Unwritten Fate [BL]-Chapter 15: "A Step Too Close"

The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon as they made their way to the fields. A soft golden glow stretched over the land, painting everything in warm hues. The village air smelled of soil and ripening crops, mixed with the faint scent of burning wood from nearby homes preparing their evening meals.

When they arrived, a few villagers were already at work, gathering baskets and tools. Mr. Dand stood among them, rolling up his sleeves.

"Ah, there you two are," he said, handing them each a sickle. "We'll be cutting and bundling the crops before nightfall, so work steady, but don't rush."

Billy nodded, gripping the sickle. It felt strange in his hands—foreign, yet oddly satisfying. Artur, meanwhile, already moved with the ease of someone used to this work.

Billy glanced at him. "Show me how it's done."

Artur didn't hesitate. He crouched down, gripping a handful of stalks. "Hold them tight like this, then slice clean through." With a smooth motion, he cut through the stalks and bundled them together.

Billy mimicked his movements, a little clumsier at first, but determined. His first few attempts were uneven, and the stalks slipped from his grip.

Artur sighed, stepping closer. "Here."

Before Billy could react, Artur's hands covered his, guiding his fingers into the proper grip. The warmth of his touch sent an unexpected jolt through Billy's chest.

Billy blinked, his heartbeat suddenly a little unsteady. "Uh—"

"Don't grip too hard, just firm enough to hold them steady," Artur said, his voice close.

Billy swallowed, nodding, though his focus was now divided between the task and the feeling of Artur's hands over his. He barely noticed when Artur let go.

"Try again," Artur said, stepping back.

Billy cleared his throat, forcing himself to concentrate. He sliced the stalks again—this time cleaner, smoother.

"There you go," Artur murmured.

Billy turned to him, a small smile forming. "You're a good teacher."

Artur looked away, busying himself with the next bundle. "Just don't slow me down."

Billy chuckled, but he didn't push it. He just kept working, stealing glances at Artur every now and then, feeling something shift between them—something subtle, but undeniable.

By the time they finished harvesting, the sky had deepened into a rich indigo, dotted with the first stars of the night. The air was cooler now, carrying the scent of freshly cut crops and earth. Villagers gathered the last bundles into carts, their laughter and chatter filling the field.

Billy stretched, feeling the ache in his arms but also the satisfaction of a full day's work. "That was... surprisingly rewarding," he admitted.

Artur, brushing dirt from his hands, smirked. "Told you."

Mr. Dand clapped them both on the shoulder as he passed. "You two did well today. Get some rest—you've earned it."

With that, the villagers started dispersing, some heading toward their homes, others toward the village square where a few lanterns flickered.

Billy and Artur walked side by side, their footsteps crunching against the dirt path. The sounds of crickets filled the quiet spaces between them.

Billy let out a breath. "I don't think I've ever worked that hard in my life."

Artur scoffed. "You say that every time."

Billy chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, but this time I mean it." He glanced at Artur, watching how the dim glow of the village lights outlined his features. The usual sharpness of his expression seemed softer under the night sky.

For a while, they didn't speak. It wasn't uncomfortable—just a quiet, unspoken understanding between them.

Then Billy broke the silence. "Thanks for today. For helping me."

Artur looked at him, brow slightly furrowed. "...It's nothing."

Billy smiled, but something about Artur's reaction made him feel warm inside. He had a feeling that, for Artur, it wasn't nothing at all.

As Artur and Billy made their way back home, the village air had cooled, carrying the faint scent of earth and distant woodsmoke. The sky was shifting from deep blue to inky black, stars beginning to pierce through the fading daylight. Their footsteps crunched softly against the dirt path, the echoes of the marketplace behind them fading into quiet murmurs.

Billy walked a step ahead, arms stretching lazily as he let out a contented sigh. "That food was good," he muttered, mostly to himself. "I swear, I could sleep for a week now."

Artur huffed a small laugh but didn't respond. His eyes flicked toward the dim glow of a shop just ahead, a lone figure standing by the entrance. Something about the man's stance—the relaxed lean against the wooden counter, the easy way he reached for a bottle—felt familiar.

He squinted, slowing his steps.

Billy, noticing the shift in pace, turned his head. "Something wrong?"

Artur didn't answer immediately. Instead, he took a few more steps closer, the warm lantern light from the shop casting clearer details on the stranger's face. Recognition hit him like a sudden gust of wind.

