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Sunny blinked awake as the sun hit his face. His eyes were forced shut as a yawn escaped him.
Warm morning light shone through the white curtains, casting a sunbeam across the wooden floorboards, all the way to the couch where he lay.
Dust motes swirled and danced through the air; lazy, drifting motions.
The whole house was silent as the morning itself. Only the quiet hum of the air conditioning filled the air.
That, and Basil’s easy breaths as he slept atop him.
His cheek was pressed against Sunny’s chest as his mouth hung slightly open. His arms were absently wrapped around Sunny, one hand resting atop his chest and the other pinned awkwardly beneath him.
A smile came to Sunny’s face.
Basil felt warm and heavy atop him. Like a weighted blanket wrapped in a sunbeam. With his soft golden hair the most peaceful expression he'd ever seen.
Sunny brought his arm around Basil and slowly rubbed his back, ruffling his shirt.
Basil shifted slightly, humming quietly in his sleep.
Sunny’s chest felt lighter, even as Basil pressed against it.
His fingers found their way to Basil’s hair and threaded through it; each strand so soft and silky.
A light floral scent from his shampoo permeated the air.
He twirled the strands between his fingers as he watched Basil raise and fall with his breaths.
Sunny’s hand slowed.
The sun reflected off his blonde hair with a gentle golden glow. Like he himself was the light.
He was…
For Sunny, he was the light.
The reason why every morning felt so bright, even after everything.
The reason why dusk didn't scare him anymore, because the light never left.
Sunny paused.
The reason he was even still here at all.
Basil let out the tiniest, sleepy whine as he leaned his head against Sunny’s hand like he was asking for more.
Sunny let his shoulders sink into the couch cushions and continued gently running his fingers through Basil’s hair.
A content hum from Basil thanked him.
The morning light shifted slowly as the sun climbed up the sky.
Basil’s arm was still trapped under him, so Sunny lifted himself off the couch to free it.
Then, carefully, he moved it out from beneath him before he sank back into the couch.
But as soon as he let go, it found its way back around— now curling around his neck to hold the back of his head.
At the same time, Basil pulled himself closer to Sunny’s face.
Sunny’s eyes widened for a moment, then softened again.
The smile on Basil’s face had grown even wider.
It wasn't careful. Nor was it strained.
Rather, it was bright and yet gentle.
A genuine warmth that soaked through him fully.
Sunny didn't even know what to do with it all— with how Basil made him feel just by smiling. Just by being here.
The rest didn't even matter.
Basil was here, and he was smiling.
Sunny closed his eyes for a moment, breathing softly.
Basil mumbled something in his sleep; gibberish.
His sleepy voice washed over Sunny like a sheet fresh out of the dryer.
Sunny melted further into the couch. He could lay here forever if the world let him.
But they needed to get up eventually.
Sunny shook Basil’s shoulder as lightly as he could to try and wake him.
No response.
He tried again.
Nothing.
The third time, he got something; a quiet groan as Basil shifted.
“Basil…” Sunny whispered with a smile.
“Huh?” He mumbled back, still half asleep.
“It's time to wake up.” Sunny said softly.
Basil groaned and tried to roll over. Instead, he was stopped by the couch's backrest.
He let out a long yawn before worming his way between Sunny and the cushions.
Basil had nearly pushed Sunny off the couch in the process. And Sunny had to shift into his side to fit without falling off.
They were facing each other now, breath against each other's cheeks as their noses nearly bumped together.
Their arms lay awkwardly atop each other in what little space was between them.
Sunny took Basil’s hand in his own, interweaving their fingers.
“Basil…” He poked Basil’s cheek with his free hand.
Basil’s eyes slowly fluttered open, blinking slowly a couple of times.
“Sunny…?” His voice was groggy and slurred from just waking up.
“Morning.” Sunny smiled and leaned in for a quick kiss.
Basil's sleep-laden expression quickly lifted. “Already?”
Sunny smiled wider.
Basil exhaled and returned the kiss. “Fine.”
They gazed at each other for a long moment. Like they were memorizing each other's face for the hundredth time.
Time passed by unnoticed.
“We should really get up.” Sunny finally broke the silence.
“Mhmm…” Basil hummed as he wrapped his arms around Sunny and pulled him closer.
Sunny instantly melted into the embrace, arms curling around Basil as well.
Basil snuggled into the crook of Sunny’s neck naturally, like they were made to fit together. Soft and warm.
Rolling onto his back, Sunny pulled Basil back on top of him before craning his neck to give him another kiss.
A breathless giggle escaped Basil. “S-Sunny…”
“Love you.” Sunny whispered.
“Love you too.” Basil said through a yawn.
