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It started with a harmless question, he didn’t know it’d lead to such a turn of events.
Sunny was visiting Faraway since winter break had started not too long ago. He really wanted to get out of the big smelly city he’d grown to call his home, because even though he was quite accustomed to the loud atmosphere and busy city streets, no place could ever beat the homely feeling of Faraway town.
At the present moment he decided to stay over at Basil’s house. Sure, he could’ve stayed in one of the few fancy motels that were nearby like his mother suggested and was currently doing, but he preferred it this way. They were dating now and all.
Their relationship was fairly new, so they were keeping it on the down-low for the time being. They’d long both forgiven each other since the incident, along with the rest of their friends, but that didn’t mean that things weren’t rough at first. Really rough. The two had each other for comfort after Sunny confessed the truth, but even then their friendship had a lot of ups and downs.
They commonly came across communication issues, and the long distance didn’t make it any better, but somehow, they managed. Sunny was not willing to give up on him again, nor was Basil, and with that stubborn mindset they both slowly rekindled their friendship. Kel was the first one to warm back up to them after they worked everything out, and by then they’d both received intense therapy for their trauma, which they were both unreservedly thankful for.
Next up on the list was Aubrey, and she had a lot of words for the two. Mainly curse words and long-winded rants about how the two had acted completely selfishly, but they miraculously handled it. It took a lot of convincing and apologizing, but she finally accepted an invitation to go out for frozen-yogurt with the three of them, and that was the first time the four of them all hung out with each other in years. Now, she teased and bickered with Basil like they were brother and sister, and every so often Sunny would allow her to paint his nails black.
Hero had been the most terrifying to talk to. He has an incredible amount of height over them, and the last encounter they’d had was in the hospital, not a very nice way to end it off. Months went by without a word–Kel had to be the one to set something up so they could have a proper talk. Between stuttered sentences and worried mindsets, they were able to give Hero a good insight on what had happened that night, and won his trust back slowly and steadily.
During that time, Sunny had grown unusually fond of the boy he called his best friend and began to struggle extremely hard with his identity, and not in the way he usually did. Instead of the usual dissociative fantasies and delusions he frequently suffered from, he began to question himself as a whole, who he was as a person, even who he was attracted to. The world expanded in a way he didn’t expect, and at first he didn’t know how to feel. He could recall that when he was younger he thought that he’d had a crush on Aubrey, but it turned out to be completely platonic, so when he started feeling things he’d never felt before when he was around Basil, he put it off, buried it deep inside his brain. It was of low importance, he told himself time and time again.
But Sunny couldn’t resist feeling affection towards him. The teasing, the flirting, how he’d tenderly graze his hand on his arm or shoulder–Basil would freeze up anytime Sunny got too close or said anything coquettish to him, it was adorable, and still is to this day.
Eventually, Sunny got sick of avoiding his feelings, so one night while they were up on his apartment complex's roof stargazing, he interrupted Basil mid-conversation to grab him by the collar and kiss him. It was impulsive, but he knew it was what he wanted, and based on how Basil would flutter his eyelashes towards him and tuck his hair behind an ear, he was hoping he wanted it as well. Basil kissed him back, gently and ignorantly, and apologized afterwards for being so inexperienced, but Sunny didn’t care; he was in the same boat after all. That night was the night that everything felt in place again, and he truly felt happy for the first time in a while.
Neither of them knew what they were doing since they’d not been in any previous relationships, so they took it slow. Really slow. They hadn’t even exchanged, “I love you’s” until about a month ago, which marked five months of their relationship as a whole. Yes, Sunny was keeping track of the time they were together, how could he not when this boy filled his heart with joy so persistently?
Cut to current time, the sun had already been set for a couple of hours, so after they helped Polly clean up after dinner, they decided to settle down and cuddle up in bed. Sunny was doing his best to fall asleep, but the constant shivering coming from Basil was keeping him awake. He knows he’s not the warmest person to snuggle up against, but it was unusual for him to be shaking so much.
“Basil…?” He felt the smaller boy shift in his arms; Sunny was acting as the big spoon this time around. Although he did like being hugged by him from behind, he also enjoyed the feeling of him in his own arms. Sometimes, he’d put his hand against Basil’s chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat pound against it. It was more of an affirmation thing more than anything, just to make sure none of this was a dream, because sometimes he still can’t believe that he gets this boy all to himself.
“Hmmm?” Basil hummed, looking over his shoulder. He tried wiping the weariness from his eyes. Sunny hates that he might’ve woken him up, but he was too worried not to, “Are you cold?” he asked.
