Unwritten Fate [BL]-Chapter 35: “Call Me That Again”

The village road stretched before them, golden dust kicking up softly under their steps. The loaf of bread was tucked under Artur's arm, but he had been steadily tearing off pieces—one for himself, one for Billy.

"Billy hadn't refused yet, though he kept feigning reluctance before accepting each piece."

"You know," Artur mused, glancing sideways at him, "Mrs. Elizabeth was very observant today."

Billy chewed slowly, pretending not to care. "Was she?"

Artur smirked. "Mm-hmm. She noticed how perfectly we worked together. What was it she said again? Oh yeah—'I've never seen the shop look this good so quickly.'"

Billy swallowed, side-eyeing him. "Your point?"

Artur let out a dramatic sigh. "I mean, it's obvious, isn't it? We're a great team."

Billy raised an eyebrow. "Or maybe I'm just really good at getting things done, and you just happened to be there."

Artur gasped, clutching his chest. "Ouch, Billy."

Billy smirked. "I'm just saying. Maybe I made you look good today."

Artur tilted his head, eyes glinting. "So what you're saying is... I was the distraction, and you were the one actually working?"

Billy hummed, playing along. "Something like that."

Artur chuckled, shaking his head. "You wound me, Billy."

Billy shrugged. "You'll survive."

A pause.

Then Artur suddenly stepped a little closer, voice dropping slightly. "If I'm such a distraction, does that mean you were looking at me the whole time?"

Billy stilled.

For a moment.

Then, without missing a beat, he reached out—swift and smooth—and took the last piece of bread right out of Artur's hand.

Artur blinked. "Hey—"

Billy popped it into his mouth, chewing slowly, savoring it. Then, after swallowing, he gave Artur a deliberate look.

"...What do you think?"

Artur stared at him.

Then a slow grin spread across his face.

Billy kept walking.

And Artur? He was smiling way too much.

They walked side by side, the road stretching before them, bathed in the soft glow of the late afternoon sun. The warmth of the day lingered in the air, yet there was something else between them—something lighter, sweeter.

Artur occasionally nudged Billy's shoulder, and Billy would nudge him back—not too hard, just enough to make Artur grin.

At one point, Artur sighed dramatically, stretching his arms. "You know, I'm starting to think you like teasing me."

Billy smirked. "Oh? And what gave you that idea?"

Artur turned his head, studying him. "The way you stole my bread without remorse."

Billy hummed thoughtfully. "Survival instincts."

Artur laughed. "Right. Survival."

Billy grinned, eyes glinting. "You'll live."

"Artur tilted his head, mock-serious. 'Well, if food theft's your thing, you better find a cute way to repay me.'"

Billy raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what do you suggest?"

Artur smirked. "Call me your boyfriend again."

Billy froze for half a second.

Then, instead of reacting, he casually stepped ahead, hands tucked into his pockets.

Artur blinked, then hurried to catch up. "Hey—"

Billy glanced sideways at him, lips curling slightly.

"...You really like that, don't you?" he murmured.

Artur opened his mouth. Closed it.

Then, finally, with a slight blush creeping up his ears, he mumbled, "Maybe."

Billy laughed. Not a quiet one—an actual laugh, soft and warm.

Artur groaned. "Great. Now you're never going to let that go."

Billy grinned. "Oh, absolutely not."

Artur sighed, shaking his head. But he couldn't stop smiling.

Neither of them noticed how much slower they were walking now, as if neither one wanted to reach home just yet.

Their steps slowed naturally, the road stretching on, but neither of them seemed in a hurry to get anywhere.

"Their wandering brought them to a quiet clearing, where the trees stepped back and the golden light spilled freely, softening the edges of the world around them." The grass swayed gently, a warm breeze brushing past them.

Billy exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "We've been walking for a while."

Artur smirked. "Tired?"

Billy scoffed. "Not even close."

Artur tilted his head. "Then why stop?"

Billy shrugged. "Felt right."

Artur's smirk softened into something quieter. "Yeah. It does."

Neither of them moved for a moment. The distant sounds of the village—faint laughter, the occasional call of someone finishing their work—felt far away.

It was just them.

Billy shifted, his hands slipping from his pockets. Without thinking, he reached down, plucking a blade of grass and twirling it between his fingers.

Artur watched him.

A pause.

Then, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he reached over and tugged at the hem of Billy's sleeve.

Billy blinked, glancing up. "What?"

Artur grinned. "Nothing. Just making sure you're real."

