Unwritten Fate [BL]-Chapter 67: The Sous-Chef of My Heart

The sun spilled lazy gold through the open window, catching in the dust motes that drifted like fading thoughts. Billy and Artur lay tangled in the cushions, breath syncing, fingers tracing idle constellations on skin and cotton.

"They remained nestled together, breath syncing, fingers lazily drawing patterns on each other's skin."

Billy rested his head lightly on Artur's shoulder, his hand draped over his chest. Neither of them spoke for a few long moments, letting the peace stretch like honey.

Then, in the quiet, a faint grumble echoed between them.

Billy lifted his head, grinning. "Was that your stomach?"

Artur looked away with a small, embarrassed shrug. "Maybe."

Billy laughed, untangling himself and sitting up. "Alright, since you worked hard and didn't die from lifting those crates, I'll cook."

Artur reached for him, pulling him back down by the wrist. "Or... we could just stay like this a bit longer."

Billy raised a brow but didn't resist, letting himself be pulled closer for a second. "If I stay here, you'll starve."

"I don't mind," Artur murmured, resting his forehead against Billy's shoulder, arms loosely around his waist.

Billy chuckled, fingers brushing through Artur's hair. "You say that, but your stomach's telling a different story."

As if on cue, another growl broke through the silence. Artur groaned softly into Billy's shoulder, and they both burst out laughing.

"See?" Billy teased, gently pushing himself to stand. "Let me feed you before you eat me."

Artur flopped back into the cushions dramatically. "Fine. But I'm not helping." freeweɓnøvel.com

"I didn't ask," Billy called over his shoulder, already heading to the kitchen.

Artur followed anyway, not to assist but to hover. He leaned on the doorframe, arms crossed, eyes lazily trailing over Billy as he moved.

Billy grabbed a few ingredients — tomatoes, eggs, leftover vegetables — and set to work, but Artur padded over, resting his chin on Billy's shoulder.

"You're staring again," Billy said without turning, cracking eggs into the pan.

Artur leaned in, voice muffled against Billy's shoulder. "You smell like the sun."

Billy snorted. "You're getting sentimental on me now?"

"I'm serious," Artur said, eyes half-lidded. "Like warmth and something I missed before I even knew I missed it."

Billy shook his head, smiling as he stirred. "If you keep doing this, you won't get to eat."

"I told you, I don't mind."

But then his stomach betrayed him again with a loud growl.

Billy paused, biting back a laugh as he turned to glance at him. "Artur..."

"Okay, okay," Artur sighed, backing off reluctantly but not far. He sat on a stool nearby, arms folded on the table, chin resting on them as he stared up at Billy with soft, sleepy eyes. "I'll behave. Sort of."

Billy threw him a look over his shoulder, amused. "You're the worst sous-chef I've ever had."

"And you're the best thing I've ever stared at."

Billy's hand froze for a beat over the pan, a smile tugging at his lips despite himself. He didn't answer — just hummed, cheeks a little pink as the food sizzled.

Behind him, Artur smiled wider, settling in to just watch the boy he'd grown impossibly fond of — the kitchen filled with warmth, spices, and a quiet kind of love neither of them dared name just yet.

By the time Billy set the plates on the small table, the sun had shifted westward, casting golden light across the floor. The kitchen smelled rich with spices and warmth — the simple meal of scrambled eggs with vegetables and flatbread was humble, but made with care.

Artur sat up straighter, eyes lighting up. "It smells amazing."

Billy placed a glass of water beside him. "Well, it better. I had to cook under surveillance."

Artur chuckled as he picked up his fork. "You thrive under pressure."

Billy took the seat across from him, rolling his eyes playfully. "You were practically breathing down my neck the whole time."

"That's because your neck is very distracting," Artur said between bites, as if it were the most casual observation in the world.

Billy nearly choked on his food, then gave him a look. "Eat."

"I am eating," Artur said, eyes bright. "And complimenting the chef."

Billy tried to stay serious, but the corner of his mouth twitched into a smile. "You're impossible."