It was a simple question, one you didn’t think would spark such a chain of events; a butterfly effect if you will. Basil tried turning in his arms, so Sunny loosened his grip and allowed him enough space to sit up, “A ‘lil bit.” he mumbled, yawning tired.
A little bit. Sunny didn’t believe that, so he took his hand under his sweater to feel his body temperature and pressed it to his back.
Basil jumped at contact, not anticipating it of course, “Ah- Sunny! Wh-What’re you doing?” he yelped in a whisper, hoping that Polly wouldn’t hear that they were still awake. Sunny pulled his body closer to him, “You’re freezing.” he whispered in his ear, pulling his hand away.
“Am I not warm enough for you?”
“It’s not that Sunny.” Basil assured him. “I don’t really have any thick clothes I can wear to sleep without f-feeling uncomfortable. I’ve never really had to worry about that u-up until now, but now it’s sub zero outside…” He explained. Ah, his sweater was quite thin, and Basil’s the type that hated sleeping in extra layers of clothing–he has ever since he was a child. Something about the way that the different fabrics rubbed against his skin gave him the ick.
So Sunny thought on it for a moment before landing on an idea. “Wear one of my hoodies.” He offered as he propped his head up and held eye contact with him.
“They’re thick, warm… I brought a ton.” And that he did, it was in preparation for the colder winter that they were supposed to have this year. Even Sunny had his limits when it came to the freezing temperatures.
“A-Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to take something of yours that-”
“Basil.” Sunny interrupted him, putting a finger to Basil’s lips. He really hates how humble he is sometimes, not even willing to borrow a jacket from somebody if he’s cold. “Shush. You’re my boyfriend. Boyfriends… wear each other's clothing. I think.” To be honest, Sunny didn’t really know what he was saying. He was slightly slurring his words, and to be frank just really wanted to see the other in something he owned. All of Sunny’s clothes were sizes too big for him, just the way he liked it, he can’t imagine how they’d look on Basil.
Even in the dim light, he could still spot how Basil’s cheeks turned a deep red. He seemed a bit flustered, “O-Okay…” he caved. Sunny silently celebrated in his head, following as Basil sat up and allowed him to get the bag of clothes he brought for the week. He bent down and unzipped it, searching thoroughly until he found the perfect one.
It was just about the right thickness, soft on the inside but not to the point of it being itchy. It was black, Sunny’s favorite color, and had a tulip patch ironed on that his mother had gifted him some random afternoon; he guesses that she remembers Basil assigning them flowers when they were younger, so he pulled it out and held it to eye level.
“How about this one?” He asked. Basil observed it with raised inner brows, he’s probably intimidated by the size.
“Tulip, why are all your clothes two sizes too big for you?” He inquired, rubbing at his tired eyes. Sunny felt his heart skip at the nickname. He’s used it many times before, but it still sends flutters to his chest every time.
Sunny began folding it back up, “I-I can find a different one. I’m sure there’s one my size in here somewhere.” he fumbled a bit, beginning to get a bit frustrated with his sudden lack of ability to fold his clothes up correctly.
“Hehe, Sunny…” Basil giggled and reached his hands out to grab the hoodie from him. His hands grazed Sunny’s, “I was only t-teasing. I’ll take it.” and set the garment on his bedside table so he could take off his own.
Of course , Sunny stared like an absolute idiot. He didn’t expect Basil to so confidently remove an article of clothing that would completely expose his bare skin, but he had in an eager attempt to get warm fast. He never noticed up until now, but Basil had a lot of freckles below his collarbone area, and a few faded ones near the bottom of his stomach; Sunny wants to trace his fingers across every one of them…
His gaze didn’t go unnoticed by the other, how could it when he didn’t even try to hide the fact that he was looking so diligently. As he struggled to put on the entirety of the sleeves, Basil glanced back up with a shy expression, “S-Sunny… You’re–You’re s-staring.” he whined.
Sunny whipped his head to the side, covering up the giddy smile he had on his face. “S-Sorry.” His face heated, slightly embarrassed that he’d been caught by him.
In the corner of his eye, he saw Basil successfully pull the hoodie over his head, so he automatically assumed that he could look back. Basil held his arms horizontally in the air just to show how big it fit on him. “It’s comfortable… Big, b-but comfortable.”
The absolute adoration seeing him in his hoodie was almost too much. Almost . The sleeves reached well past his hands, and the hood scrunched up against his hair, making it bunch together at the end. Now he really wanted him back in his arms.
He stepped closer to him, attempting to grab his hands but ultimately ended up grabbing a fist full of empty fabric. Basil giggled, rolling up the sleeves to where they could hold hands, and entangled their fingers together. They were cold, as was the rest of his body, and he was still a bit shaky from before. But he knew how to warm him right back up.
