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It went very simply.

It was Alec's birthday - he'd just turn ten - so after he'd been dropped off at Andrew's office he walked in and said, "It's my birthday. I want ice cream for dinner. You promised."

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"Because you have a lot of birthdays I need to find presents for, and that seems like a big birthday present. I already got you one big one, and I think you'll like it better than a record player."

At least he's honest that he wants to spread out his good gift giving ideas over many years. "The big present is in my office, if you'd like to see it."

"Really?" he's intrigued now. "What is it?"

"Well," Andrew said, gesturing to his office door, "Go in and find out."

When Alec opened the door, he'd find a shiny red bicycle, with a big (lopsided) bow tied around the handlebars. Wrapping it had proven difficult -- Alec might have heard some muttered cursing from the office the night before, if he'd been listening -- so he'd settled for a bow. He didn't think it looked too bad, but he also didn't think Alec would care about how it looked. The bike was really nice.

Alec doesn't notice the bow.

All he sees is the bike.

The bike is all that there is.

"It's mine? Really? Mine? I can have it?"

"Of course it's yours. It's your birthday."

He can't help a slight smile crossing his face at Alec's excitement.

He approaches the bike cautiously, like it's a dream almost. It's one thing to have records and the model making kit. It's another for a bike.

Running his hands over the seat and handle bars he laughs. "It's wonderful!"

Andrew hides his second smile behind the casual lighting of a cigarette.

"I'm glad you like it. I know you'll take good care of it."

At least, he'd better.

"I will. I will. I promise." He completely intends to do that.

Then he bounces over and gives Andrew a hug. "Thank you, sir."

Andrew's vaguely surprised for a moment -- though really, he shouldn't be -- but he recovers well, patting Alec on the head and nodding.

"Happy birthday."

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