Not Yours (BL)

William's POV

William entered the room, his gaze immediately drawn to the childhood photo hanging on the wall. It was a picture of two young boys—twins, himself and Walter. He walked closer, taking the frame into his hands before settling onto the bed, staring at the familiar faces frozen in time.

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16 Years Ago

Laughter echoed through the garden as the children ran, their playful voices filling the air.

"Hey, wait for me!" eight-year-old William called out, struggling to keep up.

"You can't catch me!" Julian, two years older, teased, dashing ahead.

"I'm going to catch you!" six-year-old Walter grinned, sprinting after them.

"Guys, you should slow down!" Jonathan, also ten years old, called after them.

Eventually, they all collapsed onto a bench, panting from exhaustion. Walter, still catching his breath, glanced at Julian and Jonathan.

"You two look exactly the same," Walter remarked. 

Julian chuckled. "Jonathan is my twin brother"

Jonathan stood up, dusting off his clothes. "I'll bring some food. Let's eat."

As they sat together, enjoying their meal, Julian turned to William. "Do you know much about flowers?"

William nodded. "I do."

Jonathan rolled his eyes at Walter. "Can you at least try to eat properly? You have no manners."

Walter, quickly wiped his mouth with a handkerchief.

After finishing their meal, Jonathan stood. "Let's go to the back of the garden. There are different kinds of flowers there."

"Okay, I'll take care of the water," William said as the others started walking.

As they explored, Julian noticed a flower and pointed at it. "This is the one I was telling you about."

William knelt down, flipping through his book. "It's a carnation," he said, comparing the flower to an image in the pages. He read aloud:

"Dianthus caryophyllus, commonly known as carnation or clove pink, is a species native to the Mediterranean region. Due to extensive cultivation over the last 2,000 years, its exact natural range is uncertain. Carnations are prized for their vibrant colors, delicate fringed petals, and fragrance."

Julian's eyes lit up. "That's so unique." He gently plucked one from the bush and handed it to William. "You should keep it."

William smiled. "Thanks, Julian."

Julian stood up and offered his hand. William took it, letting Julian pull him to his feet.

"Hey, Julian, close your eyes," William said with a playful smile.

Julian hesitated for a second but then obeyed. "Alright."

As soon as Julian's eyes shut, William leaned in, standing on his toes, and pressed a soft kiss against his lips. The warmth lingered between them as Julian's eyes slowly fluttered open.

"Hey… your lips are really soft," Julian murmured, surprised but amused. Without hesitation, he cupped William's face and kissed him back, this time with more certainty.

Just as the moment deepened, a voice interrupted them.

"William! Julian! Where are you?" Jonathan's voice rang through the garden.

"Hey, lower your voice!" another scolding voice followed.

Startled, they pulled apart. Flustered, they exchanged a glance before quickly heading toward the others.

When they reached them, Jonathan looked at them expectantly. "Did you guys find the flower?"

William cleared his throat and nodded. "Yes, we did."

Just then, their father approached. Jonathan and Julian immediately straightened up as they walked toward him.

"It's time to go," their father said with a gentle smile.

A deep voice greeted them. "Hello, Lord Edward. It's a pleasure to meet you."

William held Walter's hand tightly as his gaze shifted to the man before them.

Lord Edward studied William carefully before resting a hand on his head. "Oh, you must be from Ambrose House. You look just like your father."

At those words, a single thought crossed William's mind.

(Mother…)

A man approached William and Walter, his presence familiar and comforting.

"Bratum!" William and Walter exclaimed in unison, their eyes lighting up.

The man, dressed in a formal butler's uniform, bowed slightly. "Masters, it's time to go."

Lord Edward turned to him with a composed expression. "You must be the butler of Ambrose House. Tell Charles to attend the tea party."

The butler nodded respectfully. "Understood, my lord. I will inform him."

With that, they parted ways. William and Walter waved at Jonathan and Julian, who returned their gestures with warm smiles. Then, the twins climbed into the carriage, ready for their journey ahead.

William, Walter, and Bratram arrived at the mansion and stepped into the grand hall.

"Mom!" they called out in unison, rushing toward Seraphina and embracing her.

"Oh, my sons," she said warmly, holding them close. "Did you enjoy it?"

"Yes, we enjoyed it," Walter replied, while William smiled in agreement.

"You must be hungry. But first, go freshen up," Seraphina said. "Bratram, help them wash up."

"Of course, my lady," Bratram nodded and led them to the bath. He carefully undressed them and guided them into the warm water.

Walter splashed playfully, making waves in the tub.

"Hey, Walter! Slow down!" William protested, shielding his face from the water droplets.

Bratram knelt beside the bathtub, gently pouring warm water over William.

"Young master, let me wash you," he said as he carefully scrubbed his back.

After finishing, Bratram helped him out of the tub and wrapped a towel around him. Meanwhile, William had already started washing himself.

"Master, let me help you," Bratram offered, reaching for the soap.

"Bratram," William said firmly, "I'm grown now, so let me wash myself."

Bratram chuckled softly. "Master, I know you are very responsible, but let me do the work."

Walter stood nearby, watching as William finished washing. Once done, Bratram dried him with a towel before leading both boys to their room. He helped them dress before guiding them to the dining hall, where Seraphina was seated at the table.

As they entered, Seraphina stood up, gently taking William and Walter by the hands and seating them in their chairs.

With a warm smile, she began feeding them, offering William the best portions first before turning to Walter.

Walter frowned. "You always feed William better than me."

Seraphina sighed softly. "I love you both, but William is more important to you."

Walter pouted. "Important for me? But how?"

Seraphina smiled gently. "Because he is your older brother." She turned to William. "William, promise me you'll protect him."

William nodded. "Okay, I will."

Walter crossed his arms. "Hey! I don't need protection!" He suddenly stood up and struck a dramatic pose, mimicking the Obari Pose.

Seraphina sighed and lightly slapped him on the back. "Hey, be good! You're so careless."