Pulling him closer to where their bodies made contact, Sunny smiled at him longingly. In a nervous endeavor, Basil smiled back, still not used to the affection very much, but Sunny doesn’t have much room to talk. Every time Basil touched him it was like a fire was lit on his skin.
“You’re beautiful.” He told him, rubbing a thumb against his palm. Basil’s face seemed to get even redder; was it possible for one to turn the color of a tomato? Because if so, that’d be the perfect description of him at the moment.
He was struggling to maintain eye contact, and he stumbled over his words before finally answering, “C-Come on Sunny… B-Be serious.”
“I am being serious. You’re my beautiful little Sunflower.” Basil covered his face with his hands; Sunny enjoyed making him blush furiously like this. He often goes speechless, and the sight of his flushed face makes him want to kiss him all over.
“O-Oh my God. This is mortifying.”
“Why? There’s no one else around.”
“You k-know I love you, Sunny, but you are so corny sometimes.” Sunny sat back down on the bed, pulling Basil along with him by the arms.
“Oh Yeah? Well I recall you being even cornier.”
“Name one time.”
Sunny grinned mischievously, knowing exactly what he was going to bring up. “Okay, how about the first time I said I love you? You looked me straight in the eyes and said, “I love you too, sweetheart. I have ever since I laid my eyes on you.” and then I kissed you until you-”
“Okay! O-Okay, you’ve proven your point…” Basil said, leaning forward to give him a peck on the cheek, “I’m tired.” he told him. Sunny took the hint and made room on the bed for him with open arms.
This time, instead of laying face away, he trapped his arms around Sunny’s torso and laid his head against his chest. The smell of his shampoo engrossed his nose; usually smelling of lilac or lavender. Basil always had an Earthy smell to him, one that Sunny craved when they were apart.
A hand reached up to his face so that he could pull Basil’s bangs back. Once he gained access to his forehead, he planted a gentle, loving kiss on it. Hugging him even closer to him and entwining their legs together comfortably, he rubbed circles into Basil’s back, a motion he found helped the boy fall asleep better. And, after a few minutes of that, heard Basil wish him a quiet and muffled goodnight.
To that, “Goodnight, Buttercup.” he wished him one as well, not ignoring the way Basil’s grip became tighter after the use of endearment.
—
Ever since that night, Basil has used Sunny's hoodie to fall asleep in, even when they were long distance. He claimed that it helped him fall asleep faster because it smelled of him, to which he asked what that smelt like and he replied, “Citrus with a hint of the ocean.” What a strange combination, but he claimed that it comforted him. So now, every time Sunny visits, which is as often as he can, he leaves him with one of his recently worn hoodies. He understands how bad his insomnia is, and if this helps him to fall asleep quicker he’s more than happy to leave one.
Today, Sunny planned to go back to Faraway and visit him. It was a Monday, but so quickly after the winter break had stopped and started another universal holiday had snuck up on them. There was still snow and ice on the ground and most of the roads so it took longer than it usually would on the bus, but he managed to make it safely. When Sunny spotted him, he greeted Basil with his usual enthusiasm, still keeping it lowkey since Polly or one of their neighbors were bound to be watching the two exchange a hug on his front doorstep.
“I missed you.” Sunny whispered in his ear as they parted from their hug. Basil giggled, “You were just here Friday.”
“Yeah, but I always miss you.”
The two decided to call up their friends a day prior to see if they wanted to spend the day at the old treehouse and chill for the day–the stressful week they’d all had at school had completely drained them all. It was like their teachers wanted them to suffer as soon as they were back from break.
Kel unfortunately was being forced to go shopping with his parents, Hero was out of the question since he was hours away visiting other family members, but Aubrey had said, “If I’m not being forced to listen to your guys’ nerd crap, then yes.” referring to how Basil and Sunny would talk about books they’d both recently read, so they agreed to tone it down this time around.
The trio sat on some of the beanbags they’d brought to the treehouse after fixing it up, it was basically a brand new place at this point. Pillows and blankets were scattered about, the old table was still being used to hoist a few card games and empty cans nobody bothered throwing out yet–someone had even brought a mini fridge to store drinks in, it was basically a teenage haven at this point.
They formed a triangle around each other, chatting about whatever came to mind. Aubrey excitedly brought up how she couldn’t wait until baseball season started at school so she could, “Upshow Kel.” and win more games than him. They always had some kind of rivalry going on, whether that be who could score more points in a video game, or who could eat more pizza slices at Gino’s.
Sunny swears she only does the latter because Kel’s lactose intolerant and immediately regrets their competition later on.
