GODDESSBLESSYOUFROMDEATH, Case File 49: Twenty-six Years of Service

Thup wakes up again with pain all over his body, the sunlight fades into darkness. He sits up, looks at himself, and sighs deeply. The ring he had been saving for months to buy is gone. The gift he was going to give to his older lover is no more. If he were to buy a new one, it would take months to save up again. But if he keeps dwelling on this, it would worry Singha too.

“Sigh” Thup sits dejectedly by the bed before taking a deep breath and smiling to dispel the gloom in his heart.

The young man tries to support himself downstairs to find the older man, but downstairs is just emptiness. His spirits drop even lower, thinking he has angered the older man.

The sound of the door opening catches Thup’s attention, and when he sees Singha entering with many bags in hand, his sadness turns back to joy as before.

“Why are you down here?”

“Where did you go, Phii?”

“Went to buy something to eat, my chef is out of commission, what are we going to eat?” Singha said, placing an abundance of food on the dining table, more than enough for one meal. He reached out gently to stroke Thup’s cheek before nudging the young man to sit down.

“I can make something simple to eat.”

“Just eat.” Singha kissed the soft tuft of hair before walking to sit opposite him.

The young inspector watched the boy in front of him take out the food one item at a time, grumbling intermittently as was his nature. Before this, Thup had spent both day and night drawing, without taking a break. At that time, he understood that the kid was probably bored staying at home, not thinking he was trying to save money for something else.

“So, shall we eat, Thup? You’ve been sleeping for so long, I didn’t know if you’d be hungry, or still are.”

“Uh, sit here, I’ll get my own plate.”

After a simple dinner, Thup moved to the living room to open his laptop, preparing to take on more work. He was determined to work more this time to save money quickly, but before he could even log into a page, his screen was closed by someone who had just finished washing the dishes.

“Let’s talk.”

“Y…yes.” Thup was intimidated by his older man’s serious demeanor. It wasn’t that the previous incident had truly angered Singha, who then sat in the guest seat and held Thup’s hand. He knew the boy wouldn’t talk about the ring, work, or money, so he wouldn’t press him either.

“Is the wound hurting?”

“Not much anymore. Just a little pain.”

“Good.”

“Phii Singha… are you angry with me? Angry because I misbehaved?”

“Not angry.”

“I didn’t really mean to ignore you, didn’t mean to be rude to you, hic.”

“Thup, listen first.” Singha reached out to gently hold the face of the owner of those beautiful, teary eyes, with a look of shock and fear evident, likely from the incidents involving the ring and being hit by a car, which must have shaken Thup quite a bit. They needed some comforting before any more conversation.

“Phii Singha, sniff, I am really sorry.” he continued.

“I’m not mad, I’m not mad, but I’m worried.” Thup sobbed lightly before looking up, facing his older brother. “Rest until you’re better, whatever Thup wants to do, I can wait.”

“Sniff, really?”.

“Mhm. Don’t pressure yourself, no need to rush if you’re not ready. You haven’t done anything bad, you are still a good kid. No matter how you are, I’ll still love you the same, understand?” the same person said.

Thup’s heart skipped before beating rapidly as if playing drums. Chai lifted his slender hand to hold his older brother’s hand that was cupping his face.

“Phii, do you love me?”

“Of course, I do! Haven’t I ever told you?” The familiar pronouns returned quickly when the older brother felt something wasn’t right. Thup laughed softly before leaning into the rough but warm hand.

“Never, sniff, you’ve never told me.”

Singha pressed his lips together. Reflecting, he realized he always heard Thup expressing his feelings to him, but he never reciprocated. Not even once. No wonder the kid in front of him felt insecure in this relationship.

“Listen, you little pup, even if you’re snotty, stubborn, or something weird happens, more than seeing a ghost, I still love you, got it? I won’t let you go just because you’re down for a few days, damn it. I’m thirty-five, you know, finding a young boyfriend is hard.”

Thup lunged into a hug as soon as the older man finished speaking, his clear tears absorbed by the broad shoulder, disappearing, and all discomfort was healed as well.

“Stop crying now. Or you’ll have puffy eyes for the merit-making tomorrow.” Singha said, gently rubbing the broad back before planting several kisses on the temple of the child in his embrace. “Shall we go to bed?”

“Yes, I will hug you all night.”

After showering and changing into sleepwear. On the bed that was once empty, now two people lay cuddling under a large blanket.

“Hey, Thup, don’t be naughty.” Singha warned as the kid who was snuggling into his chest began kissing his bare torso.

