Unwritten Fate [BL]-Chapter 60: Race You to Forever

The morning crept in softly, spilling pale gold light through the cracks in the curtains, brushing against the bed in lazy strokes.

Billy was the first to stir, though he didn't move much — only blinked slowly, adjusting to the daybreak.

Artur was still tucked securely against him, his head resting just below Billy's chin, their legs tangled messily under the covers.

Billy smiled to himself, the steady thud of Artur's heartbeat a quiet rhythm against his ribs — slow, steady. Safe.

"You're awake," Billy murmured, his voice still coated in sleep.

Artur didn't lift his head. He just nodded faintly, his nose brushing against Billy's collarbone.

"Mm," he hummed. "Too comfortable to move."

Billy chuckled, the sound vibrating softly between them. He let his hand drift lazily up and down Artur's spine, a slow, absent caress.

"I was thinking the same," Billy said. "We should get up... but then again... we're not in a hurry, are we?"

Artur tightened his arms a little around Billy's waist in answer, nuzzling deeper into the warmth of him.

"No rush," he mumbled. "Stay a little longer."

Billy tilted his head, resting his cheek against Artur's hair. His fingers traced slow circles across Artur's back, feeling every deep breath he took.

"You always this clingy in the morning?" Billy teased gently, his voice playful but thick with affection.

Artur grunted, shifting just enough to glance up at him through heavy-lidded eyes.

"Only with you," he said without pause, his voice stripped of pretense — as if the truth had always been that simple.

The honesty of it made Billy's chest ache in the best way. He tightened his arms around Artur for a second, squeezing him close like he never wanted to let go.

"I like it," Billy whispered, pressing a kiss to Artur's forehead — slow, lingering.

Artur made a soft noise, something between a sigh and a pleased hum, before closing his eyes again.

"Good," he said. "Because you're stuck with me."

Billy smiled against his hair.

"Wouldn't have it any other way."

For a while, they just stayed like that — bodies tangled, breath mingling, the outside world forgotten.

Now and then, Billy would trace his fingers along Artur's shoulder blades, or Artur would shift and let out a small contented sigh, as if confirming to himself that Billy was still there, still real.

After a few minutes of silence, Billy spoke again, his voice soft and thoughtful.

"Maybe later... we could go somewhere," he said, running his hand up to tangle gently in Artur's messy hair. "Just you and me. No work, no errands. Just... a little escape."

Artur opened his eyes fully now, lifting his head enough to meet Billy's gaze.

"You mean like a date?" he asked, his mouth curving into a sleepy, boyish smile.

Billy chuckled lowly.

"Yeah. A proper date," he said. "We kind of skipped that part, didn't we?"

Artur leaned up, catching Billy's lips in a soft, slow kiss — not rushed, not urgent, just... real.

When he pulled back, he grinned against Billy's mouth.

"Then it's a date," he said.

Billy brushed his thumb along Artur's jaw, his chest feeling too full, too lucky.

"Perfect," he whispered.

And for a little longer, they stayed wrapped in each other, savoring the slow morning, savoring the feeling that — for once — there was nothing waiting for them except more moments exactly like this.

The world outside grew brighter, but neither of them moved for a while.

Billy ran his fingers lazily through Artur's messy hair, watching how his lashes fluttered with each breath.

Artur, half buried against him, seemed utterly content — the kind of comfort that only came when you felt completely safe.

Billy leaned down, brushing a kiss over the top of his head.

"We really should get up," he murmured.

Artur only let out a sleepy noise, pressing himself closer, like a stubborn cat refusing to leave a warm patch of sunlight.

Billy laughed under his breath, shifting slightly.

"Come on, babe," he teased softly. "We've got a date to go on, remember?"

At the word date, Artur's body tensed slightly — not with hesitation, but with sudden, excited energy.

He pushed up from Billy's chest, eyes bright with mischief now.

"Right! The date!" he exclaimed, and before Billy could stop him, Artur clumsily rolled off the bed, landing with a soft thud on the floor.

Billy covered his mouth to stifle a laugh, watching as Artur scrambled to his feet, already halfway to the bathroom.

"I'll be quick! Five minutes!" Artur shouted over his shoulder before slamming the bathroom door behind him.

Billy shook his head fondly, stretching out across the now half-empty bed.

Lazy morning forgotten, a new kind of thrill buzzed in the air.

He finally sat up, running a hand through his hair.

Since Mr. Dand had left town, Billy had practically moved into Artur's room without even meaning to. He only ever went back to his own room to change — though half the time, if Artur's shirts happened to fit him, he simply stole one instead.

Reluctantly, Billy peeled himself from the bed's warmth and wandered to his room. The hallway felt colder without Artur's presence clinging to him.

When he came back, fully dressed and adjusting the sleeves of a clean shirt, he found Artur already pacing the main room, hair still slightly damp from his fastest-ever shower, tugging a jacket over his shoulders.

Artur spun around the moment he heard footsteps.

