Unchosen Crown

POETIC LICENSE

The dawn painted the sky with vibrant shades of orange and pink as Oliver woke up. His eyes slowly adjusted, revealing Ian sitting at the edge of the bed, watching him with a serene smile on his lips and a steaming cup of coffee in his hand.

"That's creepy," Oliver complained, sitting up slowly, his muscles still relaxed from deep sleep.

Ian's melodious laughter filled the air as he handed the cup to Oliver. Leaning in, Ian planted a tender kiss on Oliver's temple, his breath warm and sweet against his skin.

"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty," Ian said in an overly affectionate tone.

Taking the cup, Oliver inhaled the invigorating aroma.

Ian flopped onto the bed beside him, his weight making the mattress sink slightly, drawing them closer.

"Why are you already up? We have the day off, and we only slept for two hours last night," Oliver asked grumpily, sipping the hot liquid.

"Very well spent hours, I might add," Ian remarked with a mischievous smile, crossing his arms behind his head as he looked at Oliver with content, sparkling eyes.

A shy smile spread across Oliver's face, dissipating his morning grumpiness, and he took another sip of his drink. A groan of appreciation escaped his lips as the hot, aromatic coffee spread across his palate, its rich and comforting flavor.

What Oliver didn't expect was Ian's playful humor when he added, "Yes, that jogs my memory."

Laughing, Oliver grabbed a soft pillow and tossed it at Ian's face, muffling his exaggerated laughter.

"Shut up," he said, pretending to be annoyed, but unable to suppress his own grin.

Ian adjusted the pillows under his head, settling in comfortably as his eyes shone fixed on Oliver. There was a captivating depth in his gaze, as if he wanted to devour Oliver with the desire radiating from his illuminated face.

Oliver's curiosity bubbled, eager to know what lay behind that look, but Ian's voice broke the silence first.

"We have a jet waiting for us," Ian informed casually. "It's a long trip, so I think we should hurry."

"A long trip? Where to?" Oliver asked, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

A cryptic smile formed on Ian's lips.

"I have another surprise for you," he revealed, leaving Oliver anxious to discover what he had planned this time.

Ian hurried Oliver throughout the morning, insisting they needed to reach the mysterious destination before nightfall. Oliver barely had time to wake up properly, let alone gather his thoughts, as he haphazardly threw clothes into a suitcase, packed toothbrushes and shoes, stuffing everything in a rush while Ian did the same beside him.

As they descended the stairs toward the inn's restaurant, all eyes turned to them with expressions of pure delight, as if they were two ducklings still learning to swim. The conspiratorial smiles exchanged between Ian and everyone at the table made it clear that everyone except Oliver knew what was coming.

"Seriously, Ian? Am I the only one out of the loop?" Oliver frowned; his frustration evident.

"Well, you're familiar with the concept of a surprise, aren't you?" Ian smiled, pleased to keep Oliver in suspense.

Oliver narrowed his eyes, feigning irritation despite his growing curiosity. "Familiar enough with the term to hate it."

Ian looked at him with a mix of surprise and amusement.