To the end

16

Past and New Feelings

Thant glanced at the framed picture of Vegas tucked away on a high shelf in his apartment. It was an old photo, a relic from a past he’d learned to treasure without clinging to it. He took a deep breath, feeling a familiar warmth beside him—his boyfriend, Leo, who had drifted into his life like a steady tide, washing over old wounds with quiet understanding and steady affection.

“Thinking about him again?” Leo’s voice was soft, without a hint of jealousy, only understanding.

Thant nodded, a faint smile appearing. “Sometimes… he was a friend first, but it’s hard not to remember how much we went through. I guess part of me will always care.”

Leo wrapped an arm around him, holding him close. “You don’t have to forget him to be happy now.”

Thant’s heart eased with Leo’s words. Vegas had been his past, a fierce connection that had left marks on his heart, but here, in Leo’s arms, he had found peace. Vegas was still a cherished memory, a friend he’d loved deeply, but now he looked at that picture with gratitude rather than longing.

---

Ken sat at the kitchen table, guiding Venice through his homework as she carefully scribbled answers onto his worksheet. Just as he was helping her with a tricky question, Venice looked up at him, his expression thoughtful.

“Dad,” he said suddenly, he voice serious, “why can’t you go on a date with Papa?”

Ken felt a jolt of surprise, his pen halting mid-air. He blinked, gathering his composure, and managed a chuckle. “Where did you learn about dates, hm?”

“We’re grown up now!” Venice replied confidently, glancing over at his siblings, who nodded in agreement.

Ken’s smile faded slightly, a hint of sadness creeping in as he looked at them. He took a deep breath and said softly, “We’re…we’re not like that, Venice. I’m Papa’s friend, and he’s mine. I’m here to help him, and that’s all.”

Venice looked up at him with wide eyes, a bit of disappointment mixed with curiosity. “But you take care of us, and you’re always there. Isn’t that what dads do?”

Ken’s heart clenched, but he forced a gentle smile. “Yes, that’s what dads do. But sometimes…sometimes things aren’t that simple.” He ruffled her hair, masking his own conflicted feelings with a small, reassuring smile.

Thant entered the dimly lit basement, his footsteps echoing slightly as he approached the cell where Vegas was being held. Vegas looked up, his expression weary but softening a bit when he saw Thant.

Thant placed a small bag of food down near the bars. "Managed to sneak you something different today," he said with a small smile, pushing the bag toward Vegas.

Vegas reached for the food, offering a tired smile in return. "Thanks, Thant. You’re the only one keeping me sane down here."

They shared a moment of quiet as Vegas unwrapped the food, but Thant eventually cleared his throat, shifting nervously. "Vegas, I wanted to tell you… I'm getting married in three months."

Vegas's eyes widened in surprise, and then his expression softened, a genuine smile breaking through his weariness. "That's... that's incredible. Congratulations."

Thant nodded, his smile bittersweet.

Thant placed a reassuring hand on the bars. "I know this is hard, but just hold on. Things can change faster than you think.”

Vegas nodded, clutching the food and Thant’s words, a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.

As Vegas took a slow, almost reluctant bite, the memories of that night flooded back—the night he knelt in front of Kim with trembling hands, asking him to share forever. He could still picture the way Kim had looked at him, eyes full of love and hope, like they’d found a safe haven in each other. The memory was bittersweet now, twisted by the reality of his confinement.

Across the table, Thant spoke excitedly about his upcoming wedding, his face lighting up with a joy that Vegas knew all too well but hadn't tasted in years. Vegas's grip tightened on his fork, his knuckles whitening as he tried to maintain composure. He wanted to be happy for Thant—he truly did—but every word was a reminder of the life he was missing.

The ache grew sharper, almost unbearable. He forced himself to smile, but inside, he was screaming. He wanted to break free, to hold Kim again, to say "I do" without these chains holding him back. Every bite he took tasted like loss, every laugh from Thant like salt on an open wound.

“Will you come to my wedding, Vegas?” Thant asked, oblivious to the turmoil behind Vegas's strained smile.

Vegas looked down, hiding the pain in his eyes. “I… I’d like to,” he managed, though his voice barely hid the tremor of longing and frustration.