Water On Fire [MileApo | mxm]

21

Apo's family comes from Hua Hin to visit Apo for the long weekend. Mile knows that Apo will not kiss him in front of them, or hold his hand. He's going to act like Mile is nothing more than a friend to him, and it may not even be acting.

Apo posts a picture of them all together against the white, tiled wall of his kitchen. Luckily, the wilting plant on the microwave isn't in the frame. The picture is missing someone; Apo's brother is still back in Hua Hin. Mile notes that Apo looks like his mom but has his dad's hair, including the little, upright corn sheafs.

What Mile does expect is for Apo to invite him over. So far, radio silence.

Whenever they're arguing or just not getting along as they usually do, Mile turns to his other friends for advice. Woody, Pond, Tong, and Mae Nathanee have been his sole confidants.

"Sometimes I wonder what I'm doing with him," Mile sighs into the phone. "There's so much...are-we-or-aren't-we, with him. I miss being with women, who would tell me every day how in love with me they were and how they wanted to have my babies."

"Men aren't as good at communication," Tong agrees. "Just give him a chance to catch up with his family without you. It's not always about you."

"I guess."

Mile knows that a healthy relationship isn't supposed to feel like this. All jumbled, chaotic thoughts and endless anxiety. But he forgets all about it when Apo finally texts him and invites him over.

Mile nearly trips over a stray cat on his way to his car, goes back inside to get her some food, and is quite late in the end. He's not sure when he became Apo's bitch-boy, but he's past saving now.

Apo seems tense, somewhat irritable, at first glance.

"Sorry," Mile murmurs. "I came as fast as I could. I should've showered; I smell-"

"You smell like a man; it's fine," Apo says dismissively. He sighs. "Miuku got into some of my milk, and he's been having terrible diarrhea."

"Perfect timing," Mile winces sympathetically.

"Yup. Had to be the weekend my parents came over. Most days, my friend has him, so I forgot I couldn't leave milk out."

"Ready to go?" Apo's mother emerges from within the apartment, followed by her husband and daughter. "Oh, hi, dear!"

Mile trips over himself offering up the most respectful pleasantries and honorifics. He's gushing, and Apo rolls his eyes in the background.

The family was planning on strolling around the commercial parts of Bangkok, now a ghost-town due to the holiday. Mile joins them, walking next to Apo. The fingernails of their thumbs brush together as they walk, though Mile doesn't dare take Apo's hand.

"How's Nathanee?" Mae Soh asks.

"She's good. I'm surprising her with a vacation to Japan for Japanese Mother's Day."

"Oh how sweet."

"Yeah, she loves Japan."

"Apo, what are you getting me?" She turns to her son.

"Uh, I don't know? I wasn't going to plan anything until closer to August..." He chuckles ruefully. "Thanks for making me look bad, man."