Wear this for dinner with James " Kong placed a package on their bed.

Arthit eyed the bag warily " If it's another expensive ass clothing — "

" Just your regular clothes . I just got it dry cleaned since I wanted you to wear it for the dinner. "

" Help me put it on ? "

" Always my pleasure Mee Noi. " Kong took out the plain white shirt and helped Arthit slip in to it.

" Ooh...we are twinning " Arthit whistled seeing their reflection in mirror , Kong in almost similar shirt and khaki pants and customized belts.

His eyes fell on the tiny maroon  embroidery along the top seam of the pocket . " What is this ? " Arthit stepped close to the mirror.

'Only Kongpob's only babe ' , was neatly embroidered along the border.

Arthit  slid closer to the mirror and took out his reading spects out of the case, just to confirm, he read it thrice .

" Seriously " Arthit scoffed at Kong, then burst out laughing.

" I .... I liked when you said that, I thought we could wear it to our private dates " Kong replied, rubbing shall of his ears. "I got it done on mine too. " He slid his overcoat to show Arthit the embroidery on pocket of his shirt.  His pocket had Arthit's face painted in one corner while the remaining space was embroidered with some lines..
" Roses are red
Violets are fine
Wanna keep your head?
Then don't stare at what's mine..."

Arthit grinned  "I love that wicked brain of yours Suthiluck... "

" Only my brain ? "

" I love all of you Suthiluck... some parts I just appreciate bit more than others" Arthit replied, eyeing Kongpob's crotch. On someone else , it would look downright vulgar, Arthit had this unexplainable charisma to make even most appropriate gestures look sweet and innocent.

" Something tells me, there's more ..." Arthit met Kong's stare while caressing the A on Kongpob's belt.

" Some more shirts..." Kong provided.

"Ooh... I'm liking where it is going...show me." Kong pointed to the bag .

" You can see but I wanted it to be a surprise " Kong calmly provided.

" Then why would you tell me they are all there ? "

" Because you asked. "

" I really want to see it Kong. How many shirts are there ? "

" 5 pairs... "
" let's have this week as our date week.."

" Babe.. you can see it. "

" But you wanted it to be a surprise, I don't wanna ruin it...I also can't hold it in.. I'm really excited to see them.."

Kong came to sit beside Arthit. " Then, let's see them... it can still be a surprise about which we wear ? "

Arthit pursed his lips, thinking " No."

" Okay, how about i give you your shirts and mine remain surprise? "

" Yeah... that's good. "

While Kong carefully chose the shirts to take out, Arthit kept bouncing on the bed, happy, jumpy like kitten.

" I also ordered some aprons — "

Arthit grinned like a Cheshire cat " Say no more " his eyes twinkled " You just earned private dinner with michelin chef Arthit "

" ooohhh... then I must hurry them to deliver the aprons earlier. What can I expect in the menu Chef ? "

Arthit bit his lips, pretending to think deeply" Hmm...let me think...How about French kiss as a starter ? "

Kong smiled " Perfect. Just the first dish is making me want to kiss the chef.."

" And what's stopping you ? "

" the knowledge that I won't be able to stop at just that ..."

" And who said you have to stop ? For your future knowledge Khun Suthiluck, the chef likes to be properly and thoroughly appreciated for his services."

Carefully placing the bag away, Kong gathered Arthit in his arms. " I will keep that in mind, chef Rojanapat." 

" Yeah baby, with me you will just have to  keep things in your mind, never in your pants."

Kong chuckled , " that was lame ."

Arthit pretended to glare" You are in danger of having your desert seasoned with salt khun Suthiluck."

" A little salt can't lesson your sweetness, Khun Rojanapat. " Kong retorted.

Arthit grinned at Kongpob. " Have I told you how much I love that brain of yours ? "

" Not that I remember, would you like to refresh my memory ? "

Arthit lifted himself a little and pecked Kongpob's lips. " remember anything? "

Kong grabbed Arthit by his nape, halting his retreat.

" Now that I do remember a bit ..." Kong smirked " Where are you going chef Rojanapat ? You promised me a tasting session..."

" James will be here in an hour."

Kong ran his thumb along the seam of Arthit's lips before slipping the first digit in " You will have to be quick then..."

.....

" That was...hottt" Arthit panted, lying atop Kongpob.

" Sizzling.." Kong replied " But we will have to change our clothes now, they are ruined.

