John really loves Dave’s photography. Every time he actually tells him, Dave just revs up one of those long winded “for the irony” speeches, so John decides to actually show him just how much he loves it rather than tell.

   One year for his birthday, John goes into Dave’s room and finds his “portfolio” (really just a yellow envelope) where he keeps all of the pictures he’s proud of. That night when Dave gets home from work, he notices it missing and tries not to freak, asking John where it is. John only smiles innocently and hands Dave a wrapped package.

   It’s a small thing, about the size of a dictionary and wrapped in Disney princess wrapping paper. (“You might say it’s ironic?” says John.) Dave smiles and unwraps the gift to find a leather photo album. He grins and thanks John, kissing his forehead.

   John laughs and says that’s only half the present. “Look inside.” he commands.

   Dave skeptically flips through the pages and freezes on the first page. He was expecting some old family photos or something… but instead, he finds his work. All of them have been placed into the holders carefully. John even went through and marked the dates on the pages, writing every single one underneath it in black ink.

   Dave is absolutely speechless. He only looks at John, pushing his shades up to rest on the top of his head.

   And John knows he’s done well, because if Dave takes his shades off willingly like this, it must be a big deal. John smiles. “I figured you could use this instead of that old envelope,” he says, “It’d protect the pictures better.”

   Dave nods once and yanks John into a tight hug, kissing the top of his head over and over again. “Thank you.” He murmurs. “John. This is the best. You’re the best.”

   John giggles and pecks Dave once on the lips. “Happy Birthday.”