The Merger

Four

The reaction time on these muscle dudes were rather slow and they were obviously not hired to solve world peace unless they were doing it with their fists. Thus, as First screamed and ran towards them, they were not about to escape. No, on the contrary, they cracked and rolled their knuckles. They smiled sinisterly as they moved towards First. Muscles ready to cause serious bodily harm. First didn't stop though. The only thought on his mind looping like a bad movie on rerun was the slow fall of Khao's body as it hit the ground. First screamed like a warrior about to charge into enemy troops on the battlefield.

Off to the side trying to find either a spot to hide or getaway option was the suited guy. The thought occurred to him suddenly, as if a bullet hit him, this vehicle, the one right next him, yep the black van, belonged to him and he had the keys in his hand. Blond hair whipping about as he spun around. He jumped in his van and shouted for his minions to get in or be left behind for the police to find because he assumed the neighbours were calling the police as lights had suddenly switched on in more than one window. The last thing blondie wanted was witnesses.

First got one last glance at that blond hair making him think of One Piece's Sanji and this is how he would later describe him as well. He reached Khaotung just as the taillights disappeared around the corner and sped into the night.

First stopped short of Khao's body. He stood frozen. His legs refused to obey him. He stared at the unmoving body willing it to breathe....... First heard a soft groan. He took one step closer. Was it Khao or was it his imagination?

An eternity later, just a minute in actual time, he heard another groan. Louder this time. He knelt beside Khao and gently turned him over. Khaotung's eyes fluttered open. First breathe out an audible sigh of relief and with it came grateful prayers to all the deities he had just begged to on his lover's behalf. Khaotung didn't just hold First's heart, he was his heart.

Khaotung tried to speak. "Shh, I've got you. I'm calling an ambulance. Don't get up. Just keep your eyes on mine, " repeated First multiple times. "First," Khaotung whispered. "They're going after my mom. I have to stop them." Khaotung passed out again as First heard the sirens coming closer.

First could only watch as Khaotung was loaded onto the gurney and into the waiting ambulance. First followed the red flashing lights in his own vehicle as the paramedics had unceremoniously evicted him from the ambulance saying they needed to focus on their patient.
He arrived at the hospital minutes after the ambulance and let his long legs carry him inside.

An hour later he was sitting by Khaotung's bedside. Khao, now groggy from the medication he was administered, tried to answer the questions the police were firing at him. Fortunately First knew the detective questioning Khao and knew he would stop at nothing to get to the truth of what happened. Khaotung however, was not being completely forthright with his answers. The detective didn't know that but First did because he knew Khao so well and First knew when he was hiding something. First didn't say anything though and vowed to confront Khaotung later. He wanted to know just what Khao meant when he said those goons were after his mom.

First was glad his friend was on the case. His friend was trustworthy, loyal and took great pride in being a detective. At that moment, at least, First was greatful. He had no idea he would later wish the police never got involved. Secrets were about to be uncovered. Just what did those muscle minions want and what did it have to do with Khaotung. First sensed that now wasn't the time to demand answers but soon, as soon as they were alone in fact. For now First just wanted to be sure Khao was fine and there was no lasting damage from the beating he took. He handsome face and body was bruised but still as sassy as ever.

Later, much later that evening or rather in the early morning hours First started that conversation. "Khaotung," First said in little more than a whisper. Khao held up his hand gesturing for First to stop. " I have a killer headache. Can you let me have some sleep before you grill me", quipped Khao angrily. "Well excuse me sir, I didn't know I was on your payroll," answered First testily. "As if I didn't just save his butt" thought First. Khaotung's features softened. "I'm sorry Ter, I'm a little cranky. Getting beat up will do that to you." First relaxed his hands which he had balled into fists out of frustration without realising. " I'm sorry. Sleep first. We'll talk later," said First and planted a gentle kiss on Khao's forehead. "I'll take a nap on the two-seater in the corner," said First knowing he was going to hurt later. "Nonsense," answered Khao. " Just tuck your body in here next to mine and wrap your arms around me. Promise you won't let go " With a soft sigh First responded "I promise."