"I am feeling lazy, Choose one for me when you are choosing your clothes. By the way..." Arthit lifted his head, chin resting on Kongpob's chest " I can't wait for the aprons to arrive. "

" They will take atleast a week. "

" Give me their number, I wanna order one from them. "

" What would you get written on it ? "

" That's a secret Kongpob! I won't tell you. You will have to wait to see it . "

" Oh ...since when can you keep secrets ? " Kong chuckled " I bet you will tell me before the evening ends."

" Bet your ass..." Arthit's nostril flared " I will ask them to deliver after two months and you aren't seeing my brainchild before that. You will see...."

" And if you tell me before the end of this night? "

"I will be your slave for a week. "

" And You will wear nothing but the aprons I have ordered  ..." Kong added.

" Deal...Bring your worst" Arthit stood up and stomped his leg.

" For my husband, I will be bringing my best darling... "

" Aww...."

"The best apron "

" Kongpob Suthiluck! " Arthit barged in to the bathroom to cool down and quick shower.
..........

"Thit , Come out , I have laid your clothes on bed. We have only Fifteen minutes. I am going ahead... you take time but don't be too late..".

Arthit came out of the bathroom, Kong had indeed taken out a shirt and black trousers.

Arthit eagerly checked the pockets and collar for embroidery. A big tree was embroidered on whole left Part of the shirt whose branches extended to the window on the right side of chest, where a monkey sat on the tip of the branch, which reached the window of the building.
. Window was ajar, Arthit could see the shelves and his figurines through it.

" Kongmonkeypob! "  His eyes teared as the memories hit him like a truck. " I may shut all the doors for you but I'll always keep the window ajar for you... " he murmured the lines he had , on the first day of separation from Kongpob.

While he knew Kong would Tease him till next life, Aryhit couldn't control it, apron be damned, he will just live this moment...
Taking a permanent marker he filled the space under the tree.

What Kong wouldn't see , won't make Arthit loose the challenge.
......

Kong called James " JJ, where are you? "

" Airport. "

" Arthit is waiting for dinner..."

" I told him , I can't attend it.."

" And he said, he doesn't care, you must make it here."

" World doesn't revolve around Rojanapat's whims , Kongpob. "

" You dare say this after confessing what you did to me,  just yesterday? "

" And I also told you to forget it, Asshole. "

" As if I ever could. Be here in an hour or I am not responsible for the consequences. "

" You Bastard... " James clenched his teeth " Don't make me face him... " tears sprang in his eyes "I can't "

" You made your bed James Jaruji, now you better lie on it. Maximum I can give you is one hour... either you tell him the truth or I will."

Last thing Kong heard was a litany of curses before a bang , which could most probably be James throwing his mobile on the floor.

........
........

" James didn't come ? " Arthit asked.

" He called to say he is stuck in traffic, he's running late. Will arrive in fifteen minute or so ..." Kong answered, his eyes fell on Arthit's torso " Why are you wearing a jacket ? "

Arthit ran his eyes on the variety of dishes displayed by the  chef " I just thought this jacket will go well with the whole attire..."

" Really? " Kong smirked " look in my eyes and then tell me, is it really the reason, Amoré ? "

Arthit glared " Yes "

" Okay ..." Kong raised his hands in surrender. " Tell me how do you like my Shirt ? "

Arthit stepped close to read " I promise to you, I will always be by your side or under you or on top.   — Arthit."

"You sure know how to win brownie points khun Suthiluck."

Kong scratched back of his head " What can I do to win some whipped cream off of you, chef Rojanapat ?" He looked so uncomfortable while saying that, shifting from one foot to another.

Arthit crossed his arms " Lame .."

Red descended to Kongpob's  cheeks
he bit his cheek to stop the laugh bubbling up his throat "Not working." He said sternly.

" Amoré " Kong cupped Arthit's face " I'm sorry if it hurt you ..."

" Kongpob " Arthit looked in to Kongpob's eyes " I was really hurt when you said that but even I know I can't keep surprises even if I life dependent on it ..." Arthit smiled shrugging his jacket. " See"

" Whoa ! You want to have dinner with that posted on your chest ? "

Arthit shrugged " Yeah, so ? "

" I did not fall for him, his third leg tripped Me..." Kong read, scandalized.

" Babe, You third leg tripped me straight in your heart " Arthit said while fluttering his eyebrows dramatically.

