The Red Thread of Destiny

Chapter 28: The rise of fear

"The fear of losing someone can make us stronger, more resilient and more appreciative of life."

The next couple of days went by in a rosy blur. For Phayu, the moments he spent with Rain were very precious because in this lifetime, he had not expected to find some one like him. Rain was everything he needed in a partner. Smart, wise, cheeky, witty, a bundle of warmth, who lit up the cold places inside him and made him feel complete. To top it all, he was a little bundle of energy in bed too. Phayu couldn't believe that the boy he had thought fragile and naïve could be a tiger in bed. After their first night together, Rain had taken it upon himself to be the fastest learner possible, and as Phayu lay wrecked under his ministrations, he took everything he had thought about Rain being innocent back.

For Rain, Phayu was a dream come true. Inspite of a fiery and cold exterior that he put to the world as Venice Theerpanayakul, Phayu was at his sweetest wherever Rain was concerned. He constantly indulged him, hugged him, and even kissed him, even if they were out in public, much to Rain's chagrin initially. But it soon became something he loved. After having seen beautiful examples in his fathers, and his uncles, plus seeing how 'hands-on' the Theerpanayakul men were with their partners, Phayu's blatant public display of affection quickly became a normal routine. This was his man, arrogant, yet filled with love, cold, yet filled with warmth, aloof, yet filled with a child-like need for being clingy. And only for him! And was Rain complaining? Absolutely not! And to top it all, he could not have learnt about his firsts from a better teacher.

Fortunately for both of them, both sides of the family were completely indulgent of them. For Tharn and Type, seeing their son this happy, was the icing on the cake. They knew that Rain had always dreamed of someone special and had always wanted someone who would love him and care for him, treat him like an adult, yet baby him. Tharn had recollected a long ago memory when he remembered telling Type that Rain could only be happy with someone who was older than him. Someone of an equal age would not be able to handle their son, who had always been more mature for his age. And Phayu was the perfect foil to their son. He spoilt Rain even more than they had, putting up with each of his shenanigans with equanimity, and never being condescending when Rain was trying to explain something, which was something Rain hated.

For Vegas and Pete, Rain was their miracle. As a child, they had kept Phayu away from them, fearing for his life, knowing that it was the hardest thing they had done. But they knew they had all but lost their son, when six years ago, an empty shell with the face of the boy they loved so much appeared before them. They had almost given up hope, but Rain had appeared. He had poured himself into this relationship and calmed the storm raging inside Phayu. For them, he was their biggest blessing after their son, and they knew that, he would be taken care at all costs. He was their sunshine, and they would be his protectors. And this was true for every member of the Theerpanayakul family. Especially for Pai, who had seen his brother bowed down with burdens that were not even his. His love for Phayu and Rain was a living, breathing feeling inside him. And this palpable love and affection was what endeared him more and more to Sky.

On the morning of the 3rd, Phayu woke up early and went to shower. When he came out, Rain was waiting in front of the bathroom. "Why did you wake up so early baby?" Phayu asked. "I am coming with you Phi," he said. "Rain, don't love. It's not a good idea. Amy's family will be there, and I don't want them to target you or say anything to you," he said, looking pained. "Phi, I am not dumb. I would love to be by your side every living moment, but even I know it would be in very poor taste if you turn up with a boyfriend at your ex's memorial. But I know that you go to the cliff alone. There I want to come with you, please? Na na na?" And however strong he was, Phayu was completely destroyed when Rain turned on his cute voice and puppy dog eyes. "Okay, get ready fast," he said, unable to refuse his baby.