The relationship between New and Tay had changed drastically after the night they had sex.
For the next few days, New seemed to have been on edge – always nervous and fidgety. Try as New might to hide his feelings, Tay sensed something was wrong. He’d have to make it clear for New because he wasn’t going to allow for whatever it is that’s going on between them to disappear.
“Hey!” Tay stood on New’s doorway, a towel on his hair.
New looked up from his book and stiffened. “H-Hey.”
He had hoped Tay wouldn’t notice his odd behavior as he straightened his back. To his surprise, Tay chuckled mixed with a sigh. He smiled as he sat on the edge of the younger’s bed. He held out his hand, waiting for New to take it. When New hesitantly placed his hand on top of Tay’s warm one, he gave it a squeeze. “Let’s talk.”
“Um okay.” New set his book aside and took a deep breath. ‘Here we go.’
“Look I’m not going to deny that the sex was beyond amazing but I want you to know that I’m not only after that. Even if I do think about it, it doesn’t mean I always want it to happen. Some days I just… want to cuddle with you or… watch movies with you and Pleum or go on dates.” He paused to check on New's reaction and when he sensed New’s shoulder relax, he continued, “I want us to get to know each other in other aspects too.”
New blinked. “Why are you being so nice to me?”
“Because… because I really really like you. I’m serious about you and I understand that you just had divorce and you’re still going through a lot but I’m willing to work around that.”
“Why?”
“I just want you to be happy – You and Pleum.”
***
“You don’t have to go away for work. I mean I have a job and we could-"
“I just want you to be happy – you and our son. If that means working my ass off to provide for my family then I will do what I have to do. I’m just doing what I can Baby.” The husband loosened his tie before melting on the couch to watch TV.
“But I just want-"
“Let’s not argue with something like this, yeah? I just came home and I just want to relax.”
“Oh okay.” New dropped the issue and told his husband he’d go shower first. He stared at his reflection in the mirror and sighed. There were dark circles under his eyes and he lost his once vibrant self.
He touched his face and sadly smiled at his reflection. He’s afraid to admit it because admitting would mean everyone was right.
But the words he wanted to say still lingered in his mind.
‘I’m not happy anymore.’
***
“I… I honestly don’t know what I want.” New pursed his lips together – the memory haunting him like an incurable plague. He knew it was unfair for him to project his insecurities on Tay and even if he tried, it can’t easily be all forgotten.
“Well until you figure it out, I’ll wait for you. Should the time come that you decide that you just want a fling, that’s okay with me too. I’ll be happy with whatever we have.”
New held back the tears that threatened to fall. He was honestly afraid because he’s had his share of broken promises and love.
“Hey, don’t overthink things. Take your time. I’ll be here. Okay?” Tay whispered. The younger nodded which only made Tay teasingly pout at him. He cupped New’s cheeks and planted a soft kiss on the older’s forehead. “You better get some rest now.”
New was confused when Tay prepared to leave. His hand immediately reached out and tugged the older’s shirt. “Where are you going?”
“Back to my room?”
“Stay… please?” New whispered which made Tays brows furrow. “I… want to cuddle.”
Tay nodded and gave New a small smile. “Okay. I’d like that too.”
As they lay in bed that night, New felt light. All this time he was worrying for nothing. He squeezed Tay’s arm that’s wrapped around his waist and for the first time in a very long time, New let go of all his worries and just snuggled deeper into the warm arms that held him.
“I think.. I like you too.”
Three weeks passed by so quickly. Their relationship was better – more relaxed. New slowly started telling Tay his likes and dislikes and in return the older did the same. He liked the fact that they were going at it slow. They both decided to forego of relationship labels until New figures out what he really feels.
Tay was patient with him which he’s very thankful for. New has also discovered that the older doesn’t like ketchup, his favorite color is green, he can’t stand food that’s too spicy, and he’s surprisingly a very good cook.
New felt excited thinking of Tay. He unconsciously smiled as he took a sip of the coffee he just made.
