💜Isaac's Birthday 💜

It's that time again, another Ro's birthday has come and gone. Which means it's time for a birthday post. (Isaac can be quite romantic, I'm going to need the other Ro's to step up their game. I also need to get started on M and Ardent's birthday post for next month!) (TW: brief mention of death)

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Even if you’re not one for large parties, drunken escapades, and music so loud your ears will be ringing the next day. You must hand it to Kara. Isaac’s apartment looked more lived-in and colorful.

Their shades of black decor came to life with the various pops of color she added to the birthday decorations. From the streamers aligning the walls, the large banner hanging over the entrance way, to the cake itself. Every inch of the apartment had a colorful touch. She even thought to incorporate Isaac’s live plants.

You lost count of how often she complained about Isaac’s decor lacking color, so it’s of no surprise when she was finally able to talk him into letting her ‘spruce it up’ as she had called it. It was hard enough to get Isaac to enjoy the day, even though it was their birthday, but combine that with it also being the anniversary of their mother’s death…well. It didn’t take much to figure out why they usually spent their birthday working.

There were more people here than you anticipated. Some were tenants who Isaac somehow befriended, old friends from school, and friends they had met when they were still partying. Laughter and chatter begin to quickly fill the space. Isaac tries to muster a smile, light banter, a joke here or there. Flirty quips, he now saves for you. In the dead of night or early hours in the morning.

If you hadn’t known him or hadn’t been dating him for the past several months, you would think he looked happy. But the more you’ve come to know him, the more you’ve learned that his flirtation is only surface level. A coping mechanism at best. Those striking blue eyes of his, have no crinkle on the edges. A hint that the smile on his face is just for show. Just like the drink in his hand, one he would end up pouring out as soon as he’s away from prying eyes.

Isaac finally glances your way, the tension in his shoulders easing ever so slightly. A gentle tilt of their head, to meet them in the usual spot. The both of you make a beeline, excusing yourself from those who want to question you about your relationship or how your jobs are going.

Walking from the warm apartment out onto the fire escape is like dipping your feet into a cold pool. The air causes your body to shiver, and you're suddenly very aware of how thin your clothes are. You follow behind Isaac quietly, climbing the ladders until you reach the rooftop.

The sun’s setting. You should have guessed, with the number of times that Isaac has driven just to watch it. Unburdened by the tall buildings that cast dark silhouettes against the vivid colors of the sky. Warm orange and pink blend into shades of purple and blue. Soft clouds litter the view but add a softness to the city you’ve come to love.

You’re far up, but not so far that you can’t hear car horns and the hum of life in the city. Far enough that people look smaller, but not so far that you miss the way a couple squeezes one another’s hands and bumps their shoulders together. The world just seemed softer up here.

Isaac lets out a long breath, their eyes closed as their fingers brush against their curls. You stand there quietly, for what feels like ten minutes. Just listening to the city, soaking in the company of one another, and just decompressing. They lean their forearms against the railing, and you settle next to him. Close but silent, giving them space to speak – or just be.

You would be lying if you said you didn’t enjoy the moments he chose to break that quiet. Trusting you enough to speak his thoughts, whether dark or not.

“It’s weird,” he says after a moment, voice barely louder than a whisper. “I know it’s my birthday, but…it doesn’t feel like a day to celebrate. It hasn’t since I lost her.”

His mother.

You turn to him, allowing yourself just a moment to take him in. From the fullness of his lips that you’ve seen split at least a handful of times, to the various tattoos on his forearms. His steel blue gaze is what captures you, so many times you’ve seen pain within their depths. That he’s tried to hide away, nearly allowing it to crush him.

“If you don’t feel like celebrating, that’s okay. Just be present, in whatever way you need to be.”

For the first time today, Isaac smiles a real smile. The kind he used to think he hid well when he used to glance at you in passing. “Thanks,” he murmured, his hand reaching for your own.

The faint beat of the music from the party drifts up from below, the sound bleeding into the sounds of the city. Isaac strokes his thumb along the back of your hand, slow yet purposeful. Just like his gaze as it flicks over to you. His playfulness peeking through. “Do you remember what you promised me that first night Kara and I took you to a club?”

It had been months since that night, and with how busy you’ve been you’re lucky if you remember the day of the week. You look at Isaac puzzled, “Uh...no.” you reply, your face flushing as you try to remember.

Isaac grins, letting go of your hand and placing it on your lower back. “You promised you’d dance with me sometime. Even said you’d owe me one.”

Shit, I did say that didn’t I?

The heat creeps into your cheeks, flushing with color.  “Yeah, I don’t remember that. Are you sure you’re not thinking of someone else?”  you tease.

Isaac laughs, shaking his head. “Oh, bullshit. I remember exactly who it was,” he replies, raising an eyebrow. “And I remember what you wore, too.” Isaac steps away from the railing, moving to an emptier spot, with enough room to dance. Their hand is outstretched, and a grin is on their face.

“So, how about it? We’ve got a sunset and some music. And this,” He motions to the empty rooftop. “It’s all ours. I’d say that’s a pretty good setup.”

You sigh a small, resigned smile and finally place your hand in his. “I did say I owed you one. But I’m not responsible if I step on your toes.”

Isaac giggled, light and bubbly, unlike his deep, rich voice. It gave warmth to his sharp features, pairing well with the way his eyes softened as he looked at you. It faded into a low chuckle, only making you want to hear it again.

He pulls you close, your bodies swaying slowly to the faint beat of the music below. Your bodies are in sync against the backdrop of the city. You find yourself relaxing into it, allowing Isaac to guide you so that you don’t bump into something or step on his toe…again. Isaac presses his forehead against yours, placing a soft kiss along the bridge of your nose.

“Thanks. Today…. it’s a hard day, and I know you didn’t sign up for it. But you being here makes it easier.”

“I’m here. For all of it,” you say softly, your eyes meeting with a warmth that chases away the day's shadows. The hand that rests on his chest, moves to smooth away a lone tear sliding down his cheek.

The two of you continue dancing, not much else needing to be said. The sky darkening around you and the city lights twinkling in its midst.

There’s no easy cure for grief, and everyone navigates it differently. For Isaac, it was going to take time. But this small action on a dingy old rooftop in the city was enough to let him know he wouldn’t be navigating it alone. At least, not anymore.

The quiet joy of finally letting someone in, one step at a time. That was more than Isaac could have wished for on their birthday.