Billy rolled his eyes, but there was a warmth creeping up his neck. "You're ridiculous."

Artur hummed. "And you like it."

Billy exhaled, shaking his head. "Nope."

Artur leaned in slightly. "Liar."

Billy turned his head away—but he was definitely smiling.

The wind picked up, rustling the leaves, and Billy took a slow breath, eyes drifting across the trees, the sky, the golden light spilling over everything.

Artur nudged his arm again—lighter this time. "It's nice, isn't it?"

Billy glanced at him. "What is?"

Artur's voice softened.

"...This."

Billy stilled.

For a long moment, he just looked at Artur. The way the sunlight caught the edges of his hair, the way his expression wasn't teasing for once—just genuine.

Something in Billy's chest tightened.

And instead of answering, he simply—slowly—leaned against Artur's side. Just for a second. Just enough for Artur to feel it before pulling away.

Artur blinked.

Billy kept his gaze forward, acting casual. "...You didn't imagine that," he murmured.

Artur grinned. Big.

"...I wasn't planning on it."

And the world around them blurred, the sounds of the village fading away.

It was just them.

And it was enough.

The quiet stretched between them—not uncomfortable, just there, like the soft hum of a song neither of them wanted to end.

"Billy still faced forward, hands loosely clasped behind him, acting as if nothing had happened."

Artur, on the other hand, wasn't about to let it slide.

"So..." His voice was light, teasing. "That little move just now—leaning against me—should I be reading into that?"

Billy hummed, feigning deep thought. "Hmm... Nope."

Artur narrowed his eyes. "Liar."

Billy smirked but still didn't look at him. Instead, he casually reached down, picking up a small rock and tossing it between his hands.

Artur watched him closely.

Then, after a beat, he suddenly leaned in—close. "You're acting bold today," he murmured, his breath warm against Billy's ear.

Billy tensed, nearly dropping the rock. He took a sharp step forward, turning to face Artur with a glare—or at least, something that was supposed to be a glare. The slight pink at the tips of his ears ruined the effect.

Artur grinned. "Oh? Flustered already?"

Billy huffed, crossing his arms. "You wish."

Artur smirked. "Every time."

Billy's heart definitely skipped a beat. He tried to hide it, rolling his eyes, but Artur saw the way his fingers tightened against his sleeve.

The sun dipped lower, streaking the sky with shades of amber and violet. The wind had softened, rustling the leaves like a quiet whisper.

Billy sighed, looking up. "It's getting late."

Artur chuckled. "Trying to change the subject?"

Billy shot him a look. "Do you want to stand here all night?"

Artur shrugged, hands slipping into his pockets. "Wouldn't mind."

Billy faltered, caught off guard. Artur wasn't teasing this time—just genuine, like before.

Something in Billy's chest squeezed.

Stillness

Then, finally, Billy took a step closer—just slightly.

And then, in the softest, quietest voice—barely above a whisper—he said, "My Boyfriend."

Artur froze.

Billy glanced up at him, amusement flickering in his eyes. "What?" He tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Didn't you say I should call you that?"

Artur blinked. Once. Twice. Then—

He grinned—so wide, so sudden, that it made Billy's stomach flip.

"I like the way you say it," Artur murmured.

Billy felt his ears burn. He quickly turned away, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Whatever. Let's go home."

Artur was still smiling.

But this time, he didn't tease.

Instead, he simply fell into step beside Billy, their shoulders brushing every now and then as they finally made their way back.

And though Billy didn't look at him again, he didn't move away either.

They let the moment linger.

Just a little longer.

Just enough.

The dirt path stretched ahead, softened by the golden hues of the setting sun. A gentle breeze rustled the trees, carrying the lingering scent of earth and distant woodsmoke.

Billy walked steadily, hands tucked into his pockets, his steps unhurried. Artur strolled beside him, his posture relaxed, but his attention never strayed far from Billy.

Every once in a while, their arms brushed—light, fleeting touches, like whispers of something unsaid. Billy felt it, but he didn't pull away.

Artur noticed. And he liked it.

They walked in silence for a while, but it wasn't an uncomfortable one. If anything, it felt easy—like something they could settle into.

Then, Artur tilted his head toward Billy, voice laced with amusement. "You know, you're different now."

Billy raised a brow. "Different how?"

Artur smirked. "You're not all stiff and awkward like before. No weird eye-darting, no sudden flinching whenever I get close."

Billy scoffed. "I never flinched."

Artur let out a soft chuckle. "Mm. Right."

