Through It All

Chapter 6

Therapy had been quiet that morning as Kao struggled to recount the bad news to Alexandra, Up supporting him quietly, arm propped gently around his shoulders as a safety net for Kao to fall into. Alexandra had been more than understanding, offering condolences and options for Kao going forward, and the one that had piqued his interest the most was looking into finding a new company to work for. Up had expected him to protest, but instead he'd listened intently, absorbing Alexandra's encouragement.

They ordered room service for breakfast once back at the cabin, Kao reclining back against Up's chest as they waited on the sectional, Kao concerningly quiet.

It's only once he's eaten half of his waffles that he finally speaks up for the first time since they left Alexandra's office.

"Could we stay close to the resort, today?" Kao asks, uncertain sounding.

Up agrees, pulling Kao into him to press a kiss to his temple, feeling the way he leans into the touch of Up's lips. Without even looking at his face he knows he's dug in and pulled a smile out of his husband.

They finish breakfast slowly, listening as the tide rolls against the sand, the wind off the sea keeping the curtains back from the windows. Up rinses off their plates, putting them back into the tray the delivery guy left then places them out onto the front step before lying down on the couch and pulling Kao down with him. Kao burrows into Up's chest, breathing him in.

"I owe you thousands of apologies," Kao murmurs, his breath warm against Up's neck.

Up shushes him. "Don't worry about that now." He tries to soothe Kao into resting, but Kao shifts to sit up, determinedly pulling out of Up's grasp and crossing his legs underneath him. He twiddles his thumbs while trying to formulate his words, his brows pinched together in meaningful thought before speaking.

"No, I-" he starts, before cutting himself with a huff. "You've been nothing but patient and kind and attentive to me all morning, and I wasn't there for you at all while you were hurting."

Up shoots up as well, bringing his hands up to frame Kao's face with his palms, making him look him in the eyes. "That's not true," Up states, adamant.

Kao scoffs. "Don't lie to me, Up."

"I'm not," Up assures. "I just wish you'd told me why you were spending so much time on your work. I thought you had stopped caring about us," he pauses, taking a steadying breath and looking out the windows towards the sea, his hands dropping to his lap. "About me."

He hears Kao inhale sharply before his warm palms are holding him by the sides of his neck. "I will still care about you even when I'm gone," Kao states, like it's a fact of life, some irrefutable truth.

Up snorts, but it comes out a little choked. "That's very cheesy, Kao."

Kao just shrugs. "It's the truth."

They lean into each other, Kao guiding Up so their foreheads press together, grinning at each other. Kao presses several kisses to Up's lips, only relenting when Up starts to laugh and calls Kao a sap.

"Promise me you'll kick my ass if I ever neglect you again?"

Up schools his expression into something more serious, agreeing to most certainly deliver on an ass-kicking should Kao ever forget to prioritize time with his husband, only cracking while they shake on it, breaking into breathy chuckles. Kao pulls him into a hug, his fingers running soothing little designs all over Up's back while their giggles settle.

"Seriously though," Kao continues. "I want you to tell me the minute you feel like I'm brushing you aside, even if you feel like it's silly. You always come first, for me."