Kong sighed " Even my wildest aprons looks tame infront of that...."

" Now, that will be a shame... let's revise new one liners tonight..." Arthit winked.

........

James arrived, black glasses adorning his face, in his prim and perfect hairstyle and ironed to cut the throat suit, exactly an hour late.

Arthit was annoyed and currently on the second glass of his wine.

" Finally I can eat..." Arthit sighed.. " I was so hungry..."

" Inhaling food before even serving the guest's plate? " James teased, taking out the chair and sitting on it.

" Be thankful , I am not serving you leftovers Ai Saat ... your Fifteen minutes has passed an hour ago and my digestive juices has started digesting my intestines." "

" Sorry for that..."

"What ? " Arthit dropped his spoon, which fell in his plate with a clang.." Jaruji is saying sorry! Pinch me Kongpob...I must be dreaming. ...."

James's hand automatically lifted to pinch Arthit, Kong glared at his best friend. James took his hand back, the action and reaction both were too quick to be processed by Arthit's hungry brain.

And Kong did pinch ...hard. " I told you to pinch, not to take skin off my hand Kongpob ! "

"Oh.. " Kong said, immediately rubbing the place "I'm sorry Thit..."

" It's okay . " Arthit patted his hand... " Come on, let's eat. I know I'm not being a good host, but I'm too hungry to care... "

"Did you skip meals , Arthit ? Or had too much workout " James asked, in his usual  sarcastic manner, cockily raised brow and all.

Arthit pointed to his chest " Kept tripping all day ..." And nonchalantly dug in to his plate.

" Shameless ..." James commented chuckling.

" When you are shameless enough to ask, be shameless enough to hear the answer..
" Kong murmured.

Arthit hit his hand hard and glared at his husband.

With the help of water, Arthit hurriedly swallowed the food in his mouth and turned to Kongpob
" What the fuck is wrong with you lately ? " Arthit whisper chided " We have invited him here Kongpob, he is our guest and above all, a best friend. I dunno what happened between you two, don't cross the line you will later regret."

Kong pursed his lips , gaze straight at his plate, clenching his jaw, he nodded .

Arthit turned to James " Sorry for that . Come on let's do what we are here for..." Arthit cheered " let's show our appreciation to the food."

Arthit was famished and the spread before him was too delicious to focus at anything else, still he didn't miss Kong and James toying with food in their plates. Arthit decided to ignore it at first but it's already been ten minutes of the same behaviour.

" Alright..." He played his fork and spoon down and crossed his arms at his chest . " What the fuck is going on here ? Why are you, two peas in a pod, look like you are past life rivals ? "

" It's nothing..." James said.

" Do you take me for a fool Jaruji ? And what is the deal with those glasses? Take them off."

" No, I ...I can't " Arthit caught the break in James's voice.

" You will remove your glasses yourself'" Arthit tapped his foot impatiently.
" or I will have to do that for you ..."

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Kongpob gripped at his biceps.

" What the ? " his annoyance with Kong's action melted the moment James took his glasses off. Swollen was understatement for the state, James's eyes wee in
" What the hell happened with your eyes ? "

What's going on guys? " Arthit asked, now a lot stressed. "

" Ask him.. " Kong said.

" James..." Arthit urged.

Kong stared at James, " Speak ... he deserves to know" he too urged, but he couldn't help the sharpness in his voice.

" I am leaving Thailand for good..." James announced.

" What ? WHY ? "

James shrugged " No use of two master minds at one place. I came because, first, I wanted to watch Kong's back while he establish himself. Second, Thailand was a good market to venture.  Now that both of my purposes are fulfilled, I have nothing more holding me back here. "

" You have ongoing projects here— "

"I have transferred them on to Kongpob. I have new ones in Europe, I can't trust them on someone else. Besides, your Kong is an industrialist and I am a businessman Rojanapat. Money is my magnet, I go where money is."

" Tell that shit to someone who doesn't know you" Arthit huffed " Go... but you must come atleast once a month for dinner..."

" I can't...My schedule is booked for several months. "

"Don't give me your lame reasons....you will be here every month. Or do you want it to be every weekend ? "

" I can't Arthit. "

" The fuck..you can't. " Arthit shouted.