“Will you go to work tomorrow, Phii?” Thup looked up at his older companion with sparkling eyes.

“Nope, not working.”

“Really?”

“Or maybe I’m just lying.”

“If you have something really urgent, you should go do it. I will be fine.”

“I’ve already taken the day off to come take care of this pup for a day.” Singha stroked Thup’s back gently before slowly closing his eyes. Thup, feeling the steady breath and heartbeat of his companion, also closed his eyes, a small smile forming on Singha’s face.

“Mister pup, you have wrecked everything.”

Early next morning, Thup woke up because the warmth from last night was gone. His pearlescent eyelids opened to reveal brown eyes teasing the sunlight streaming through the curtain gap.

Thup slowly pushed himself up, trying to get out of bed. The wounds all over his body started to sting this morning, causing him to groan softly from the soreness and pain. The young man hobbled to the bedroom door, and upon reaching downstairs, he found three people arguing in the kitchen.

“Singha, you didn’t buy enough stuff.” Darin said while packing food into bags.

“That’s all there was.”

“Clearly, you don’t go to the temple to make merit often.” Say said before popping a peeled mango into his mouth.

“Say, that’s for the monks!!” Darin slapped Say’s hand hard, followed by a shout.

“Phii Singha.” a voice from the stairs halted the small brawl. “Phii Say, Phii Rin, good morning.”

“Still able to walk, huh? Singha was too gentle.”

“Oh dear, Nong Thup of mine, does it hurt a lot? Look, it’s just scratches.” Darin walked over, approached Thup, and comforted him greatly.

“I’m fine now, thanks. But what are you guys doing here so early?”

“Just messing around.” Singha answered before going over to fix Thup’s hair into place.

“I came to visit you, and since I saw we were going to make merit this morning, I came along to help, because Singha looks more like he’s going to rob a temple than make merit.” said Darin, sticking her tongue out at Singha, who was on the other side of the young man in the middle.

“Thanks, everyone.”

“Happy birthday, Nong Thup, may your twenty-sixth year be filled with complete happiness.” Darin blessed him before handing over a white gift box.

“Thank you, Phi Darin.”

“Open it, open it!” Singha helped Thup sit on the sofa before letting him chat with Darin while he himself moved the merit-making items into the car. Inside the gift box were amulets and talismans from both domestic and international sources; some items Thup didn’t even recognize.

“Here’s mine.” Say handed a large bag to Thup before walking back to sit at the same spot.

“Thank you, Phii Say.” Thup opened it carefully, not knowing what was inside, but when he saw the contents, his fair face immediately flushed.

The bag was packed full of various types of condoms. Say raised his eyebrows at him before turning to look at someone who had just walked through the door.

“What are you looking at?” Singha asked his young boyfriend.

“Uh… nothing.” Thup quickly hid everything behind his back. “I’ll go take a shower and change, then, I’ll be right back so we can go to the temple.” He limped upstairs immediately, taking his gifts with him.

“What did you give him to make him blush like that?”

“Something essential.”

“Which is?”

“You’ll find out soon, did the officer find what you asked for?”

“Not yet.”

“And if they don’t find it, what then?”

“We’ll just buy a new one.”

“Singha’s friend is really nice, isn’t he, Say? His young lover lost a ring because it dropped in the drain. He could buy ten new ones, but instead, he hires someone to look for it because he’s worried his lover might overthink.” Darin walks over, puts her arm around Singha’s shoulder, teasing about last night’s events. They got a call in the middle of the night from their friend saying there was an emergency across from the mall. Initially worried about what might happen next, turns out, their friend just wanted help finding a ring, huh!

“And after making merit, where are we going? I’ve already booked a restaurant.”

“You guys go ahead. Thup doesn’t look like he’s in any condition to go anywhere else, I’ll probably take him home.”

“I want to have a party.” Darin leans on Singha’s muscular arm, bored. She has to go back and sulk at the station again.

“Let’s wait until he feels better.”

After waiting for a while because Thup had to be careful with his hand and leg injuries, the four of them finally arrived at a temple not far from home around eleven o’clock.

Singha supported Thup through all the merit-making activities: praying, releasing fish, doing everything for his birthday until they were done.

“Did you take your medicine?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Where do you want to go next?” Before they sat down to eat together at the nearby restaurant.

“Normally on my birthday, I just make merit and then go back to my room to work. I’m not sure what else to do. Are you guys bored?”

