What If - PerthChimon

Hand in hand

What if they didn't separate as a ship?

"I'm proud of you."

"Thank you Perth," Chimon said as he turned up to the guy. Only a three centimeter difference. A devilishly confident smirk compared to Chimon's own shy smile.

A thump. That was his heart. Chimon's eyes fluttering up to meet the handsome expression of his partner.

Perth has been the best. He's exactly what Chimon has needed. After years and years of being torn down and lifted up, Perth was the one to keep him from falling low. If only Perth was able to lift his spirits higher even when he wasn't with him 24/7.

It was the moments without Perth that brought Chimon down.

It was the words like 'Proud' that brought Chimon back to a level head.

Hands on his shoulders, Perth pulled Chimon away from the door way to a row of flimsy folding chairs near a wall. In the large corporate building that is GMM, it's hard to find a secluded spot and to keep that privacy for more than ten minutes.

So, if they were going to have a heartfelt talk they need to hurry.

They were here to discuss upcoming changes to their schedule. Soon they'll be on their way to practice. They have a fan-meet coming up and Chimon's NOT going to miss it.

"P'Mon, thank you for trusting me these fast few weeks," Perth said with a boyish innocence as he stayed on Chimon's shoulder. It was almost a hug but more of Perth clinging to him like Chimon might float away. And maybe that what the younger one was afraid of all this time.

He needed to brave many audiences alone before Chimon was able to be back by his side. "I'm proud of you too. I wish I could have been there, I'm sorry."

With a quick squeeze, Perth rested his chin on the shoulder. "I don't want to hear a 'sorry,' I already know, and there is no reason to apologize. You needed to be away, it was the best option. I'm glad you're doing better and ready to stay by my side."

The words practically took Chimon's breath away. It came as a surprise. They already had a few emotionally draining conversations, but this still shocked him. It was tender, he could hear it in Perth's voice, a chorus of appreciation.

"Thank you Perth, let's continue forward as we promised," Chimon said as he moved to stand. Slowly they separated a few inches.

But it wasn't quiet right. Chimon glanced to his partner with a very small smirk dancing on his lips. Then he looked away but held out his right hand to the younger one.

He hoped that it was a gesture that spoke volumes to him. Then Perth slipped his warm hand into Chimon's. It was like a hug, not like he was keeping him tied to the ground. Holding hands this time was like a mutual understanding of their promises.

They both wanted to stay together, as partners, as friends, as allies. Perth & Chimon against the world.

The small bumps in the road aren't big enough to keep them apart. Not now.

As they continued to hold on to each other, Perth led Chimon out of their secluded spot. "Let's check in with Mae Add before we head to rehearsal."

Chimon nodded with an approving hum. He would follow Perth, letting him be his guidance, despite their ages. As the older of the two, Chimon felt he should be the one to guide his nong but he also felt comfort in the way Perth protected him. A small squeeze of their hands in agreement.

Chimon wanted nothing more than to stay here. Hand in hand after being blinded by his own mentality for months. Perth is the light, the warmth, the brightness in his life that will keep him going.