When Brian answers the door at nine o’clock at night, the last person he expects to see standing there is Joe.

The younger man smiles up tiredly at him, a large bag slung over his shoulder.

“Hey,” Joe says. “Happy birthday.”

“Oh my god.” Brian pulls Joe into his arms, before kissing his lips. “What are you doing here? When did you get here?”

“Just now.” Joe’s smile is dazzling. “I came straight from the airport. Wanted to come see you on your birthday.”

Brian kisses the younger man again, pouring out his love and appreciation for Joe.

There was nothing better than cuddling by the fire when it was cold and snowy outside. Wrapped up in a blanket, drinking warm mugs of tea, snuggled up… it was nice.

He had his feet tucked up under himself and his head resting on Brian’s shoulder. The older man was reading a book, one that Joe had been wanting to read for a while, so he was reading aloud while tey had a nice lie in and cuddled with one another.

It was nice, to just sit there, all warm and cozy, listening to Brian reading a book to him. 

It was so sweet and intimate and something that he felt he never would have done with any of his boyfriends in the past. But Brian was different, he wasn’t ‘just like everyone else’, he was… well, he was just something else.

And Joe’s feelings for him had grown and blossomed into something that he recognized as love. Which, honestly, scared him a little bit, and neither of them got around to saying it yet, which was perfectly fine, of course. They would get there eventually.

For now, their love would quietly be expressed in these moment, through actions, not words.

Brian has to admit there’s no better view in the world.

Joe used to get a bit self-conscious about this position, but now he loves the control and freedom it gives him. Brian loves to watch the younger man control the pace and enjoy himself, and without having to focus on doing most of the work, Brian can concentrate on Joe’s expressions.

“Have I ever told you,” Brian says breathlessly, kissing Joe’s neck, “how beautiful you are?”

“Yeah,” Joe laughs, squeezing his thighs round the older man’s hips as Brian fucks him slowly. “But you can tell me again.”

“I love your smile more than anything.” Brian nips at Joe’s ear. “And your eyes. Just one look at those eyes and I feel on top of the world.”

Joe laughs again and blushes, melting in Brian’s arms.

“And your nose, Joe-“

“Aw, c’mon, you know I hate my nose-“

“Which is why I love it.” Brian kisses the tip of Joe’s nose. “Adorable.”

At first, Joe won’t stop crying, and Brian’s a little bit scared that something is very wrong.

“Are you hurt?” Brian asks worriedy, stroking his husband’s cheek.

“I’m fine,” Joe sobs, smiling through the tears. “It’s just a lot.”

Brian can’t blame him. Joe’s been through a difficult labour, and now they have their baby in their arms, blinking up at them with gorgeous red curls.

When Joe ends the call with his mother, he looks even more miserable than before.

“Hey,” Brian says softly, pulling Joe into a cuddle. “Hey, it’s okay. She’s safe and well.”

“I know.” Joe buries his face in Brian’s chest. “I just wanna see her. I’ve never gone this long without seeing my mom before. I miss her so much.”

Brian kisses Joe’s neck gently, running his hands over his lover’s bump.

“I’m huge,” Joe groans, burying his face in the pillow. “My ass is like the size of the moon.”

“I like your arse,” Brian chuckles, giving Joe’s behind a gentle squeeze. “You’re so beautiful, love. You look incredible.”

Joe bites his lip shyly, burying his face in Brian’s chest.

Brian grins and grabs his phone, bringing up the photo album filled with photos of pregnant Joe.

“I look at these every day,” Brian says softly, showing the photos to Joe. “They always make me so happy.”