Thanks To You

Chapter Thirty Five(Zack)

Zack stood in the kitchen staring at the calendar silently before he looked at the date on his phone before looking at the calendar again. Today is Alex's birthday, meaning Christmas was right around the corner and over the last three years the couple would switch who's family they would spend Christmas at, Alex's parents, or with Jack's parents. Tracy and Daren had practically taken Zack in when he moved out of his own parents house. This year it was at Alex's house.

Zack looked at the living room of their house, a beautiful royal blue Christmas tree stood in the center of the living room, decorated in black and gold tinsel with silver and white decorations. Zack's favorite decoration is a little snow globe with a photo of Zack and Alex when they first moved into their house on a black console table with oversized gold balls, and gold patterned candles littered strategically.

Zack walked to the living room, picked up a pile of presents for Alex and placed them on the kitchen table.

—

Zack opened the front door, ushering Jack and Rian in, hugging both of them quickly "He's still at work right?" Rian asked

Zack nodded "Yeah, I've also asked him to get Chinese on his way back home" Zack added.

"Making the birthday boy run your errands on his birthday?" Jack asked, smirking slightly.

"Oh shut up" Zack muttered rolling his eyes at Jack.

Rian walked to the kitchen table putting his and Jack's birthday present on the table. "Someone went all out for Alex's birthday," Rian said as he returned.

As Zack joined Rian and Jack in the living room, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement mixed with a hint of nervousness. Alex's birthday always held a special place in his heart, and he wanted everything to be perfect. Glancing around the room, he double-checked that everything was in place—the soft glow of candles, the carefully wrapped presents, and the scent of pine from the Christmas tree filling the air. With a satisfied smile, Zack eagerly awaited Alex's arrival, hoping the evening would be as magical as he envisioned.

"So what exactly did you get Alex?" Jack asked as he finished the final bits on his end for decorating.

Zack grinned mischievously, enjoying the anticipation building up to Alex's arrival. "Ah, that's a secret," he replied, winking at Jack. "But let's just say it's something he's been eyeing for a while. I think he'll love it."

Rian chuckled, leaning back on the couch. "Knowing you, Zack, it's probably something incredibly thoughtful and sentimental," he remarked, earning a nod of agreement from Jack.

Zack shrugged modestly, feeling a warm sense of pride at his friends' words. "Well, I just want to make his birthday special," he said softly. "He deserves it."

"you're just saying that because you can't exactly remember what you got him" Jack teased as he hugged Rian kissing his lips lightly

Zack laughed, playfully swatting Jack's arm. "Hey now, I'll have you know I put a lot of thought into his gift," he protested, though a hint of uncertainty lingered in his expression. "And besides, it's the sentiment that counts, right?"

Rian grinned at Jack's teasing remark, returning the kiss affectionately before turning his attention back to Zack. "Of course, Zack," he reassured with a playful glint in his eyes. "Knowing you, whatever you got him will be perfect."

Zack couldn't help but smile at his friends' banter, grateful for their unwavering support. With Alex's birthday just moments away, he felt a rush of excitement mingled with nerves, eager to see the joy on Alex's face when he unwrapped his gift.

After half an hour or so Alex had walked into the dark house "Hello" he called out dragging the word out a bit before flicking the main light on.

A collection of 'happy birthdays' and 'surprises' rang out around the house, as Rian Jack and Zack appeared from the kitchen first, each hugging Alex tightly. "Happy Birthday baby" Zack said as he pushed Jack and Rian away and briefly he kissed Alex lightly on the lips.

"Thank you," Alex said as he kissed Zack back softly.

Alex's parents walked into the main area where the four-some was, before hugging Alex, each wishing their son a happy 25th birthday.

As the evening unfolded, laughter and warmth filled the air as Alex's parents joined the celebration, adding to the joyous atmosphere. Zack watched with a smile as Alex's face lit up with happiness, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him at seeing his partner surrounded by love and affection on his special day.

After exchanging greetings and well-wishes, Alex's parents presented him with a beautifully wrapped gift, their faces glowing with pride as he eagerly tore into the wrapping paper. Zack couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation, curious to see Alex's reaction to his gift later on.

As the night wore on, the group settled into a cosy rhythm, sharing stories, enjoying good food, and basking in each other's company. Zack found himself stealing glances at Alex throughout the evening, his heart swelling with love and gratitude for the man who meant everything to him.

—
As Alex opened the final present from Jack and Rian, collectively putting money together to buy Alex a new Electric guitar, something Alex had whined about wanting for months leading up to his birthday since his previous guitar had gotten damaged after a drunken mishap which landed it in the outside pool. "Thank you, you two" Alex said as he hugged the couple, a grin on his face.

Jack smiled "You're welcome" he whispered as he hugged Alex back, keeping him facing him for a while. "Please don't break this guitar we can't afford to buy you a new one" Jack joked as he nudged Alex playfully.

Alex rolled his eyes in response "Don't get me drunk and ask me to play outside near the pool then" Alex responded by swatting Jack's hair with a playful pout.

Rian chuckled "Don't worry we won't" Rian laughed softly.

"I have one last present" Zack spoke up after a little bit pulling Alex into the centre of the living room.

Alex raised an eyebrow "oh?" he asked.

Zack kissed Alex's cheek softly "close your eyes" he said softly as Alex nodded and closed his eyes reluctantly.

As Alex closed his eyes, Zack's heart raced with anticipation. With a deep breath, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box, its contents shimmering in the soft glow of the room. He knelt down in front of Alex, feeling a surge of nervousness and excitement coursing through him.

"Okay, you can open them now," Zack whispered, his voice barely above a breath.

Alex opened his eyes to find Zack holding out the velvet box, a nervous yet hopeful expression on his face. With trembling hands, Alex took the box and slowly opened it, revealing a stunning diamond ring nestled inside.

Gasps of surprise and excitement filled the room as Alex's eyes widened in disbelief. He looked up at Zack, his heart overflowing with emotion.

"Zack, is this..." Alex trailed off, unable to find the words to express the whirlwind of emotions rushing through him.

Zack smiled tenderly, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Alex, you are the love of my life, my best friend, my everything," he began, his voice trembling with emotion. "I can't imagine my life without you by my side. Will you marry me?"

Tears welled up in Alex's eyes as he nodded, unable to speak past the lump forming in his throat. With tears streaming down his cheeks, he threw his arms around Zack, pulling him into a tight embrace.

"Yes, yes, a thousand times yes," Alex whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

Cheers and applause erupted from their friends and family as Zack slipped the ring onto Alex's finger, sealing their love and commitment to each other.