If I Let You Go

Chapter 9 - Whyever not?

"I'm bringing our child back to you. Mind you, if ever we get a divorce, I am going to get full custody." Rain seriously said as he handed Taylor the key to the Maserati after he sat beside Taylor inside a restaurant famous for its pastry and cakes.

Taylor laughed so hard that people from other tables looked at him in curiosity. Rain came straight from Tagaytay. During a call earlier, Rain said he'll drop off Reggie and Lucas at the mall he and Taylor frequents. Taylor said he'll meet Rain there and maybe they can have an early dinner.

"River will fetch you?" Taylor asked after he finished laughing.

"Ah sort of...." Rain hesitated.

"What is it?" Taylor sensed Rain's hesitation, so he stroked Rain's arm as he asks.

"Ummm, River insisted that she join us for dinner. She's on her way. But if it will make you uncomfortable, I can tell her not to come." Rain quickly said.

"No, it's fine. Why would I be uncomfortable with your twin?" Taylor assured while placing his arms across Rain's shoulder and slightly squeezing it to further assure Rain that it is ok for River to join them.

Rain visibly relaxed.

A couple of minutes later, River entered the restaurant with Archer in tow. She plopped down on the seat facing Rain while Archer slowly and elegantly sat facing Taylor. Archer then nodded at Taylor which earned a questioning look from Rain.

"Why do you look so serious?" Rain asked.

"What do you mean? I always look smart and serious." Archer frowningly told Rain.

River and Rain looked at each other and burst out laughing.

"If this is an effort to maintain some sort of image in front of Taylor, I'm sorry but I have already told Taylor that you're generally goofy." Rain laughingly said.

Archer frowned at Rain and Rain used the opportunity to be funny. He pretended to be weak and scared then hid behind Taylor's shoulders and biceps while whispering, "I'm scared. He might punch me."

Taylor rubbed Rain's hand that's holding on to his biceps and faced Archer. "Don't worry, despite your usual stoic look when we interact, I kind of sensed long ago that you are mostly a funny person. Doesn't mean you're not trustworthy and capable."

"Ha! Hear that?" Archer said as he winks at River.

"Yes yes. Let's order. I'll have amatriciana." River casually said as she raised her hand to call a server.

***

They had coffee to go after dinner and as usual, Rain ordered an iced drink.

"I seriously think that one day, your throat and teeth will be ruined from drinking too much cold beverages." Taylor commented as he heard Rain crushing solid ice with his teeth.

Rain smiled with all of his teeth showing and said, "That's ok. I'm sure you'll still find me cute even if after all of my teeth's gone."

Taylor reached out and rubbed Rain's cheek with his thumb and smilingly agreed. "Well, that is true."

As they walk to the parking building, Rain slowed down a bit so he and Taylor can walk a few meters behind Archer and River.

"Thank you." Rain said as he slightly turned sideways to look at Taylor.

"What for?" Taylor asked

"Well, everything. Trusting me with Masey, tolerating River, indulging my weirdness, just basically being a perfect boyfriend." Rain sincerely said.

"I am not just tolerating River. I truly like her. Mainly because she's basically you...Just female, I guess...And who in the world is Masey?" Taylor asked

Rain posed a scandalized expression, "Our child! How can you forget about her?"

Taylor shook his head while smiling. "I am seriously thinking that you are only with me because of my car."

Rain stopped walking as they reached the slot where he parked the car. He looked at Taylor with pretend shock in his eyes while covering his mouth. "Oh my God, how did you know? I was so careful not to show my true intentions."

Taylor laughed once more and gave a quick caress on Rain's cheek. "You really are my source of happiness."

"Awww. I'm so touched. How did I find such a perfect boyfriend?" Rain teasingly said.

Taylor sighed and his expression turned serious, "Maybe you should not evaluate me too highly."

"Whyever not?" Rain funnily imitated a British accent, trying to lighten up the suddenly serious mood.

"Because then when I disappoint you, and believe me, I eventually will, the fall would not be that spectacular."

Rain frowned a bit and denied Taylor's claim. "I don't think that day will ever come."

Taylor creased his forehead in inquiry and Rain explained. "I'm sure it was not easy for you to be with me. But despite that, here we are. This says a lot about you."

Rain paused a little and using both of his hand, he held Taylor's left hand to squeeze and slightly swing it in assurance. "And in return I promise to always be your source of happiness."

After a few moments, Rain tip toed and gave a brief kiss on Taylor's cheek while still holding onto Taylor's left hand. "I'll call you later." Rain waved goodbye as he jogs towards Archer and River who's waiting for him.