“Oh, my dear Nong Thup, this year you have rich Singha with you. Whatever you want to do, just do it, darling. His leg hair won’t fall out, peel it if you want to.” Darin said, snuggling into Thup’s shoulder, rubbing back and forth, eliciting laughter from the entire table. [1] leg hair falling means becoming poor

“Thank you, everyone, for being with me today and for all the blessings.” Today, there are people…

“Singha, pass me some tissues, I’m going to cry, my son’s life has been so tough and solitary, so lonely, you know.”

“Go on, Rin, back to work, let them have their romantic moment.” Say stands up from the table, then grabs Darin by the collar to make him stand up too. “Happy birthday, Thup.”

“Singha, take good care of my son!!” Darin shouts as Say drags her out, covering his mouth.

Singha looks at Thup, who is smiling and laughing brightly. Today’s plans for outings and the fancy rooftop restaurant fell apart, but Singha didn’t feel bad about it because the ultimate goal was to see this kid’s smile, and he saw it.

Both returned home in the afternoon. Thup, exhausted due to his injuries making usual activities more strenuous, sits down on the sofa. The cool sensation on his cheek makes Thup open his eyes.

“Want to go upstairs to sleep?”

“No, I’ll just sleep here. I want to stay with you too.”

“I need to go out for a bit.” Thup’s face fell immediately upon hearing that his older brother would go out, today of all days, “I’ll be back soon, just need to get something.”

“Okay.” Singha kisses his forehead, picks up his car and motorcycle keys.

“You could go up, take a shower, and rest. I know you’re tired.”

“When will you be back?”

“Not long.” The young man sighs, Thup watches the older man’s back until he’s out of sight, feeling a bit disappointed thinking they would spend the entire day together. He gets up again, holding onto the stair railing to go up to the bedroom for a shower, to wash off the stickiness and the heat from his body. Once done, Thup walks to the room across. He opens the door to the room used for storing important things and sits down on the sofa the older man bought for him.

The beautiful pair of eyes looked towards the picture frame in the cabinet, a painting of his mother both from memory and what he had seen. Thup took over a month to complete this painting, and now it resides in this frame. It’s the only thing he has to remember her by.

“Mom, today is Thup’s birthday, your son is now twenty six years old. Thup has a job that he likes. Even though it doesn’t earn much, it’s enough for Thup to live without hardship. Oh, and Phii Singha takes really good care of me, I don’t know what life would be like without him. Did you know, Mom, before, Thup never wanted his birthday to come because it reminded him every time that he never had the chance to thank the person who brought him into the world. But now, Thup doesn’t think like that anymore.” Thup smiled as he looked at his painting, the once wary and lonely eyes now gone, replaced only by eyes filled with remembrance and gratitude. “Thank you, Mom, thank you for giving Thup the chance to open his eyes to this world. Thup loves you, Mom.”

About an hour passed until he fell asleep from exhaustion. Nothing exciting happened.

Thup spent his birthday telling stories as if it were any other ordinary day. Nothing interesting. He didn’t know who to spend time with because he only had himself. He woke up early to make merit, came back to draw in his room, ate a convenience store cake, and went to bed early so the day would pass quickly. For twenty-five years, it was always like that.

Except this year…

Singha returned home around seven in the evening, expecting to be quick but due to unforeseen events, he had to rush around Bangkok to get what he needed. The completely dark house made him frown. Normally, no matter how late, Thup would leave the lights on.

“Thup, where are you?” Singha put everything down on the table before turning on the lights to brighten up the house. “Or perhaps he’s asleep?”

Singha went upstairs to the bedroom looking for his loved one but found only emptiness. His heart began to tremble until he opened another door and saw the young man curled up on the sofa. It seemed Thup had come to talk to his mom again as usual. Singha crouched down in front of him before waking Thup up.

“Thup, hey Thup.”

“Mmm.”

“If you’re going to sleep, go sleep in the room properly, or you’ll end up with a sore back.”

“When did you get back, Phii? Thup didn’t hear anything.”

“Just got back. Are you hungry, or more sleepy?”

“Before my birthday passes, can we have a meal together, maybe watch a movie? I want to spend time with you today.” The still sleepy beautiful eyes made Singha feel affectionate, prompting him to gently peck his cheek.

“There’s something better than eating, get up quickly.”

“Where are we going?”

“To spend time together.” Singha led Thup by the hand to his rarely used luxury sports car. “Wait in the car, I’ll go get some stuff.”

Thup was puzzled by the older man’s actions but complied and sat in the car as instructed. Not long after, Singha returned with a large bouquet of white lilies and a big bag.

“Take this.” Singha handed the bouquet to Thup and placed the bag in the back seat. “What’s this?” Thup hugged the bouquet with a smile.

