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The sun was still high in the sky, midday having just passed by. Its radiant light shone through the sparse cloud cover in broad rays. The flowers all around the yard were blooming brilliantly, bursting into all shades of color. Tall yellow sunflowers. Thorny red roses. Tulips of all varieties set in rows.
Basil was sitting on the porch. The wooden bench was a little stiff, but comfortable enough.
A light spring breeze swept through the garden, rustling leaves and petals. It carried the grassy scent along as it went.
It blew Basil’s hair into his face, tickling his nose. He didn't mind, simply brushing his hair back behind his ear and adjusting his earbuds — pushing them back in before they fully fell out.
He continued to hum along to the music.
Behind him, the old wooden boards creaked underfoot.
Sunny walked across the porch before sliding up beside Basil, leaning his shoulder against his.
“Eep!” Basil squeaked, jumping hard enough to almost accidentally smack Sunny in the face.
“Sunny…” He exhaled, pressing a hand to his chest. “I told you to stop sneaking up on me like that.”
Sunny hummed in response, setting his hands together in his lap. A playful smile spread across his face. “You're cute though.”
Basil felt his face heat up. “S-Sunny!”
He quickly looked away, crossing his arms with a pout. “I'm not gonna cuddle you if you keep doing this.”
Basil immediately regretted saying that. He swallowed.
Was that too mean? What if Sunny…?
The silence stretched uncomfortably between them. Basil breathed slowly. His music kept playing, but he didn't even hear it.
Then, Sunny planted a kiss on his cheek. Basil’s stoic expression instantly folded, warmth blooming across his face.
“Do you forgive me?” Sunny asked quietly.
Basil watched him out of the corner of his eye. Sunny had his head tilted downwards slightly, just so he could look up at Basil. His eyes were soft and bright, shining in a way that made Basil’s heart skip.
“F-fine.” His voice came out softer than he had wanted and what little hold he had over his expression disappeared — a wobbly smile overtaking him.
Sunny dropped the puppy-dog act and smiled brightly, scooting closer and hugging Basil’s arm tight.
Basil didn't know whether to relax or tense. It was soft. Soft and warm and safe and too much for him to handle.
He took a deep breath, letting himself back into his seat.
Sunny leaned closer. Close enough for Basil to feel his breath against him. “What are you listening to?”
“It's uh— nothing special.” Basil's gaze drifted.
Sunny didn't reply, but after a second, he plucked an earbud from Basil and put it on.
Basil tensed slightly, his eyes locking onto Sunny, trying to read his expression.
Sunny just listened for a moment.
A soft acoustic guitar. Subdued piano. The sort of song that could have birdsong as built-in ambience.
“It's… you.”
“Huh?” Basil blinked. “It's… me?”
Sunny tilted his head. “I mean… it sounds like you — it’s nice. Peaceful.”
“Oh.” Basil said breathlessly.
Peaceful…
He looked back out. At the grass rustling. The trees swaying gently. The blue sky with the sun still shining bright.
His expression softened.
He leaned into Sunny, resting his head on his shoulder.
Warm. Peaceful. Like a quiet tune.