Until You [BL]

Chapter 8 - A happier Fallon

Fallon's father argued and complained the next morning when he says he will be driving back with Archer and Ash back to Manila. However even Francis knows that when his son decided on something, nothing short of a miracle can change his mind. So, he sadly sighed when Anthony's two boys parked by their driveway.

As the car ate kilometer after kilometers of distance, Fallon's breathing started to relax. It's heartbreaking to realize that the place he once calls home can make him uncomfortable to the point of suffocation.

***

Since term has not started, Fallon spent his days running every other morning, watching animés and hanging out with Ash sometimes. Ash will call him out of nowhere and ask to be treated for coffee or lunch, sometimes dinner. However, despite Ash saying it will Fallon's treat, he never allowed Fallon to pay for anything.

On the last morning before term started, Fallon made an appointment with Ash to run together. But then it started drizzling as soon as he walked out of the building's lobby. When he met Ash, Ash suggested they have breakfast instead on their favorite coffee shop.

While having coffee and sandwiches on a table right beside the shop's glass wall, Ash noticed Fallon's gloomy mood.

"You one of those people who feels sad when it's raining?" Ash asked.

Fallon stayed quiet a long time before answering. "I don't know...Maybe? I used to like the rain. Until someone ruined it for me." He said the last 2 parts almost silently so only he can hear while looking sadly at the drizzle outside.

"Want to tell me about it?" Ash encouraged.

As if waking up from a trance, Fallon shook his head, "No its nothing. Pretend you did not hear what I just said."

Although disappointed, Ash did not insist on knowing. "You finished eating? Let's go back."

Ash stayed at Fallon's condo until dinner time, and they decided to eat at the buffet place at the mall attached to the building.

During dinner, one of Ash's acquaintances happen to pass by their table and greeted Ash. "Alexis! Haven't seen you in a while. How's it going?"

"Hey Alfred." Ash shook hands with his friend and Ash noticed the inquiring glance Alfred's throwing at Fallon.

Ash gently held Fallon's elbow to assist him to stand and introduced Fallon to his friend. "This is Fallon by the way, Fallon this is Alfred, he's from Naga too, we were classmates since elementary. He's from our uni too but he's from a different faculty now." Ash introduced and Alfred half waved and nod slightly to Fallon.

"You going for a refill? Join me." Alfred invited Ash.

As they were lining up for some dimsum, Alfred asked, "So...Fallon? He's quite good looking."

"Yes, his name is Fallon." Ash pretended to not get what Alfred is saying.

"Oh ok. So, if let say I want to introduce him to a friend who is interested, you'll not mind?" Alfred changed strategy.

"Tsk, just directly ask what you want to know exactly!" Ash irritatingly stated

Alfred laughed a little before saying, "Possessive much? You and Fallon together?"

"Not yet..." Ash answered.

Alfred smiled and nodded a few times to tease Ash.

***

On the first day of the new term, River jumped on him like a tarsier locked on a thin tree branch yelling, "Falls! I missed you! Give me a kiss, please? Come on!!"

Fallon tried his hardest to push River's face away from him while maintaining their balance so as not to make River fall off his arms.

"Fallon!" "River!" Ash and Archer both said irately while trying to separate them.

"Can you at least give warning before pouncing on a person?" Fallon complained.

"Ok, noted. I missed you friend. Did you bring me something from Bicol?" River asked while hanging on to Fallon's right arm.

"Ate Lisa sent me those thin pancit bato that you like. I'll cook it for you when you visit my place." Fallon said which made River happily squeal a little and resumed hugging him.

Ash made a 'Tsk' sound while giving off an irritated aura. River looked at Archer silently motioning as if asking 'What got your brother's panties in a twist?' to which Archer just shrugged.

That week, Ash and Fallon had lunch together twice. Since then, the twice a week lunches and weekend coffee became a habit. If for any reason Ash can't make it, he will text Fallon. As if it was his duty to inform Fallon of his whereabouts at every hour in the day.

Fallon tried to think of a reason why Ash would act that way. However, Fallon will not allow himself to consider anything other than friendship to anyone. Not after the huge blow his one and only failed relationship gave him. And so, he convinced himself that this is something normal between friends.

***

A few weeks ago.

Ash sighed happily as he straightened up. He finally did it, a scent that he is pleased and excited about. Though it may need a bit of finalizing like colors and packaging. He wanted it, no, needed it to be perfect. He wants it to be not just a perfume but a reminder and a sort of healing for Fallon.

He saw the picture in Fallon's bedroom that day.He also browsed his IG and saw several photos of rainy sceneries. He feels thata different Fallon took those pictures. A happier Fallon. He wants to bringback that Fallon and he hopes that this gift will be the one to do that.