Just them in me

My First Love -2

Pete took a sip of beer... "Kao, You are my first love!" and kept his eyes on the beer can in his hand.

Kao didn't show any response. He just stared blankly and Pete continued not lifting his eyes... " And I still love you. We grew up together but we were never close. I watched you every day both in the neighborhood and at school and I can't pinpoint the exact moment I fell for you, You made me realize I was gay. I couldn't come out though and you never showed any interest in love. There was no way I could confirm your sexuality, you have always been an introvert. You never dated anyone nor did you show interest in the hottest guys, so when my ex-wife proposed I thought I should try moving on from you. I got married and you came out. The moment I heard you are gay I lost my mind. I tried so hard to not lose it, but it was impossible. I told my wife that I am gay and that it's best to divorce. She agreed but you know how much I had to fight to keep Maha. I am glad though because I didn't have to do much after that. Our parents decided to marry us and I couldn't be happier" Pete still kept his eyes on the ground... " I was wrong a lot of times in my life but my biggest mistake was fighting with you on our first night... I was nervous, I was confused at my luck, and... and when you asked if I was forced into this marriage, I couldn't tell you that I was in love with you when I was recently divorced and I was dumb to act like I hate you... I thought that you would eventually warm up to me, but you started sleeping in a different room and then you got busy with your graduation, Before I know we have spent two years as husbands and strangely though we have known each other for decades we are practically strangers. I think I am at my limit now. I don't think I can stay away from you another minute, I can't keep these feelings in me anymore" Pete's voice had raised to the maximum unconsciously and his eyes were burning at Kao.

Kao's face was still blank as his eyes fell on the beer in front of him. Pete kept observing Kao with a heightened heartbeat. But he was taken aback when New's hand flew and caught the beer in his hand before gulping it all down. Pete looked at him wide-eyed when Kao stood up putting away the empty beer can... " I am sleepy, I am going to bed." Was all Kao said before disappearing into the bedroom. 

Kao could say that it was late morning when the bright light from the windows disturbed his sleep. He turned around only to see the other half of the bed still empty. He sighed and got up to search for Pete. 

Pete was on the porch reading. He looked up at the sound of footsteps and his lips spread wide... " Good Morning!"

"Good Morning!" Kao too cheered and then hesitated... "Ummm... Can we go out? Eat something good?"

Pete stood up leaving the book open... "Ofcourse, Let me get changed" and rushed to wash up. Kao followed him in. 

They were on the road when Kao asked... "Where did you sleep last night?"

"Ummm... I could not sleep, I got some work done" Pete replied lowly

"Thank you..." Kao also said lowly... "For telling me everything last night"

Pete pressed his lips together, after all, Thank you was not what he was expecting. 

Kao opened the car window letting the late morning spring air in... "Is this okay?" He turned to Pete asking. Pete silently nodded. 

"Does it happen often?" Kao asked... "Staying up all night, Do you do that often?"

Pete was confused... "Well... I guess... I do have problems with falling asleep at night"

"I don't know a lot of things about you" Kao commented

Pete blinked. 

"I thought staying out of your way and respecting your privacy made me a good husband, but I was wrong, Isn't it?" Kao thought out loud. Kao's question made Pete start thinking.