106- Chocolate

Scott had something extra special booked for them after lunch. It was a special massage and treatment package the resort only offered around the holiday. So, as they had been getting accustomed to, they changed into their underwear and the plush robes provided for them and made their way to the designated room for their appointment.

The room already smelled heavenly, with the scent of warm chocolate filling the air. Scott and Ryan were made to sit in special chairs with foot baths attached as the full team of professionals got to work.

Fresh rose petals were added to the pleasantly warm water, and while their feet soaked, Scott and Ryan were reclined in their chairs. They each got a manicurist to start on their hands, while a masseuse started their facials. Both treatments started with a scrub said to be made of coffee ground s and cocoa nibs, which was supposed to help exfoliate the skin. In Ryan's opinion, the gritty feeling tickled a little, but since it smelled so good, he was more than willing to put up with it.

And besides, once the exfoliant was washed off and the facial massage started, Ryan was more than happy to submit completely to the ministrations. A quick glance over at Scott showed he was in a similar state of mind.

Since neither Ryan nor Scott had opted for colored nail polish, the manicurist finished off their manicures with a clearcoat before moving on to their feet. By that time, the masseuses had a mud mask on each of them, and had gone to finish the last of the prep for the massage tables for the most anticipated part of this particular spa package.

The manicurists replicated the same treatment they'd done on Scott and Ryan's hands on their feet, though with a more intensive exfoliation treatment. From the corner of his eye, Ryan could easily tell that Scott was having a hard time sitting still. Ryan was sympathetic, but he couldn't help but laugh a little on the inside as his fiance dealt with getting his sensitive feet worked on. Offering Scott his hand to hold seemed to help, and both had a moment of shock where they realized just how soft the other's hands were now.

Once their feet were finally done, with rolls of cotton between their toes to keep the clear coat on their toenails from getting messed up until it dried, it was time for the best part. They were directed to get up and move to the tables nearby, and rather than getting Ryan's walker, having him walk a few feet, and then having him climb up on the table, Scott saved a few steps by physically lifting his fiance out of the manicure chair and carrying him over. Ryan offered a very weak protest to the treatment, mostly for the fact that they had an audience.

Luckily that audience was comprised of professionals. There weren't any giggles, or cooing, or anything more than friendly and pleasant smiles. Ryan sighed, took off his robe, and laid down on his massage table without further complaint, while Scott did the same.

The chocolate theme continued. Warm, melted cocoa butter was drizzled on their backs, and worked in with expert hands. Ryan was plenty familiar with the situation by now, and didn't even bother trying to fight the sleepy sensation that creeped up on him while the masseuse worked. He happily dozed through the whole thing, knowing Scott was probably doing the same. Now, Scott's massages were good, and he'd even had one or two at the physical therapy clinic, but there was something about a professional service that's only goal was to get you completely relaxed.

The last part of the experience was a seaweed wrap. Both Ryan and Scott had been unsure if Ryan would be able to handle it or not, since it would be completely immobilizing. Ryan had wanted to try it of course, but even after getting a few months of psychiatric help he still wasn't sure he could handle it. The last thing he needed to do was freak out and possibly fall off the table and hurt himself.

Turns out they didn't have to worry too much about that. They had a chance to talk with the staff about their concerns the day prior, and the resort was more than happy to accommodate. Where Ryan had wondered if they should refuse that part of the service, an alternative had been offered. So, while Scott was busy getting all wrapped up in a cocoon, Ryan got wrapped like a mummy, leaving him free to move his legs and arms if he needed to. The masseuse even frequently asked him if he was still okay as they continued the service, making sure Ryan knew he could back out at any time if he was uncomfortable.

It wasn't too bad all in all. There was a second Ryan thought he might freak out, but it passed quickly. Once they were wrapped nice and tight, a cooling mask goop smelling slightly of roses was smeared on their faces. And with that, the lights were dimmed and they were left to moisturize.

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"Cuddle Bug, you're the one who was so insistent we can't miss tonight's dinner," Ryan laughed, currently half dressed, trying to pull his shirt on despite having Scott wrapped around him.

Scott chucked deep in his throat, taking one last good sniff of Ryan's shoulder and leaving a few kisses behind. "All that stuff they put on you made you smell so good though! And your skin's so soft now, you're even more irresistible than usual."

Ryan reached out to twirl his fingers in Scott's chest hair. "We have the whole night for you to eat as much of me as you want, but let's go get some real food in us first, okay? The birthday boy is hungry!"

"Fine..."

Scott relented in good humor, finished getting dressed, then helped Ryan get his hair styled. Tonight's meal was indeed supposed to be slightly more special, not only for it being Valentine's Day. When they were almost ready, there was a knock on the door. A staff member was there to lead them down to dinner.

