[MileApo] An Exit

Act 1

Act 1:

The weather outside is oppressively brutal. The air inside is no better.

Everyone is quiet. So fucking quiet you can even hear each movement of the plants. They all hold their breath because the main actor of this shot – the center of all attention right now – is wallowing in their own moment.

Mile stands dumbfounded, watching Apo shed his tears.

It's not the first time Mile sees Apo cry. Over sadness. Over joy. As Porsche. As Apo. Right now, as Khem. Apo's tears fall, soaking his heart, growing spouts of remorse in him.

Mile watches his friend/partner hug himself, the anguish in those eyes is real and raw. Mile can hear a small sob, the thing under his ribcage constricts painfully.

A moment of silence, before Pond exclaims cut, "Very good, Po. Let's wrap up for the day." The atmosphere slackens immediately. Others applaud, tidying up, meanwhile, Apo bows in thanks and retreats to the dressing room, tottering like a clumsy kid he is on his way back.

Mile could have left hours ago, his filming today was long over. However, he knows Apo's tonight scene is very fine and quite heavy; hence, he stays. Watching Apo shine is listed among Mile's top priorities, even if only in-between behind the scenes.

Anyway, Apo didn't drive to the set today, Mile doesn't mind taking him home. It's okay to go a bit farther, he is used to it.

When he finds Apo, he's changed into his normal clothes, the thick makeup has been wiped off. He's back to be Apo, not Khem anymore – at least until his next shot, which is in the morning.

Apo is staring into the reflection of himself in the mirror, serenity casting a layer upon him despite the bustling background. He looks deep in thought, or no thought in particular. He doesn't react when Mile goes in.

He must be lost in his world again.

"Po." Mile calls, gently so he won't disturb his friend. Apo seems to get a shiver before he glances up at him like a sleepy cat.

"P'Mile." He breathes out, a touch of tiredness in his tone, but his eyes remain bright. Mile likes how gentle his name sounds caressed in a light breeze from his friend's lips.

"Are you leaving now?" He asks, seating him on the chair beside the younger, "How will you go home?"

Apo chuckles, rubbing his eyes, seemingly so sluggish he might fall asleep right there. "I don't know, asking p'Gift for a ride maybe? She is convenient."

"Has Po eaten?" Mile is worried. If he remembers right, Apo hasn't had his dinner.

"Not yet. I'm too tired." Apo whines, head tilting back and lolling on the backrest of his chair. "What? P'Mile wants to treat me something?"

Mile can't help a smile. Apo starts to relax, prompting him to relax too, "Is Pad Thai ok?"

Apo's brows go up so high, "Phi will really treat me?"

"Of course," Mile frowns, a bit offended because he buys Apo things all the time, why is he surprised? "If not, you'll skip your meal. Your stomach has suffered enough." Mile recalls the image of Apo holding his aching stomach during his losing weight period. A wince tugs at the nerves of his face. "I will drop you off at your place after."

The younger gasps, adorably. Then, all of a sudden, he bursts out laughing, "P'Mile is the best!"

"Right." Mile is helpless before Apo's playfulness. He stands up, desperately wanting to hide his blush, patting the other's bicep, "Up. Come on. Before I change my mind."