The weeks following Pond and Phuwin's public announcement had been turbulent. The media storm had been intense, with every aspect of their relationship scrutinized by the press and public alike. But amidst the chaos, they had found a strange sense of peace in finally being able to live their truth openly. The backlash was expected, as was the support from unexpected quarters, but there was one looming question that had yet to be answered: how would Pond's family react?
Pond had always been a private person, particularly when it came to his family. Despite the public nature of his business and social life, he had kept his personal relationships close to his chest, especially where Phuwin and Chompoo were concerned. His family, a powerful and influential force in their own right, had certain expectations of him—expectations that Pond had, until now, mostly met.
But with the public nature of his relationship with Phuwin, it was inevitable that the matter would come to his family's attention. Pond had been dreading this moment, unsure of how his parents and siblings would react. Their opinions mattered, and he knew that any disapproval from them could complicate an already delicate situation.
When the call finally came from his mother, requesting a family gathering, Pond's stomach twisted with anxiety. He didn't know what to expect—anger, disappointment, perhaps even a cold refusal to accept Phuwin and Chompoo into the family. The thought of it weighed heavily on his mind as he prepared for the meeting.
On the day of the gathering, Pond and Phuwin made their way to the family estate, Chompoo nestled comfortably in Phuwin's arms. Phuwin was nervous, his hands trembling slightly as they approached the grand entrance, but he tried to keep a calm exterior for Chompoo's sake. Pond, sensing Phuwin's unease, reached out to gently squeeze his shoulder.
"It's going to be okay," Pond reassured him, though there was an edge of uncertainty in his voice. "No matter what happens, we'll face it together."
Phuwin nodded, offering Pond a small, but grateful smile. "I know. I'm just... I want them to accept Chompoo. She deserves that."
Pond's heart ached at the thought. Chompoo had brought so much light into their lives, and the idea of his family rejecting her—rejecting them—was unbearable. But he steeled himself, determined to protect his family, no matter what.
When they entered the estate, they were greeted by Pond's mother, a stately woman with an air of grace and authority. She was seated in the grand sitting room, with Pond's father and siblings already gathered, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"Pond," his mother said, her tone neutral but not unkind. "We're glad you came."
Pond nodded, keeping his expression guarded. "Mother. Father. Everyone." He glanced at Phuwin, who stood beside him, holding Chompoo close. "This is Phuwin and Chompoo."
There was a moment of silence as Pond's family took in the sight before them—the man Pond had publicly declared his love for, and the child they had adopted together. Pond's mother's gaze lingered on Chompoo, her expression softening slightly as she looked at the little girl in Phuwin's arms.
"You've both been in the news quite a bit recently," Pond's father said, his voice measured. "It's caused quite a stir."
Pond felt Phuwin tense beside him, but he remained calm. "I'm aware," Pond replied. "But I stand by my decision. Phuwin and Chompoo are my family, and I'm not going to hide them."
To Pond's surprise, his mother smiled—a small, genuine smile that reached her eyes. "Pond, we've always known you were different," she said gently. "You've always done things your own way, and while that hasn't always been easy for us to accept, we've learned to trust your judgment."
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Journey (PONDPHUWIN)
FanfictionCOMPLETE Phuwin, a young man caught in a web of power and control, and Pond, the wealthy and influential figure who becomes both his captor and his lover.
