The Unlikeliest of Mates

Chapter 8

Third Person POV:

The night comes slow as the dinner ends and the two once more get into the suv. Their parents bid them farewell and elders slip them a few gifts and some slightly inappropriate items. With flushed faces they accept them with smiles and nods. A few face pecks and hugs and the two make their way to the door.

"Sons, wait a moment." Basilio's dad says, slightly jogging to catch up to the two. "Here are the keys to your new place. I know today's been a whirlwind but I figured y'all would want your space and all so", he holds out the keys with a lopsided grin.

"Thanks dad. We're gonna head out now but you guys enjoy it a bit more."

"Mm okay. Be safe and text me when y'all get to the house. Your stuff should be there too I think. I already talked to your dad Achilles so don't worry about not having clothes and stuff. All of your luggages have been unpacked. And son, the dogs will be brought over tomorrow. According to the dog sitter, they've been crying all night. Have a good evening boys and see you soon. Take care."

The two men nod, Basilio hugs his father goodbye. Once more they take each other's hands and make their way outside the venue and back to a black SUV which drives them away from the venue and off onto a dirt road. It winds and twists, with high trees and bushes all along its path. The sky is now a brilliant bright orange with purple and yellow streaks shining through. The ride itself is a bit rough, as rocks and debris hit the wheels and the sides of the truck.

The greenery becomes more dense as the ride continues, and the path becomes more narrow until a cottage comes into view.

The cottage is somewhat on the larger side, with sloping peaks and wood panel walls and stones on the exterior. Two large front windows sit next to the front door, as does a lamp. A porch wraps around the home and leads to the back of the house; it is covered in moss and lichen, giving into the wear and tear on the home. A stone path creates the walkway to the porch steps, covered in the spores of various microfauna and mud. Wild flowers and clovers are splattered here and there around the property as well, which open up for a meadowy pasture behind and on the left side of the property. With the sun still setting it looked like something straight out of a fairytale, taking both their breaths away.

They step out of the car and glance around, taking in the fresh air and sounds of birds and small animals moving about. It's beyond peaceful and just what the two need after the long affair they have endured.

Bidding the driver farewell, the two walk up to the door. Basilio unlocks it and the two make their way inside, floors creaking slightly under their weight.

The house was on the older side, with obvious shows of wear and tear in the scuff marks on the hardwood floors, rust on the door knob and hinges, and an unsettling draft coming in from a window that won't fully shut. It's the definition of a fixer upper but a place that is soon to be called home. The home itself is cozy, with a large living room area to the left which contains a brown leather sectional, coffee table and a mounted television on the far-most left wall and a fireplace underneath it. Behind that area sits a kitchen with an island. The cabinets appear to be a dark greenish color, but with the lack of indoor lighting, it's hard to tell. To the right of the room is a vanity table along with a staircase which trails up the right hand side of the wall and underneath it sits a crawl space closet. Overall, the space wasn't exactly large but spacious enough not to feel overwhelmingly cramped. It feels homey, comfortable, a space that's perfect for the two of them.

The men make their ways up the stairs and are greeted by a balcony which has doors facing it on the right and backhand side, with another door on the same side as the stairs. This space feels a bit more cramped as the hall itself is much smaller than how it feels downstairs.

Together, they open the first door on the left which reveals a smaller room, spacious enough to be an office or play space of sorts but unfurnished, containing only a window and a pair of drapes. The second door on the left appears to be a small bathroom/closet space. The third door reveals a large master bedroom, with a large king size canopy bed nuzzled into the fair upper right corner of the room, with cream and dark green drapes covering the top and sides. A large paned window faces the two as they take in the space, and a dresser stands to the right of the door, already holding trinkets and items of theirs on top of it such as picture frames. A woven and shag rug covers most of the floors and fluffy duvets and pillows cover the bed. The sheets are a rich orangey maroon cover, which delicately contrasts the rich, dark teal-grey color of the walls. It was far from the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the home and felt more of a villain's lair but still somehow managed to feel inviting.

Another door on the left side of the room is assumed to be the door to the master bathroom.

With exhaustion creeping into their bones, Basilio and Achilles begin to undress and make their ways to the bathroom to prepare for bed. All of the liquor they drank has begun to turn into a light buzzing beneath their skin and has rendered them both mute for the most part, aside from a few grunts and bumps as they pass each other trying to grab clothes and toiletries. It's a familiar bustling as it's similar to when the two used to be in hotel rooms on the road for their different tournaments. Coming back from a game half conscious, moving on autopilot, cleaning up and getting into bed.

Showering happens without much fanfare as they both clean themselves up and change clothes, settling into the large bed. Basilio texts his dad that they are turning in for the night and places his phone on the nightstand. He's sitting up in the bed alone as Achilles showers.

By this time the sun has just about completely set and the stars are becoming more clear in the dark night sky. The only thing illuminating the room is the lamp which sits on the bedside table, which emits a soft and warm yellow light into the room and streaks gently through the canopy blinds. It feels much like the rays of the morning sun, and makes Basilio feel at ease and content in his position in bed.

The bathroom door creaks open and heavy footsteps make their way to the bed. Pulling back the curtains, Achilles kneels onto the bed and gets into the bed, sheets rustling beneath him. Basilio scoots over, giving Achilles room to maneuver and find a spot that's most comfortable. Once found, Achilles pulls the covers up to his chin and wiggles down underneath them, making himself as small and comfortable as possible. Basilio too gets comfortable, turning off the lamp as well and settling into a night's sleep with his now husband.