"...Jay?"

At the sound of his name, the man turned. His expression shifted in an instant—eyes widening before a slow, easy grin spread across his face.

"Well, I'll be damned," Jay said, his voice carrying that same laid-back charm it always had. He stepped forward without hesitation, his movements fluid with familiarity. "Artur! You're still alive, huh?"

Artur barely had time to react before Jay clasped his shoulder, giving him a firm shake—half greeting, half playful shake-down.

"It's been how long now?" Jay continued, shaking his head. "I thought you just up and disappeared."

Artur smirked slightly. "Been around."

Jay scoffed. "Yeah? Could've fooled me."

As he spoke, his gaze shifted past Artur, landing on Billy. His brows lifted slightly, curiosity sparking in his dark eyes.

"And who's this?"

Billy, unfazed, stepped forward and extended a hand. "Billy."

Jay took it, shaking with a firm but casual grip. "Nice to meet you, Billy." He tilted his head. "You from around here?"

Billy's expression didn't change, but there was the slightest flicker of hesitation before he replied, "Something like that."

Jay didn't pry. Instead, he exhaled and gestured over his shoulder. "Listen, we're having a small get-together just down the road. A few drinks, some old friends—it's nothing big, just catching up. You guys should come."

Artur hesitated. "It's late."

Jay rolled his eyes, scoffing as he crossed his arms. "Since when do you care about that? C'mon, man. Just for a little while."

Billy looked at Artur then, head tilting slightly. "Do you want to go?"

His voice was light, unassuming—but there was something about the way he asked that made Artur pause. The way Billy's gaze lingered, expectant yet easy, as if waiting to see which way the wind would blow.

Artur exhaled through his nose. "...Fine."

Jay grinned like he'd already known the answer. "Knew you'd come around." He took a step back, motioning for them to follow. "Let's go before the drinks are all gone."

With one last glance at Billy—who only smirked in return—Artur shook his head and trailed after Jay, feeling something oddly familiar settle in his chest.

The glow of lanterns flickered over a handful of people sitting around a wooden table, their voices a mix of laughter and easy conversation. A few bottles of beer and plates of food were scattered across the table, the scent of grilled meat lingering in the cool night air.

Jay clapped Artur on the back. "See? Just a small get-together. No big deal."

Artur muttered something under his breath but pulled out a chair. Billy, on the other hand, was already taking in the scene with a curious smile.

One of the villagers, a woman with short hair and a warm grin, raised her drink. "Well, well, if it isn't Artur! You finally decided to be social?"

Artur rolled his eyes. "Don't make it a big deal."

Billy chuckled, taking a seat beside him. "Apparently, this is a big deal."

Jay slid a beer toward Artur. "Loosen up, man. You work too much."

Artur exhaled, rubbing his temples, but eventually took the bottle. Billy watched with a smirk before turning to Jay. "So, you and Artur have known each other for a while?"

Jay leaned back with a lazy grin. "Since we were kids. Artur used to be a real troublemaker back then."

Billy raised a brow, intrigued. "Oh? Do tell."

Artur shot Jay a warning look, but it was too late. Jay launched into a story about how Artur once got stuck on the roof of the village store after trying to retrieve a lost kite.

Billy burst out laughing. "Oh, I need to see that."

Artur groaned, taking a sip of his drink. "You two are the worst."

Billy nudged him playfully. "You love it."

Artur didn't respond, but the faintest smirk tugged at his lips.

The night stretched on, filled with lighthearted stories, laughter, and the easy comfort of good company. Billy found himself watching Artur more than he realized—how his guarded edges softened around old friends, how his quiet presence carried more warmth than words.

And for some reason, that made Billy's chest feel oddly light.

Jay leaned back against the wooden table, arms crossed loosely over his chest, watching Billy with mild amusement. The party buzzed around them—laughter, clinking bottles, the sound of feet shuffling across the uneven floor as people swayed to the music.

Billy had been teasing Artur all night, throwing jabs between sips of his drink, but Artur barely acknowledged him. He just kept drinking, eyes fixed on nothing in particular, as if Billy's words were nothing more than background noise.

At first, Billy thought he was just ignoring him on purpose—being stubborn, like always—but then he noticed the way Artur's grip on his bottle loosened, the way his posture softened bit by bit. The slight flush creeping up his neck.