“You’ve planned many times. So this time, I won’t think too much and just do it.”

Thup tilted his head at the older man, completely confused by the current situation, until Singha drove out of the neighborhood towards an unfamiliar route.

“Phii, where are we going?”

“This year, we’re not staying at home for your birthday. No more staying cooped up in the room.”

After about two hours, they arrived at a luxurious hotel on a mountain, under a sky full of stars, with the cool night air and a serene atmosphere accompanied only by the sounds of insects and forest creatures. Singha went to check-in at the hotel before returning to the car. Thup, sitting beside him, bit his lips together. He was excited, happy, confused, and bewildered all at once.

The car moved again to an unknown location, the complex path making Thup look at the older man’s profile with sparkling eyes. Soon, the car that had been moving came to a complete stop in the darkness.

“Phii Singha… I have no idea what we’re about to do.”

“Celebrating a birthday, huh?” Singha got out of the car first, carried some things from the back, and then helped Thup walk through the grass.

In front of Thup was a large tent, with two folding chairs and a table, matching set, but that wasn’t what made his eyes sparkle. It was the view of the intricate mountain ranges under the vast sky and thousands of stars.

“Tonight, we sleep here. I’ve got a deal with the hotel.”

“Phii…”

“Initially, I planned to take you out for dinner, but you hurt your leg first. When I saw you feeling down about your birthday, I thought it would be better to broaden your horizons.” Singha sat down on the mat he just laid out. Luckily, the wind wasn’t strong today, so setting things up was somewhat manageable. “Come sit here.”

Thup smiled before limping to sit next to his older brother. Despite the slight difficulty, his heart was pounding with excitement. A fragrant lily was placed beside him before Thup hugged Singha full of love.

“You like it, don’t you?”

“Yes, I love it. It’s the best birthday for me.”

“Happy birthday, Thup. May your increasing age bring more happiness. The past can’t be changed; I couldn’t be there for your childhood or on your previous birthdays or during tough times, but for now and the future, I’ll be with you as long as you want.”

“I don’t want anything from you, Phii Singha, all I need is you.”

“Want to blow out the candles and make a wish?”

“Is there one?”

“Who do you think I am? It’s me.” Singha pulled away to bring out a big cake, lit the candles with a lighter, and held it in front of Thup, winking. “Go on.”

“I love you, Phii Singha, really loves you a lot.”

“Is that your wish then?”

“Because I only wanted this much.” Thup gently stroked his older brother’s cheek before blowing out the candles completely.

“So modest, huh?”

“May I kiss you now, Phii?”

“Not yet.” Singha took out a black velvet box from his coat pocket and offered it to the young man in front of him. “Your old one is lost. Use this one instead.”

Thup tilted his head slightly before accepting and opening it. Inside were two plain silver rings, making Thup’s eyes widen instantly. They looked just like the one he had lost!

“Do you know how hard it was for me to find out which shop and style you bought from?” Before he could finish his sentence, the young man leaped towards the older man, forgetting the pain in his foot. Both fell onto the mat with their lips pressed tightly together, leaving no gap. Thup gently kissed to part the older man’s lips, and once he succeeded, he slipped his tongue inside, savoring the sweetness thoroughly like an expert.

A gentle breeze passed by them as if in celebration, the scent of flowers filling the air, enhancing the special atmosphere of this night many times over. Singha watched the face of the young man above him without looking away. He couldn’t tell whether the stars or Thup’s eyes were more beautiful at that moment.

“Live happily, that’s all I ask.” Singha said, while caressing the clear cheek.

“All of my happiness is you.”

“Same here.” Thup leaned his face into Singha’s hand before taking out one of the rings.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, truly, thank you for everything.”

“I can’t wear it because I have to go work on cases; it might get lost. I will wear this necklace instead.” Singha handed a silver chain to Thup who threaded the ring onto the chain and then put it around the older man’s neck. The young man nodded in understanding.

Singha, watching every move of the person above him, could only bite his lip tightly. Throughout his life, he had never done anything like this. Never. Not even had anyone do this to him. It was no wonder his usually dull heart would beat faster. He picked up the ring from the box and slid it onto the finger of the young man above him, his thick lips kissing the knuckle before looking up to meet his eyes.

“Blessings given. Cake blown. Gifts received. There’s one more thing you probably want.”

“What is it?” Thup asked, kissing his older brother’s neck incessantly, his smile widening as he looked at the necklace and ring on his neck.

“Another gift.”