Sunny’s hand rested on the back of Basil’s head, holding him close.
Basil breathed slowly as Sunny caressed him. His eyes grew heavy.
Basil’s breath tickled Sunny’s neck.
His lips wobbled as he held in a laugh. “Come on Basil…”
Only the sound of his soft breaths answered.
“Basil?”
Silence.
Sunny sighed, expression softening.
He let his eyes fall closed as he tightened his hold around Basil.
Their chests were pressed together, and Sunny could feel his heartbeat clearly.
Slowly, as the morning drifted along, it synced with his own.
The sun continued to rise, and the sunbeam that had once held them now inched across the floor.
Basil stirred once more, sending a wave of hot air into Sunny’s face as he yawned.
Sunny scrunched his nose for a moment.
“Good morning again, Bas.”
Basil sat up, still on top of Sunny's legs as he rubbed his eyes. “Again…?”
Sunny pushed himself upright, booping Basil’s nose with his finger. “Again.”
“H-hey!” Basil held his nose and pouted. “Meanie…”
“Sleepyhead.” Sunny countered as he slid his tingling legs out from under Basil.
Basil crossed his arms and looked away.
Shifting closer, Sunny gently brushed Basil’s hair behind his ear. “Does sleeping beauty want some tea?”
Basil didn't respond immediately.
“Yes…” He said quietly.
Sunny smiled as he scooted his legs off the couch and set his feet flat on the floor.
The wooden boards were cold and hard compared to the fabric of the couch.
He wiggled his toes.
Finally, he managed to push himself up, taking a second to find his balance.
When he looked back, Basil was sinking into the couch once again.
“Basil…” Sunny sighed. “It's time to get up.”
Basil leaned his head further against the backrest. “Ugh…”
Taking Basil's wrist, Sunny tried to pull him off the couch. “You have flowers to water…”
He gripped the cushion's fabric tight and fought against Sunny’s pull. “Don't wanna…” His words slurred in his sleepiness.
Sunny pulled harder.
And Basil tumbled off the couch— cushion and all.
“Ack!” He shoved it off his face as he lay on the floor, looking up at Sunny. “What was that for?”
“To get you up.” Sunny said plainly. “You told me to.”
“What?” Basil blinked.
“You said not to let you ignore your flowers in the morning.”
“Did I?” Basil pushed himself off the floor and scratched his head.
“Twice.” Sunny deadpanned.
“O-oh…” Basil giggled. “That sounds like me.”
Sunny exhaled and offered his hand to help Basil stand up.
Once he was up, Sunny planted a kiss on his forehead. “Water your flowers. I'll start tea.”
A smile grew across Basil's face as he watched Sunny disappear into the kitchen.
His gaze stayed on the empty door a moment longer.
Even after so many years… these mornings still felt unreal.
Him and Sunny…
He blinked.
“Right… flowers…”
A yawn escaped him. He covered it with his hand as he shuffled over to grab the watering can.
Then he walked into the kitchen to fill it from the sink.
His eyes still felt heavy, blinking slowly and struggling to open them every time.
The kettle was already on the stove heating up.
Sunny was leaning into the fridge as he rummaged through it.
Basil walked past him and turned on the water. He pushed his sleeves up, but they fell right back down again.
He stared at them a moment before properly rolled them up.
The water was cold as he cupped it in his hands, hesitating a moment before splashing it across his face.
He shuddered. His eyes were wide open now.
“Out of milk.” Sunny looked over as he closed the fridge. “So no pancakes… are eggs good?”
Basil watched the watering can fill up under the faucet. “Yeah, that's fine.”
“Scrambled, extra pepper?” Sunny asked.
“Of course.” Basil smiled at him. “You're the best.”
“I know.” Sunny answered with a smirk.
“And I know that you know.”
With the watering can now full, Basil picked it up and turned off the water.
“They'll be done by the time you finish.” Sunny said as Basil left to water his flowers.
Basil went about watering all the plants and flowers around the house.
Each lily, tulip, and daisy. All tended to individually.
Curly pink petals kept vibrant.
Green leaves broad and firm as ever.
Basil checked the soil and roots of everyone as he went, looking for any early signs of disease.
All of them were still healthy.
He looked at the flowers set atop the window sill, expression softening.
The pot overflowed with vibrant dahlias of all colors.
The kettle sounded from the other room. It hissed a few moments before dying down again.
His attention settled back on the flowers again.
The newest ones to join his family of blooms, having spent just a few months in their new home.
They were special too…
A gift from Sunny.
He must have done a lot of research before deciding on these.
His breaths slowed as he gently traced a finger down its petals.