"I'm ready!" he announced, grinning like a kid about to sneak out for an adventure. "Come out! Let's go!"

Billy laughed, leaning casually against the doorframe.

"You're way too excited," he said, amused. "So... where are we going?"

Artur paused mid-zip of his jacket, humming as he thought.

"Maybe... the lake?" he suggested.

Billy wrinkled his nose playfully.

"Nah, too many people. We'd get swarmed."

"Okay, okay," Artur said, tapping his chin in exaggerated thinking. "Then... the forest trail?"

Billy tilted his head, pretending to consider.

"Too muddy."

Artur let out a dramatic groan.

"You're impossible."

Billy grinned, folding his arms.

"Come on, genius. Think of something."

Artur suddenly straightened up, snapping his fingers like he just solved the biggest riddle in the world.

"Joyride," he declared. "Let's go biking."

Billy raised an eyebrow, interested.

"Sounds fun but we are not kids. Beside you only have one bike."

Artur's grin turned mischievous.

"Then we steal my dad's bike," he said with a glint in his eye. "Since he's not around to stop us."

Billy barked out a laugh, shaking his head.

"You're unbelievable. Mr. Dand is crazy protective over that bike. He doesn't even let the wind touch it."

Artur threw his arms out dramatically.

"He'll never know!"

Billy smirked, playing along.

"Alright, then. You take your bike. I'll borrow your dad's. And... what? We race?"

"Exactly!" Artur beamed. "Winner gets to boss the other around all day!"

Billy chuckled under his breath, pushing off the doorframe and grabbing his jacket.

"You're on."

As Artur bolted toward the garage like a man on a mission, Billy watched him fondly, feeling his heart beat a little lighter in his chest.

It wasn't just the idea of the joyride.

It was Artur's joy, his bright-eyed excitement — and the way he always, always made Billy feel like he was exactly where he was meant to be.

Artur half-ran, half-skipped toward the garage, grabbing the keys off the counter as he passed.

Billy followed at a more relaxed pace, slipping his hands into his jacket pockets, a slow smile playing on his lips As he watched Artur fumble with the garage keys, a flicker of something — a flash of city lights or a faraway voice — brushed the edge of Billy's mind. But it was gone in a breath, drowned by Artur's grin.

"You're terrible at this," Billy called out.

"I'm a natural criminal," Artur replied, tongue poking out the corner of his mouth as he wrestled with the key. "Just wait till you see me ride off into the sunset."

"You're gonna fall off before you even start," Billy teased, coming up behind him.

With a victorious click, the garage door swung open.

Inside, two bikes gleamed under the afternoon light — Artur's worn but sturdy mountain bike, and Mr. Dand's prized possession: a classic, almost vintage-looking black bicycle that shined like it was polished every other day.

Billy whistled low under his breath.

"I feel like we should leave a note or something. You know... in case we die and Mr. Dand haunts us."

Artur grinned over his shoulder.

"Live fast, apologize later," he said, tossing Billy the keys to unlock the second bike.

Billy caught them easily, shaking his head with a chuckle.

"You're lucky you're cute," he muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Artur to hear.

Artur wiggled his eyebrows without shame.

Once the bikes were rolled out onto the dirt path, they climbed on — Artur mounting his own like he was born on two wheels, Billy a little more cautious with Mr. Dand's precious steed.

Artur gave a dramatic sigh.

"You look like you're escorting a royal parade."

Billy shot him a smirk.

"Better than crashing and explaining to your dad why his 'other child' is in pieces."

"Hey, technically that bike is my older brother," Artur quipped. "I'm just the reckless younger sibling."

Billy barked out a laugh.

"That explains so much."

Artur stuck out his tongue.

"Enough talking! Race you to the big oak tree!"

Without warning, he kicked off the ground, his bike tires kicking up a little cloud of dust behind him.

"Cheater!" Billy yelled, scrambling to push off and follow.

Artur just laughed, pedaling harder, weaving dangerously close to the bushes lining the path.

Billy leaned low over the handlebars, picking up speed — Mr. Dand's bike was smoother, faster than he expected, practically gliding over the dirt.

"You're not getting away that easy!" Billy called out, gaining on him.

"Eat my dust!" Artur shouted back, laughing wildly.

The wind tore through the trees and across their skin, stealing their laughter like secrets flung into the sky.

Billy caught up easily — and when Artur tried to block him by swerving a little, Billy bumped his wheel lightly against Artur's, sending him wobbling with a startled yelp.

"Not fair!" Artur protested between fits of laughter.

"All's fair in love and war," Billy shot back with a grin, pedaling just a little faster.

They flew down the path, dodging low-hanging branches, their bikes rattling over small rocks and roots.

The village rooftops blurred past in the distance, fields wide open under a soft blue sky.

As they neared the huge oak tree — a massive, ancient thing standing alone in the middle of a grassy clearing — Artur shouted, "Last push! Go!"

