The Merger

Twenty

Khaotung rushed to the school nestled in the heart of this little town. The townsfolk were all familiar with this family of two and adored both dad and son.

At first there had been many suitors, both male and female hoping to catch Khaotung's eye but they all soon realised the only thing that mattered to him was his son. Since Khao had taken over the vibrant corner coffee shop and upgraded the menu, it had become the most popular hangout in town.

So when little Tay, short for Tawan, fell out of the tree he'd been trying to conquer, there had been no end to the offers of help. One of which came from the town's doctor, Podd, who had a particular soft spot for both Khaotung and Tay but had yet to make a move.

The fact that Khao was oblivious to this doctor's attentions really was for only one reason, that his heart was still beating for First and now also for Tay. No persons mattered more to Khaotung than these two and if he ever wanted to bring the three of them together, he would have his work cut out for him.

As soon as Khaotung got the message he rushed over to the school to find out what had happened. From the call he'd learned that Tay had dared a few of the kids to climb the tree bordering the school's fence. The kids all chickened out but not Tay, yep he's a little hothead just like his dad. He climbed that tree and fell out of it like a pro. Thus Khaotung found his son in the school infirmary being examined by doctor Podd whom the school had summoned.

First had followed Khaotung to the school. He'd gotten the information from  the gentleman he met earlier with Adi and who had only volunteered this info because he was aware of the history between First and Khaotung.

First arrived at the school minutes after Khaotung and of course was denied access. He was held up in the principal's office while Khao was informed of his presence. First was eventually shown to the infirmary after obtaining Khaotung's permission.

He was only mildly surprised upon meeting Podd as it was only natural that a doctor would be present in the infirmary. It was the looks he was giving Khao that set First a little on edge. Also the friendly manner in which Tay chatted with said doctor.

"Do I have the right to be jealous?" First wondered to himself. "What if Podd and Khaotung were together? What if this was who Khaotung had moved on with?" First shook his head to clear his thoughts. Khaotung never said he was with anyone. He also never said he wasn't. He didn't say he had a son previously and that was what First most wanted to know.

When and how did Khaotung come to have son. First was so deep in his thoughts that he didn't hear Khaotung approaching him. He was a little startled when Khaotung placed his forefinger in the middle of First's forehead between his eyes and gently circled his finger in that spot.

"Why so deep in thought Fir?" Khaotung asked sweetly. "I see you're still in the habit of frowning when something is bothering you. Better tell me about it before those furrows become permanent," remarked Khaotung. So mesmerized was First by Khao's touch that he simply blurted out "where did you get a son?"

Khaotung smiled and said " You mean how did I get a son?. He's adopted, two years ago and it's only him and me. We live alone and I'm grateful to this community for all the help they give me in raising my son.

" There's much more we need to talk about. Would you like to have dinner with me and Tay and we can continue this conversation," asked Khaotung.    " Sure " said First, not really knowing what else to say.

"P'Podd and I will take Tay to his surgery first and have Tay's leg x-rayed. I will meet you at my home in an hour. Here's the address," said Khaotung to First.

Thankfully the hour passed quickly. First had gone to the hotel where him and Adi had reservations. He had a fast shower, a change of clothes and a quick word with Adi before setting out to meet Khaotung. Naturally Adi was full of opinions, none of which First was listening to.

First arrived at the address Khaotung had given him at the same time as Khao and Podd. Both Podd and First were a little surprised to see each other. Neither expecting the other to be there. First approached the front gate cautiously as Khaotung stepped from his vehicle. He lifted Tay on his back and gestured for First to help him carry the bags he had with him.

First took the key from Khao's hand to unlock the door. Upon stepping inside First was surprised to find that Khaotung's new home looked exactly like First's cottage where they had lived together previously.

" I hope you guys don't mind pizza . Tay would you like the cheesy one,? Khaotung asked. "Yes please pop," the boy responded brightly.   " I'll place the order. Would you guys like some coffee while we wait? Tay, lift your leg on the pillow. I'll bring you a blanket soon. Would you like to watch the Disney Channel?" Khaotung rambled on.

"How's he's leg?" First asked of Podd. "Luckily it's not broken,"Podd responded. "He just twisted his ankle in the fall. "

As soon as the boy was settled and the pizza on its way, Khaotung gave First a tour of the house. First took this moment to tell Khaotung that he and Podd made a nice couple and that Podd seemed like a nice guy. Khaotung smiled brightly and First felt his knees go just a little weak. "Podd and I just friends  " Khaotung said. "I invited him to dinner to thank him for his help with Tay. There's nothing more to it. You and I still need to have a conversation but would it be okay with you if we wait until Podd leaves? Khaotung asked. " I've never been able to say no to you,"answered First. Khaotung smiled even brighter and just a little sexier when he added in a whisper close to First's ear " and my heart still beats Fir-Fir Fir-Fir...." First could hardly believe what he was hearing and he thought, "Just for tonight. I will not think or worry about anything ," and he suddenly leaned down and claimed Khaotung's smiling lips.

After a few minutes Khaotung pulled away, both left breathless, and planted a peck on First's cheek. " You and I are going to continue this later, after dinner."  Despite having said that he kissed First again before heading downstairs to set the table.

First followed. A little bug whispered in his ear, "he left you First. He was gone for two years . You can't just carry on like nothing happened. " First was overthinking again. He knew he shouldn't get involved with Khaotung, at least not until he knew what happened two years ago.

First shut his eyes and shook his head to dispel these thoughts. "Tommorow," he thought."Tomorrow I'll be my responsible self, but tonight, tonight I want to feel loved. Loved like I've yearned for for the last two years. "

Dinner passed pleasantly. After dinner Podd excused himself saying he was on call the next day. Tay was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Finally First and Khaotung could sit and have that much needed conversation.

They sat close together on the tiny couch. They shared a bottle of wine and chatted about this and that. After a few minutes of silence First asked Khaotung," did you stop loving me?"

"Since the day I met you, you have been the only person I could see. You are my colour in this grey world. Whether I fought with you or loved you, whether we talked or disagreed, whether we worked or partied, it had always been you, the person I loved more than myself. I could never stop loving you, " said Khaotung.

"Then why did you leave?" asked First. Khaotung took a deep breath and his shoulders sagged. "Because I was an idiot."

" At first I was so angry with you because of my mom, but I realised it wasn't anger I felt. It was guilt. Guilt that I couldn't save my mom, guilt that Maize had to leave her child behind and guilt that my heart hurts so much that I couldn't feel love.

The tears started flowing from Khaotung's eyes. Barely noticeable at first but soon he was sobbing.

"I read my mother's last letter to me and in it she explains how she approached you, how she could tell how much you loved me and how she knew you would stop at nothing to save me. She said you were my forever person. I couldn't believe my mother was gone and what's more is that  it was my fault."

It was a struggle to forgive myself and from then until now I still keep everything inside. I also received Maize's letter and hers were full of plans for her son. She asked that I make sure it is all executed.

First's heart was torn seeing Khaotung cry. He encircled Khaotung's shaking body in his arms and planted feather kisses all over his face. It wasn't long before Khaotung's body reacted to First's touch. Soon all talk was forgotten.