Inside a large tent spacious enough for two men to sleep comfortably, Singha was pressing Thup to sit down before straddling his lap and starting to strip off his own clothes until only his tanned, bare body remained, beautiful, just like the young man whose clothes had been removed by his older brother earlier.

“Phii Singha…” Thup’s heart beat faster than if he had jumped off a cliff, because now his older brother was stroking his core with his warm hands, “Ugh, Phii, this, ah, someone might come.”

“Just focus on me.”

Thup lifted his face to receive the kiss Singha offered, their lips sucking at each other insatiably.

Once Singha was sure the hardened core in his hand was ready, he lifted his knees and pressed himself down onto Thup’s core. Due to rushing out from home, he had neither gel nor condoms to help lubricate, so Singha gritted his teeth against the pain and tightness, similar to Thup who was on the brink of climax just from watching the older man on top.

“Phii Singha, ugh, you’ll hurt yourself.” Thup looked up at the older man with concern, his slender hands tightly gripping the older man’s waist.

“It’s okay.” Singha whispered, resting on Thup’s shoulder, embracing the neck of the boy in front of him tightly, his rear slowly lowering until it engulfed the erect core little by little. The moans beside his ear told Singha that Thup was also struggling to hold back. “Good boy, ah. If you cum, it will be easier.”

At that, Thup’s body jolted immediately, the warmth inside making Singha smirk. The newfound slickness made the passage smoother, allowing Thup’s core to slide in almost fully.

“Phii Singha…”

“Do you want your gift?”

Thup looked into the sparkling eyes of his older partner, his face slightly flushed, before deciding to grab Singha’s waist and press down until he was fully inside. The recipient, experiencing a jolt at the right spot, was momentarily paralyzed but wide-eyed from the sudden intensity, as this time, he was the one taking charge.

“I am going to accept this great gift.” The twenty-five-year-old transformed, proudly becoming a twenty-six-year-old wolf.

Thup spread the tan cheeks apart and nibbled at the sensitive bud on the chest, firm and caring. Singha, almost blank-minded from the overwhelming sensation, dug his nails into Thup’s back, leaving long marks. He moved rhythmically, his hips rising and falling with the surge of passion, the sound of flesh against flesh mingling with the sound of passionate kisses. Each time he lowered himself, Thup’s core hit the sweet spot, eliciting an involuntary moan.

“Ah! Right there, Thup, ah, harder, good boy.”

“Do you like it, Phii? Do you like it deep like this?” Thup pressed down on his partner’s waist, ensuring he felt every inch, his soft lips kissing all over the neck and chest affectionately.

“Yes, mmm, just like that, damn good, ah!” Singha was flipped onto the dark bedsheet, his glazed eyes watching his lover in ecstasy. His brown hair in disarray, his body marked with love bites and scratches, feeling the rhythmic thrusts, his feet now pressed against Thup’s chest, driving him nearly insane with desire.

“You’re amazing, Phii, the best, Phii Singha.” Thup thrust his hips, striking the round behind repeatedly, and kissed the sole of his partner’s foot without hesitation.

“Thup, ah, I’m close.”

“Ready with me, okay?” Singha nodded frantically, not fully comprehending but lost in the rhythm of the thrusts.

Thup lifted his partner’s hips to align perpendicularly with his own, thrusting rapidly, barely allowing a breath. The bedsheet was crumpled under their intensity, but they paid no mind. The tight channel squeezing signaled they were both close to climax.

“Ugh! Phii Singh”

“Ahhh!” White fluid splattered across the abdomen, as well as inside Singha, where love’s essence began to trickle out.

The sound of both their panting breaths was the only thing audible right now. Before they could even recover from the first round, Singha was flipped onto the bed, and soon, a young dog mounted him from behind.

“Taking a break first?” Singha asked with a hoarse voice.

“Will I still get this gift after midnight?”

Singha chuckled lightly before turning his face to kiss the mischievous young dog, who was almost turning into a wolf. But no matter what Thup turned into… he was still the one holding the leash around this dog’s neck.

“The gift is only for tonight.” Singha whispered, playfully nibbling on a reddened ear. “As for me, you can have me anytime.”

Thup buried his face into Singha’s shoulder to hide his blushing. As they say, no matter how fierce, a pup is still a pup, how could it ever win against its master?

 

Final Case Phrase: Case Closed.