Ryan's curiosity was piqued. They hadn't had an escort yet, and after taking the elevator to the ground floor it made sense why. Instead of going to the dining room, they were taken to the greenhouse. By now the sun was pretty much set, and walking the space between the two buildings was enough to leave both of them chilled, but luckily the greenhouse was still pleasantly warm.

A solitary table was set up in the space amongst the lush, out of season greenery. White tablecloth, lit candles, champagne in an ice bucket, it was a perfectly intimate and private setting. Ryan wondered briefly how much Scott was paying for this special service, but pushed the thought from his mind just as quickly. This whole thing was a treat for the both of them, and he just wanted to enjoy it.

They were seated, and as the champagne was poured and the menu announced, a violinist appeared from somewhere in the shadows to add even more to the ambiance. Ryan was practically beside himself with delight at the whole thing.

"Don't you think that you're spoiling me too much on this trip?" Ryan asked Scott with a dreamy expression, as they played footsie under the table.

"Too much?" Scott countered. "When it comes to you, no amount is too much."

The dinner itself was phenomenal. Fresh salad, creamy soup, and filet mignon with roasted vegetables. It was almost enough to fill them up. Then, as if perfectly rehearsed, as soon as their plates were taken away the violinist slid easily from his ambient noise into the happy birthday song. A gentleman dressed nice enough to be the head butler brought out a tiny, exquisitely decorated chocolate cake with a single lit candle on it and set it on the table in front of Ryan. Scott started off the song, and was soon joined by the staff present.

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Ryan! Happy birthday to you!"

Ryan didn't even try to contain his smile. They'd gone out to celebrate the week before with Scott's family too, and though he'd had a hard time staying composed then, today was his actual birthday, and this whole celebration was way more over the top than he ever could have imagined in his wildest dreams. Ryan closed his eyes, made his wish, and blew out the candle to a round of applause.

Scott reached forward and grabbed Ryan's hand. "Happy birthday, Hot Stuff."

"Thank you, Cuddle Bug." Ryan said in a small voice, blushing fiercely.

"So, what did you wish for?"

"I can't tell you that! Then it won't come true, and I really, really, really want it to come true!"

Scott laughed warmly at his fiance's sincerity, and while they were busy feeding each other bites of cake, a staff member came up and presented Ryan with a small gift bag. At Ryan's confusion, Scott prompted him to open it. Ryan carefully pulled out the tissue paper, to find the bag contained a wireless computer mouse, printed with cartoon flames.

Ryan looked at Scott confused. Wasn't this trip his present?

Scott clarified, "I had your gift sent here so I wouldn't ruin the surprise. I remember you said you had trouble using the trackpad on your laptop sometimes, so when I saw a mouse with that pattern, I knew you had to have it. Do you like it?"

"I love it! I have something for you too!" Ryan pulled a smallish red envelope out of his coat pocket and handed it over to Scott. "Happy Valentine's Day!"

Scott took the envelope in complete surprise, opening it with a delicate reverence. Inside was a card, handmade, with a glitter heart on the front and a handwritten note inside. It read:

"My dear Scott, love of my life, patient beyond compare, passionate, loving, amazing... I'm so lucky to have you. I love you SO much! Happy Valentine's Day! Love, Ryan."

Scott was trying very hard not to cry, but he couldn't figure out how Ryan made the card without him knowing. Ryan didn't leave him in the dark about it though.

"Remember two weeks ago when you dropped me at your parent's because you had to get something straight at work? Your mom helped me put it together then."

Scott leaned over the table to give Ryan a kiss. "Funny thing is, even though I did need to swing into my office to take care of some things, I secretly went shopping for your present that day too."

They had a fond laugh, and finished the cake before it was back to the room to enjoy the cherry on top of the holiday. Scott was certainly starting to react in anticipation already, and he had a feeling that if he swept Ryan up in the hallway right then and there that Ryan's walker would probably find it's way to the outside of their door by morning. So, that's exactly what he did, and they made their way swiftly and giddily back to the room, amidst the noises of other guests who all had the exact same thoughts in their heads.

Scott opened the door in a rush, and waiting for them on the perfectly made bed was a large box of imported chocolates framed by a heart made of fresh rose petals. On the table nearby, a silver tray held a bowl of fresh strawberries, and a piping bag each of fresh whipped cream and chocolate icing. Unbeknownst to Ryan, Scott was the one to arrange for the very special tray and its very special contents for their "private party."

They certainly had no problems being just as loud as the rest of the resort guests that night.

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Both were sad to leave when it was all said and done. Scott was absolutely willing to come back again next year if Ryan wanted, and Ryan had absolutely no objections he could think of. Besides, he should be walking better by then, and there were definitely more activities he wanted to try out. But for now, it was time to go back to everyday life.

Too bad you couldn't stay on vacation forever.