P'Air

Chapter Seventeen

...

Tricky Ing was extraordinarily chatty and asked Chess a number of questions.  Every time it looked like Chester was through discussing things,  Ing would bring up another issue.  His concerns all had something to do with the workers they were trading back and forth. 
Ing included Arpa in his query.  Arpa pulled out her phone and a calendar.  The three of them were looking at it.

Meanwhile, behind Chester's back and out of earshot, Kik walked across the grass,  changed entirely from boy to man. 
Everything about him was bigger,  more confident,  and as Green once foretold,  Kik's chiselled face left his brother's in the dust when it came to looks.  His testosterone-soaked aura was throbbing as he approached Air. 

Ing's purposeful distraction was occupying Chess as Kik stepped close and made a wai. 
The boy's voice was saturated with sadness and he stammered:
"Congratulations P'Air,  you're get, getting mm, married."

He truly felt what he was saying.  Kik's eyes were so near to tears.  He bowed his head so that no one could see.

Air said thanks and returned the courtesy.  He was not unaware of the massive changes in his once shorter suitor. 
He teased and let Kik know that he noticed.  He hoped also that it would lighten the boy's mood.  "What are your brothers feeding you?"

Kik raised his eyes to Air's sweet smile.  He blushed.  "Am I handsome P'?"

"You know you're handsome Nong,  you don't need me to tell you."

He glanced down at himself and then raked his eyes the length of Air.  It appeared that for a brief moment,  Kik forgot all about Air's engagement and that Air wasn't available.
"You haven't changed at all P'.  You're still the cutest..."  

The boy looked like he had more to say,  but he spied Fair and clammed up.  (For a second.)

Fair had Air's bag,  cradled in his arms like an infant.  He stood off to the side and watched the charm ooze from Kik even when he wasn't speaking.  

Fair knew Kik's family well,  and handsome faces were their source of fame.  They were too dense for charm, and none of them were known for it. 
From what Fair could see and hear,  Kik had acquired a grace and ability to enchant,  that none of his siblings had.  

Chester turned his head away from Ing and the overabundance of chatter.  It was Arpa that pointed out Ing's questions were pointless.  "We don't have to think about this until then."

Arpa pushed on Chester's shoulder and directed his attention to what was happening just a few steps away.  Chester looked only to find that Kik's broad shoulders blocked his view of Air.  

He didn't say a word to Ing and winked at Arpa.  Chester's spun on his heel and let his feet lead the way.  

He moved fast and circled the blossoming boy. Chess landed at Air's side and kissed the back of his neck.