They ate slowly, the kind of quiet between them that didn't need to be filled. Outside, the breeze stirred the leaves, and somewhere in the distance, a dog barked once before silence settled again.

After a few minutes, Billy spoke, softer now. "You always this... clingy when Mr. Dand's not around?"

Artur didn't answer right away. He just watched him for a beat too long.

"Maybe," he said. "Or maybe it's just you."

Billy's fork paused mid-air. A flicker of something unreadable crossed his face before he masked it with a half-smile.

"I mean," Artur went on, "when you're around, it's easier to want things I usually ignore. Rest. Quiet. Someone to sit with."

Billy stirred the last bite on his plate, his voice quieter. "You do realize you just said something kind of romantic, right?"

"I did?" Artur looked genuinely surprised, then smiled. "Huh. Guess I did."

Billy laughed softly and shook his head. "Unbelievable."

They finished eating, and Billy stood to collect the plates, but Artur reached out, gently tugging his wrist.

"Leave them for now."

Billy looked down at him, amused. "You're really leaning into this lazy post-lunch boyfriend routine, huh?"

Artur's grip softened, but he didn't let go. "Just stay a minute."

Billy hesitated, then gave in and sat back down, letting his hand rest in Artur's. Their fingers intertwined easily, as if they'd done it a thousand times.

"Feels like we've been alone for weeks," Billy murmured.

Artur smiled faintly. "Maybe we needed that."

Billy looked out the window, his voice barely above a whisper. "You think he'll be proud when he comes back?"

Artur squeezed his hand gently. "I know he will. We didn't burn the house down. That's something."

Billy laughed again, softer this time. "Yeah. And I cooked without you ruining it."

"Barely," Artur teased. "I helped emotionally."

Billy turned toward him, face open and warm. "You're the most emotionally supportive distraction I've ever met."

"They sat like that, fingers lightly laced, the half-cleared table forgotten. No rush. No noise. Just the steady hush of two hearts memorizing the contours of comfort — together."

The soft hum of the afternoon settled around them as Billy and Artur sat on the couch, enjoying the calm after their busy morning.

The list of tasks from Mr. Dand was done, and the weight of their work had eased just enough for them to finally relax.

"Billy glanced at the clock, then turned to Artur, eyes gleaming with barely restrained excitement."

"We should go check the bike now. I think they're probably finished by now," Billy said, standing up and stretching a little.

Artur, however, made no move to get up. He stretched out lazily on the couch, his hand tucked behind his head, eyes half-closed.

Billy raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile on his lips. "What? You don't want to get up now?"

Artur yawned dramatically. "Do we really have to go now?" he mumbled, his voice thick with the warmth of their peaceful moment.

Billy chuckled, leaning over the back of the couch and glancing at Artur with a playful look. "Do you want to rest a little longer? I can go alone if you'd prefer."

Artur shot up from the couch instantly, his expression shifting to one of concern. "No, no, I don't want you to go alone," he said quickly, his voice betraying a hint of urgency. He rubbed his eyes and gave Billy a half-smile. "I'm coming with you."

"Billy shook his head, a chuckle slipping out as Artur scrambled upright like a guilty cat. "Alright, then. Let's go together."

They stood side by side, their movements in sync as they made their way out of the house and onto the path leading to the market. The air had a softness to it, the promise of a quiet afternoon settling over them. Billy's mind wandered back to the bike, wondering how it had turned out after the repairs.

"You know, this is all your fault," Billy said with a grin as they walked.

Artur glanced at him, his brow furrowing in mock confusion. "How is it my fault?"

Billy nudged him with his elbow, still smiling. "You raced ahead like you were trying to impress someone. I couldn't focus with you going full-speed ahead."

"'Don't blame me because I won,' Artur said with a crooked grin, nudging Billy's elbow like it was all part of the game. "Was it working?"

Billy bumped his shoulder into him lightly. "Only if the goal was to break something. And I was just... trying to keep up with the great Artur, who couldn't resist showing off." He nudged Artur again, playfully.