" What part of I'm leaving for good ' You didn't understand. "

" none of it,  damn you" Arthit shouted , on the verge of tears " Why , now? I called you to say sorry for making all of us go through emotional shit show. And you come here, looking like a zombie ...Kong is most unreasonable he has ever been... you two are at each others throat...what the fuck did happen ? Tell me.. whatever happened..cant we sort it out? Is it worth breaking our friendship?" A sob escaped Arthit.

" Is it stronger than your childhood friendship ? The friendship that made you come back for your friend that you haven't seen for years. That made you stay, even after I did everything to send you packing? Is it worth it damn it ? " Arthit bit his lips almost bloody , his nails dug in his palm but he couldn't stop the onflow of tears. " Didn't you say, you are first and foremost Kongpob's best friend and you take your friendships seriously ..."

" Thit...." Kong tried to gather Arthit in his arms but the sobbing male pushed him away .
" Kong he isn't just leaving Thailand. He is leaving us...cutting us from his life... say something na... tell him to cut this shit"

Arthit was shocked to see Kong remained still like a statue... he took a step back

" Say something Kongpob " Arthit yelled. Seeing none of the two males budging , Arthit fell on his knees. " Is it something I did ? I'm sorry na oi... I'm sorry Jaruji. I didnt meant to accuse you — "

James sprinted to Arthit, he sat on his knees, arms almost reaching Arthit's shoulders , before the tip of his middle finger could touch Arthit's shoulders, James withdrew his hand.

" It's not you Rojanapat..." James chuckled humorously. " Sometimes, The perfect James Jaruji does commit mistakes and they are so perfect that he can't even reverse the damage."

" What did you do ? Tell me, We will find a way..."

" Mee Noi..." Kong gripped his shoulder " You will have to accept it,  his decision is final. "

Arthit stared at Kong " I want to know reason damnit. " Then he looked at James " Don't I atleast deserve to know that much "

Kong grabbed James's collar " Tell him Jaruji "

James glowered at his best friend . He knew Komg was right but at the moment he couldn't find it to accept in his heart.
His best kept secret, that he kept close to his heart for years, was out in span of few hours. Out and churning their lives like a hurricane. Making him loose everything he earned — friend, family, camardire and respect.

" Fuck you Suthiluck..." James spat " I thought , you would at least let me have my shattered pieces of dignity..."

Kong clutched at the collar, almost choking James in the process " Arthit is hurting and I want him to heal... I don't care whose dignity is at line, yours or mine. And I'm this situation , you both need it.
Arthit always get attached easily, so do you, it's hard for both of you  to let it go...talk it out. "

" I can't— "

" James, as a best friend, I want you to have this chance to talk , so you can move on as you wish to do. Don't forget, I'm his husband too... It's hard for me to do it just once... to let you confess to Arthit. I can't do it again. Use it wisely. "

" Kong..."

" And don't forget , he is your friend too, before being your" Kong couldn't say 'love of life' out loud." ...subject of deepest affection... Don't you think he deserves to know why his best friend is suddenly crossing continents to be away from him?"
.........

Arthit kept looking bewildered at James who kept furiously pacing along the length of garden. Suddenly he turned at Arthit , eyes closed, teeth clenched

" I like you Arthit Rojanapat..." James blurted.

Arthit looked dumbfounded at him. " You like me . That is why you are leaving this country and us ? "

James nodded.

Seeing fire filling Arthit's teary eyes, James took a step back, then next and next.

Before Arthit springed up on his toes James couldnt go more than four steps. " Ai Saat, aren't you a piece of work? " Arthit grabbed James's collar " You indescribable piece of stupid shit... you are cutting us out just because you can't accept that I'm a lovable person ..."

" Arthit " James held Arthit's hand by the wrist that swung, intending  to slap James out of this fucking galaxy.

" Arthit, I not only like you...I love you ..."

" Yeah, me too... " Arthit yelled " That's what you do asshole...love your friends and family. Kong and I love you , like our own brother. "

" Don't play dumb Rojanapat, it doesn't suit your smart ass..." James shouted back.

