Beauty from Ashes

All Hell Breaks Loose

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to announce that the repairs are finished, and it looks like we've been cleared to continue. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding."

Arthit exhaled and thanked the gods. When the train started to move, his mind started to race. Is Kong in danger? Has Steve reached Kong? Is Nam Soon going to keep him safe? These thoughts filled his head as the train moved towards its destination. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead and his palms became clammy thinking about all the possibilities.

"Don't worry Kong. I'm coming." He closed his eyes and asked the gods to keep his love safe.

Mark stood on the busy street trying to hail a taxi. After several attempts a taxi finally stopped. He entered the taxi, keeping his package on his lap. The driver kept stealing glances at Mark as he weaved through the busy streets. Mark felt the eyes on him and lifted his head to meet the driver's gaze.

"Can I help you?"

"I'm sorry sir. It's just that you look so familiar. Have I driven you before?"

Mark turned his head to stare out the window. He sighed knowing how the driver recognized him, but he wasn't going to remind him. It was a pattern that repeated itself wherever he went. He had been followed by fingers pointing, people whispering and people shouting insults at him. Mark had not had a moment's peace since his role in the embezzlement was made public. His family had disowned him. Friends, those that would even speak to him, politely disinvited him to events and offered half-hearted words of comfort. For the first time in his life he was truly alone, and it hurt.

No matter how hard he tried he just couldn't stop being angry. His career was over. After applying to more companies than he can count, he was tired of being turned down. Either they recognized his name from his resume, or they recognized his face from the news. Nothing was working for him and he only blamed one man for his woes...Kongpob. It was with that thought in mind that he was headed to confront the man he believed ruined his life.

Nam Soon had just finished placing the last listening device and camera in Kongpob's flat when he returned to his perch nearby to make sure they were all working. Kong wouldn't let him stay inside the flat, but he wouldn't take no for an answer when he said he would setup a listening post nearby in case he was needed right away. He was watching and listening to the feed when he saw Kongpob's head turn towards the door. He bolted upright to zoom in.

Hearing a knock, Kong's breath stuck in his chest. He held his breath as he approached the door. He opened the door to find Steve standing there. Steve's eyes glistened seeing the love of his life finally before him.

"It's...it's you."

"In the flesh," Kong joked and moved to the side to allow Steve to enter.

Steve crossed the threshold to stand in Kong's living room. His eyes wandered around the room taking in his surroundings. He smiled when he saw a lion plushie on the couch. He leaned over picking up the plushie. Holding it in his hands he turned to meet Kong.

"I can't believe you kept this. Remember how much money I spent trying to win this for you?" Steve chuckled and put the plushie back in its place.

"I do remember. It was a wonderful evening. Even then you were always trying to provide for me."

"And you never let me. I always wanted to take care of you. I would've done anything to make your life easier. Watching you toil away in that office was killing me."