Work Text:
- Receiving gifts
It all started small, with tea and some honey cakes.
On that fateful night Prapai brought Sky home, Phan was the only one home. His parents were away for business, while Plerng was out of the country for a spontaneous trip. If Prapai was honest, he really didn't think about that when he was driving home. Maybe he should have, as Sky really did not want to see anyone else but Prapai and Rain in those moments.
And from all the chances that were out there for his sister to be awake at the same time they got home, the universe decided to be cruel and make it happen.
The moment Sky saw Phan, he looked away overwhelmed by shame and self-disgust.
Phan had no idea what happened. She had no context, just seeing her brother come home with a beautiful hope she just knew was Sky – beautiful, sarcastic, smart, snarky, soft and cute Sky. Her brother’s honey. The only thing Prapai has been talking about the last few months, so much that she could recognize him out of a million other pretty boys. She wanted to meet Sky, he sounded like someone she would like, and she had never seen her brother so obviously enamored. She didn’t know if she would ever meet him, because the only time she ever met any of Prapai’s lovers was when she accidentally caught him making out with that one nerdy classmate in highschool that “helped him with math”. (Maybe Prapai had a type.)
But now that Sky was in front of her, he was obviously anything but happy, or maybe shy at meeting his boyfriend’s family. His face was puffy, red, with visible marks from tears, and her brother kept him so close, it was as if he was afraid Sky would break like glass the moment he let go.
Prapai’s room closed, and Phan went to her room herself, left alone with her thoughts of what could have happened.
The next day, she ordered from her favorite bakery and continued her work.
To her surprise, Sky did come out of the room at lunch, with his brother, standing close as if they were attached to the hip.
Phan wasn’t stupid. Quite the opposite, her family would say. She didn’t ask anything about last night. She just raised her head from her book and gave a small smile.
“Phan, I would like you to meet Sky.” her brother said, rubbing Sky’s knuckles, presumably to encourage him. Sky saluted politely, presenting himself.
“I am sorry to drop by so sud-”
“Nonsense!” Phan wasn’t one for loud exclaims and screaming, but she wouldn’t accept Sky bringing himself down himself. “You are more than welcome to come here anytime you want. P’Pai talks about you so much it already feels like you live here.”
Prapai shamelessly chuckled, while Sky’s cheeks flushed a cute pink up to the top of his ears. He gave her brother a look, disbelief maybe, surprise, while Prapai looked back at him with nothing but love and adoration, almost getting those adorable lines on the outsides of his eyes. They were so sweet, it was almost disgusting.
Almost.
“Would you like some honey cakes? They are my favorite and they go great with tea.”
Taken out of his trance, Sky accepted politely, realising they were one of his favorites too. He didn’t realise how Prapai took the recommendation from his sister and fed them to Sky whenever he had finished a deadline.
They talked and talked the whole afternoon. Sky and Phan got along well, both on a more introverted side, while Prapai took care of food for the rest of the day.
From then on, Phan would drop by Prapai’s office from time to time to drop something for Sky.
“I saw these mochis and I thought he would like them.”
“Look, I got extra snacks by accident. Give them to Sky.”
“Here is some mango sticky rice, make sure Sky gets it.”
Prapai at first thought her sister felt protective of Sky, given their first meeting.
He was so wrong.
It kept escalating.
It turned to a nice shirt she “saw when browsing for a present”.
Then there was that fancy pencil case with star embroidery on it.
That one plant she found when, presumably, searching for the new colour she wanted to paint her room.
And finally, she found out about Sky’s obsession with One Piece.
It was hell for Prapai. Right when he ordered this figurine of Luffy for Sky, his sister came to his office, where so happened Sky to be at the same time. She was so glad to find him there and handed him a huge box. Sky felt awkward opening it there, but at her encouragement, he started cutting tape and gasped. He picked the cutest Chopper plush toy dressed in Luffy’s clothing, mouth open in disbelief.
Phan only knew the cute mascots from animes, but it always served well when friends had birthdays.
“P’Phan, is this really for me?”
“Of course, I saw it while browsing online and thought of you.”