Billy turned his gaze forward, ignoring the teasing. But as they walked, he shifted ever so slightly—just enough that their arms brushed again, this time lingering a little longer before parting.

Artur definitely noticed that.

His smirk deepened, but he didn't comment. Instead, he reached up, stretched lazily, then dropped his arm just in time for his fingers to casually graze against Billy's.

Billy didn't react right away.

But a moment later, his fingers twitched—then curled slightly, just barely brushing back.

Not quite holding.

Not quite pulling away.

But undeniably there."

Artur exhaled softly, the sound almost content.

Billy glanced at him, catching the way Artur looked ridiculously pleased with himself. He rolled his eyes but said nothing.

The house was coming into view now, but neither of them rushed.

Then, suddenly, Billy let out a quiet sigh. "It's nice."

Artur turned to him. "What is?"

Billy's gaze remained on the road ahead, his voice softer now. "This. Walking home like this."

Artur's chest warmed. He smiled—not his usual teasing one, but something gentler. "Yeah," he murmured. "It is."

They didn't say anything else after that.

Just walked the rest of the way, side by side.

And when they finally reached the house, neither of them moved to go in right away.

Just standing there for a little longer, letting the evening settle around them.

Letting this settle between them.

They stood there, side by side, neither of them making the move to step inside just yet. The night was calm, cool air brushing against their skin, the only sound being the soft rustling of the trees and the distant chirping of crickets.

Billy exhaled slowly, tilting his head back to gaze at the sky. The stars shimmered faintly, scattered like tiny embers across the dark canvas.

Artur stole a glance at him. Billy's face, illuminated under the soft glow of the lantern hanging near the porch, looked serene. His usual guarded expressions had melted away, leaving something softer.

Artur felt the familiar tug in his chest.

Just as he was about to say something, the sound of footsteps echoed from the distance.

Both of them turned their heads as Mr. Dand emerged from the darkened path, looking worn from wherever he had been all day. His shoulders sagged slightly, and his boots were dusted with dirt.

The older man lifted a brow at them as he approached. "You two still awake?" he asked, his voice carrying a trace of amusement. "Enjoying the weather, huh?"

Billy straightened. "Yeah, the weather's nice."

Artur smirked. "You're late today."

Mr. Dand let out a tired huff, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, had a lot to take care of."

Billy nodded toward him. "You should get some rest."

Mr. Dand eyed them for a moment—long enough that Billy's pulse stuttered—before simply shrugging and stepping inside the house, leaving them alone once more.

Billy exhaled, glancing back at the house. "We should head in too, right?"

Artur turned to him, smirking. "Tired already?"

Billy scoffed. "No, but it's getting late. It's better if we—"

Before he could finish, Artur moved closer.

Too close.

Billy's breath caught as Artur reached for his hand, fingers sliding between his with a steady, deliberate grip.

A small smile tugged at Billy's lips. He exhaled softly, then lifted their joined hands and pressed a kiss to Artur's knuckles.

"It's been a long day," he murmured against his skin.

Artur's smirk faltered for half a second. His eyes flickered—just slightly—as if caught off guard by Billy's sudden affection.

Billy stood up straight again, but their hands remained clasped, neither of them letting go.

They stood there, lingering in the moment.

Neither spoke.

Neither moved.

Just standing in the stillness of the night, small smiles playing on their lips.

Billy was the first to shift. He turned slightly, preparing to head inside, but before he could take a step—

Artur's hand tightened around his.

"Wait."

Billy paused. "What?"

Artur took a step closer. And then another.

Before Billy could register it, Artur leaned in and—

Pressed a kiss against his lips.

It wasn't their first. But somehow, it still felt like one.

Billy's body tensed for a brief second before warmth spread through his chest, his lips parting slightly as Artur's lingered against his. The kiss wasn't rushed, wasn't demanding. Just soft. Just right.

When Artur pulled away, he didn't say anything at first—just held Billy's gaze for a long, silent beat. Then, with a lazy smirk, he turned and made his way toward the door.

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"Goodnight," he murmured over his shoulder.

Billy stood there, unmoving. His heart was hammering, warmth creeping up his neck, but he couldn't stop the small, ridiculous smile from forming.

As Artur disappeared inside, Billy ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head to himself.

"...Why is he this cute?" he muttered under his breath.

Then, with one last glance up at the starlit sky, he whispered, "Sweet dreams, Artur."

And with that, he finally stepped inside, the moment slipping away into the quiet embrace of the night.