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The beach is a place full of wonder: you can see crabs crawling across the sand, listen to the wind howling, and feel fresh salt water being sprayed on your body. It’s a great example of how we can appreciate nature and at the same time go about our ways, doing business and just enjoying our own activities. Not to mention all the unknowns you can explore and discover in the ocean! It’s a great place where beauty lies. Sweet, sweet beauty.
Apparently, it’s also a great place for wallowing in one’s sorrow and despair, Mew thought to himself, sticking his surfboard into the sand as he came out of the ocean. How can life be so sad? How can one dwell on such sadness for so long when life is so short?
Well, guess he was about to find out.
Mew walked to a large boulder where a guy was sitting with a pensive look on his face, basking in the last light of the sun as it set over the horizon. Mew wouldn't deny how attractive this person was when the light hit him at just the right angles. He could stare and stare and—
"Ahem."
Mew was startled, pulled back to the reality he was in.
"Hi," he said dumbly with a stupid grin on his face as he raised his hand up in a small wave.
"You're staring."
"…Yeah, you know, I was just—" words, Mew! Use your words and not just these weird gestures you're doing! He talked to himself. He closed his eyes. This was not going how he planned at all. Everything was so awkward now! "The thing is…" he took a deep breath, "My name is Mew. Mew Suppasit. I know this might sound awkward, but you look really sad. Like, really, really sad and I want to know why because the beach is such a beautiful place and—"
"You want to poke your nose into my business?" The guy raised an eyebrow, a smirk adoring his lips. "And you're rambling, by the way. Do you notice that?"
"I don't want you to think I'm a stalker or anything…"
"Already did," the guy said, sitting up and dusting himself off. "Too late."
"Don't I at least get your name?"
The guy rolled his eyes and turned away, walking farther and farther away out of Mew's sight.
----
Gulf had trusting issues. It didn't help how he was an introvert. So, he sought solace from nature instead even though recently his eyes had been trailing after someone…
"Hahahaha~~~"
That certain laughter like bells chiming reverberated through his mind.
Gulf sat up from where he'd been lying in the shallows, staring up into the clear, colorful sky and dwelling in his own thoughts. He was envious and pissed off at the same time how someone could easily be surrounded by others.
Mew Suppasit, is it? He thought to himself as he watched that guy with perfect body in a tight full-body wetsuit that further accentuated his muscles—
"!!!" Gulf shook his head rapidly, feeling his face getting hotter and redder before returning to his position, touching the surface of the sea with his fingertips and letting the water seep into his skin.
"Hey," he heard the same voice not a second later, but now…it was closer. So close it was just directly above his head. A shadow loomed over him, blocking his view of the sky.
Why me? Gulf wondered.
There were so many people and suddenly he just broke away from the group to…him? Yes, and those people seemed to be gossipping about him, sending him menacing looks and pointing at him like he was a freak no one should be associating with.
There were so many things he could say back, stinging things that could make this person leave him alone or even just general things like a greeting. He could say, "What, Stalker?", "Hey", "Don't you already have company?" The list went on. In the end, he was thinking too much that he didn't say anything back. He just sighed and closed his eyes, relishing the nature around him.
"Why so glum?"
Because he didn't have to. He didn't have to say anything back because Mew Suppasit would be the one to start their conversation. Perhaps he had some doubts, but he hoped that this "acquaintance" of his would initiate some interaction between them.
"Do I look like that?"
"Actually, my first impression of you is you looking like an arrogant guy, to be honest."
"If so, don't approach me," Gulf said. "A guy like you seems to belong more with those kinds of people—" he signaled the friend Mew left behind with his head "—like partygoers, exciting people, those who like to have fun."
"They're too loud. Sometimes." Mew smiled a sweet smile. "I tend to find solitude with someone more like you. I feel calm."
Gulf rolled his eyes. Is this some new way of flirting with someone? Did this even count as flirting?!
"Who says I'm glum?" Gulf said but in a very glum expression indeed. He narrowed his eyes, sitting up. "Can't a guy just enjoy the sea, the sand, and the sun? It's very refreshing, you know, to be listening to the rumbling of the waves and letting the breeze whip my face and blow my hair."
"You sure that's called enjoying?" Mew smirked. Gulf rolled his eyes, standing up and wringing his clothes. "Are you running away from our conversation again?"
"If this is considered as running away because I sense that I'm in some danger, then yes," he said, walking away. "Sometimes, running away takes more courage than staying in a situation."
