Episode 38

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After an emotional day, Perth and Santa finally arrived back at the mansion. As they walked through the door, they could smell something delicious wafting from the kitchen. Following the scent, they entered to find Aunty Mai, Jeff, and Barcode cooking together. The sight was both heartwarming and unexpected. Aunty Mai was bustling around the kitchen, offering instructions to Jeff, who was chopping vegetables with precise movements, while Barcode stood nearby, mixing something in a bowl, a look of concentration on his face.

When Aunty Mai noticed Perth and Santa, she smiled warmly. "Ah, you’re back! Go get showered first while I finish preparing dinner. We’ll eat soon."

Perth and Santa nodded obediently. "Alright, Aunty Mai," Perth said, and Santa echoed him.

They made their way upstairs, heading directly to Perth’s room. Once inside, the comfort of being alone together began to settle in. The heavy emotional weight of the day seemed to lift as they shared a quiet moment, basking in the warmth of each other’s presence. Perth glanced at Santa, giving him a playful smile. "How about we take a shower together?" he suggested, his voice soft but teasing.

Santa blushed slightly but smiled back, nodding. "Alright, phi."

In the bathroom, the warm water cascaded over them as they stood together under the shower, the steam rising around them. The intimacy of the moment wasn’t just physical—it was emotional. They shared gentle touches, washing away the remnants of the long day, finding solace in each other’s company. Perth brushed a wet strand of hair from Santa’s forehead, his touch tender. Santa leaned into it, feeling a sense of peace he hadn’t experienced in a long time. They didn’t need words in that moment; their closeness spoke volumes.

After drying off, Santa grabbed a soft towel and wrapped it around himself, but Perth stopped him with a mischievous grin. "Why don’t you wear my clothes?"

Santa chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Again, phi? You’re going to run out of clothes if I keep borrowing them."

Perth shrugged, already pulling out a fresh t-shirt and a pair of sweatpants. "I don’t mind. You look good in them."

Santa, smiling softly, accepted the clothes and slipped them on. The shirt was a little big on him, the fabric soft and comforting against his skin. Once they were both dressed, they made their way downstairs, hand in hand.

When they reached the dining room, they saw that dinner was already served. Aunty Mai had laid out a delicious spread of dishes, each one smelling better than the last. Jeff and Barcode were already seated, waiting for them to join. The table was filled with warmth, both from the food and the people around it.

As they all began eating, the conversation flowed easily. Laughter echoed through the room, and for a while, it felt like everything was right in the world. After they finished their meal, Jeff, who had been relatively quiet throughout dinner, suddenly spoke up. "By the way, I found your father’s grave."

Santa and Barcode looked at him in shock, almost in unison. "Really, phi?" Barcode asked, his voice filled with disbelief. Santa echoed, "You’re not joking, right?"

Jeff shook his head, his expression serious but gentle. "No, I’m not joking. It’s near your house. We can go visit tomorrow if you want."

Santa and Barcode exchanged a look before nodding in agreement. They had spent so long without any news about their father, and now the chance to visit his grave felt both overwhelming and comforting.

"Alright," Barcode said softly. "Let’s do that."

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