Unwritten Fate [BL]-Chapter 70: Soft Mornings, Softer Hearts

The morning light crept gently into the room, slipping past the half-drawn curtains in golden streaks. It bathed the bed in a soft warmth, landing first on the tousled curls resting on Billy's chest.

Artur stirred, his lashes fluttering against Billy's skin as he blinked himself awake.

He shifted a little, careful not to wake him, but the moment he moved, Billy's arms tightened.

"Don't move," Billy murmured, voice low and husky with sleep. "You're warm..."

Artur stilled, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You're clingy in the morning."

"You're comfy in the morning," Billy mumbled, eyes still closed. "Fair trade."

Artur let out a quiet chuckle, settling back into his place and nuzzling into Billy's neck. "Fine. Five more minutes."

"Mmm," Billy hummed, running his fingers lazily up and down Artur's spine. "Take your time. Not rushing anywhere."

The silence that followed was unhurried and sweet, filled only with the occasional rustle of the sheets and the soft birdsong from outside. Billy eventually opened his eyes, gaze landing on the boy curled in his arms.

He stared for a moment.

Artur, still tousled from sleep, looked entirely at peace. His mouth parted slightly as he breathed, lashes casting delicate shadows across his cheek. There was something so unguarded about him like this—something only Billy got to see.

He leaned in slowly, gently pressing a kiss to Artur's forehead, then another to his cheekbone. "Good morning," he whispered.

Artur smiled, eyes still closed. "That tickled."

"Good," Billy whispered again, lips brushing his ear this time.

Artur laughed softly and opened his eyes, catching the adoration in Billy's gaze. "You've been staring?"

"Can you blame me?" Billy asked, brushing a strand of hair from Artur's face. "You're cute when you're asleep. You drooled a little though."

Artur groaned, burying his face into Billy's chest. "Don't say that."

Billy chuckled and wrapped his arms tighter around him. "Too late. It's my memory now."

"I should charge you for emotional damage," Artur mumbled into his shirt.

"You can't. You're still in my arms."

They lay there like that a while longer, laughter fading into quiet cuddles and small kisses. Eventually, Billy stretched and yawned.

"Ready to face the day?" Billy asked softly, his voice still warm with sleep, fingers trailing absent circles against the sheets.

Artur blinked slowly, then gave a small nod and began to sit up, stretching his arms with a gentle groan. He slid off the bed with a slight shiver at the cooler air, padding barefoot across the wooden floor to the small table tucked against the wall. A few scattered pencils, some folded notes, and a tiny carved bird sat quietly under the morning light.

Billy remained where he was, one knee pulled up, chin resting lazily on it as he watched. His hair was a little messy, his eyes soft and still a bit drowsy. "What are you doing?" he asked, his voice light, curious.

Artur ran his fingers over one of the notes without picking it up. "Nothing... just looking," he said after a pause, then turned slightly to glance back with a crooked half-smile. "I think I've seen this paper three times already and still forgot what's on it."

Billy chuckled. "Then maybe it's not the paper that's interesting."

"Hmm?" Artur tilted his head.

"It's morning, we're alone, and you chose a piece of paper over me," Billy teased, eyes glinting with playful offense. "That stings."

Artur smirked, then leaned a hip against the table. "Don't be dramatic. I just didn't want to forget whatever scribbled on here."

Billy lay back against the pillows with a faint sigh, one arm draping across his forehead like an old painting. "So you admit... the paper wins."

Artur's laugh was soft. "You're impossible."

"And still you're stuck with me."Billy said, peeking at him from beneath his arm.

Artur walked slowly back toward the bed, standing by the edge, arms crossed as he looked down at Billy—whose smile was too amused, too pleased with himself.

"I could throw this pillow at you."

Billy grabbed it before Artur could. "That would be rude to your morning cuddle partner."

Artur shook his head, climbing back up and sitting beside him. "Alright, alright... you win."

Billy turned his head and gave him a sleepy grin. "I always do."

Artur flicked his forehead gently.

Billy let out a fake gasp of betrayal. "Abuse. This is abuse."

"Shhh," Artur said, laying back down beside him again, his voice softer this time. "Just... don't rush. I like this."

Billy didn't reply. He simply shifted closer, letting his hand find Artur's. Their fingers laced easily, quietly.

Outside, the world had started to stir, but inside the room, the warmth lingered, untouched.

Artur lay still for a moment, their fingers intertwined beneath the soft tangle of sheets. His gaze drifted toward the window where sunlight warmed the wooden frame. Billy didn't speak—he didn't have to. The rhythm of his breathing, calm and near, was enough.

Then, with a reluctant sigh, Artur shifted, brushing his thumb across the back of Billy's hand. "Alright... I'm going to take a shower," he murmured, voice husky with sleep.

Billy tightened his hold instantly, lips curling into a mischievous smile as he pulled Artur back onto the bed. "Let me join you."

Artur startled, half-laughing. "Are you crazy?" His ears were already tinged pink.

