I'll Be There For You

Epilogue

Mew sighed as he unlocked his door.  It had been another long week of filming, promotional events, and interviews.  But, it seemed to be working.  He was too tired to think about the fact that Tul basically ghosted him.

That week had been glorious, and Mew wasn't just talking about the sex (which was the best he's ever had).  They shared so many things in common that they always had something to talk about.  Mew really enjoyed the fact that their views on many topics weren't exactly the same.  He loved hearing Tul express his thoughts and feelings about things, no matter how mundane.

But that was almost four weeks ago.  The first week after Tul returned home, Mew tried contacting him, sometimes multiple times in one day.  His calls, messages, and DM's all went unanswered.  After having a mutual friend call Tul and Tul answering the phone, Mew gave up.

So Mew threw himself into his work.  Filming was coming to an end for his movie, but hie had workshops for a new series, signed on as an ambassador for a new brand, did some modeling for other brands, and went to the studio to record music.  He had no time to think about the situation.  If he wasn't working, then he was preparing for work in some capacity.  

Eventually Mew overworking himself would catch up to him.  It happened on a day when he only had one job.  He was shooting a spread for a clothing brand and was near the end.  All of a sudden, he became hot and sweaty.  Mew felt dizzy, but before he could ask for a break, he collapsed. 

Mew awoke to find himself in the hospital.  He must have made some sort of noise, because his mother and sister jumped up from their chairs and made their way to his side.  Mew tried to say something, but his mouth and throat were so dry nothing came out.

"Here," Jom said, handing Mew a glass of water with a straw.

"What about the photoshoot?", Mew asked when he got is voice back.  As an independent artist, Mew did everything he could to make sure his reputation was beyond reproach.  He didn't have a company to smooth things over.  His work ethic spoke for itself and helped him book jobs.

"Don't worry," his mother responded, smoothing his hair from his forehead.  "The director said they got everything they needed.  What happened?"

"I didn't drink enough water.  I read how body builders deplete water before a show to make their muscles pop and I wanted to try it.  Clearly that was not a good idea."  Mew couldn't tell them the truth.  That he passed out from exhaustion from overworking himself to forgot about Tul.

"Do you need me to come back?" Jom asked, her faced crinkled with worry.

Mew felt a pang of guilt.  "Of course not.  But, I could use your help narrowing down the choices for my new assistant."

Mew had learned early on to redirect others from topics he didn't want to talk about.  He knew if he didn't give Jom something, she would insist on going with Mew to his next few projects.  Having her look at the candidates would keep her busy, but allow her to stay at home.  Mew didn't want to take Jom away from her new husband, they were still in the honeymoon phase.

Jom and their mother stayed for a couple of hours before leaving.  The doctor wanted Mew to stay overnight and he didn't argue with him about, like he normally would.  Mew knew the medicine they gave him would help him have some of the best sleep ever, and he was looking forward to it.

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Mew awoke in the morning feeling rested.  He had actually woken up before when the nurse bought his tray in.  He must have fallen asleep after eating.  The tray was gone so he slept through someone removing from his room.  He knew the doctor would be coming to check on him before being discharged, but he wasn't sure what time that would be.

Mew needed to arrange a way back to the studio to pick up his car.  He looked around the room and found his phone on the counter.  He was climbing back into bed when the door opened.  Mew's heart skipped a beat as Tul walked in, stopping at the door.

"I'm here to take you home," Tul said, looking around the room.

Mew sat in the bed with his arms crossed.  He didn't say anything and looked at Tul with a raised eyebrow.

Tul took a deep breath,  "I'm sorry."  

"Sorry for what?" Mew asked.

Now Tul was looking him in the eyes.  "For avoiding you this last month.  I needed time to process everything and I didn't have anyone I could talk to it about.  Normally I would talk with you about these things.  Seeing as how you were the topic, that would have been a little awkward."

Mew was trying to hold a smile back.  He had a good feeling, but didn't want to jump to conclusions.  "Well, what did you decide?"

Tul walked towards Mew.  "I'm ready.  I just had to come to terms with how I viewed myself and what other people would think.  Plus, I'm pretty sure we are actual mates."

As Tul got closer, Mew could see the exhaustion on his face.  He couldn't help but soften and opened his arms for Tul.  "It took you this long to figure it out?" Mew asked as he wrapped his arms around Tul, pulling him onto the bed.

"I was basically having an identity crisis," Tul yawned.  "When did you know?"

"You remember that night?  Something just clicked into place and I knew.  I didn't say anything because I didn't want to sway you."

"That was risky.  Thank you for giving me time to figure it out.  I don't know how I would have reacted if you told me right away."

Mew tightened his arms around Tul. "Now that you're here, I'm never letting go."

Tul responded with a hum.

Mew chuckled.  "Go ahead and rest.  I'll wake you up in an hour."  Mew felt the tension leave Tul's body as he drifted off to sleep.  Mew sent a quick prayer of thanks, before he too drifted off to sleep, a smile gracing his face.