Proof of Love

Link isn’t expecting much for his birthday. He’s more than content to let it pass by without much hassle or celebration. 

He’s not one for celebrating things like birthdays, especially his own. He’ll spoil his lovers on their birthdays, but doesn’t expect the same in return.

Every birthday since he became a staple in Hawkes and Mallaidh’s relationship, the two were beyond shocked that Link never celebrated his birthday, and thus threw him the biggest party imaginable with more presents than anyone could count.

The night of their first birthday with Link, Hawkes and Mallaidh showed the boy just how much he meant to them by loving him slow, gentle, and sweet.

Link cries each time he thinks of the soft way Hawkes and Mallaidh showed him they love him. It was the first time someone did anything for his birthday, and it was one Link looks back on with fondness.

Each birthday after that, Hawkes and Mallaidh showered Link with gifts and affection when it came to pass. And this tradition continued when Gray and Gwynfor entered their triad.

Gray, being Link’s best friend before romantic partner, knew Link wasn’t the type to celebrate his own birthdays. So they plotted with Gwynfor to make their first birthday with Link something to remember and cherish.

The four of them bestowed Link with so many gifts that Link was floored and had no idea what to do with them. Then, once gifts were exchanged with dinner and cake eaten, Hawkes and Mallaidh let Gray and Gwynfor take the reins.

It was another birthday Link remembers with tenderness. Gray and Gwynfor took their time with Link, loving every inch of his body, and left no inch of skin unmarred by their lips. Link was a flushed, panting mess by the time they were done, and it was the exact way the pair wanted him to be.

So, barring all this information, Link should have known his birthday wouldn’t pass without a huge celebration and sweet, sensual lovemaking. He was hopeful the four of them wouldn’t make too big a deal about it, since they’ve been together for many years now, but, looking back, he should have known better.

Sitting on the comfortable, worn couch that’s seen many things over the years, Link hears some shuffling nearby, and tips his head back.

Hawkes stands there, a soft smile on his lips, with a little box in his hand.

“Hawkes, I told you guys I didn’t want any gifts,” Link complains. He’s not mad, but he’s gotten so many gifts from Hawkes and the others that Link doesn’t know what to do with any others.

“I know, my dove. But we wanted to get you something special,” Hawkes murmurs. 

Link rolls his eyes as Hawkes approaches, putting the box in Link’s palm. Link eyes it for a few moments before saying, “It’s not a cock ring or anything, is it?”

Hawkes blushes and laughs at the same time. “That’s more Mallaidh’s style.”

“True,” Link agrees, and lifts the box, looking at it from every angle. “Christ, I really have no idea what the hell this is.”

“Open it, potty mouth,” Hawkes jests, tangling his fingers in chestnut brown tendrils.

“You love my mouth,” Link remarks, winking. Hawkes goes an interesting shade of red at that comment, making Link laugh. 

Untying the bow holding the box together, Link opens it, and stares at what’s inside.

It’s a ring. A beautiful, gold ring. Link looks closer, and sees that entwined in the gold is each of their birthstones. Biting his lip, tears stinging his eyes, Link flicks his gaze up to Hawkes, who smiles in return.

“A gift from all of us,” Hawkes explains, watching Link take it out of the box and run his finger across it. “That way, you have a piece of each of us wherever you go.”

“Hawkes.” Link’s throat clenches as he starts to feel choked up. He puts the ring on his ring finger, lifting his hand and biting his lip harder to hold back the tears. “I–I don’t know what to say. This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever gotten.”

“They wanted me to give it to you, since we’ve been through so much together,” Hawkes admits, moving to sit beside Link. Drawing him close to his chest, Hawkes smoothes back Link’s hair, holding onto him. “And you know no one can refuse Mallaidh or Gwyn when they’re set on something.”

“I should have known you guys wouldn’t let another birthday pass without something, but this? I don’t deserve it,” Link utters, gripping onto Hawkes’ shirt. The tears he was trying so hard to keep back fall from his eyes, and Hawkes kisses his hair to comfort him. “I don’t deserve your or their love.”

“You deserve us and the world, my heart,” Hawkes murmurs. “I know you, I, and everyone have been through many trials and tribulations, but don’t ever doubt we love you and would be incomplete without our little firecracker.”

Link sobs, nuzzling his cheek against Hawkes’ chest, and Hawkes lets out a pleased hum. “I love you guys. Fuck, I love you so much.”

“We do as well, sweetheart,” Hawkes utters in a soft, affectionate tone. “This isn’t all you’re getting for your birthday. It’s the most important gift, but not everything.”

“There’s more?” Link is floored. They already got him such a beautiful gift - what else could they be planning? “Hawkes, this is more than enough.”

“Oh kitten, you know it isn’t.”

Mallaidh walks in the room, kneeling in front of Link, and places her hands on his knees. “You deserve the world and we intend to give as much of it to you as we can.”

Link looks at Mallaidh, cheeks tear stained, and Mallaidh lets out a puff of quiet laughter, placing her hand on Link’s cheek. 

“When we fell for you, we knew we’d be sharing you. Your presence is so radiant and exuberant that it was fate,” Hawkes utters, maneuvering Link so he can face Mallaidh better. “And I’m glad Gray and Gwyn realized just what a stunning soul you are.”

Link doesn’t know what to say. He knows he’s important to his beloved partners, but he didn’t know it was to this end. Taking one of Hawkes’ and Mallaidh’s hands, he holds them close to him.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you guys,” Link breathes, unable to stop the flow of tears. 

“You never have to know, baby,” Mallaidh whispers, placing her lips against Link’s forehead in a warm, tender kiss. “We’ll be beside you forever - you should know that by now.”

“Nothing will remove us from your side,” Hawkes agrees, nuzzling his face against Link’s hair. “As long as we live, you’ll never know sadness, fear, or loneliness ever again.”

Link closes his eyes, feeling so incredibly lucky to be loved. Not by just one, but four incredible souls.

“Now then!” Mallaidh breaks the silence. “We have dinner plans, and then we’re going to show you just how much we love you.”

Link opens his eyes, giving a shaken smile at Mallaidh, and Hawkes holds him tight for a brief moment before letting go.

“You better get dressed in your fanciest clothes,” Hawkes utters, kissing Link’s cheek.

“I hate getting dressed up,” Link mutters, but a smile rests on his lips.

Mallaidh said they were going to show Link just how much they love him.

Looking at the ring on his finger, which shines in the light, Link knows the proof of their love rests right there.

“C’mon kitten, get moving!”

Smiling, Link shakes his head.

“Fine, fine.”