MyStandIN: Back to Joe (alternate ending)

12- Found again

Weeks went by. I didn't see the old Ming again, going to the same temple, walking around in the very same street. As for the new Ming... The old Joe... He was only getting better. Soon he was walking without crutches, yet limping a little, integrating the defect into his gait. I could often feel his eyes on me. What could he be looking for? He regularly came home, spent hours with Mom, with or without me, so much so that I sometimes slipped away under the pretext of work to let them enjoy their family reunion. Once more, I was just a stand-in.

Today I'd come home later than usual after a long day of perfume photo shoots, for a brand Tong hadn't been interested in. I continued to take his leftovers : money I could put aside for the rainy day. As I turned the key in the lock, I heard them laughing in the kitchen. In my previous life, nobody was waiting for me when I came home. Nowadays there were voices, light, warmth, a totally different atmosphere... Still I felt all these things didn't belong to me, as if I was here by mistake, somehow jealous of what they had, found together.

We had a large living/dining room that opened onto an open kitchen. As soon as I entered the apartment, Mom's smile greeted me. I briefly told her about my day, we sat down for dinner. Ming and her had cooked an unusual curry recipe they couldn't wait to share with me. I faked interest the whole evening not to spoil their fun. I wasn't in the mood that night. I disappeared in my room after dessert, leaving Mum and Ming to strengthen their bonds. After a long shower, I was already feeling better. I barely had time to put on my sweatpants when I heard a knock on the door.

- I'm coming, Mom!

To my surprise, it was someone else.

- I wanted to come back tomorrow... but Mum suggested I sleep here tonight !, ming informed me.

I thought I could escape him in my room.

- She already gave me a blanket... I could ask you for some clothes to sleep in... We're about the same size !, he added.

- You can sleep here if you like, I'll go into the living room !, I offered, rummaging through my wardrobe.

- Everything alright? You've been distant since the farewell ceremony.

I didn't tell him I'd been thinking a lot about the old Ming since we accidently met.

- Mom thinks you're a bit absent these days.

- A lot of work lately. I'd like to put some money aside to move from here. A bigger apartment.

A clean jogging pant in my hands, I closed the sliding door. He was staring at me anew.

- What has he done to you ? You always look at me suspiciously, even though I'm almost here every day.

- Nothing !, Ming was making me nervous again.

- You're biting your lips... repeatedly...

I opened the wardrobe, pretending to be looking for something.

- He was just a spoiled brat... used to getting everything he wanted... People like him...

- You don't have to tell me more, if you're not ready yet.

I forgot. I should have gotten him a t-shirt.

- May I?, he mumbled behind me.

Before I knew what he wanted, he reached over, took my shoulders in his hands. I was startled.

- Sorry... I just thought I'd never see this body again.

Ming nuzzled my neck, breathing in my scent. I gasped

- You're the only one who can understand that feeling.

After these words, I felt myself melting inside.

- Thank you for taking care of her, of this body, so that I could find it once more.

Ming put his arms around mine.

- Thank you for being there all these days during my convalescence.

I took a deep breath, ready to answer.

- Please. Just a few minutes. I thought all this was lost forever.

As I turned to him, he closed his eyes, breathing in my scent. 

 - Can I.. sleep with you?

My eyes wide open, I looked at the new Ming.

- No... I mean... sleeping like this, with you... here..., he tightened his arms around me, caressing my right shoulder with his cheek.

In my previous life, Ming and I always slept apart in my flat. We would only get closer when he woke up, feeling lustful again. Surprised, I timidly nodded. He gently let go, took the clothes I'd given him, left the room. Was this a good idea? Not really, but there was no objective reason to refuse. Why this sudden need for closeness? How did things change in such a way? Not knowing what to do, I turned off the light, climbed into bed. 10,000 questions raced through my head. He came back, ten minutes later, sliding against me.

- It's hot, I'd rather sleep shirtless. I hope it doesn't bother you.

His arms tightened around me, his head rested against the back of my neck.

- Good night !, he murmured.

Ming fell asleep after a few moments. My minutes turned into quarter-hours, half-hours, then an hour passed. Could he sense my heart beating faster? Questions, still... I tried to get out of bed. His embrace tightened around me.

- Joe... Stay... Stay with me..., he murmured.

I turned around. He was still asleep, spooning me. His slow breathing against my neck lulled me into a deep slumber.