Tay handed over New's tablet to Mond on which Phuwin's video call was connected to witness the wedding. His video call was disrupted. "What the hell? How can you move it when they are about to kiss?" Phuwin screamed on the screen.
"I am sorry," Tay whispered before he rushed to tackle the nauseous feeling that teased his stomach. New saw Tay's retreat in his far peripheral although his stare was fixed at Earth.
Tay stood in front of a mirror in the restroom. He touched his lips. The tingling feeling of the kiss he shared yesterday with New still lingered over his lips. From today, all of New's kisses belong to Earth. Fuck. He left the venue as soon as he emptied his emotions in that restroom.
***
When Tay reached his condo, he found his old friend waiting for him.
"Surprise motherfucker!"
Tay gaped as his mouth could only leave a whispered—"What the fuck?" And rushed into a hug all at once.
Off wrapped his arms around him almost pulling him up, off the ground, in the embrace.
"Since how long have to been waiting here? Why didn't you call me? When did you come back?" Tay asked breaking the hug.
"You talk to me like, I am your girlfriend. Sorry boyfriend. Oh, sorry again! Even he got married today."
Tay hit his arm. "Shut up."
Off laughed. "I came just now. I directly took a cab to your place. I thought your broken heart would need some pampering." Off said jokingly.
Tay tittered as he spoke, "I am okay. I am fine."
Off just stared at him tilting his head.
"What? I am absolutely fine. Really."
"With New, you have now learnt to pretend."
Tay rolled his eyes and said with conviction, "I am just stating as what it is."
"Tay, I have seen you since the second year of the University, being crazy for him. So perhaps I know you little more than how much you think I do."
Tay kept a check on his tears that threatened to break out, by putting a broad smile on his face. It only irked Off more.
In past three years after their graduation, Tay had hardly met Off for five times as the latter had procured his job in Phuket but Tay was surprised how he was still there standing with him when he needs him the most.
"That was then. Over the years, I had pretty much gotten used to staying away from him. This time, I was prepared. It's not like, I didn't know that it would happen." Tay replied.
"And you still went ahead with your casual fucks!" Off said bitterly.
Tay wouldn't call it casual fucks. "Whatever, let's go inside."
"No, we are going out and getting drunk today."
"It's only 5:00 in the evening."
"It's 10:00 pm somewhere in the World. Let's go."
"Okay. Let me just change, I look stupid in this suit." At the last word, Tay's hands shivered as he worked towards opening the lock of the door of his condo. He still couldn't believe he just attended the wedding of the man he loves. He can't wait to remove this suit and throw it somewhere where he can never see it again.
The damned lock wouldn't take so long to open on other days. Off just stared at him patiently. Few more seconds and he could only shake his head seeing Tay struggling with the lock.
![HEAT [sabrina x billie fanfiction] by sheeshwhatshappening](https://img.wattpad.com/cover/389472203-80-k22781.jpg)
Tay filled the awkwardness with different topic. "And your Dexter fever isn't over yet?"
"No motherfucker." Off entertained him.
"I hope you are not here to butcher me."
"Even if I were here to actually butcher someone, it wouldn't be you."
The lock finally opened.
"Shut up Off. Leave him alone." Tay said laughing a lame chuckle as he walked inside and fetched water from the fridge for both of them.
"Still defending him? Damn! What spell has he cast on you? You only make me hate him more, really Tay." Off said taking a seat on the couch.
"I am not—defending him. You hate him, I don't know why. He didn't do anything wrong." Tay said. His voice deflating with each word.
"Getting involved with you despite knowing about your feelings for him, giving you false hopes—is that not wrong enough for you?"
"Off. It's not like I didn't know what I was getting into. So, if anyone is to be blamed, it should be me." Tay said walking towards his room and then disappearing in the room.
***
New stood in front of the same mirror in the restroom which witnessed Tay's supposed downfall a mere two hours ago. He smiled. He is a married man now. Married to his love—Earth. He reminisces the times when he first met Earth, he can't say he had not fallen right then for him a little. Who would have thought, he will finally get to marry him? The man he always dreamt of making his husband. Now, is his husband. Today, his dream has come true. He felt accomplished. At the peak of his life. He was unfazed. Even the ghosts Tay left behind in the mirror with his depressed vibe, couldn't get to him.
Gosh! Why did he even have any doubts about this? This is so—perfect. Why did Earth take so long to propose? Idiot. He twisted the shining metal in his left hand's finger and smiled. It felt surreal. He sighed.