"Hey—"
"Nice conversation, by the way." Gulf turned around with a soft smile. "Bye, Mew."
---
"He remembers my name!"
"You've already said that a hundred times."
"I think I have a crush."
"You've also already said that a thousand times!" Mild turned to his friend, who was sitting on his bed, humming and eating sweets happily. "Seriously, you're always like this when you're infatuated with someone."
"But he's so cuteeee!!!"
"Um…hello, my friend. Earth to Mew?!" Mild pursed his lips. "Are you sure this is the same person we're talking about? Can't you see those expressions on his face? Brrrrr!!! I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it. He looks so much like a bulldog!"
Bam!
A pillow was thrown at Mild.
"Don't talk about someone you don't truly know like that," Mew said before going back to munching his snacks. "You should've seen the smile he gave me. Awwww. How can someone be so cute~~~. He's a kitten, like, for real. Not to mention how he's so wise beyond his years. Like I think he's actually younger than us by a few years. A few years, TeeMild!"
"Gosh, someone take this guy out of my room, please!" Mild could only pray to God for strength. "Stop being so dramatic when you're smitten with someone! Hasn't your experience taught you anything?"
"He's different," Mew insisted. "I can feel it."
"Mew, you know how impossible this is," Mild said, also not giving up. "We're only in Phuket for Songkran. It's impossible! Sooner rather than later, you guys are gonna go back to your separate lives!"
"For me, I believe in serendipity," Mew said, suddenly activating his serious mode. "It's such a rare chance for us to meet someone out of billions and billions of people on Earth. If I'm being cheesy, then it's fate. I was destined to meet him."
"You're such a hopeless romantic," Mild deadpanned. "You don't even know his name."
"Then, I'm about to find out," Mew said with a mischievous grin. "I'll try everyday for the amount of time I'm here until I can coax his name out of him."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I forgot how you like challenges and how competitive you can be" Mild sighed, moving toward the door and leaving. Once outside, he facepalmed. "Wait, that's my room! So, why am I the one leaving?! Did I really just kick myself out of my own room?!"
---
"Gulf…Gulf…Gulf!!!"
"Huh!"
Gulf was startled out of his own reverie by no one other than…Grace, his sister.
"What?" He asked his sister sheepishly, hastily bringing the picture he was drawing to his chest and spinning the pencil between his fingers before tucking it behind his ear. He tried to act nonchalantly although he knew he failed miserably.
"I see you've decided to pick drawing back up," Grace commented with a smirk. "Who is it you're drawing this time? I really missed your caricatures."
"…" Gulf went silent, not knowing what to answer his sister.
"Why…I'm sorry!" Grace was startled, perceiving how her brother's eyes suddenly drooped and his shoulder sagged. "I shouldn't have said that, should I?"
"It doesn't matter," he replied, sighing and giving his sister the drawing he'd been concentrating on for the past few hours. "It's just another fantasy anyway."
"Wait, that's…" Grace was speechless. She had a hand over her mouth, blinking rapidly. "Oh my gosh, that's a beautiful image! It's not a caricature either! You really intended to—Eeeeeekkkkk!!!! You're having a crush! My baby brother's opening himself up to people again! I'm ecstatic! I'm so proud of you!!!"
"I'm not," Gulf said dejectedly, already regretting his decision of letting his sister see his sketch. "We're just here on vacation. I met him on the beach—"
"Oh, so that's where you've been sneaking off to."
Gulf narrowed his eyes. "The thing is even though there's something brewing between us, fate won't let it happen."
"What have you done to my brother?" Grace reached over to place the back of her hand onto the younger's forehead, which he swiftly backed away. "Usually you're someone who lives in the moment. When something troubles you, you sleep it off."
Gulf traced his fingers over Mew's eyes he'd drawn.
"I'm scared, P'Grace," he muttered. "He seems so different. He seems to be very worried about me. His eyes when I saw them…they're so captivating I can feel it boring into my soul. I feel like he’s tearing my walls down brick by brick, unlike others who are wrecking balls, rushing me to recover or abruptly change me into someone I’m not..."
“So, you’re just gonna resist building something beautiful and want to regret this choice of yours later?” Grace shook her head, not understanding him. “What happened to “just do it”? What happened to ‘assumptions lead you nowhere because it stops you from trying something you thought might be impossible but actually can be possible?’”
