What if?

Chapter 21

As dawn broke over the beach, the morning sunlight crept over the horizon, gently rousing Newt and Thomas from their sleep. They stirred, eyes fluttering open to greet a new day. The cool sea breeze and the sound of seagulls provided a soothing backdrop as they slowly stretched, their bodies entwined in a tangle of limbs.

Thomas was the first to rise, disentangling himself from Newt's embrace with a reluctant smile. He sat up, running a hand through his tousled hair, his gaze fixed on the rising sun bathing the ocean in a fiery glow.

Newt followed suit, sitting up next to Thomas, his eyes still heavy with sleep. He raked his fingers through his own messy hair, a yawn escaping his lips as he adjusted to the early morning light. The cool sea air sent a shiver down his spine, and he instinctively moved closer to Thomas, seeking the lingering warmth of their embrace.

Thomas chuckled softly, his gaze shifting from the sunrise to Newt. "Good morning," he said, his voice a low, affectionate rumble.

"Morning," Newt replied, his voice still gravelly from sleep. He suppressed another yawn, squinting in the early sunlight. "Feels like I could sleep for days."

Thomas nodded in agreement, his eyes sparkling with a hint of playfulness. "We certainly didn't get much rest last night."

A small smile tugged at the corner of Newt's lips as he leaned back on his elbows. "Guess we must've been more tired than we thought." He paused, a flicker of mischief in his eyes. "Well, maybe you, but I was thinking of... other things."

Thomas raised an eyebrow, his own smile growing wider. "Oh, yeah? Care to elaborate?"

Newt shrugged nonchalantly, feigning nonchalance. "Just thinking about the stars, the beach, the company..." He leaned slightly into Thomas, his gaze lingering on Thomas's lips. "You know, the usual."

Thomas's smirk widened into a full grin, his eyes never leaving Newt. He moved closer, their shoulders brushing. "Yeah? That's all you were thinking about?"

Newt shrugged again, enjoying the moment. "Maybe I was thinking about...other stuff too. You'll never know."

Thomas's hand found its way to Newt's, their fingers intertwining. "Oh, really? You're going to leave me wondering?"

Newt chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Maybe. Makes things more interesting, don't you think?"

Thomas feigned annoyance, shaking his head. "Cheeky bastard."

He gave Newt's hand a playful squeeze. "Fine, keep your secrets. But just so you know, I have ways to get you to talk."

Newt raised an eyebrow, a challenge in his voice. "Oh, really? And what are these ways, huh?"

Thomas leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low, suggestive tone. "Let's just say I can be very persuasive."

He tightened his grip on Newt's hand, his thumb tracing idle patterns on the soft skin of Newt's wrist. "And don't think I won't use all my skills to make you talk, Mr. Mysterious."

Newt's breath hitched slightly at Thomas's touch, a shiver running down his spine. He tried to maintain his cool demeanor, but the effect of Thomas's words was undeniable.

"You can try," he said, his voice slightly wavering. "But don't expect me to give in so easily."

Minho came from behind, interrupting them, "Sorry for interrupting... But the breakfast is served now. » He had a smirk on his face.

Newt and Thomas startled at the sudden interruption, their heads snapping towards Minho.

Thomas froze, clearly embarrassed by the interruption. "Just in time, Minho."