Dahlias…
Fourteen years…
He still couldn't believe it's been that long.
A whole, fourteen years…
The smell of freshly cooked eggs wafted from the kitchen.
Sunny stood in the door. “Taking your time?”
“H-huh?” Basil jumped slightly. “Oh… I guess…”
“Come on.” Sunny gestured behind him. “Food’s done.”
“Thanks.”
Basil looked back at the dahlias for a moment before setting the watering can down and following after Sunny.
When he walked into the room, breakfast was already set out on the table: two plates of simple scrambled eggs and two still-steaming mugs of tea.
Sunny pulled out a chair for Basil.
He sighed softly before leaning over it to kiss Sunny’s cheek. “Thanks again.”
Then he sat down and scooted forward.
Sunny slid in next to him.
Steam twisted and curled upwards from their mugs as their forks clanked against the plates.
Breakfast passed by in a peaceful silence as they shared the space between moments.
Basil set his fork down and leaned his shoulder against Sunny. “Thanks again for making breakfast.”
“Always.” He leaned into Basil too.”The flowers doing well?”
“Yeah.” Basil took a sip of tea, emptying the last of his mug. “They’re as healthy as ever.”
“Of course. They’ve got you taking care of them.”
Basil giggled before resting his head against Sunny. “And I have you.”
Sunny’s arm wrapped around Basil. His hand settled on his shoulder. “We have each other.”
Basil closed his eyes as he settled into Sunny’s warmth.
For a few moments they sat still, pressed against each other softly.
“Hehe…” Basil giggled. “We're really cheesy aren't we?”
“I guess so…” Sunny whispered before meeting Basil’s eyes. “Does it matter?”
Basil leaned his head on Sunny’s shoulder. “No.”
The quiet settled between them. Only the faint rustle of their clothes and the murmurs of their breath filled the space.
“Meow~”
Sunny felt a weight land on his lap.
A fluffy calico cat stood up and meowed at his face, putting its paws against his chest to reach higher.
Sunny fought back a laugh as its whiskers brushed against his face.
“Okay, okay…” He patted its head before picking it up. “I'll get your breakfast too. I just have to—”
“I'll get the dishes.” Basil interjected as he ruffled the cat's fur. “Get Sir Meowsalot here some food.”
Sunny nodded, looking back at the cat as he stood up. “Alright, Don Fluffles, food time.”
“Meow~”
“Thanks for doing the dishes.” Sunny said to Basil as he hoisted the cat up, resting its front paws on his shoulder.
“It's nothing.”
“Still. Thanks.” Sunny said again.
“Hehe…” Basil scratched his cheek.
“Alright…” Sunny adjusted his hold as the cat's claws dug into his shirt. “Czar Whiskers here is getting impatient.”
“Well… we can't keep His Royal Highness waiting, now can we?” Basil leaned over, nearly bumping noses with the cat.
It stared back at him with wide eyes. Then distracted itself with something unseen.
He smiled and stood upright again.
Sunny walked out of the room to feed their cat.
And Basil moved to start the dishes, stacking the plates and holding the mugs in his other hand. They clanked together as he set them down next to the sink.
Just a few dishes. Not enough to fill up the whole sink with water. Bubbles formed from the soapy water.
Basil took a deep breath. It turned into a yawn.
The sink had enough water now, so he spun the faucet to the second to fill for rinsing.
Once it was good, he turned it off and took the first plate to wash.
A quick wipe was all it needed before he set in the rinse sink.
Next was a mug.
But he found himself staring at it.
A mug that he'd had for years and yet couldn't remember seeing in some time.
His expression mellowed.
Since all the way before… this.
Faraway seemed like a distant memory now— and it was.
But sometimes it seemed closer.
Close enough to wedge something into his heart that he couldn't quite place.
He breathed slowly.
Sunny rubbed Basil’s back as he stepped beside him.
Basil jumped slightly. “O-oh.”
He exhaled, then smiled. “Did Lord Tabby get his breakfast?”
“He's chowing down.” Sunny grabbed a dish out of the rinse sink and set it to dry. “Were you thinking about something?”
“H-huh?” Basil blinked. “Y-yeah… I guess.”
“Uh oh, that's never a good thing.” Sunny said lightly.
“Hey!” Basil exclaimed, expression turning to a pout.
Sunny just smiled.
With a sigh, Basil washed the mug and handed it to Sunny.
“Do you ever…” Basil pursed his lips. “Think about Faraway?”
Sunny froze for a moment before answering. “All the time.”
“H-huh?” Basil’s eyes widened.
The mug clanked as Sunny set in on the dish rack. “Hard not to.”
