13. New Start
Roger was inside his office at the University, checking on students project reports on his computer, when he heard a quite knock on his door
"Come in..."
Roger said out loud, without even bothering to look up, Students were always coming up to him with their questions and queries
It wasn't until he heard an abrupt cough that he looked over the stacks of books to see Kerkerai Suthiluck standing infront of his desk
"Hey Key, nice to see you here, but What brings you all the way out to the university ??"
Kerkerai offered Roger his hand before taking a seat across the desk from him
"Do you have a few minutes to talk ??"
Roger has known him for thirty years and he doesn't remember, him ever asking if they could sit and talk. This must be a big deal for him
Pushing his work aside, Roger gave Kerkerai his full attention
"What's up, Key ??"
He distractedly pulled at his hairs on his nape, setting Roger's mind to worrying about what he has come to talk
"I want to talk with you about Kong"
Roger has been expecting this. Kerkerai was unfailingly protective of his only Son, and Roger knew trying to understand Kong's need to help Arthit has been a challenge for him
Roger nodded at Kerkerai, letting him know he was listening. He looked down at the floor for a moment before meeting Roger's eyes
"I'd like you to go to Viang Pha Mork with Kong "
The suddenness of his statement surprised Roger more than his actual words
"I don't know if...."
Kerkerai interrupted, his eyes and voice pleading
"Please, Roger. As someone who is like a brother to me, I'm asking you to do this for me. I know Kong would be furious if I tried to tag along, but you've got a rapport with Arthit and his mother. Your company would probably be more welcomed..."
Roger wasn't sure what he should say. He has grown quite fond of Arthit since he's been in his house, and Rose too, but he doesn't know if he would be comfortable tagging along on their journey back to home
Kerkerai realised that Roger was hesitant
"I just need to know he is safe there"
"Key, I've seen Rose's place. It's clean, it's safe, I think he'll like it there"
He looks unconvinced
"Roger, I don't know a lot about Arthit's mother. I trust your words and Kong's Decision, but still...I just...he's my kid, please just go with them...and stay for few days, till kong get settled there... please..."
How can he say no ??
Roger knows Kerkerai, and he wasn't one to ask favours, which told him he's more worried than he's letting on
"I'll see what I can do"
Roger told him
Kerkerai thanked him several times before leaving
Roger wasn't sure how he will broach the subject with Rose. Hopefully something will come on it's own
***********************
It was late at night when Roger finally get a chance to speak with Rose, Arthit and Kong were already asleep. Roger doesn't wanted to bother her when it looks like she was headed to bed. He let her take over his bedroom and he has been sleeping on the couch in his study these days
"Have you decided about when will you want to move back to your home ??"
Rose turned at the sound of Roger's voice
"I've been meaning to talk with you about that. I was thinking in a week. But I haven't spoken yet with Kong, to see if that works for him. I also need to look into renting a car, I don't think Arthit would be comfortable for a train or bus ride ??"
"I would like to offer to go with you and give you a hand with the transition"
Surprisingly, Rose looked relieved
"That would be so great. I've been kind of nervous about the trip too"
This conversation was going better than he thought it would. He didn't expect Rose to be completely okay with him tagging along
"We can take my car, that will save you a lot of money, we can split the cost of gas bill, if you want"
Rose nodded her agreement and they have the beginnings of a plan
**********************
Kong wasn't really surprised when Rose told him that Roger will be making the drive to Viang Pha Mork with them. The timing really worked out perfectly. Roger has three weeks from the end of the summer program until the next semester begins. Plus, Kong was pretty sure he has a thing for Arthit's mom too
Rose, Maria, and Kong have been trying to prepare Arthit for this trip, talking with him about riding in a car, and even showing him pictures of what Viang Pha Mork looks like
It was difficult for Kong to tell how much he understands, but he doesn't seem frightened or nervous, so he thought hopefully everything will be fine
*******************
"No !! Bad !! Hurt !! No !!"
Arthit rushed back into the house, shouting the same words over and over
Following him inside, Kong found him sitting on the couch, twining his fingers together
Sinking onto the cushions next to him Kong took his hand, prying his fingers apart and slipping his hand in Arthit's
"Arthit, are you scared ??"