Phan looked innocently at her brother. She knew he made the order in the morning and was going to arrive only in the afternoon. And yet she looked at him with no guilt, absolutely knowing what she had done.
Prapai would have started a fight right then and there if his boyfriend wasn’t the absolute happiest with that toy. Even though he always says he is not a fan of stuffed toys. Liar.
- Words of affirmation
It was no surprise to anyone that Prapai was behind with his paperwork. Since meeting Sky, he wanted to spend absolutely all waking moments showing his boyfriend with love and affection, and possibly annoy the hell out of him, there was just no time to spend on work tasks. Why would he, when Sky was there, just so close to him, such a short ride away.
His father was not at all happy with that. He hadn’t met Sky yet, and while he didn’t say it out loud, he was very happy his son found someone he cared about so deeply. But he was as much a family man as a career man, and needed the work done. And he let Prapai know.
So tonight, Prapai was going to stay inside and try to finish as much work as possible.
Sky understood. He himself kept telling Prapai to do his work properly, but to no avail. On one hand, he loved how much his boyfriend loved him. Sometimes it scared him how much love one person could have for him. On the other hand, he feared Prapai’s father would not be accepting their relationship because he kept distracting Prapai that much. Prapai knew that it was not possible to happen, but he made a promise.
And Plerng heard that. That little devil decided it was the absolute best time to swoop in and create chaos.
So he went to Sky and whined about not spending enough time together with his favorite Nong, how there was this important party and he needed to have someone with him. Sky wanted to refuse, but the moment Plerng did mention that one time he got so highly intoxicated an ambulance was called for him, Sky accepted out of worry. Plerng felt bad for that, he partied extremely years ago and knew much better now how to handle himself, he just wanted to spend time with Sky.
Prapai didn’t like the plan at all, he didn’t want to have Sky alone with his minx of a brother at some random party. However, he knew if there were any issues Sky knew who to call.
Plerng took it upon himself to dress Sky up, do his hair and makeup, using him almost like a doll. It was strangely enjoyable for Sky, receiving a constant shower of “your hair is so soft”, “oh my god I never realised how clear your skin is” and “you will look so stunning in blue, I just have the perfect piece”. The crop top Plerng chose for him was more revealing than he usually liked his outfits, but his pants were a shiny white that contrasted beautifully with his hair, which was now parted on one side.
“Plerng, who else was coming to this party again? I really don’t want any of those shady guys to come near my-” Prapai’s words cut off as quickly as he came into the room.
His jaw fell slack.
His eyes were bore on Sky in that outfit.
On the way his collar bones were completely on show, the way the left side was on show, his left nipple barely contained by the material that was showing off every raise, dip and curve of the pale white skin. The chest area was extremely tight, and the room was cold.
Prapai forgot everything about the party, the paperwork, the people. His body wasn’t functioning. His brain wasn’t loading. All he got was an image of him falling to his knees and worshipping the love of his life.
“P’Pai, I already promised no one shady will be there! And if anything happens, I am more than capable of throwing a punch myself. Or a whole bottle.” Plerng snickered where he was seated, applying his mascara, he knew what his brother was probably thinking and gave himself a pat on the back for his work.
Sky shifted from one foot to the other nervously. He felt overly exposed. He had been naked multiple times in front of Prapai, but this felt different. “Do I look stupid in this outfit?”
“Sky! You are one of the most beautiful boys I have had the pleasure to meet in my entire life – and trust me, I would know, I have dated lots. You could wear a garbage bag over and some art critique would buy it off you for millions and millions. Your thick skull has to remember that you are stunning and that outfit and makeup are only accentuating it.”
Sky skeptically accepted the praise, biting his lip. “P’Pai?”
“Oh, don’t mind my brother. He is probably thinking of how to keep you home with him.” making his way to the door, Plerng put his hand on Prapai’s shoulder, waking him up from his trance. “I will be waiting in the car for you Sky, no more than 5 minutes!”
“Sky, Sky, baby, honey, sweetheart,” and finally, finally, Prapai fell on his knees in front of Sky, taking his hands in his, never breaking eye contact with dumbfound boyfriend, “you can’t leave now. You can’t just show up in front of me looking like a god from above and not let me show you how much I love, please, I beg of you, you just can’t.”