“What are you making?” The older kissed New’s nape which made the older slightly jump.
Tay encircled his arms around the New’s waist, bringing him closer. “Stop~! Pleum is coming home any minute now.”
Tay leaned down and claimed New’s lips and sighed as he felt the older relaxed against him. He kissed New slow, savoring the sweet taste of coffee. “Mm… I like this mix. Sweet just like your lips. What is it?”
“Mochaccino and hot chocolate for Pleum.”
Tay teasingly bit New’s ear. “I like it.”
“You like everything about me.” New teased back, facing the younger and giving Tay a wide smile.
“That’s true.” Tay kissed New again, longer this time and New snaked his arms around the older’s waist, closing his eyes and relishing the moment.
They heard a small gasp and broke apart to see Pleum with his mouth agape and a smirking Toptap. The little boy quickly ran up and Tay wanted to go after him. “Pleum-“
New stopped him. “I’ll go. I think it’s time I talk to my son.” He went on tiptoes to kiss Tay’s cheek before making his way up. He found his son in his room, sitting on his small table, coloring something. He gently knocked on the open door and smiled.
“Hi Buddy.”
“Hi.”
New sat at the edge of his son’s bed. “Can we talk for a second?” He patted the space beside him and Pleum nodded, stopping whatever he’s doing and sat beside New. He placed his arms around Pleum. “Listen… What are your thoughts on Papa dating?”
“Dating?"
“Well… it’s when two people like each other and they hug and kiss… sometimes.”
Pleum looks like he was in deep thought before saying “Papa likes uncle Tay?”
New nodded. “I do and Papa wants to date him but I have to know if that’s alright with you. If you don’t like it, then Papa won’t date him.”
“Even if Tay likes you?”
“Yes even then because you’re more important to me.” New smoothed Pleum’s hair down. He suddenly got nervous when his son was silent.
After a while the little boy looked up, “Will dating uncle give me lil sister or brother?”
“Um… I’m not really sure Buddy. Well in Papa’s case, we had you after marrying Daddy.”
“Tay will marry you Papa?”
New froze and slowly looked up. Tay was leaning, quite handsomely if he may add, against the entrance of Pleum’s room. “Baby, I don’t think-“
“That’s the plan, Kiddo… maybe someday.” Tay smiled as he approached father and son and knelt across Pleum. “But to marry, we have to date first. Are you okay with that? And tell us honestly Kiddo. I… love your Papa and I want you to know that I won’t hurt him.”
New stared at Tay, his heart thumping louder. The younger only met his stare with a loving smile.
When they were again met with silence, New bit his lip nervously. Tay was surprisingly calm. It took a few minutes before the little boy nodded. “Issokay. I like unlce Tay too. You can dwate.”
“Okay then. Your Papa made you hot chocolate earlier, would you like to drink that before it gets cold?” Tay asked and he held out his hand when Pleum nodded.
They were almost out the door when a flustered New called out, “Hold on for one second. Did my son just sell me out in exchange for a sibling???”
Both Tay and Pleum looked at each other innocently. “I don’t know… Kiddo, did you just sell your Papa in exchange for a sibling?”
“Um I think so.” Pleum blinked before calmly responded.
“Yeah we think so.” Tay grinned and winked at New. “See you downstairs, Sweetheart.”
New was left staring in space. ‘Cheeky boys will be the death of me’ He thought but he couldn’t help but smile at what transpired.
‘Love…’ He bit his lip at the word. It’s absurd how easily one could say it but when one knows, one knows and these past days New may not be ready to admit it yet but he knew deep down that love isn’t just love anymore.
Love is when despite the busy schedule, there is always time for late night meaningful talks.
Love is chilling in bed watching netflix with take-out pizza.
Love is the sudden hugs to recharge from a frustrating day.
Love is kisses on the forehead before going to bed.
Love is…Tay, Tay Tawan...
+TBC+
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