Can I Make You Mine? (Part 3 of 3 tales -Completed)

Can I Make You Mine?

Arthit's whole body is thrumming with excitement and adrenaline as he and Kongpob step into the movie theatre. It's seven years to the day since they met in this very spot and it's perfect that they are back here together now.

He clutches his large popcorn close to his chest, the fingers of his other hand tucked where they fit best, between Kongpob's. Like always, his boyfriend has led him to row 12, taking the inner seat and letting Arthit sit by the stairs.

Today, there's another reason he wants to be by the exit and he doesn't think Kongpob has worked it out yet. Well, he hopes he hasn't. It's rare he gets to surprise his other half since his anxiety tends to rear its ugly head and make him check his choices with his partner every time.

The trip to Japan for example, which was supposed to be a birthday surprise, became a Kongpob organised trip when Arthit felt himself closing off to the world. But his partner hadn't complained, had just taken over the bookings including Arthit in every step of it so that the trip became a perfect mesh of both their interests.

Arthit knows how lucky he is to have Kongpob in his life. The other man takes his anxious moments in his stride, always knowing the right words and the right things to do to help him get through it.

He never puts words in his mouth, lets Arthit make his own choices no matter how long it can take him to articulate them and Kongpob always stands by him, even if he thinks some of Arthit's plans are a little.. 'off the wall'. (Okay, so four trips to the Robot Cafe in Tokyo might have been too many?!)

Today, though, Arthit has planned everything himself. He's managed it all alone and is very excited to see Kongpob's reaction.

"Do you think it's weird?" Kongpob leans in and whispers close to Arthit's ear.

The screen is still black, the lights are still up, it's okay to talk, so Arthit asks his lover what he means.

"That we're the only ones here?"

Arthit aims for nonchalance as he glances around the theatre until his eyes are back on Kong's. "I'm not sure. How long til it starts?"

Kongpob checks his watch, counting the second hand until he can give Arthit an exact amount, something that makes him feel less stressed out. "Eight minutes."

"Oh? I'm sure people will be along."

Kongpob nods and squeezes Arthit's hand then bounces back in his chair, letting his whole body relax against red leather.

By contrast, Arthit stays upright, spine straight, muscles taut as he waits.

Exactly three minutes later (Arthit counts), the lights go down and Kongpob makes a little 'Huh?' noise beside him, glancing over at Arthit, who holds himself still and stares straight ahead.

He knows if he turns, he'll lose his composure and then his surprise will be spoiled. Only one more minute to wait.

His fingers tighten on Kongpob's and he squeezes them back because he always does.

The next sixty seconds are just about the longest of Arthit's life.

Longer than the time he waited for Kongpob to kiss him.

Longer than when he was working up his nerves to invite Kong to stay over in his room.

Longer than right before they were intimate for the first time.

These feel longer because Arthit knows that the next few minutes are going to change his life forever.

"Arthit, I'm just going to go to the bathroom, I'm sorry."