“...With everything…” Basil’s gaze fell to his hands. Wrinkles had started to form from the soapy water. “With everything that happened…”
“Sometimes I feel… I don't know.” Basil shook his head. “Forget it.”
Sunny's expression mellowed. “Basil…”
Basil continued to stare silently into the sink.
Sunny set his hand atop Basil’s head, dampening his hair as he ruffled it.
Basil’s eyes widened as he looked up at him.
“Sounds like someone needs to clear their thoughts.” Sunny offered a mellow smile.
“And your hair's a mess. Go take a shower, okay?” He added.
Basil opened his mouth, then closed it, answering with a silent nod.
“I love you, Basil.”
Basil’s expression softened. “I know.”
“And I know that you know.”
“Pfft.” Basil cracked. “Stop it…”
Sunny’s smile only grew. “Go take your shower already.”
“Mhmm.” Basil brushed Sunny’s hand with his as he walked away.
Sunny finished up the last few dishes, drained the sink, and set them out to dry.
He lingered a moment longer before walking into the living room.
No longer was a sunbeam spread across the floor. Instead, natural light from outside streamed through the whole room, brightening the air itself.
Sunny walked up to the window, gazing at the world beyond.
Outside, the sun was already rising higher as afternoon approached. It was bright enough to hurt his eyes.
Pure blue sky dotted with white stretched out above the tree line. Sunflowers stood tall in their planters.
Sunflowers… always Basil’s favorite. It fits him well.
Sunny chuckled.
Anyone else would say that they had too many, but Basil would probably plant a whole field if he could. He never seemed to get tired of adding to their… menagerie of flowers.
Sunny cracked the window open just slightly, and the wild birdsong flooded in with the fresh air.
His gaze drifted to the bookshelf standing beside the window.
It was almost bursting with literature, half of which probably haven't been read in some time.
One shelf was filled with thick plant encyclopedias that had fallen out of use; Basil didn't need them anymore. He had it all down by heart at this point.
A mixture of both fantasy and science fiction novels lined another.
He ran his finger along the spines as he skimmed the titles, seeing if anything caught his eye.
One did, and he pulled it off the shelf and sat down on the couch, grabbing his reading glasses from the side table.
Pages turned as he started reading.
The soft singing of the birds outside provided a calming atmosphere.
He didn't notice when Basil walked in.
“Pfft.” A chuckle escaped Basil.
Sunny looked up at him.
“S-sorry… you just always look like a disgruntled professor when you're reading.”
He raised an eyebrow.
Basil covered his laugh with his hand. “See?”
Sunny pursed his lips. “Basil.”
“Sorry sir, it won't happen again! Promise!” Basil stood straight.
Sunny rolled his eyes and silently turned his gaze back to his book.
He felt the cushions sink as Basil plopped onto the couch next to him. Then Basil’s hand rested on his leg.
Without looking up from the page, Sunny raised the book.
Basil shifted and laid the back of his head on Sunny’s lap, burying into the space between his legs.
His eyes stayed closed and his post-shower hair dampened Sunny’s pants.
The only sound they made was the occasional flip of the page as Sunny read.
Then a quiet padding made its way across the room.
“Oof.” Basil grunted as their cat had jumped atop him. His hand was already smoothing its fluffy fur over in gentle strokes.
The cat prodded at Basil’s chest before plopping itself down on top of it.
“Greetings, Your Majesty.” Basil said, cupping its face in his hands.
“Mrreow.”
Sunny looked down from his book and towards the loaf-shaped cat using Basil as a throne.
He closed his book but kept a finger on the page, pausing to pet the furry.
Basil watched, then puffed out his cheeks. “Hmpf.”
Sunny let out a breathy chuckle before ruffling Basil’s hair as well.
Basil smiled with a content hum.
“Did you even brush your hair after showering?”
“Why would I need to?” Basil yawned. “Got nothing to do, so…”
“Well…” Sunny took off his glasses, tilting his head. “We should at least get some shopping done; out of milk and Señor Breadloaf here only has food for another day or two.”
“Señor Breadloaf?” Basil repeated. “You're pushing the names a bit.”
“I'll just throw on a hat before we go.” Basil said.
Sunny simply shrugged.
He exhaled slowly, gazing at Basil. His hand settled on Basil’s cheek.
Basil froze with his eyes stuck on Sunny.
“You're beautiful.” Sunny said in a whisper.
Basil’s cheeks flushed pink. “S-Sunny!”
“I mean it.” Sunny brushed Basil’s cheek slowly.
“I-I know you do…” Basil stuttered. “Just don't ambush me like that…”
“Sorry… it just slipped out.”
Basil groaned in embarrassment, pursing his lips.
Sunny didn't look away from him.