me."
Instead of opening up immediately like Harry expected him to, Merlin seemed to pause and consider the prospect before saying, "I generally don't share that kind of information."
Harry raised his eyebrows. "That's a bit unfair, seeing as you have access to all kinds of information about me.How do you expect me to celebrate if I don't know the date?"
"That's exactly it, the celebration," Merlin explained dryly. "If word gets out to the rest of Kingsman, you can be damn sure that they'll throw me a surprise party,and I would very much notlike to be the center of attention."
What, don't you trust me?,Harry wanted to joke, but he decided it was best not to say a word. Whatever Merlin's reasons were, Harry respected his preference to keep his birthdate a secret. It was the least he could do after the respect and consideration that Merlin had already demonstrated towards Harry that night.
Though that wasn't to say he couldn't ask for a compromise.
"Will you at least tell me the month?" Harry asked, turning the full force of his charm onto Merlin. "I promise I won't breathe a word to anyone."
Under the power of Harry's eyes, Merlin relented. "October. Now are you satisfied?"
"Very satisfied," Harry said, leaning in for another kiss. Soon all thoughts of birthdays were forgotten- by Merlin, anyway. As Merlin went obliviously home that night, Harry ruminated on the month of October, and smiled to himself.
Several months later, Merlin was interrupted in his office by the entrance of a certain knight-errant. He spun his chair around to come face to face with Harry, beaming and carrying a brown paper grocery bag.
"Good morning, Galahad," Merlin greeted him, a slight note of wariness already creeping into his voice. He wasted no time in asking, "What've you got there?"
Rather than respond right away, Harry came forward to set the grocery bag on Merlin's desk. With a flourish, he reached in and drew out a covered dish. "For you, Merlin."
Even more warily, Merlin lifted the lid. What he found beneath it made his heart skip a beat. On the dish sat a tempting German chocolate cake, complete with candles.
"Happy birthday," Harry announced triumphantly, while Merlin's head whirled.
"Galahad… Today's not my birthday."
"Then that leaves thirty more days that this cake could potentially be relevant," Harry said smoothly. "Which, consequently, means thirty more days for you to appreciate my baking talents. I stayed up late last night working on this."
Merlin couldn't help but feel flattered that Harry had remembered, even though he'd gotten the date completely wrong. He scraped off part of the coconut icing and tasted it, his heart singing as he realized it was up to his standards.
"I must admit that I'm impressed." Merlin glanced up to meet Harry's loving eyes. "But what if I finish it before my birthday?"
"Then I suppose I'll have to bring you another," Harry said. "I was thinking of trying red velvet next time. I know chocolate is your favorite, but it's time for me to take some risks."
At that, Merlin laughed, surprising even himself.
"In that case, take all the risks you want. My birthday's not for another thirty days. Looking forward to all that cake coming my way."
That remark effectively put a stop to Harry's baking ambitions for the rest of the month. Therefore, it was a surprise for Merlin to arrive at his workstation on October 31st, only to find a package postmarked from America- or more specifically, New York, where Harry was currently undercover. Opening the package revealed a large rectangular cake decorated with the tackiest orange-and-black icing that Merlin had ever seen. A black cat, a jack o'lantern, and a witch greeted him, while over their heads proclaimed a message in cursive: HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Just one look at it brought the taste of plastic and food dye to Merlin's mouth.
There was a sticky note attached to the cake's package, and Merlin read every word with a fond smile.
Happy birthday, Merlin. I hope you'll enjoy this monstrosity. It's not exactly homemade German chocolate cake, but it's the best I could find on a short notice. Be ready to celebrate when I get back. XO Galahad.
"Veryfunny," Merlin muttered to himself as he went to go fetch a knife and fork.