“That’s so unfair. Don’t throw my words back at me,” Gulf said, narrowing his eyes and resigning that he wouldn’t get to know Mew Suppasit for who he really was. “Because if I’m going to start something with him, I want to be a hundred percent sure that it’ll work out. Besides, I only know how he looks and his name. Maybe also how he likes the ocean and surfing, but that's pretty much it…”
Rrrrrrrrrr
Grace fished her phone out of the pocket, sighing. Her friends were always rushing her when they were the ones too early with their appointments!
“By assuming it won’t, you already turn that chance to zero, lil’ bro. Try asking yourself whether those are the only things you want to know about him. It's up to you, though, whatever you decide,” Grace said, patting her sibling on the shoulder and walking away, already on the phone with her friend. “Yes, yes. I’m coming. My bro just had a little love crisis, that’s all.”
Gulf could only groan in frustration into his hands.
---
"He's not here today," Mew muttered under his breath, sighing as he flopped down beside Mild on a folding chair with a hand running through his hair.
He even took a long time being here today with the hope of seeing that beautiful boy. He'd even brought a change of clothes with him, now wearing a summer shirt with the buttons only half way done and shorts with boat shoes to complete his look.
He knew he couldn't hide his disappointment well and this probably would ruin his whole day, so he turned to Mild who was busy playing on his phone. Mild was also someone who didn't like getting wet very, very much…
"Oi, Mew!!!" Mild tried to bend his back to get away from Mew as much as possible and also tried pushing the surfer away by the forehead. "Someone, please, save me~~~"
"Hahahaha~~~" Mew laughed, enjoying himself while continuing shaking his head and spraying droplets of water on Mild. "Save me~~~"
"Seriously, why did I agree to come on this trip with you?" Mild sighed, rolling his eyes.
"Because you love me. Duh!"
"Yeah, sure. Whatever," Mild replied, returning his attention back to his phone. However, he could still feel a pair of eyes staring at him. "What."
"Have you seen him today?" Mew asked sheepishly, trying to distract himself by annoying Mild instead. "Perhaps he left because he saw me coming up the shore?"
"Can I not answer that?" Mild pursed his lips. "Stop thinking about that mysterious, bull dog guy—"
"Kitten, he's my kitten," Mew deadpanned.
"Mew, arghhhh! Seriously! " Mild said. "I swear you're gonna be the death of me."
"Haha."
"The thing is, maybe this is a sign," Mild said in a gentler tone because he really was worried about his best friend, a guy who had his heart broken countless times. "Maybe you should let him go because he's already showing you that he's not interested."
"You know which part of his face I find most attractive?" Mew went on dreamily, completely ignoring his friend. "He has such full lips, perfect cupid's bows. They're so perfect I just want to—"
"Kiss them?" Mild raised a brow, fed up with his friend's lovestruck phase.
"Squeeze them!" Mew said, bursting into laughter. "Seriously, Mild, get your head out of the gutter. What a dirty mind you have!"
"Swear to God that this is not a trap you tricked me to fall into," Mild said, kneading his temples with his fingers. "Swear that it's not what you were insinuating for me to say out loud!"
"I—"
"P'Mewwwww~~~~"
"Oh…Nana." Mew's smile faltered. He gave her a brief wave. "What's up?"
"You're ready for the party today?" The girl, whom he accidentally met here and befriended because he'd helped her from getting her bag stolen from a snatch and run thief, said. "It's starting soon~~~"
Mew stared at the girl who suddenly grabbed his arm and was hugging it to her chest.
"We'll be there," Mild said instead. "It's not Songkran without a party."
That stirred the reaction out of Nana and she soon was gone with her group of friends.
"She's gonna eat you," Mild commented.
"I know," Mew said, cringing. "You know, I don't really like her. My crush saw me with her and her group of friends yesterday and it was just terrible. I believe he didn't run away from me because of me, but because of them."
"So confident, you are." Mild smirked. "Should we leave, then? There's a concert in the party, too. And I don't think you'd want to miss P'Stamp or the Potato's performances."
"Let me just…" Mew scanned around the area once more even though he knew it was useless. Even though he knew this might just be another memory he should put away to the back of his mind, but… "TeeMild! Are you seeing this? Am I hallucinating?"
“Mew. Mewwwww~~~~” Someone certainly was calling him.
"O…M…G"
"Dude, I think you're wrong when you said he's not interested in me," Mew said, the corner of his lips lifted up into a victorious smile. Before his expression suddenly changed, his eyes widening and his mouth gaping.
---
Way to go, Gulf. What a great entrance! Congratulations.
That was Gulf's thought as he tripped over sand and was sliding across the area, tobogganing like a penguin (literally!) before he stopped in front of his love interest.
