In the stars. | A collection of short stories: B.E

3ᖇᗪ Oᖴ ᗪEᑕEᗰᗷEᖇ

★Omniscient★

Billie had been eagerly awaiting Octavia's arrival all day, and as she opened the door, her excitement was real. Octavia, despite her sleep-deprived state, couldn't help but return Billie's warm greeting with a sleepy smile as she falls into her arms. Billie squeezes Octavia tightly and chuckles before lifting Octavia to her feet.

First, it was Billie's mom, who stopped them on their way to Billie's room greeting Octavia with a knowing look, understanding her predicament. Octavia offered another sleepy smile and a nod in response. Next was Billie's dad, who also recognized Octavia's exhaustion and gave her a sympathetic smile.

But it was Billie's older brother, Finneas, who surprised the hell out of Octavia. Usually, people didn't do anything but smile at her when she was this exhausted, but he wrapped her in a warm hug, much like Billie did. Octavia couldn't help but appreciate the gesture.

Billie led Octavia to her room, where everything had been set up for their nap session. The room had a cozy, inviting feel, adorned with soft blankets and fluffy pillows. Billie offered her hoodie to Octavia, who grumbled but accepted it with a playful pout. She pulled it on, feeling the warmth and scent of Billie wrapped around her.  "It looks better on you than it does me." Billie whispered quoting Conan Gray's heather lyrics.

As they both lay down on Billie's bed, Octavia couldn't help but whisper, "I don't want to sleep. It gives me such a headache."

Billie softly whispered back. "I know, love. But I've got something that might help with that." She reached over to her nightstand and produced a small bottle of pain relief medicine, placing it in Octavia's hand.

Octavia smiled, touched by Billie's thoughtfulness. With a sigh, she took the medicine. Billie gracefully climbed onto the bed, moving with the kind of fluidity that comes from familiarity. She settled herself against the mountain of soft pillows she had arranged earlier and then reached out for Octavia.

With a playful wink, Billie slipped her arms around Octavia and gently pulled her closer. She whispered softly, "You know, today is the third of December, babe. It's 'Sweater Day.' A day where you're supposed to give your sweater to your partner to keep them warm."

Billie then glanced at the cozy room, the twinkling holiday lights, and the warmth of their shared space. "So, I thought it'd be the perfect day for me to lend you my sweater," she continued, her voice filled with affection as she gestured to the hoodie Octavia was wearing. "It's my way of keeping you cozy and close, just like today."

Octavia pouted "Sorry, I'll bring my hoodie next time... I know it won't hold much meaning..." she whispered, before settling into Billie's comforting embrace as Billie held her close, they both drifted off to sleep, knowing that their love was the best remedy for any headache or fatigue they might face.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

Five hours passed in a blissful slumber, with Billie and Octavia wrapped in each other's warmth. In the soft glow of the room's dimmed lights, Finneas approached the door, it was left open his heart warmed by the sight of the two of them peacefully asleep. He knocked gently on the open door, but there were only snores in response.

Carefully, he opened the door a little more, revealing more of the whole scene, which melted his heart. Billie and Octavia were nestled together, still in the embrace of their nap. On a tray, he balanced their dinner prepared with love and care.

He approached Billie first, gently shaking her shoulder. "Billie, wake up," he whispered knowing how much his sister cared for Octavia's well-being.

Billie stirred, her eyes slowly fluttering open. She blinked in the soft light, her gaze focusing on her brother. "Finneas?" she mumbled, still half-asleep.