Unexpected Love *⁠.⁠✧

Episode 27

As the first light of morning filtered into the room, Santa stirred in the bed, the familiar warmth of Perth’s arms wrapped around him. He blinked his eyes open and turned his head slightly, finding Perth already awake, watching him with a soft smile.

"Good morning, Ta," Perth greeted him gently, his voice filled with affection.

"Morning, phi," Santa replied sleepily, but as he tried to stretch, a sharp pain shot through his ankle, reminding him of the previous day’s injury.

Perth immediately noticed the discomfort on Santa’s face. "How’s your ankle feeling?" he asked, concern clear in his tone.

Santa winced but tried to brush it off. "It’s still swollen, but I’ll be fine."

Perth sighed, sitting up and looking at him seriously. "Santa, are you sure you’re up for coming with me to visit my parents today? I don’t want you to feel pressured. If you need to rest, I can go by myself, and we’ll visit them another time."

Santa’s lips curled into a soft smile, touched by Perth’s thoughtfulness. "I’m okay, phi Perth. I can come," he reassured, his voice gentle but determined. "Besides, I wouldn’t miss a chance to see your parents again. Your mom would be upset if I didn’t come, right?"

Perth let out a small laugh, relief evident in his eyes. "You’re right. She’s been talking about you nonstop. She might just be more excited to see you than me at this point."

Santa laughed too, feeling the warmth spread through him. "Of course I can come. I want to."

Perth’s serious expression softened, and he leaned in to press a kiss to Santa’s forehead. "Alright. But I’m still helping you out all day, okay? No pushing yourself too hard."

Santa nodded, allowing Perth to help him up from the bed. "I’ll take it easy, phi. I promise."

Perth carried Santa and made their way to the bathroom, and Perth gently placed Santa down on a small stool inside the shower. The warm water began cascading over both of them as Perth stood close behind, letting the water stream down their bodies. His hands moved carefully as he washed Santa’s hair, his fingers massaging Santa's scalp in a way that made Santa relax completely.

As Perth rinsed the shampoo away, his hands naturally drifted lower, slowly running across Santa's shoulders, down his back, and then around to his chest. The intimacy of the moment made the air feel heavy between them, and Perth couldn't resist. Leaning in, he pressed a lingering kiss to Santa's neck, allowing his lips to trail lower, his breath hot against Santa’s skin.

Santa let out a soft gasp, his body shivering under Perth's touch despite the warmth of the water. "Phi..." he whispered, his voice laced with a mix of surprise and affection.

Perth smiled against Santa’s skin, his lips curving into a grin as he placed another kiss on Santa's neck. He could feel the way Santa’s body reacted, and it made him crave more, but he didn’t want to push too far. Instead, he pulled back slightly, lifting Santa’s chin so their eyes met. "I love you" he said softly before pressing his lips gently to Santa's.

Their kiss was slow and tender, filled with unspoken emotions. Perth’s hand cupped the side of Santa’s face, his thumb brushing lightly across Santa’s cheek as the kiss deepened, becoming more intense. The shower continued to pour around them, the moment feeling intimate and close.

When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathing heavier, and Perth smirked again. "Let’s get you dressed before we get too carried away," he teased, helping Santa to his feet and wrapping a towel around him.

Santa blushed but smiled, leaning on Perth for support as they moved back to the bedroom. Perth gently helped Santa into some comfortable clothes before getting dressed himself.