Sky’s hands cupped his face and a gentle peck was pressed on Prapai’s lips. Before he could deepen that, Sky pulled away mere inches and whispered. “A promise is a promise, P’Pai. Fighting!”
And with the biggest smirk he has seen Sky ever have, Prapai watch his boyfriend strut out the door, moving his hips from side to side just a bit more than usual.
Prapai cursed his whole family at that moment.
- Acts of service + Physical touch
Prapai observed quickly how he and Sky haven’t had any alone time in a while. It was really getting to him. He wanted nothing more than to spend time with his boyfriend and hold him close, without his family getting in the way. Which is why he created the perfect plan.
No one was home, his parents had plans of their own, Phan was visiting her friends out of the city for the week, while Plerng was busy taking out this adorable boy he recently got a soft spot for. The house would be empty, Sky felt comfortable in Prapai’s house as well, which was a big bonus. He bought groceries in the morning, preparing ingredients for the spicy curry recipe his mother taught him years ago, before he left for university abroad. He had everything ready to give Sky the candle lit dinner he deserved.
So why was he sitting at the table now, with his mother on his left side, and his boyfriend on his mother’s left side, candles lit and curry made. But not by him. No, when Prapai took Sky inside, pulling all the gentlemen moves he could think of, taking Sky’s coat, taking Sky’s shoes off himself, taking his arm and walking to the kitchen, there was his mother, working on the ingredients like she always planned to. When questioned, she answered cheerily “My plans got cancelled. Your auntie got a horrible flu and you know my health hasn’t been the best lately, dear, I decided to stay home.” Only after a few more minutes of talking with Sky and inquiring about their plans, did she realise all the ingredients were intended for their date. But Prapai couldn’t just tell his own mother, one the sweetest and most caring person he knew, to just leave them. Sky couldn’t either, especially when she asked him to sit next to her and feed them both.
But it was obvious to the naked eye that she was dotting on Sky. She would ask Sky about school, his assignments, would take a napkin and clean the corner of his mouth when a bit of sauce got splattered. Would compliment him on his outfit, congratulate him when he mentioned how he juggled so many tasks and activities – making a small jab at Prapai of how he could learn something from Sky about multitasking. She would even offer small comforting touches when she felt he got a bit anxious. In turn, he would ask about the auntie his mom mentioned before, what she was actually doing for work, and listen to her rant about the newest drama she started watching with Plerng. Sky was glad Rain had been talking his ear off at university about the exact same one. He offered his opinion on the plot, tastefully dropping a new or two, and Prapai could just see it in his mother’s face the moment she decided she would adopt Sky into their family.
Prapai wasn’t jealous. He really wasn’t.
Ok, he was very jealous. He wasn’t jealous of his mom giving attention to his boyfriend. Sky never talked of his mom and only grew up with his dad. Having a motherly touch must have been a nice change. He also wasn’t jealous because his mom got all Sky’s attention. He knew she loved him and he liked to think he was not even close to being a mama’s boy.
He was mad at the universe for not letting him and his lover have time just for themselves. From work, to school, to now his family taking all his boyfriend’s time, their time was reduced to cuddling, napping together, too tired to do anything else, or texting.
But looking at two of the most important people from his life get along so well, his internal storm calmed down, choosing to enjoy the moment and watch the way Sky’s eyes lit up at all the praise.
“Sky, darling, you're eating so well,” his mom exclaimed when she brought dessert, Prapai’s favorite sticky rice cakes, “I'm glad you are enjoying the food. I can make you something anything you want!"
- Quality time
At this point, Prapai knew his whole family was fighting with him for Sky’s time. On one hand, he couldn’t blame them. Sky had the cutest reactions when he was dotted on. On the other hand, Sky was his boyfriend and he felt like shouting it from the rooftops so they would remember that.
However, what he didn’t see coming was his father getting involved.
His father had been curious about Sky for a long time. He hadn’t said it out loud, but he was. Sky was now a very common subject at family dinners, and he was the only one who hadn’t met the famous “cute, smart, snarky, sarcastic, sweet Sky”. So when his father asked for him to bring Sky over so he could meet him, everyone was taken aback, except their mother, who encouraged the idea.