   ‘A distressing incident occurred last night; at 3 AM villagers heard several consecutive gunshots. Upon investigation, the police went there and found six bodies at the scene, all from the same family. The police believe it to be a mass murder, with bullet trajectories indicating that the perpetrator was Pratipat, the head of the family. Villagers mentioned that about two weeks prior, the perpetrator had arguments with his family and exhibited unusual behavior, but no one expected such a tragic event…’

   Thup walked towards the television upon hearing the news being broadcast, his brows furrowing as he listened to the report. Something made him feel inexplicably anxious, but the ringing of his phone on the dining table distracted him first.

“Hello, Phii Singha?”

[What are you doing?]

   “Making lunch, what about you, have you eaten yet?” Thup asked the caller before turning off the TV.

[Not yet.]

   “Why haven’t you eaten yet? Are you that busy with work?”

[Waiting for my baby to bring it.]

   “Huh?”

[Are you free? Come by the station, I need your help with something.]

   “For you, I am always free.”

[Heh, after five years, you’re still flirting with me?]

   “Flirting with my boyfriend every day is cute.” Thup laughed clearly before walking to pack the food he made into a box. “Then, I’ll bring lunch for you too.”

[Drive safely, okay?]

   After hanging up, Thup prepared everything, turned off the lights in the house, and drove straight to the police station where Singha worked.

Their five-year relationship had been smooth. Thup was happy every day, just like Singha. As he approached his thirties, Singha was moving into his forties. Life changed constantly each year.

The first year, he worked out until now he was almost as built as his partner.

The second year, Singha quit smoking decisively, even though he complained all the time.

The third year, he learned to drive and got his license, so he could drop his partner at work or go shopping by himself.

The fourth year, he saved enough money to take Singha abroad to celebrate his birthday, although ultimately, his partner transferred the money back into his account.

And at the beginning of the fifth year, Singha had just been promoted due to his years of hard work.

But the one thing that never changed was that Thup remained the good kid of Phii Singha and loved his partner more each day.

Thup arrived at the station in less than half an hour. He greeted everyone he knew before heading straight to the office of the station’s director.

Knock, knock, knock.

“Phii Singha, I am coming in.”

“Come on in.” came the permission. Thup opened the door and entered, smiling at the person sitting at the desk.

“I’ve missed you so much, Phii.” said Thup as he walked in.

“Overdoing it, pup. We’ve only been apart for less than twenty-four hours.” he said, hugging Singha and giving him a big kiss on the cheek.

“It must be because I love you so much, that’s why I miss you a lot.” said Thup making Singha laugh softly before ruffling Thup’s hair like he always does.

“Do you need Thup’s help with something?”

“Today, someone came to report a case of indecent intrusion into their home. The victim saw the culprit’s face but couldn’t catch him because he escaped. We need to bring him in for prosecution, but the sketch artist is on sick leave, and no one else can really handle the program well, and then the drawing skills…” Singha shuffled through a pile of papers to show Thup, revealing a sketch where the face, nose, and mouth were clear but unidentifiable due to the messy lines, making Thup burst into laughter.

“Hahaha, now I get why you called me here.”

“You can eat first; she’ll be back in a bit.”

“Let’s eat together. I brought extra.”

Singha looked at his younger lover, who cheerfully presented the dishes he prepared. He stood up to his full height, leaning over the desk to corner Thup, “Don’t…don’t you like it?”

“I’d rather eat you than the food.” Singha said, immediately kissing the soft lips. They playfully teased each other with their tongues, but before things could escalate, Singha pulled away reluctantly.

“Full now?”

“Have some food, you’ll get a stomachache otherwise.” Thup kissed the tip of his partner’s nose with a hint of mischief, “And then you can have me for dessert.”

“Who taught you to speak like that?”

“you, Phii.”

Laughter echoed throughout the once tense office. Singha always thought of Thup like the sun; wherever he went, he brought brightness. And it was truly like that.

Lunchtime was filled with chatter about both everyday matters and today’s encounters. No matter how trivial, Thup was eager to share, and Singha was just as happy to listen. After a simple lunch, the young man led Thup down to the interrogation room to meet the victim in question.

“Hello, Khun Kan. This is the person I mentioned this morning.”

“Hello. My name is Thup.” The introduction of both ended.

“Uh… hello.” They made acquaintances and talked for a bit. Then, Thup began sketching the suspect as described by the woman in front of him.

As he sketched, Thup noticed a dark hand slowly appearing on the shoulder of the unfortunate girl. The young man quickly looked down at the floor, then glanced towards the observation mirror, certain that Singha was watching from behind it.

“Kan, can you tell me… how many times has this happened?”

“This is the first time I’ve seen his face, but there have been two or three times where I felt like I wasn’t alone.”

“Recently, Khun Kan, have you… brought anything new into your home?”

“Pardon?”

