Parallel Love

18.

“So this is it then”

Rome stood facing Off. This was the same place in which Off found Rome. At that time, Rome was sobbing  but now Rome was smiling his brightest smile. 

Everyone was present including Tay, Gun, New, Arthit and Kongpob. Now that they had found cardamom, they only had to wait for the cat to take them to their own world.

“Make sure you catch up with P’Pick.” Off advised Rome taking the role of a responsible big brother. He felt a special connection with Rome, he loved his mischief, he loved the chuckles that followed those mischiefs.

Now he'll miss those. That's why farewells are so hard and this particular farewell was harder than he could imagine.

“Be happy P’Off”

Rome embraced Off just like he used to do in their first meeting, a little tighter this time almost afraid of letting go.  He had to let go. He did let go. Now that Gun was with Off, Rome didn’t have to worry about anything. 

He didn’t simply smile, he beamed with happiness and satisfaction as if he had accomplished a far great task . It was only Off and Gun who were on verge of tears.

Arthit and Kongpob already followed the cat, they waved and thanked everyone. As soon as they disappeared almost magically, Rome dragged his feet waving frantically and the mist hid him before anyone noticed.

Once reaching his world, Rome stood face to face with the harsh reality. He was greeted with the solitary looking grave of his loved one.

The night he was told about  Pick's fatal accident, he trembled all the way to the hospital. Only to find a very furious Pete yelling at the hospital staff for not being able to save his best friend. 

Rome felt the taste of betrayal. He was betrayed by his best friend and later by Pick who, without intending, had betrayed by leaving him alone to suffer this guilt.

Love and trust were two different things but yet both were balanced as if by a fine thread. He lingered in his own insecurities for too long and  made a discord in that balance.  And he was too stubborn to realize that mistake.

Simply,  he should have trusted Pick as much as he loved him. Pick, of all people, deserved that trust.

All these memories came back to him knocking him off his balance so that  he kneeled infront of this lifeless Pick, who had replaced his jovial P'Pick. This one seemed too cruel. 

Kongpob and Arthit didn't know how to comfort him and they held Rome's shoulder with a silent nod, not wishing to leave their friend alone.

"P'Pick now Off and Gun will live the happy life that we lost''

Rome spoke as if Pick was infront of him, listening to him speak. Perhaps he was. Rome felt now that he would be forgiven for all those mistakes.

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Off turned around dejected having to part with Rome, though he was a little troublemaker,  none of this would have happened if he hadn't meddled with his life. He felt grateful that Rome came to his life. He was caught in a rollercoaster ever since, being pushed, shovelled and nagged until he himself  gathered up courage to deal with his life.

The touch on his shoulder brought him to reality. There he was, the love of his life, looking concerned and worried for Off. Off managed to let out a small smile, he wanted Gun to smile.  Worry and sorrow didn't suit that angelic face.  Off would do anything to see the intoxicating smile that only those lush lips were capable of. 

"Want to get some ice cream?'' 
Off grinned knowing that Gun would find the temptation hard to resist .

Gun responded with a huge grin. He reached for that big protective hand and  intertwined Off's slim fingers with his own. A while ago, he had seen Tay and New leave embracing each other's company. 

He felt satisfied at the sight of that new budding love. It reminded him of those days he felt shy in Off's presence, absorbing the thrill and happiness at having someone to hold hands with, snuggle close to and share his life with.

Now he had Off all for himself and he wouldn't let go of this happiness no matter what and will not let himself drown in insecurities. He promised himself while savouring the warmth of Off's hand that felt relishable  and precious like the morning sunlight.

                                                   END
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A/N
Thanks so much for reading 😘
Sorry for P'Pick 😬

Love OFFGUN forever.