When Sky came over, he was understandably nervous. Meeting meeting the family had been quite unofficial so far, but suddenly, by meeting the famous head of the family, CEO of the company, the cold, yet caring father he heard about, it seemed too real. Prapai held his hand when taking him to his father, only letting go to let Sky pay his respects. His father nodded, and told them to follow him. They shared a confused look, but followed.
“I heard you like pirates, Sky.”
Oh no.
Oh no no no no no no no no no no.
“Yes, I, um, have been a big fan of this story about pirates since I was very young, and I still read every new chapter to this day.”
Prapai should have seen this coming. He really should have seen his father’s absolute obsession with pirates be the reason he finally met Sky. And now he knew where they were going. His father had a deep fascination with pirates for years. He collected things since he could afford it: pirate books, models of pirate ships, pirate maps, small gold coins found at the bottom of the ocean. He would buy them and keep them in this specific room he created to expose everything, the room where all of them were also heading towards now. His father was a very close friend of multiple professors and archeologists, in the country and abroad, and was known to anonymously donate large sums of money to fund new expeditions and projects.
When they did arrive to the room, Sky still had no idea what was happening. Prapai’s father had to put a security code before holding the door open. “Please come in, Sky.”
Sky stepped towards the door, but Prapai stood still. He got a confused look from Sky.
“I am afraid my son is not allowed in this room.”
Sky was now a little worried about what waited for him after the door. Prapai had to step in before he got the wrong idea because his father’s communication skills weren’t the sharpest.
“There is nothing wrong after the door, love. My father is absolutely obsessed with pirates, and is a big collector of anything that is related to him. He probably heard of how much you enjoy One Piece and thought it would be cool to show you. I wouldn’t be surprised if he actually had some One Piece stuff in there as well.”
His father stayed silent for a few seconds, struggling with communicating a bit. “I thought it might be a fun shared interest to discuss.”
“But why aren’t you allowed in the room, P’Pai?”
His father looked pointedly at his son. Prapai scratched the back of his neck awkwardly before admitting. “I once went in there with a school friend when I wasn’t allowed. And in the process, I broke a glass and almost destroyed one of the very old maps my father has there.”
“It’s not about the map. It’s about how you didn’t listen to me when I specifically asked you to stay out of the room and got yourself a concussion in the process. I can lose a map, but I cannot lose my son.”
Prapai was highly embarrassed about it now. They did talk about the incident when it happened, and he understood his father. If he really wanted, he could probably go into the room by this point in life, but his father might have wanted to give Sky the big tour of what he owned. Sky visibly loosens at the exchange between the two and seems a little more eager to go in.
“Go on, you’ll have lots of fun.” Prapai encourages him, kissing his knuckles before letting his hand go. “I will wait for you guys in the kitchen with food ready.”
When Sky and his father came back, they were very happy and content. His father’s face had no visible change, but he could tell by the rest of his body language that he felt better and happier than he had been in the last few weeks. As they had dinner with the family, Sky told him excitedly about what he saw in the little museum room and Prapai could listen to him talk all night long.
"I like Sky.” He tells Prapai solemnly at the end of the night, before Prapai left to drive Sky back to his dorm. “Very well mannered and bright. Good choice, son."
- Acts of service
Sky loved his university. He knew he was so lucky to get in, to be able to live in Bangkok and study there. But it wasn’t easy, the sheer amount of assignments was hard to handle, and self-studying didn’t offer him much free time either. But what was worst was how, in each year, there was at least one teacher who seemed like they fed on torturing students.
Such was Sky’s case right now. He was so tired from pulling an all nighter, he could barely keep his eyes open anymore. He fell asleep during class. No one noticed, until Rain, who was texting Phayu at the speed of light, dropped his phone. Sky quickly jumped and was blinking his sleep away, but by then the teacher was looking their way. Observing Sky look out of the world while Rain was finishing putting his phone away, he asked Sky a question of what he last asked.
Sky had no idea.
He was given homework. A big project, on his own.
By the next day.
Sky wasn’t enjoying life at that moment.