Billy rolled onto his side, his tone light and teasing. "Come on... let's bathe together. Or... are you shy?"

Artur huffed, trying to sound annoyed, but the flustered glance he shot toward the door gave him away. "Who's shy? I'm not shy," he muttered, gently trying to pry Billy's arms off. "You—go take your own shower. In your room."

Billy only smirked and leaned in closer, nose nearly brushing Artur's. "Then why are you blushing, huh?"

"I'm not!" Artur declared too quickly, eyes wide.

"You are," Billy grinned, pressing his forehead to Artur's. "A little bit. It's cute."

Artur let out a dramatic sigh, running a hand through his messy hair. "You're impossible..."

Billy raised his brow and whispered near his ear, "So... should I go warm the water or you will?" freēwēbηovel.c૦m

Artur squawked, pushing at his chest. "No! I won't let you sleep here again if you don't stop."

That made Billy pause. His smile faded into an exaggerated pout as he slowly untangled himself and sat up. "Fine. Hmmm... fine."

He stood, bare feet hitting the floor with a soft thud, and turned away with shoulders slumped like a child scolded unfairly.

Artur blinked at the back of his head, guilt flickering across his face. "Wait—Billy, are you really... mad?"

Billy turned halfway, casting a glance over his shoulder with narrowed eyes and a theatrical scowl. "Maybe."

Artur bit his lip, trying not to laugh. "Don't be such a baby."

Billy sniffed. "Too late. You've broken my heart."

Artur reached out, fingers brushing lightly down Billy's arm. "Then I'll fix it... after my shower."

"Promise?" Billy murmured, voice soft now.

Artur nodded, his eyes a little shy but fond. "Yeah. Promise."

Billy smiled faintly and leaned down to press a light kiss on Artur's temple before stepping back. "Okay then... but I'm timing you."

The door creaked softly as Artur stepped out, towel hanging around his neck, damp hair falling slightly into his eyes. The faint scent of soap trailed after him, mixing with the soft morning air drifting in through the window. He paused, catching sight of Billy stretched across the bed, hugging a pillow dramatically.

"You're back," Billy said without looking, his voice laced with feigned coldness.

Artur crossed his arms, amused. "Still mad?"

Billy turned slowly, peeking up with narrowed eyes. "You left me here, all alone, heartbroken."

"I was gone for ten minutes."

Billy smiled, but ten minutes still felt too long these days.

Artur dropped the towel onto a nearby chair and stood beside the bed, smirking. "Want me to apologize?"

Billy looked up, lips twitching. "I want compensation."

"Oh?" Artur raised an eyebrow. "What kind of compensation?"

Billy grinned, reaching for his wrist. "Cuddle me. Right now."

With a fond sigh, Artur slipped under the covers again, curling beside Billy. Their legs tangled easily, naturally, like two pieces long meant to fit.

"You smell good," Billy murmured, nose brushing Artur's neck.

"You always say that after I shower."

"It's true every time."

Artur laughed under his breath, then quieted, resting his cheek against Billy's. "You're weird today."

Billy looked up, playful at first, then softened. "Weird how?"

"Like... sweeter than usual. Clingier." His voice wasn't accusing—just curious, laced with affection.

Billy hesitated. The way sunlight touched Artur's lashes made his chest ache. "Maybe I'm just... grateful."

"For what?"

Billy met his eyes. "For mornings like this."

Artur's breath caught just a little. Then he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Billy's jaw. "Then let's make it last a little longer."

Billy smiled softly, the kiss warming him in a way even sunlight couldn't.

He ran his fingers lightly through Artur's damp hair, feeling the moisture still clinging to the strands.

"Let's dry your hair before you catch a cold," he murmured, shifting up.

Artur groaned slightly, resting his forehead against Billy's chest, not moving. "Mmm... it's fine."

Billy chuckled. "Don't make me force you."

"You already are," Artur replied, but didn't resist when Billy leaned over, reached for the towel on the chair, and settled back in.

Sitting up on the bed, Billy pulled Artur closer between his legs, gently placing the towel over his head. His fingers moved with care—no rush, just a slow, circular motion, fluffing and patting. The way Artur stayed still, letting him, said more than words.

The towel muffled Artur's voice. "You know you're treating me like a cat."

Billy smirked. "If you start purring, I'll know I'm doing it right."

Artur laughed, his shoulders relaxing completely. He tilted his head back slightly, towel slipping as his eyes met Billy's. "You're enjoying this."

"I really am," Billy said with a grin, leaning down to kiss his temple. "You're cute when you're soft like this."

Artur tried to look unbothered but failed miserably, a flush creeping up his cheekbones. He reached up to pull the towel away but Billy stopped him gently.

"Let me finish," he said quietly.

Artur stilled again.

Their eyes met and held for a moment—nothing dramatic, just quiet affection folding itself between them. Then Billy leaned in and continued drying, fingertips threading through his hair tenderly.

The moment held like a slow breath.

Artur tilted his head into the towel, eyes slipping closed, trusting the hands that held him. In that moment, neither spoke—because they didn't need to.