" What the fuck are you trying to say ? "

"I don't love you like a friend Rojanapat... If you wouldn't be happily married and so much in love, I would have chased you fucking space. Is this friendly love?
Every second I'm with you , feels like fucking treasure. When i'm not with you, i keep thinking of ways to meet you, ways that will not cross the line, yet will allow me in your company. Every morning, rather than reading reports, I'm thinking of ways to rile you up, to make you laugh. I feel the sense of accomplishment the minute I make you laugh. I want to bury every single fucking thing that marrs the beautiful smile on your face. Especially that stupid Boss of yours.
I barely restrained from ruining his life and career. You know why ? Cuz i knew you would be devastated. Disappointed in me. Only that thought was powerful enough to hold me back.
Every damn day I see  Kongpob... I feel guilty for loving you. I habe no right. Still I cant control it Rojanapat..i thought it was momentary, but its already been years... "

Seeing Arthit silent, James tore at his hair. " You think, I remember every minute detail of Kongpob because I am madly in love with him? No, Rojanapat. I do, because, I know you will beat yourself if you don't celebrate every small and big success of his. And it was stabbing to see you disheartened. "

Arthit wiped his eyes with back of his hand " You trying to feed me Bullshit... you have someone you love...you told me that..."

" I told you,  the person I love is married to someone else. I don't wish them storm. "

" Why , now ? "

" I am afraid , I will be the storm anyway. " James clenched his fist, his lips trembled while he spoke "I am tired of all this Arthit ... tired of loving you in the way that will never be reciprocated and to be honest, I don't even want it to be ... I am tired of feeling that I am betraying you both, I'm tired of pitying myself, dreaming of another world where your million dollar smiles would be directed at me...I'm tired of all this Arthit..." James took out a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his tears before levelling his gaze at Arthit.

"I have to leave in two hours... "

Arthit remained silent, the tears kept streaming down, his shoulders shook, throat painfully clogged. He wanted to speak, yet could find no words .

Few painful moments passed wordlessly.

The anguish in both hearts, sobbed and screamed.

Unable to bear the silence anymore, James murmured" Say something Rojanapat..."

Arthit's shoulder sagged " What do you want me to say ? I am insensitive if I say, this is part of life. Yes, I faved this woth Nin, too. I felt like all my world crumbked down, like a house of cards and Kobg was there to hold me, keep me from breaking apart. I can't even be that to you.. I can't be your wound amd salve both...

I want to beg you to stay , but that would be insensitive. I would have ran out of the fucking galaxy or drowned in beer barrel. I'm not brave enough to expose my wound , like you did.
What do you want me to say?
I am an asshole if I say how dare you fall in love with me. Feelings aren't in our control Jaruji, actions are. And you never acted on your feelings."

" Don't paint me a saint Rojanapat... You will be horrified of the things I think..."

" Only proves my point . You never acted on it."

" I told you, don't paint me a saint."

" I know you aren't a saint Jaruji." Arthit turned his head to look at James " Is this really our last dinner ? Last meeting ? " Arthit's voice cracked.

" Don't..." James wiped his tears. " Don't you dare ask me to stay Rojanapat. I'm not strong enough to deny you... "

Arthit nodded in understanding.

" Love makes us gain, why is it making us loose each other, Jaruji ?"

James stared somewhere far at the open sky, " It looks like loss at the moment Rojanapat. But it isn't. In these few years, with you and Kongpob , I have learnt a lot about love, loss and family than my entire life. Unknowingly you helped me create a boundary around myself. I learnt about sharing and sacrifice, loyalty and respect.

I thought I loved Kongpob, I did in a way. But the James that loved Kongpob wanted to tear the world apart just to have him. I didn't want to share myself with him. Kongpob came like a hurricane, both the times and I wanted to own— his affection, his care, his time, everything.
But with you — your thoughts, goodness, belief seeped in to me , root deep. I was happy to take care from afar. I was able to contain my insane thoughts, my anger.  I wanted to share my time with you.
I wanted to take all the love and care from Kongpob and with you, I wanted to give it all.
Loving you Has taught me loving myself. I can never unlove you Arthit but I can remove myself from saving this equation to tumble.
Isn't it amazing ? How love can transform even an unhinged person like me? "

Arthit stared at James , bewildered " Is it really you ? Since when did you become philosopher? "

James cleared his throat "My thoughts have always been deep . For your kind information, my IQ is higher than Kongpob."

Arthit hit his shoulder, chuckling" Asshole...its only one point "

Both chuckled.

" I will miss you." Arthit mumbled, low, almost like a secret, like he didn't want any one to hear.

Not more than me. James wanted to say, instead he turned his nose in air, " I know , I am awesome. "

" Awesome, my ass, crooked nose."