Both of them pedaled hard, side by side, neck and neck — until Billy leaned over just enough to grab Artur's jacket and tug him back a little.

"Hey!" Artur gasped, laughing so hard he nearly lost his balance.

Billy surged ahead by an inch and skidded to a stop, one foot touching the ground just as Artur rolled up beside him, panting and laughing.

"I call foul play," Artur said breathlessly, shoving Billy's shoulder lightly.

"You call losing," Billy said, dismounting with a cocky grin.

Artur tried to glare, but he was smiling too much to pull it off.

He propped his bike against the tree, running a hand through his sweaty hair.

"Fine," he huffed. "You win."

Billy leaned casually against his own bike, arms folded.

"And what does the winner get again?"

Artur raised an eyebrow.

"Anything he wants?"

Billy's smile turned slow, warm.

"Anything?"

Artur nodded once, playful but steady.

"Anything."

Billy pushed off from the bike and took a step closer, until their shoes were almost touching.

He reached up, fingers brushing Artur's messy hair back from his forehead, gentle.

"Then," Billy said, voice low and sincere, "I want you to come closer."

Artur's breath caught a little — but he did, without hesitation, stepping into Billy's space until their bodies nearly brushed.

"And?" he murmured, smiling up at him.

Billy bent down, pressing their foreheads together, closing his eyes for a moment.

"Stay with me... for the rest of today. No running, no plans, just us."

Artur smiled so softly it barely touched his lips — it lit up his whole face instead.

"Deal," he whispered, tilting his head just enough to kiss him, slow and sweet under the old oak tree.

The breeze carried the scent of grass and sunlight, and somewhere far off, the faint noise of village life went on — but here, under the shade of the tree, it was just them, quiet and wrapped in each other.

They broke the kiss slowly, noses brushing.

Neither of them pulled away completely — just enough to breathe, to smile at each other like they had all the time in the world.

Billy tugged lightly at Artur's wrist.

"Come here," he whispered.

Without a word, Artur let himself be pulled down onto the grass, the two of them sinking together into the soft green.

Billy lay back first, one arm stretched behind his head, the other reaching for Artur, who flopped down beside him with a quiet laugh.

They laid close, sides pressed together, feeling the earth solid and warm beneath them, the sky stretching endless and blue above.

A few leaves rustled high overhead, their movements slow, lazy — like even the tree didn't want to disturb them.

Artur turned his face toward Billy, studying him.

The way his lashes fanned over his cheeks, how the sunlight caught faint golden strands in his hair.

"What are you staring at?" Billy asked without opening his eyes, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"You," Artur said simply.

Billy cracked one eye open.

"Flatterer."

Artur chuckled low in his throat and nudged him with his shoulder.

"It's not flattery if it's true."

Billy laughed softly and reached over, fingers brushing down Artur's arm in a slow, absent trail.

His voice was quieter when he spoke again.

"Feels like we're the only people left in the world."

"Wouldn't mind that," Artur murmured, rolling onto his side so he could prop his head up with one hand. His other hand drifted over Billy's chest, tracing lazy shapes over the fabric of his shirt. "As long as it's you and me."

Billy turned his head, meeting his gaze.

There was a tender sort of mischief dancing in his eyes.

"You're getting romantic on me," he teased.

Artur shrugged, unapologetic.

"You started it."

Billy chuckled and reached up, threading his fingers into Artur's hair, lightly scratching his scalp.

Artur closed his eyes at the touch, leaning into it without shame, humming low in his throat.

"You're like a cat," Billy murmured, amused.

"And you're warm," Artur mumbled back, utterly relaxed.

For a while, they stayed like that — Artur stretched out half on top of Billy, listening to the slow rhythm of his breathing, the steady thump of his heart.

The world blurred into background noise — just distant bird calls and the occasional breeze threading through the grass.

Billy shifted slightly, his hand still resting in Artur's hair.

"Tell me something," he said, voice so soft it barely stirred the air between them.

Artur cracked open an eye.

"Mm? Like what?"

"Anything," Billy said. "Something you've never told me."

Artur thought for a moment, then smiled crookedly.

"I used to be scared of thunder when I was little."

Billy's lips twitched.

"You? Scared?"

"Shut up," Artur said, but he was laughing, no heat in it. "I used to hide under the table. Like a dog."

Billy laughed, deep and genuine.

He brushed his knuckles gently along Artur's cheekbone.

"I would've hidden with you."

Artur opened his eyes fully then, looking at him — really looking.

"I wish I'd had you back then," he said, voice soft.

Billy's heart squeezed in his chest.

"You have me now," he whispered.

Artur leaned down, kissed him once — a simple, lingering press of lips that tasted like promises.

When they parted, Artur let out a deep, contented sigh and dropped his head onto Billy's shoulder, the way someone might sink into a pillow after a long journey home.

Billy smiled up at the sky, wrapping his arm around him tighter, fingers tracing slow patterns on his back.

And in that flash of wind and wild laughter, Billy realized — this, right here, might be his happiest memory yet.