Chances on Love

Truce

Pete can hardly open his eyes..
They were the most swollen as he can remember and it's not due to any irritation but because he spent all his hours crying at the river bank earlier before deciding to go home.

He was always a crybaby but this time, he was at lost with his emotions which filled him like crazy.

He can still remember Ae always telling him not to cry and everything will be alright.. Not to look down but rest his head on his shoulder and he will be his pillar and support, but he.. is no longer his.. and he is not there to fulfill that promise.

Earlier when he saw Ae at the firm..
He looked so different.. he looked so.. manly and cold.

If they weren't only in this situation he might have shown just how much he missed him but there are always things he cannot control and he'll just have to face reality.

Yes.. he is happy.. happy for Ae as he became successful.

But he was also hurt, as he did well without him and he on the other hand.. up to now.. he hasn't moved on.

His body trembled with nervousness as this was their first meeting after almost 6 years of separation but Ae seemed to not care about him anymore..

Pete didn't even know how to react earlier and he just left in order to save face.

For the past few years, sadness and regret has been his companion, his mom was the one giving him non stop encouragement and support.

He missed his mom..

He looked down and sighed.
"I thought I can do this Mom.. but, upon seeing Ae again.. I realized.. I really can't.." Pete wanted to give up and go back..

After crying his heart out, he hailed a taxi and asked the driver to just drive around..
No destination..
He just wanted to rest..

The taxi driver didn't even ask anything..
He might have noticed him shaken or he may have ridden a passenger like him before..

He was even kind enough to louden his stereo which Pete appreciated as he started to cry again..

Whenever he rides a vehicle, fear struck him deep inside..

It was long after the accident he was able to ride one and Andy, his psychiatrist have helped him a lot..

He did not just act as a Doctor but more of a friend to him.

He bid his thanks to the good man and watched him drive off..

He heavily dragged his feet to the gate..
But before he got inside a strong hand grabbed his wrist making him face the person behind him.

Pete's eyes widened..
"A... a... ae.."

Ae looked at him warmly and with no hesitation..
he pulled him and to Pete's astonishment, Ae captured him tightly in an embrace..

"I was looking all over for you Pete."

Pete couldn't control his emotion..
He thought his tears had dried up but he was wrong.. His eyes still welled up as he rested his face on Ae's broad shoulders.

"Is it him who got small or Ae is now more taller than usual?" he thought but stopped himself, this is really not the right time to think about silly things.

"I'm sorry for the way I acted Pete,"
"I just heard about you and your mom.."
"I'm so sorry for your loss."
Ae's words were sincere and Pete found himself sobbing harder..

He wrapped his arms on Ae's waist not wanting to let go of their embrace.

He knows that after this,
They will just treat each other casually but he would like to savor the comfort of Ae's warm body against his.

Time passed and they lost count on how long they were holding each other.

Pete suddenly felt weird and shadows took over his line of sight, "Am I fainting?" he asked himself, he felt so tired and his body withered in Ae's strong arms.

Ae upon realizing Pete is collapsing from fatigue as his body became heavy, he immediately took him inside the house and laid him down on the sofa.
He then looked for a towel to use and damped it in cold water and wiped his face.

"I'm sorry.. Ae"
Pete said almost whispering.

Ae looked at Pete, gently patted his head...
"You never change.. You always say sorry."
"Have you eaten today Pete?"

Pete just moaned..
"Ae.. I'm not hungry.."

Pete opened his eyes and reached for Ae's arm..
"I know this is too much to ask as we just met again but.. but if can you please stay with me tonight."

"I.. I don't want to be alone.."
"I just really need to be with someone...."
"Please Ae.. Say Yes.."

Pete swallowed all his pride..
How shameless of him to ask Ae after all these years.. but he had to, even just for tonight..

Ae just nodded his head.
Pete tried to read the emotions behind his eyes but Ae avoided his stare..

Ae then lifted and carried Pete's frail body bridal style up to his room.

In his mind, Ae wanted to decline Pete's request as it may only cause him emotional chaos but seeing Pete in this state,

He felt somehow obligated to stay..

"Obligated? So is it really just a force of obligation?"
Ae sighed softly as he felt a gush of pain in his chest..

Yes, he will stay.. even if it will kill him.

"Can and Ley is correct," Ae observing his former lover.

"Pete is not just thinner and paler. He became so fragile." Ae fear Pete may break at any time..

Ae had the chance to look around the room.
It hasn't changed much..

He can still remember the moments they spent on this same bed Pete is lying on.

The laughter, the tears.. the pain and the... ecstacy..
Ae groaned.. "This is really not the time to think of things like this.."

His mind stopped wandering and looked at Pete.
He was sleeping soundly as if this was the first time he slept in years..
His eyes went to his hand..
Pete has been holding it tight for a while now..

Ae smiled with bitterness..
Pete just came here to finish what his mother started and eventually.. he will leave again.
With those thoughts in mind, Ae just decided to set aside his hurt and make Pete's stay worthwhile.