His eyes betray the truth as they flicked up to the door then back to Kong. He was frightened. Raising to his feet Kong tugged gently on his hand, hoping he will rise, too. But Arthit remaind seated
"I know you're nervous; I am, too. Will you walk out to the car with me ?? I feel braver when you're with me Arthit "
Arthit studied Kong's face. Kong knows he understands more than he can communicate, and he has the feeling he gets the gist of what Kong was saying
Arthit still looked a bit unsure, so Kong tried a move he hoped Arthit will understand, and Kong gave him his best puppy dog eyes
"Kong scared ??"
Arthit asked
"A little bit...."
Kong told him truthfully
Arthit stood up slowly from his spot on the couch pulling Kong toward the door
"Arthit help Kong "
Once they were back outside, Arthit slowed his pace, but still keep moving toward the car
Roger and Rose watched their progress, each with looks of deep concern on their faces. Kong knew they both wanted to help, but there really was nothing they can do
At least Arthit was back outside
After what seems like hours of encouraging words, Kong was able to get Arthit to climb into the backseat with him. He was hesitant at first, constantly throwing worried glances at the front seat, like he was waiting for something terrible to happen
Within minutes of getting settled, Roger and Rose joined them in the car and their journey has began
Roger wanted to reach the outskirts of Bangkok before it starts to get dark because it was already late in the afternoon, Arthit's aversion of stepping inside the car was the reason for them being late, He opted to drive up to Viang Pha Mork along the coast, following interstate highway from Bangkok to Viang. It will take a day and half for them to reach there by road. Kong was pretty excited for the journey to a new city.....
New Start of his....New Life.
The day passed quietly. Arthit spent much of it with his head in Kong's lap, only looking up on occasion to see the parched landscape turn into urban sprawl.
During the drive they stopped several times for bathroom breaks or snacks, and each time Arthit stayed in the car. No amount of puppy eyes will to move him, though he did show interest in watching people through the window. Small steps, Kong told himself
When they stopped for the night, it took Kong some time to get Arthit out of the car and into the hotel room, but once inside he was easily distracted by the television. Rose and Arthit shared one room, while Roger and Kong has one to themselves. But Arthit denied to lay on the bed without Kong, so Kong has to spend the night in Arthit's room and they have to ask for an extra mattress for Rose to sleep on
The next day was nearly perfect. Arthit get the first glimpse of ocean as they made their way along the coast. Roger stopped at a beach and, with a little chocolate persuasion, Kong managed to get Arthit out on the sand with him. He seems so taken with the sea water, and they simply stand hand in hand watching the push and pull of the waves. After some time they started their journey for the small Town, exhausted from the long drive in the car
It was dark when they finally arrived in Viang. A steady rain made it impossible to get a real look at the town. Despite the rain, Kong could tell Viang was very small town, a stark contrast to the hustle of Bangkok
Rose's house was settled just off the highway. The only thing Kong could tell about the property was that the house was white and quite large. Roger and Rose exited the car almost as soon as it comes to a stop in the garage. Arthit, however, was more reluctant to leave the car. He has been acting a bit odd since it started raining, and it made Kong wonder how often he has encountered the harsh rain in the forest. Kong knows this trip has been stressful for him, sleeping in strange hotel bed, eating different food, though they have all tried to lessen the shock. Kong hasn't left Arthit's side for s second, he took his bathroom breaks while Arthit was sleeping in the car, all of their meals have been eaten in the car or in the hotel room to ease his discomfort with strangers
"Arthit, we're here. Do you want to get out ??"
Kong asked politely
Arthit shook his head, burrowing it further in Kong's lap
"This is our new home. Will you come with me and take a look around ??"
Kong hoped this strategy works as well as it did for getting him in the car in the first place. Arthit raised his head slightly and Kong could see from his expression he was surprised
Being able to finally stretch felt wonderful. Kong haven't moved in hours. Arthit grabbed a hold of Kong's arm as soon as he began to move, his eyes filled with worry
"Hey, everything's okay"
Kong told him, pressing his hand to Arthit's cheek and watching a look of peace come to his face
Taking Arthit's hand in his, Kong slowly stepped out of the car
"Kong... c...cold"
Arthit was right, the moist night time air was cold, definitely colder than they were used to. With teeth chattering Kong hurried into the house, pulling Arthit behind him
The interior of the house was bright and warm,and homey, immediately putting them at ease
They were standing in Rose's perfect kitchen while she bustled around, preparing tea for them Watching her in that pristine atmosphere, Kong already knew he was going to enjoy cooking there
From behind him he heard the telltale sounds of Roger bringing their luggage in
Poor Arthit was looking completely overwhelmed
"I'm right here. It's all okay"
Kong Whispered, hoping it will reassure him. His grip tightened on Kong's hand and he pulled Kong closer to him
"Looks like your mom made us some tea. Do you want something to eat, too ??"