“Have you… brought in any new items or idols recently?” Thup looked up from his sketchbook, through her face, and saw a dark, looming shadow behind her, gradually taking a clear shape.

A large, burly man. Bald, with wide, menacing red eyes, his upper body bare, standing behind the unlucky woman. When Thup looked down at his sketch, he sighed because it was identical. What Kan saw was what Thup was seeing now.

‘This isn’t your business.’

   Singha noticed his junior’s expression and knew immediately something was off. He instructed the police officer listening in to turn off the cameras and recording devices, then walked back into the interrogation room. As his thick hand touched Thup’s shoulder, the spirit vanished instantly.

“Earlier, Khun Kan, you mentioned that when the intruder entered your house, you were half-asleep, half-awake, right?” Singha asked again in a calm tone.

“Y… Yes, and what you just asked…” The young woman bit her lip slightly before looking up to answer, “I just went to worship… a Ngang.”

Thup immediately nodded in understanding before turning the sketch he drew for her to see.

“Is this what you saw?”

“Yes! Yes, it is!!”

“I’ll post a wanted notice and track down the culprit. Give me a moment.” Singha said, leading Thup outside the interrogation room to discuss the events that occurred. The young man recounted what he had encountered in detail, his face filled with concern.

“What’s a Ngang?”

“It’s a type of Khmer amulet. Some say it’s made from the spirits of those who died violently or from water ghosts; it is used to enhance charm, popularity, and trade. But it’s a lower-tier amulet; with its benefits, there are always drawbacks.”

“Are you saying what she saw was a ghost?”

“What Thup saw matches the description she gave.” Singha sighed resignedly along with Thup.

“Is it going to be dangerous?”

“Thup thinks what she’s encountering isn’t likely to be good.”

“You go ahead and continue discussing how to solve this. I’ll arrange for the police to watch her house, in case there might actually be a human intruder.” As Singha was about to leave, his steps halted, then he turned back, “Can you handle this, are you wearing your amulet?”

“I am wearing it. If anything happens, Thup will run to you first.”

“Good to know.” Singha gently ruffled his soft hair.

When his older lover left, Thup took a deep breath to gather his courage before walking back into the room. The worried look on the young woman’s face made Thup spend some time comforting her before he started explaining things to her.

“I… I didn’t know at all; my friend said it was good, so I just followed along and revered it.”

“I don’t know much either, but I suggest you remove it from your house. Take it to a temple or return it to where it came from.”

“Yes, but… how do you know this?”

“You could call it a special ability, I guess.” Thup smiled at her with a resigned look, then chatted with her a bit more while waiting for the older man to come back and handle the rest of the situation.

Even though he knew why, Singha didn’t take the warning from the unfortunate lightly. He arranged for officers to watch the front of the house in case anything happened or if there was a real human culprit, to prevent any serious harm.

After wrapping up the case, Thup came to sit in the office waiting for Singha. He looked at a framed photo on the desk with a wide smile; it was a picture of him riding on Singha’s back during their first beach trip together. Neither of their faces showed any stress or pressure, only smiles and sparkling eyes. He loved this photo so much he set it as his phone’s background too.

“If there are any updates, let me know, okay, lieutenant?”

“Understood.”

When Singha walked back into the room, he saw the person waiting on the couch offering him a sweet smile.

“How did the talk go?”

“I told her as much as he could. The rest is up to her decision.” Singha said as he sat next to him, leaning on Thup’s shoulder and closing his eyes to rest his mind after working all day. The young man knew well how tired the older man was, so he wrapped his arm around his waist and stroked him gently in comfort. “Shall we go home, and I’ll give you a massage?”

“You mean like the night before?”

“Massaging like that, you’ll end up with more pain, you know.” The young man said, planting a kiss on his older lover’s forehead before letting out a soft laugh. Nowadays, he had built up some resistance to the older man’s strength, though he still ultimately lost.

“Hmph, are you going back now, or do you want to go somewhere else?”

“If you’re tired, I can wait to go back with you. Or tomorrow, I can drop you off.” indicating the car would be left there.

“That works then.” Singha said, lying down to rest his head on Thup’s lap to close his eyes for a bit. Lately, he’d been so busy he hadn’t had much time for the owner of the lap.

“Thup?”

“Yes?”

“This Christmas, let’s go to England.” Singha said, holding the soft hand to his chest. “Hmm? Do you want to go?”

“Yeah, I haven’t had much time for you lately. A vacation together would be nice.”