Artur laughed, the sound warm and light. "If you'd been faster, we wouldn't be in this mess."

Billy sighed dramatically. "Well, lesson learned," he said with a wink. "Next time, I'll make sure to race you properly."

They strolled on in comfortable silence, their steps in sync. Billy glanced at Artur, the corners of his lips twitching upward. Despite the earlier chaos, he couldn't help but feel a quiet sense of happiness, walking side by side with Artur. Even if it was just to pick up a repaired bicycle, it felt like one of those simple moments that he would cherish.

By the time they reached the repair shop, the bike was already waiting for them. The repairman waved from the door, looking pleased with his work.

"Ah, you made it," the repairman said, wiping his hands on a rag. "It's all done. Should be good as new."

Billy grinned, relieved. "Thanks. I was starting to wonder if we'd ever get it back in one piece."

Artur stepped forward, his hands slipping into his pockets. "It looks good," he said, examining the bike closely. "No signs of damage now."

"Billy moved closer, fingers grazing the handle as he examined the fresh paint and tightened bolts. "I'm just glad it's back to normal. Mr. Dand's going to be relieved."

The repairman chuckled, handing over the bike. "He won't even notice anything was wrong. But don't race it too hard next time."

Billy laughed, taking the bike carefully. "I'll try not to. Thanks again."

With the bike back in their hands, they turned to head home. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden light over the path as they walked side by side again, the peaceful rhythm of their movements settling around them.

"You really need to stop getting me into trouble," Billy teased, nudging Artur once more.

Artur glanced at him, his smile softening. "I'll try. But I can't promise I won't keep distracting you."

Billy grinned, shaking his head as they continued walking , the afternoon stretching out before them, full of simple moments and quiet companionship.

Billy glanced at the bike in his hands, then looked at Artur with a playful smile. "Let's take the long way back," he said, his voice light. "I don't want to go home just yet."

Artur raised an eyebrow, surprised but amused. "The long way? We've got the bike now, Billy. I thought you were in a hurry to get back."

Billy shook his head, his smile widening. "No rush. The sun's nice, and the day feels... good. Besides, it's not like we have a deadline, right?" He turned the bike gently in his hands, eyes glancing up at the sky as if savoring the moment. "Let's just enjoy it."

Artur raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Trying to make me walk extra?"

Billy shrugged, smiling. "Maybe. Or maybe I just like being with you. Could be that simple."

Artur watched him for a second, his lips curling into a fond smile. "Alright," he said, shrugging. "The long way it is."

They began walking slowly, their footsteps light on the gravel road, with the bike rolling smoothly alongside them.

The air had a coolness to it now, the breeze brushing against their skin, and the peaceful quiet of the countryside surrounded them.

The distant sound of birds and the rustling of leaves filled the air, while the fading sunlight painted the world in warm tones.

Billy walked beside Artur, taking in the moment, the peacefulness of the surroundings, and the ease with which they shared these simple times. He glanced at Artur, who seemed perfectly content, his hands casually shoved into his pockets, walking along with him without a word.

They strolled for a while, neither of them in any hurry. The bike was a comforting weight in Billy's hands, and the steady rhythm of their movements was calming.

After a few minutes, Billy spoke again, breaking the comfortable silence. "You know, I like this. Not rushing, just... being here."

Artur looked over at him, a small, genuine smile forming on his lips. "Me too. It's nice," he said softly, his voice carrying the same tranquility that filled the air around them.

Billy glanced up at the sky, his gaze thoughtful. "It feels like one of those days that you never want to end. You know?"

Artur nodded, his gaze following Billy's as the light of the setting sun filtered through the trees. "Yeah, I get that. I'm glad we took the long way."

They continued walking side by side, the quiet stretches of the path unfolding before them. The world around them seemed to slow, the stillness and calm of the countryside working its magic, giving them both a sense of peace.

Billy smiled to himself, taking in the simple joy of the moment. He was glad they weren't rushing back. Sometimes, just being present—enjoying the company of someone you care about—was enough. And today, with Artur beside him, it felt perfect.