Billy's smirk faded slightly. "Hey, maybe slow down a little—"

Artur set his empty bottle down with a loud clink and stood up abruptly. For a second, he just swayed on his feet. Then, as the music picked up, he stepped forward—right into the middle of the small dancing crowd.

Billy's brows lifted. "Oh no."

Jay chuckled beside him. "Oh yes."

Artur moved without rhythm, without a plan—without a single ounce of coordination. His steps were unsteady, more like controlled stumbling than actual dancing. But he was grinning, swaying his shoulders, pointing at random people in the crowd as if he were the star of the show.

Someone whistled. Others cheered him on.

Billy couldn't look away.

Artur spun, too fast, and nearly lost his balance. He caught himself last second, laughing like a kid who had just gotten away with something mischievous. His arms flailed slightly as he tried to follow the beat, but he was hopelessly off-tempo. It didn't matter. He didn't care.

Billy rested his chin against his knuckles, watching with something caught between amusement and... something else.

Billy, seated a few feet away, hadn't taken his eyes off him.

His usual teasing smirk was absent, replaced with something softer—something almost... fascinated. The way his lips curled at the edges, the way his gaze followed Artur's every movement, even when he stumbled slightly. It wasn't just amusement. It was something else.

Jay noticed.

He took a slow sip of his drink, eyes flicking between Billy and Artur before speaking, voice low enough to keep it between them.

"You got it bad, huh?"

Billy blinked, finally tearing his gaze away. "What?"

Jay smirked. "You're staring at him like he's the only one in the room."

Billy scoffed, though his ears burned. "I'm just watching him make a fool of himself."

"Uh-huh." Jay didn't look convinced. "Funny, because that's not what it looks like."

Billy opened his mouth, but no retort came. He turned back toward Artur, watching as he laughed—really laughed—at something one of the dancers said. His face was relaxed, free of the usual guardedness.

Jay chuckled. "Never seen him like this before?"

Billy hesitated, then shook his head. "No. Not like this."

Jay hummed, taking another sip. "Yeah, he doesn't do this often." He tilted his head slightly. "Guess he feels comfortable enough tonight."

Billy didn't respond. He just kept watching.

Jay grinned to himself. "Man, you're so obvious."

Billy shot him a glare. "Shut up."

Jay only laughed, leaning back again. "Yeah, yeah. Enjoy the view, lover boy."

Jay couldn't stop laughing, nearly doubling over as Artur attempted what could only be described as the world's worst spin. He stumbled, nearly crashing into someone before throwing his arms up like he meant to do that.

Billy, who had been silently watching this entire mess unfold, finally sighed and stood up. "Alright, that's enough."

He stepped forward, catching Artur by the arm just as he tried to attempt another disastrous move. "Let's get going. You're drunk."

Artur groaned, swaying slightly. "Nooo, one more dance." He tried to pull away, but his movements were sluggish, uncoordinated.

Billy rolled his eyes, tightening his grip. "No, you're done."

Artur pouted, like an actual child, his lips forming a stubborn line. "You're no fun."

Jay, still chuckling, raised his beer. "Come on, Billy, let the man enjoy himself!"

Billy shot him a look. "If I let him keep going, he's going to break something—probably himself."

Jay just laughed harder.

Artur, meanwhile, was still attempting to resist, his body swaying like he might break into another ridiculous dance at any moment.

Billy exhaled, then without warning, bent down and lifted Artur into his arms.

The movement caught Artur off guard, his breath hitching as he suddenly found himself off the ground. "H-Hey! What the—"

Billy didn't give him a chance to protest. "Say goodbye, Jay," he said over his shoulder as he started walking.

Jay only grinned. "Good luck dealing with him."

Artur huffed against Billy's shoulder, grumbling incoherently, but his body was warm and relaxed. Too drunk to fight back properly.

Billy ignored the amused looks from people around them, focusing on getting Artur home. His heartbeat, however, was a little unsteady. And for some reason... he wasn't quite sure if it was just from the effort of carrying him.

A Night of Unspoken Words

Billy grunted as he adjusted Artur's weight against his side, carefully dragging him through the doorway. The drunken man mumbled incoherent things under his breath, his feet barely cooperating as Billy guided him toward his bed.

Artur let out a dramatic sigh as he collapsed onto the mattress, his limbs splaying out carelessly. Billy exhaled, rolling his shoulders from the effort.

"Hey," Artur suddenly mumbled, voice thick with exhaustion and alcohol.

Billy turned, frowning. "What?"