“You don’t have to overthink it. Every morning I wake up to see you, every night I get to sleep and hug you. That’s enough for me.” Thup gently stroked the broad chest under the white shirt. Singha took the hand wearing the ring and kissed Thup’s ring finger, as he often did.

“We can go cuddle in bed then. I’ll book the plane tickets now, and I’ll book the hotel with my card.”

“If you really want to go, then I will pay for it.”

“Save your money. Use your boyfriend’s money.” Singha rolled towards Thup, snuggling into his fragrant belly.

“You take good care of your puppy, huh.” Thup chuckled softly, stroking the older man’s head.

“Yeah, right, otherwise it might just switch owners.” The muffled voice from the belly made Thup look down with affection.

“Your puppy isn’t going anywhere; it loves you too much already.”

“Fake puppy.” Singha playfully bit at the cream-colored slacks, where underneath the fabric, something was stirring. He then sat up to straddle Thup’s lap. The young man knew his role, holding the firm buttocks. Their lips seemed magnetically drawn together, but before they could touch, a knock at the door interrupted the intimate moment.

Knock, knock, knock.

“Who’s there!” Singha asked with a stern voice, different from before. “Excuse me, Chief, I’m here to report that we’ve delivered the victim from the home invasion case.”

“Then get back to work.”

“But there’s someone who came to report a purse-snatching and assault.”

“Uh…”

“I’ll be there soon.”

“Under… understood.”

Singha stood up to his full height and adjusted the young man’s shirt properly.

“You can wait at the gym since you’re already here.”

“But I didn’t bring any change of clothes.”

“My locker, take some from there.” Singha tossed him a key before walking out to deal with the pending tasks that demanded his attention.

Thup walked to the station’s gym, where previously many events had unfolded. At that time, his legs barely had the strength to stand, his mind fragile, but now he entered with determination, his back straight with no fear left. Thup chuckled softly before heading to unlock the older man’s locker with the key marked with a number.

“Four-two-zero, four-two-zero, where is it?” Thup scanned the numbers until he reached the last cabinet. The young man unlocked it and opened it, but instead of expensive clothes or cluttered items, a bouquet of white roses fell out into his arms. Thup smiled broadly, his fangs showing, his beautiful eyes sparkling with delight, much like the person who was now standing, arms crossed, leaning against the lockers behind him, waiting for this moment.

“You smile at the flowers more than at me.”

Thup turned around to see behind him before walking over to wrap his arms around the older man’s waist, his smile not fading but growing even wider.

“What’s the occasion for this?”

“Just because. Because you recently saw a ghost without crying.” Singha raised his eyebrows teasingly at Thup. “Very brave.”

“I just realized how much I have grown, thanks to you. Without you, I might still be stuck in old thoughts, hating birthdays, having nightmares, staying cooped up in my room, still a child living in fear.” Thup looked at Singha’s face, his eyes filled with love, respect, and gratitude. “Even though we met in a weird way, I’m really glad to have met you.”

“That scaredy-cat kid in the forest has grown up this much.”

“Back then, you were scared of me too.” Thup puffed his cheeks slightly before tilting his face, allowing his older brother, “You have to give a comforting kiss now.”

“Heh, you devil dog.” Singha said as he locked Thup’s neck and kissed his cheek without holding back, making the younger one laugh out loud.

“Thup loves Phii Singha, you know.”

“Love you too.”

Both leaned in for a deep kiss, not a fleeting one that’s barely felt, nor one of overwhelming passion, but a kiss full of assurance that from now on, neither would have to face fear alone. Before either would leave this world, they would stay by each other’s side.

   The old monk was right; at twenty-five, Thup would face severe trials, nearly losing his life, experiencing loss and pain. But having overcome them, it would be like the sky after rain, filled with warmth waiting for him, and Singha was that warmth and beautiful rainbow in his life.

   Singha once thought he’d live alone until death because of what he did to his sister. He was cursed to suffer in solitude, with no one to help. But today, that’s not the case anymore. He understood, let go of his feelings, not just to set Mesa free, but to free himself as well. The help and light in his life weren’t from anyone else but the kid crying in the forest that day, Thup all along.

   The sound of desperate crying back then has turned into laughter filled with happiness now.

   The sorrow of the past hasn’t disappeared but has eased.

   The important person who passed is kept in the heart and memories.

   A life that was once lonely and dark now has someone to light the way for each other.

   Ancient beliefs from long ago, praying and making vows

   To heal sickness and protect our bodies, offering intoxicating gifts in reverence.

   When offering to gods or spirits, be cautious, for words can lead to one’s demise, the human heart is hard to fathom, as the dead once said.

  

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