Arthit nodded his head slowly, still looking around the kitchen with a bewildered look on his face.
After some strong tea and a small snack, Rose showed them their respective rooms. She put Arthit downstairs in a small room next to hers and Roger and Kong upstairs. Before Kong can complain, Rose addressed Kong's concerns
"Kong, I figure you will want to stay near Arthit, so I have a cot you can put in his room. I just thought you might like your own space for your clothes and stuff. Tomorrow we can do some rearranging of rooms and figure out a more permanent arrangement"
Kong nodded with a relieved and thankful smile
Once he had changed into his pajamas, washed his face, and brushed his teeth, He tip toed downstairs to find Arthit in front of the television. His eyes were heavy, he was fighting to stay awake, and Kong felt bad that he took so long to get down.
Kong curled himself into the corner of the couch, and it's only seconds before Arthit wraped himself around Kong
Kong doesn't realized he has fallen asleep until he felt Rose pulling a blanket over Arthit. They have shifted considerably in their sleep, ending up in a rather intimate position. Arthit was nestled between Kong's legs, his stomach as Arthit's pillow, Arthit's arms wrapped around his waist
Rose gave Kong a small smile and whispered
"Goodnight"
As she draped a second blanket over Kong. A smile crossed Arthit's face in his sleep, bringing a smile to Kong's lips too
Kong's mind wandered over future possibilities as his eyes closed. He was excited to see what the next few days hold. For now, though, he was content to fall back to sleep, warm and comfortable, underneath the man-child who has changed his life completely
********************
Kong woke up by a tickling sensation on his sides, causing him to giggle in his half awake state. His eyes fluttered open to see Arthit was no longer on top of him, and the blankets were twisted around Kong's legs, and his shirt was pulled up, showing off a significant portion of his firm torso. Arthit was sitting cross-legged on the floor, leaning over the couch, fascination and wonder in his eyes, trailing one finger along the dip of Kong's navel
His hand moved again, making a gentle pass over Kong's honey like skin, sending shivers up and down his spine, and causing goose bumps to pop up all over his flesh
A sigh escaped Kong's lips, breaking the spell Arthit was under, his eyes moved to Kong's face
"Soft..... Warm...."
Arthit murmured quietly
Kong's face burned hot at Arthit's words, and he hurriedly straightened himself, adjusting his clothes and mumbling about getting something to eat
After breakfast Arthit helped kong to clean the table
"Would you like to take a walk with me, Arthit ??"
Arthit turned at the sound of Kong's voice, shifting his attention from the pendulum of the grandfather clock in the sitting room
His wide smile and eager nod was the only answer Kong needed
The air was chilly and fog was still thick among the trees when Arthit and Kong stepped outside. The grounds around the house were tidy, neatly clipped lawn, every bush and flower bed free of weeds and dead leaves
The yard was wide and open, ringed by a sea of evergreens, begging to be explored. Kong was excited to step out and get a good look at the place that's to be his home
They headed straight into the woods Arthit gracefully stepping over roots and ducking branches, While Kong was tripping over every blade of grass and running into every pine needle-bearing limb
Rose said there was a small stone cottage in the woods not far from the main house, and Kong can see the smooth gray stone walls in front of him now. In his excitement to get a look at it, he quickened his pace. His toe catched on a large root, and kong reached for Arthit to gain his balance. To reach for Arthit, Kong's body turned, causing him to come down hard, a sickening snap sounded in the air and searing pain shot through Kong's ankle before his whole world went black
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A/N: What do you guys think about a sneak peek in Arthit's mind.... Wanna write me a short Arthit's prospective. Tell me if you want that. And Thanks for reading and voting for this story 💖💖
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