To Hold Tight or to Let Go

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Arthit had been awake for hours just staring at his sleeping lover next to him. Kongpob looked so peaceful next to him and it further drove home the feeling Arthit had in his chest at the moment. He refused to let Kongpob's peace ever be broken again. It just wasn't fair. Especially if Arthit had the mindset to handle those who wanted to destroy them.

He smiled faintly and rubbed Kongpob's cheek with his thumb. Kongpob stirred then groaned and cuddled closer to Arthit.

"Are you okay P?" he asked sleepily, opening his eyes slightly.

"I'm perfect Kongpob," he replied.

"I'll get up soon and make your breakfast so you can take your meds," Kongpob said. "I'm just so tired."

"Sleep baby," Arthit whispered. "I'll be here."

Arthit knew Kongpob was exhausted because he immediately fell back to sleep. Work had been getting harder for Kongpob as the company launched a successful product so demand was through the roof. Everyone was working doubly and for the past week, Kongpob was making it home and practically falling into bed. Now it was Saturday and way past the time he normally woke because he was so drained.

After watching him sleep for a little bit more, Arthit kissed Kongpob's sleepy lips then crawled out of bed. He was capable of dong most things now, including showering alone and getting himself ready for the day. Upon the request of the physical therapist, Kongpob purchased and wash glove that Arthit could put on his hands and effectively clean himself. That meant he didn't have to worry about his grip or his fingers by trying to hold a wash cloth.

He cleaned himself up quickly then got dressed and left their quarters. He found Kaiya in the kitchen cleaning up from her breakfast with Kerrkalai.

"Good morning mae," Arthit greeted.

"Aw, good morning sweet boy." she kissed Arthit's cheek.

"If you're not too busy I was wondering if you can help me make Kongpob breakfast?"

"Of course! He's still asleep? Poor baby must be exhausted."

"Yeah and I don't want him to worry about cooking for me when I can do something for him."

"Alright, let's go to your place."

Inside their kitchen, Arthit got out ingredients to make Kongpob a healthy and filling breakfast. Because of his grip he still struggled to hold some things to Kaiya oversaw and helped him as necessary as he made minced pork omelet, miso soup, white rice, grilled salmon and Kongpob's favorite vegetables sauteed in oyster sauce. For the most part, Kaiya just helped him flip the items in the pan but he told her when to do it.

"Wow Arthit, you're a good cook," Kaiya said. "I didn't realize it."

"Since having Kongpob he rarely lets me cook. Which is strange because he's not that great of a cook himself. And we end up mostly ordering. But when I was growing up, Chanthira told me that my wife would end up resenting me if I couldn't make simple dishes. Especially if she was sick and needed someone to take care of her. That would be my job as her husband. Firstly, I just chocked it up to her just rambling but one day both her and Aroon got sick with the flu at the same time. I was eleven years old and I knew I had to take care of them. It felt good to nurse them back to health with my cooking. Then I realized what she taught me was true. Now I'm happy that I can make meals for my man who's been working hard for the both of us."

Kaiya smiled at him. "Crazy boy doesn't have to work so hard. He has a trust find he can access and there's a lot of money in it. But the only reason he works is because of you." Kaiya smiled. "He doesn't want to look worthless and I'm proud of him and grateful that he has someone like you who makes him want to be a better person. We all need that kind of person in our life. Mine is Kerrkalai."