Basil nodded and chuckled as she went on, telling Sunny more stories about how she and the Hooligans had run away from the police last weekend. And as much as he enjoyed them, he could only focus on how his boyfriend was a foot away from him in the same black hoodie he’d worn that one winter night they were together.
He tried to not stare too much so Aubrey wouldn’t notice, but she ended up bringing something up he couldn’t avoid answering.
“Hey Sunny, isn’t that your hoodie?” She pointed towards Basil with a shit-eating grin. Basil’s eyes widened at her question, and flickered with hesitation when Sunny nodded. What’s the use in lying if she already has it figured out?
“Yeah. Yeah, it’s mine.” He said, trying to play it cool. He couldn’t ignore the way his heart sped up when Aubrey raised an eyebrow at him though.
“I-I was cold! Sunny lent me one of his h-hoodies out of pure generosity!” Basil cut in, stuttering over his words in a nervous attempt at blowing this whole thing over.
However, Aubrey could tell something was up, “Actually, now that I think about it, I’ve seen you wearing a lot of his hoodies. Like that other black one with the skull on the back, and that dark red one that has some kind of lettering on it. Even the one Sunny’s wearing right now.” she observed.
Basil started to become increasingly uncomfortable, and began fidgeting with his fingers. “Ahaha, well-”
“Basil likes to wear my hoodies so I let him. Simple as that.” Sunny cut in before he could say something stupid–he always manages to slip up on the spot. With that, Basil nodded his head vigorously, “Y-Yeah! They’re warmer th-than my own, and Sunny has such a kind heart, so he lets me borrow them…” he said.
Sunny just knew that she was going to have some kind of comment on that when Aubrey leaned forward in place, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Gag, you guys are so sickingly gay. Would you just get together already?”
And there it was. With the way she snorted to herself, Sunny wonders how long she’s been waiting to joke like this. She certainly waited long enough, they’ve been together for half a year already, but she couldn’t know that. Probably…
When she realized neither of them had even let out a pity laugh, she lifted her head to see the two exchanging questionable glances to each other. Basil was extremely flustered, and Sunny knew he looked like he could implode at any second. He so badly wants to say something. Something indirect but still suggestive of the fact that she’d unknowingly joked about the two being a thing when they were already a thing .
“Um, how do I say this?
“S-Sunny!”
“What? Hehe…” Sunny laughed at Basil’s panicked tone, he would never reveal their relationship without his permission, but it was funny to tease him. Plus, Sunny’s pretty sure Aubrey’s got them figured out by the way her face lit up with realization.
“Don’t tell me-” She snapped her finger, pointing it between the two, “Oh shit! You two are definitely dating already!” she said with a cackle. Immediately after saying that, Basil let out small, surprised noise, and covered his face up with his hands. It was the reaction Sunny expected him to have–embarrassed and tongue-tied, so when Aubrey met Sunny’s eyes, he glanced between her and Basil, suggesting for her to go on even further.
“Basillllll~ Why didn’t you tell me? You’re like my brother for God’s sake!” She nudged him, trying to pry away his hands from his agitated face. “Oh man! Hero totally owes me that ten dollars we bet on.”
“Y-You made a bet?” Basil shrieked, flapping his hands in the air with a shook-up look on his face. That even managed to bewilder Sunny. He knew that Aubrey probably had some sort of suspicion of some sort, with her experience being with Kim and all, but Hero? Basil and Sunny were apprehensive telling their friends about them all this time because they didn’t know how Hero would react. They thought the both of them being a couple would be a bigger deal, they didn’t know they were forming bets and predictions behind their backs.
“Wait, so everyone knows?” Sunny concerned himself with. To his surprise, Aubrey shook her head, “Kel doesn’t. He’s totally oblivious. Hero thought you two were just narrowly avoiding each other’s feelings, but me? Ohoho, Sunny you made it too obvious.”
“Me?” Sunny exasperated, he thought if anyone Basil was the obvious one.
Aubrey threw her head back, groaning loudly, “Oh my God, yes. The constant goo-goo eyes you give him–you’re always shooting glances at him when he’s in your line of view. And don't get me started on the discreet flirting, you think Kim and I didn’t do that shit?”
Sunny shook his head, rubbing his temples in confusion. “What? I thought I was being inconspicuous.”
“Nuh-Uh. “Basil, you look nice today. Basil, you should let Aubrey dye your hair blue, you’d look good in it. Oh Basil! This reminds me of you-” Sunny leapt over to cover Aubrey’s mouth, feeling dumbfounded at the amount of times she could recall him talking in a sweeter manner than usual towards the blond. However, her strength was unmatched, and she was easily able to pry him off and knock him back to the beanbag he was sitting on before, all the while laughing hysterically.
