Unconditional Love

82. Blurry Nights, Soft Mornings

As they slowly wandered through the garden, Rohit suddenly sighed, his head resting heavier against Virat's shoulder.

"I'm tired, Virat..." he mumbled, like a sleepy, clingy child.

Virat smiled softly, pressing a kiss to Rohit's temple.

"Come on, baby," he said, and without hesitation, he scooped Rohit up in his arms.

Rohit didn't protest.

In fact, he burrowed immediately into Virat's neck, his nose brushing against his skin as he inhaled deeply, "Hmm... you smell nice," he murmured, voice sleepy and slurred.

Virat chuckled as he carried him inside, kicking the door closed behind them with ease.

He walked straight to the bed and gently laid Rohit down on the soft mattress.

Rohit's arms stayed around Virat's neck for a moment longer, not wanting to let go, until Virat smiled and leaned in beside him, settling close.

The moment Virat lay down, Rohit instinctively cuddled into him, throwing an arm over his waist and nuzzling his cheek against Virat's chest.

His fingers lazily found the buttons of Virat's shirt, playing with them absentmindedly.

"I love when you flirt," Rohit mumbled, his voice muffled against Virat's chest.

Virat's lips curved into a soft grin. "Yeah? What do you love about it, baby?"

Rohit let out a sleepy hum. "It makes me... feel special. Like you see only me."

His fingers kept fidgeting with the buttons, as if they fascinated him. "And you look hot when you do it," he added in a quiet, half-laughing tone.

Virat laughed softly, brushing his hand through Rohit's messy hair. "What else do you love, hmm?"

Rohit thought for a second, then said in that drowsy, babbling way, "I love your eyes. And your hands... they're so big... but gentle. And when you make tea, it's so good. And when u work with rolled up sleeves and glasses, u look hot and sexy. And when you make me sleep... and when you hug me..."

Virat's heart melted, holding him closer as Rohit's voice dropped to a sleepy murmur. He loved how Rohit was saying the things he loved, it was unfiltered and so adorable.

But then Rohit blinked up at him with wide, curious eyes.

"I wanna give you a nickname too," Rohit said suddenly. "Like you call me baby."

Virat smiled down at him. "You can call me whatever you want, baby."

Rohit thought seriously, his brows furrowing for a second. "Here in London... they call people love, right?" He grinned, eyes half-lidded but excited. "I'll call you that. Love. Sounds nice."

Virat's chest warmed, his heart flipping at how adorable Rohit was in this moment.

"Or," Rohit continued, like it was an important debate, "I can call you jaan. That sounds really good too. But love... love is simple... easy... yeah, I'll call you love."

Virat chuckled softly, watching him ramble, brushing his thumb over Rohit's cheek. "Love it is then."

Rohit hummed in satisfaction, eyes finally fluttering closed as he tucked himself even closer to Virat's warmth.

He mumbled something else about pizza and traveling, but his words faded as sleep took over.

Virat kissed his forehead again and whispered, "Goodnight, love," smiling to himself at how perfectly it fit—both of them.