***
Tay & Off entered the bar and took high chaired seats near the counter.
"Tell me your real reason of coming to Bangkok." Tay asked.
"I told you, I came to tame your broken-ass heart."
"And you think I am so naïve that I would believe that?"
Off laughed and said, "My request for transfer to Bangkok was accepted. My company is transferring me here. That is the reason why I had to come. However, I timed the meeting with Bangkok office in a way that I can meet you today."
"Wow congratulations, finally you will be here with your family and friends."
Off stared him blankly then spoke, "And?"
"Yeah. Yeah, okay. Thanks for timing your meeting—as per my D-day?"
"Better." Off said shook his head at Tay's lame attempts of making jokes. He can't wait to see him drunk.
"So, when are you shifting?"
"Still there is time. Today I just came to talk. Officially, they will be transferring me after two months. So, yeah, after two months."
The bartender placed their drinks on the counter.
"Cheers to your Bangkok job." Tay raised the toast for Off.
"Cheers to your—not-so-broken heart?"
Tay rolled his eyes before they clinked their beer mugs.
"Stop me after two drinks." Tay said.
"Why?"
"Just. I want to keep sober. I have to attend the reception."
It was Off's turn to roll his eyes.
***
There was one hour to go before his reception party starts. New changed into his Ted Baker's black suit—it sit well on his skin colour, wrapped a watch on his wrist and got ready for his reception party.
After an hour, he went ahead. His husband slid an arm around his waist and welcome him with a warm smile. He introduced him to his colleagues from Singapore with whom he coordinated for their international business. New smiled and greeted them all, with utmost elegance and charm.
"Congratulations Mr Thitipoom. Now, working for Earth's clients will come with ease considering you will share the understanding of husbands." One of Earth's colleagues said shaking hands with New as the whole group laughed. Earth laughed along.
New looked little confused then replied politely wearing a small smile, "Ah! Actually, I handle the financials of Mr Vihokratna's clients."
Being from Singapore office, these people didn't know who Mr Vihokratna was.
New clarified further, "Mr Vihokratna procures domestic clients. He is a top employee in the office in client retention as well. Basically, he is the most efficient employee in the office."
Earth looked at him.
New looked at Earth and instantly corrected himself. "In the domestic office, I mean."
Those people simply nodded.
New smiled vaguely and then looked again at Earth. New couldn't figure out the look Earth was wearing. But it was close to: How could you praise some other man on our wedding reception?
Praising Tay wasn't a problem actually. The problem lied in the excitement in his tone. The problem lied in how fondly he spoke of Tay and how his eyes shone when Tay's name rolled out of his mouth.
***
Earth took New to meet other guests. Majority of the guests were from Earth's side. From New's sides were, few of his college friends which were technically Earth's friends who later became New's friends. There was a time whole college crushed on him. Interestingly, all those people were repelled by Earth's persistent presence around New.
About his family, he hadn't really spent much time with them after he moved to his grand-pa's place during his early teenage years. The last time he saw them was at his grand-pa's funeral. They all later shifted to The States. When they offered New to move with them, he had refused straightaway. As his duty, he informed them about his wedding and they took a sneak peek during the video call with Phuwin.
The only person who was truly from his side was Tay. Tay—who was missing right now. New fished out his phone and typed.
New: Where are you?
New did not receive any reply even after an hour.
***
After the reception, New rested on a comfortable chair in their honeymoon suite waiting for his husband to arrive. New was still wearing his reception suit. Slightly drunk on champagne. His both hands rested on the sides of the chair. His head leaned on the back rest. His eyes closed. The sound of water coming from one of the live art pieces in the room, calmed his mind. A slight stretch of smile wore his face as he delved into the manifestation unfolded in front of him.
Years of suppressed love. He is one lucky man who didn't have to let go of who he loved. He has achieved what he had always desired for. He felt grateful. All that he wanted and craved for was at his hands. He smiled and sighed. But the next question that popped in his mind made him restless, almost instantly—Now what?
His eyes opened and he looked at the ceiling. Even the most luxurious blue glass stone chandelier emitting warm yellow light couldn't stop his smile from fading away. He has it all, now, what? The feeling was like a kid who cries for a specific toy for months, but when he finally gets it, he doesn't know what to do with it. He simply stores it in the cupboard as a trophy for his stubbornness. This was the moment of realization, he didn't know what to do in this relationship with Earth.
***