Prapai came to him in a hurry when he heard, knowing how tired his boyfriend already was from the previous night, and now it sounded like he would skip another night of sleep? He should really see if his father’s professor connections extended to his boyfriend’s university.
Getting there, he calmed a frantic, sleep deprived Sky, who didn’t know anymore where to move and what to grab. By the time they sat down, with some coffee, snacks and all the materials needed, a knock was at the door. Prapai was confused, the food he ordered shouldn’t have arrived yet.
It was Rain. And he came in like a storm. He banged the door loudly, he opened it widely, carrying his own bags of food and some energy drinks. His face was determined and he looked unsettlingly serious.
“Sky, I came to help you! I have everything you need here with me, lots of caffeine, lots of food and glue and- oh, P’Pai, you are here too?”
Prapai could barely say anything before Sky urged Rain to come over, sit and join. “Listen, if we push through, we might get done before midnight and Sky can get some sleep!”
“Didn’t you have a date with Phayu today?”
Rain scoffed. “Yeah, like I am going on a date when I literally got my best friend in trouble with the worst teacher in our whole university. I explained to Phayu and we will reschedule.”
“Rain, you didn’t have to push your date for later just for me. I know you guys haven’t had a lot of time for each other with school.”
That sounded awfully familiar to Prapai.
“Sky, if you think I am leaving now, you are dead wrong. You are barely awake and you need sleep and food.”
Prapai loved Rain being Sky’s best friend. He was the orange cat to the black cat, the bunny to the stray cat. They were a powerful, balanced duo that cared deeply for each other.
"P'Pai, you are doing this completely wrong! Please move before you ruin my best friend's grade or so help me!"
Prapai was going to talk to Phayu about Rain scolding him throughout the entire homework. Sky did, however, get to sleep at midnight, with classes only in the afternoon, and that was everything that mattered. The fact that Rain took the second half of Sky’s bed was another problem.
Prapai took a picture of them sleeping together, sent it to his best friend, and went to sleep on the couch.
+1
When Prapai was told there was an emergency in his office, he hurried in a cloud of confusion. Just what was so urgent, his own father sent him off from the meeting, after so many overtime hours put in today alone?
He opened the door and closed it in a hurry. It was pitch black inside, except for the bit of light from the window that was overlooking the city light. There was a sound from the door and when he tried the knob it was locked.
“Hey, hey! I’m still here, what’s the meaning of this?!” he raised his voice, hoping to be heard through the door.
“P’Pai, over here.”
Prapai turned around, and suddenly there was gentle light into the room. It was candles, and Sky was there, lighting them up one by one, revealing a table full of food, two empty plates and a pair of awaiting chairs.
Prapai was dumbfounded.
“I know we haven’t had the opportunity to spend time alone in the last month or so. So I thought maybe a picnic would be a nice idea?” The way Sky said it so sheepishly tugged at Prapai’s heart. Sky noticed how much Prapai missed him, just to himself, not shared with his family, by Rain, or by university, just the two of them.
Prapai approached Sky, wrapped his arms around his waist and hugged him tightly. “You are the most thoughtful boyfriend ever, my love.”
“Oh, come on, I barely did anything.”
“So then you had nothing to do with me staying overtime with no warning?”
“I... might have discussed with your father about how your performance improved and breaks are essential for a balanced life.”
“That’s all? And the fact that you brought my favorite sticky rice cakes is just a coincidence?”
Sky bit his lip. “Your mother might have given me the recipe.”
Prapai pulled back from the hug, instantly regretting not being surrounded by Sky’s scent anymore. “Hold up, you mean to tell me that you cooked this for us?”
“I tried? It might not taste the best to be hon-”
Prapai kissed Sky hard. It was nothing filthy, nothing extreme that they did in other contexts. He pushes all his love through the lips, all the adoration he had for his lover, the appreciation for how much effort he put in this date, just the two of them. Sky eased up into the kiss, content.
Prapai pulled back, giving Sky the absolute biggest smile he could muster.
“My Sky. My beautiful, smart, witty, sarcastic, cute, stunning, soft and humble Sky. I love you so much, so so much.”
Sky laughed lowly, giddy. “I love you too, P’Pai. My P’Pai, my love.”