Artur's brows scrunched together like he was concentrating hard. "You... You're really warm."

Billy blinked. "Okay...?"

Artur hummed, eyes fluttering closed for a moment before snapping open again. He looked like he had something else to say, but the words tumbled out too slurred to make sense.

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Billy sighed, crouching beside the bed. "Alright, enough. Sleep."

He gave Artur's shoulder a firm pat, but the moment he made a move to stand, fingers suddenly wrapped around his wrist.

Billy froze.

Artur's grip was loose, but insistent. His half-lidded eyes peered up at Billy, unreadable in the dim candlelight.

"Where are you going?" Artur murmured.

Billy swallowed. "To my room."

Artur frowned, his grip tightening just slightly. "No. Don't go."

Billy hesitated, searching his face. "You're drunk. Just sleep."

Artur shook his head sluggishly. "Stay."

Billy sighed, carefully prying Artur's fingers off. "You're not thinking straight. Sleep it off."

Artur made a sound of protest, but Billy ignored it, slipping out of the room and closing the door behind him.

Billy let out a breath the moment he stepped into his own room, rubbing his face.

What a night.

He barely made it two steps toward his bed when the door creaked open again.

Billy turned sharply, startled.

There, standing in the doorway, was Artur.

Billy's eyes widened. "What the hell—"

Artur yawned, rubbing his eyes like a child. "You wouldn't sleep in my room, so I came here."

Billy stared. "Are you serious?"

Artur simply walked in, swaying slightly before plopping onto Billy's bed. "Let's sleep."

Billy pinched the bridge of his nose. "No. Are you crazy? Go back to your room."

He reached forward, trying to push Artur up, but the other man resisted. In the struggle, Artur unintentionally shifted his weight, and before Billy could react—

Thud.

Billy hit the mattress with a soft bounce, his breath catching as Artur's body hovered over his.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

The room felt eerily still. Their faces were inches apart, warm breaths mingling in the space between them.

Billy's heartbeat pounded in his ears. Artur's eyes, usually guarded, held something different tonight. Something unreadable.

Then, without warning—

Soft lips pressed against his own.

Billy's eyes snapped open, breath hitching.

The kiss was fleeting, barely a touch—but it was enough to send his mind spiraling.

Artur pulled back just slightly, his gaze heavy-lidded and hazy. Billy's fingers unconsciously brushed his own lips, the warmth still lingering.

"What... was that?" Billy finally managed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Artur didn't answer. Instead, he reached out, grabbing Billy's wrist again.

"Where are you going?" he murmured.

Billy didn't respond, only staring at him.

Artur's lips curled slightly. "Stop."

Billy frowned. "Stop what?"

A lazy, drunken smirk. "Looking at me like that or else."

Billy swallowed, his chest tightening. "Or else what?"

Artur's grip on his wrist tightened slightly. "Or else..." He leaned in, their noses nearly touching. "I'll kiss you again."

Billy's breath caught.

Before Artur could move any closer, Billy quickly pushed him away, sitting up. "You're drunk," he said firmly. "You'll regret this when you're sober."

Artur blinked at him, as if processing his words. Then, to Billy's surprise, he smiled. A small, amused smile—before his body suddenly swayed.

Billy barely had time to react before Artur collapsed onto the bed, eyes already closing.

Soft, steady breaths filled the space between them.

Billy stared at him, his own pulse still racing.

Whatever that was... it had shaken something inside him.

And he wasn't sure if he was ready to face it.

Billy sat frozen at the edge of the bed, staring at Artur's sleeping form. His breath was still uneven, his mind still caught in the moment that had just passed.

Artur's face was relaxed now, his usual sharpness dulled by sleep. His arm was stretched out carelessly, his fingers barely brushing Billy's thigh. The warmth of his skin lingered where he had grabbed him earlier.

Billy swallowed, staring at the ceiling, trying to steady his thoughts.

This was not supposed to happen.

He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. "Unbelievable," he muttered under his breath.

Artur shifted slightly, mumbling something incoherent before settling again.

Billy sighed, shaking his head. He should push him off the bed. Or wake him up and send him back to his own room.

But he didn't.

Instead, he grabbed the spare blanket at the foot of the bed, draping it over Artur with quiet care.

Then, as he lay back, facing the opposite direction, he muttered, "You better not kick me in your sleep."

Artur didn't respond, already lost in dreams.

Billy closed his eyes, but even in the silence, his heart refused to settle.