“Hmph…” He crossed his arms in defeat, and in the corner of his eye could see Basil scooting closer towards him, “Aww, who's the corny one now?” he cooed, grabbing onto Sunny’s arm and rubbing it comfortingly.
He nuzzled his head against his shoulder, “I win.” he declared. Sunny couldn’t help grinning, even though he was a little irritated, seeing Basil smile so warmly made him happy.
“Ooookay, don’t get too comfortable around me now. Seriously though, I’m happy for you two. How long s’it been?”
“Six months.”
“Six months?!? You fuckers didn’t say anything for six months?” Aubrey exclaimed in shock.
“T-To be fair, we didn’t know wh-what you all would think if we told you.” Basil said.
“You think we care?” Sunny and Basil nodded simultaneously, and she replied by sucking air through her teeth, shaking her head in denial. “None of us care what you guys decide to do, as long as it’s not stupid…” She said.
“Oh, I am so telling Hero all about this later! Is that cool? Can I tell him?” Her eyes sparkled with want, it was the kind of look you couldn’t say no to. So with Sunny approval, Basil nodded his head, “Haha, o-okay…” and agreed to let her be the one to break the news to him. Sunny hopes it goes over well, and that he’s not upset that they didn’t say anything for so long…
“Ooo, and make sure I’m around for when you tell Kel. I can’t wait to see the stupid look on his face…” Aubrey rubbed her hands together maliciously, anticipating for the moment to arrive. Sunny bashfully scratched the nape of neck, he feels like if anyone’s going to be the most confused it’s definitely going to be Kel.
“Yeah, w-we’ll make sure of it…”
Overall, he was relieved that they were finally deciding to make their relationship known. Having the hands of your loved one in your own anywhere he wanted now was the best feeling in the world, and the small glances Sunny would sneak at him were all the much better. At one point, he and Basil began sharing the same beanbag, and as his head was leaned against him, a soft snoring erupted from the smaller boy's throat. The hoodie had once again worked its magic and lulled him to sleep.
“Is he asleep?”
“Yeah, told you; it does wonders.” Sunny said, stroking Basil’s chin and stirring him half-awake.
“Sun-Sun…” Sunny felt like he stopped breathing for a second; he’s never used their pet-names they had for each other in front of anyone else.
He tried to ignore the very obvious stare he was getting from Aubrey, and focused on Basil instead, “Do you wanna go home and nap? I can carry you on my back.”
“How generous of you, Sunny.” Aubrey jested, her use of the word mocking Basil’s from hours ago. Sunny stuck his tongue out at her in protest.
“Mmm… Mhm.” Basil agreed, so Sunny adjusted in his spot, allowing for him to wrap his arms around his neck and legs around his torso. Once he got a good grip, he stood up, wrapping his arms tightly around Basil’s thighs, “You coming?” he asked the taller of the two.
Aubrey nodded, “Yeah.”
Ironically, thank God they installed stairs to the treehouse, because it would’ve been a pain getting out otherwise. You wouldn’t expect it, but Basil was feisty when you woke him up from a nap too early. Sunny remembers the first time he did that he wouldn’t talk to him for an hour, and everything he tried to do to apologize made it worse. He’d give anyone and everyone really irritated stares, and had an attitude when you’d try to peacefully talk to him and work it out. But after some time, he’d come back to his senses and apologize for being so ill.
Sunny understood though, he’d be angry too if he’d finally been able to fall asleep after hours of trying and then somebody woke him up. It was just a rough patch that they had to work through together.
When he told Aubrey this, she seemed to be very amused, “Damn! You’ve got yourself kind of a nutty one here. That’s cool though, you’ve always liked them that way.”
“Aubrey.”
“I’m joking, please don’t tell him I said that.”
“Oh trust me, I won’t” They stopped in front of Basil’s house, she’d walked with them just in case Sunny couldn’t handle carrying him on his own. He knew he’d be able to–Basil’s fairly light, but Aubrey didn’t believe him because he had what she called, “stick limbs and a sickly figure” in her eyes. She looked dotingly at Basil, grabbing a piece of his soft hair and stroking it between her fingers.
“You know what? You’re right. Maybe he would look good with blue hair.” Sunny nodded, adjusting his weight so he wouldn’t slide off any further.
“It was nice seeing you, but I really should get him to bed.”
Aubrey smiled in understanding, tilting her head to the side, “Take good care of him for me, will ya?” she asked of him. He could tell she was using a more serious tone than usual, so instead of one of the many sarcastic remarks, he replied back,
“I will. He’s everything to me.”