FOUR

1

Usually the beginning of a story starts with "Once upon a time," but this isn't the start of the story. Indeed, this is neither the beginning nor the ending. This is somewhere in the middle, after the "Once upon a time" and before the "Happily ever after." It's not about the sweetness of falling in love. It's about all the craziness and challenges of staying in love. It's about family and friends and living and loving and everything that happens when you share your life with someone. It's about two men in love. It's about Arthit and Kongpob...

.....................

"Breathe, p'Arthit. Nice, slow breaths." Kong takes a long breath, demonstrating his words to the man in front of him. "I promise they don't bite."

"Easy for you to say," grumbles Arthit as he scowls at his younger lover. "They are your parents. They already love you. Are you sure they are okay with this? With us? I'm not walking into your home only to get shot for seducing their only son, am I?"

"Everything will be fine." Kong chuckles at his boyfriend's dramatics. Most people see Arthit as confident and calm, only he gets to see how emotional and adorable this guy can get. "I've been talking to them for the last several months about us and, while it was a shock for them in the beginning, they are very supportive. Mae has asked me several times to invite you over for dinner so she can meet you. I think she's a bit jealous that Por has already met you through work."

"He's not mad that I didn't tell him that I knew you before, right? I really didn't know how to answer him when he asked back then. I was afraid of showing too much, that he will somehow know the truth." Arthit sees the flash of hurt in Kong's eyes and immediately feels guilty over the way he acted in the past. Raising a hand, he brushes his fingertips along Kongpob's cheek and leans closer. "I won't do that again, Kong. If anyone asks me, I'll answer with the truth. You are my important person and I'm so sorry I ever hurt you."

"Stop apologizing, p'Arthit. You weren't the only one at fault at that time." Capturing Arthit's hand, Kongpob gives it a light kiss on the knuckles with a teasing smile. "Now, are you ready to meet the in-laws?"

"Kongpob!" The head hazer shout only makes Kong laugh as he tugs his lover up the walk to the front door.

"Kongpob?" A soft, feminine voice calls out as the door opens and a beautiful older woman is revealed. It is easy to tell that this is Kong's mother as they share a similar smile and warmth in the eyes. When she looks at Arthit, he straightens his posture and brings his hands up to wai her automatically with, what he hopes is, his friendliest smile. The woman returns the greeting and looks him up and down, studying him from his toes to the top of his head. Arthit smiles wider to hide his nervousness as Kong pushes him forward with a hand on the small of Arthit's back.

"Hello, Mae." Kong gives her a wai before enveloping her in a hug. Backing off, he gives an encouraging smile to Arthit. "I want to introduce to you my boyfriend. Mae, this is Arthit. P'Arthit, this is my mother, Hathai."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Khun Hathai," Arthit says with another wai but is interrupted when Kong's mother pulls him in for an enthusiastic hug. Soft, warm arms surround him as his eyes widen in surprise. "The pleasure is all mine and you must call me, Mae, like my Kong. We're family now, after all."

When she steps away, there is a familiar smirk on her lips and Arthit almost groans as he feels the red creep into his cheeks. This person is definitely where Kongpob got his playful and affectionate personality. 

"Kong, you are right. He really is adorable. I'm a sucker for dimples." Mae whispers very loudly to her son making Arthit blush even more. This could be a long evening but at least no one is killing him yet for seducing the handsome man beside him.

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author's note:
Yes?   No?
Is this worth continuing?
My last one I started was a HP and there was practically zero interest. 
I'm hoping this one might do better.