The Merger

Seven

The air was somewhat colder now. Leaves had begun fluttering from the trees as if the trees were crying and their tears were floating on the wind. The cold breeze made the day feel dark and dreary, much like First's heart had been feeling lately. It had been two weeks since he'd seen Khaotung. Since Khao had asked for more time before having that heart to heart conversation regarding Blondie and his band of misguided minions who had kidnapped Khaotung not too long ago. Khaotung's mother had disappeared while on vacation and he'd left following her trail hoping to find her or at least find a trace of her. He'd taken some time off and First had promised to manage their now joint companies in Khaotung's absence. First was worried for Khaotung and for Khao's mother, he missed his friend, partner and lover, plus he was trying to seem nonchalant and unconcerned to friends and staff who secretly whispered behind First's back "where had Khao gone, why was he gone and this is why co-workers shouldn't date. Last night First again waltzed with the whiskey bottle, trying to mute the voices in his head. Now the voices were angry, offering no respite against the insults and concerns they were throwing at First.

This morning he awoke alone in his cold bed. Eyes shut tightly whilst instinctively reaching to the empty space next to him. He felt drained, stressed, lonely. He understood what Khaotung needed to do and why, he just didn't understand why he wanted to do it alone. They promised to support each other and here he was, praying every night that Khao would at least contact him. First needed to hear his voice so he would know that Khaotung was okay. Instead First was the one convincing Dee, Khao's assistant, Khao's close friends and also his work colleagues that Khaotung would return soon and they needn't worry.

First heard the heavy drapes slide open smoothly. He wondered who was opening the curtains in his bedroom. Not wanting to alarm the presence in his room before he established its identity, he opened his eyes slowly whitout moving his body. He knew it wasn't Khaotung because Khao wouldn't disturb his sleep by opening and closing curtains unless it was to annoy him. Body on full alert now, First turned his head slowly towards the window.

The bright sunlight instantly pierced his brain fog and sent daggers into his eyes before First fully registered the presence of his assistant Adi.

"We'll good morning sunshine. Aren't you just full of pink glitter and my little pony theme songs. Don't bother to use words I'm fully fluent in grunt and I do use it often as well. So mister Ape man, how about you tame that wild furry animal that fell asleep on your chin. If you can't do it yourself I'd be happy to take a razor to it for you. Shall we rise and shine now Khun First or should I just fill the bath with beer so you can drown yourself in it once more. I bet Khaotung would love seeing you in this state and to think it only took two weeks of absence. Imagine what would happen after two years." As usual Adi had a lot to say and First could only get a word in because Adi had to take a breath. "Why are you here?" asked First testily. "I told you I'd see you at the office." "Sure," answered Adi flatly. " When have you last had a decent meal? Instant noodles, coffee and whiskey Is hardly considered a balanced meal. I promised Khun Khaotung I would make sure you were looked after. Mind you, I told him you're not a baby. He can manage I said. Now look at you , turning me, the handsome and dynamic Adi, into a liar. Not appreciated First, not appreciated. ," Adi carried on for a few more minutes and First could only smile, greatful and annoyed for Adi's support and friendship.

"I'm going to take a shower. What's on our agenda this morning? What time is the meeting with the new supply chain reps? First asked Adi. " I emailed all that information to you last night. Please do check your inbox First. " Adi breathe out a sigh of relief as he heard the water running in the bathroom. " At least I didn't have to drag him in there today " thought Adi .

Within thirty minutes First was ready for the office. "You don't clean up too badly. If should say so myself," commented Adi. Hair coiffed, suit creaseless and hangover medicine ingested. "Heigh ho Heigh ho. It's off the work go.." hummed First under his breath. "I will do many things for you my friend, but I'm not singing that song " Adi immediately commented. Adi stopped in his tracks and First almost collided with his back. "What!" complained First. "You're smiling," said Adi . "For the first time since Khaotung left . You're actually smiling and I didn't have to hold a gun to your head to make you. Wow. There's the guy Khaotung fell in love with. If I dare say so my friend, you and , Khun Khao were made for each other. Although I don't know what is currently happening between you two. I know this, that man loves you very much First and you love him more than even you realise. I should know, I've been a witness to this love story since day one. This is the stuff that dramas are made of and epic OSTs are written for. Yep my friend, you belong to someone now." Adi yanked open the car door and jumped in. Keys in the ignition and ready to roll. "How long are you just going to stand there? Get in First. Time is money." Poor First was so stunned by Adi's words that he simply stood there staring at his assistant before entering his vehicle. He managed to stammer a quick thank you in Adi's direction before awkwardly turning his attention to the road. First was still very uncomfortable with expressing emotions, but with Khao is was a different matter altogether. First would never get tired of telling Khao how much he loved him and how much their relationship meant to him.