Beyond The Fine Line

Chapter XXIX - Shifting Boundaries

The early morning sunlight struggled to penetrate the heavy fabric of the blackout curtains, casting the bedroom into a serene darkness. The air was still, with only the faint hum of the air conditioner breaking the silence. But amidst the darkness and quietude, a subtle shift had occurred. The outline underneath the light duvet suggested two figures so closely intertwined they almost created one seamless shape.

The dark eyes lazily blinked awake, gradually adjusting to the pitch-black surroundings. It had become a familiar routine over the past few days – waking up with his bare chest pressed gently against the soft skin of Jay's back, his arm naturally finding its place around him, holding him close. It made him wish every morning would start like this, but for now, this was enough. Having Jay this close was all he needed.

"I know you hate it, but the exam starts at seven," Sean said, pressing a kiss to Jay's shoulder.

"I don't care..."

Sean chuckled softly, drawing him closer. "I'm aware, but I don't understand why you agreed to help Win with this."

"I needed a reasonable excuse to stay...," Jay mumbled, half asleep.

He froze momentarily, wondering what Jay meant by it. If helping Win was just an excuse, why did he stay here? Surely, it would be better for his career to be back in London... Sean didn't even dare to think he could be the reason because that would be impossible, right? Jay was too careful in following their casual agreement. But then... all these little things, this new routine they naturally fell into after his hangover. It all made him feel like they were so much more than casual sex... Ironically, they would even sleep together without sex now.

Sean sighed with resignation, accepting that he would never learn the answer. Asking Jay about it would undo any progress he had made in recent days. Jay's boundaries would snap back into place, more rigid than ever, and Sean couldn't risk that. Not when things were finally moving in the right direction, even if it was at a snail's pace.

"You will be late."

Jay pulled the duvet over his head, muttering something that sounded a lot like 'I don't fucking care,' but Sean wasn't sure. It could also mean, 'I will fucking kill you if you don't stop pestering me.' Given how late Jay went to sleep, it was a natural response. Sean couldn't help but notice that as the end of the month approached, Jay became progressively busier with work, and his case log increased. It was amazing that amidst all of this, he still found time to make their usual dinner or help Sean with his studies – although Sean felt a bit guilty for using it as an excuse to spend more time together.

He tried not to think about what will happen to them once Jay was back in London, but he was also aware of how little time they had left. Yet, Sean smiled. He would cross that bridge when it came to it. Now, his main task was to get Jay out of bed and not get killed in the process.

Sean gently lifted the duvet, his lips brushed over Jay's ear as he whispered, "I will let you fuck me in the shower if you get up now."

"You would let me do it anyway," Jay responded, slowly turning around to face him.

"Fair point."

Sean's hand moved instinctively, and with a gentle touch, he ran his fingers through dark brown hair. As he drew him into a languid kiss, Jay hesitated briefly, a subtle resistance usually followed by another excuse and a new wall between them. But then, with a sigh, Jay leaned into Sean's touch in a way that surprised them both. It was a slight, almost imperceptible shift from his usual withdrawn demeanour, but it spoke volumes to Sean. It made him realise that these unguarded moments were like precious little glimpses of the person he grew to love so much.