"Oh my God! Are you alright?!"
Gulf looked up when he heard Mew's alarmed voice.
"If I'm not clumsy, then I'm not Gulf Kanawut," he said with a smile that actually looked like a grimace.
"What?" Mew said, blinking rapidly. After all this time of asking for this person's name, he got the answer just like that?
"My name," Gulf said with more confidence and a heartwarming smile as he picked himself up and brushed himself off, "is Gulf. Gulf Kanawut."
Mew reached out his hand to steady the boy. "Gulf…"
"Hahahahaha!!!!" The two men were brought out of their daze by the sound of Mild cackling and wiping away tears from the corner of his eyes. "He tripped over sand. Sand! Who does that?! Like, seriously?! Boy, you just made my day. I approve, approve!!! He really is different, Mew."
Pow!
"Ai Mew!!!" Mild exclaimed after a not so successful recovery from getting shoved away with a kick by his so called "friend" and falling down, sputtering sand from his mouth as he quickly picked himself up.
Who would've thought this guy would value some stranger (possibly his future boyfriend…) than a best friend he'd known for eight years? Eight!
"How is it? Does sand taste as good as it looks?" Mew raised an eyebrow, smirking victoriously. "And why would I need you to approve of my relationship?"
"Yes, I'm sorry. Sorry for thinking I'm the center of the universe." Mild rolled his eyes and looked at the "couple" with his utmost annoyance. "Now, if you guys would excuse me, I have a party to go to although I'm not sure Nana and her group would welcome me anymore because Mew's not gonna be there."
"Nana?" Gulf glanced questioningly at Mew, doe-eyed. "Is she your girlfriend or something?"
"Mild, go wherever you wanna be. Stop getting me into trouble," Mew facepalmed before turning to Gulf. "She's just someone I met here. The group you saw the other day, and they'll be at a party. You know how there are parties for Songkran everywhere. There's a concert that I really wanna go to but if you're not down for it, we can go to some place that's more private?"
"Here we go…," Mild said, smirking. "He's fast as always."
"Ai TeeMild!!!"
"Nice to meet you, Gulf!!!!" Mild quickly waved at Gulf before he could get kicked by Mew again. "Gotta rush. Bye!!!"
Once Mild was gone, Mew and Gulf were staring at each other silently before the older was the one breaking the silence.
"Well, that was awkward…"
"I have so many questions I want to ask you right now," Gulf said, slightly smiling. "And to answer your previous question, I…actually have a place in mind that I want to go. With you. But, um, if you'd rather go to that concert—"
"Let's go," Mew said with a smile so bright that Gulf felt something have awakened and ignited within himself.
"But first…" Gulf moved over to button up Mew's shirt. "I hope you don't mind. It's very distracting…"
Mew chuckled. "Cute…" he commented as he saw Gulf's ears turned bright red. He almost reached over to caress the boy's cheek but held back in time.
---
"Phromthep cape?" Mew asked as soon as the scenery came into view. "You like mountains?"
"At least more than the sea," Gulf said, his eyes glinting with glee. "I like the greenery, the fresh air, the shade trees provide. Most importantly, I'm adventurous, so I like trekking."
"Which means you can be a very bold and daring person. I like that," Mew said, smiling. "But you taking me here…what if I don't like walking long distances or the humidity?"
The older said teasingly, but Gulf took it seriously and his smile faltered. "I heard that it's very romantic to watch the sunset here, but if—"
"I'm just joking," Mew tried to express those words with as much sincerity as possible, slinging an arm around the boy's shoulders. "I really don't mind at all."
"That's good to hear…sort of." Gulf sighed in relief. "And er…there's no need to hold me. I can walk just fine."
"If you can trip over sand, I don't trust you with all these branches and undergrowth," he replied, chuckling. Gulf scrunched up his nose but said nothing. "And…I can't believe your name's really Gulf. I mean there are so many peculiar Thai nicknames that I'm not even surprised the first time I heard yours, but it's because I'm a sea lover, you know? And you name…it's as if we're meant to be. Erm…I hope you don't think I'm creepy…"
"It's actually a pretty good coincidence," Gulf said, smiling and dragging Mew to sit beside him after they'd found a perfect spot. "My name was actually Gup. G-u-p according to the abbreviation of the name of my dad's company. I later changed it myself to "Gulf" because I want it to mean something."
"And something it does."
Time seemed to freeze, then. Mew stared into Gulf's eyes and Gulf into Mew's. They are staring at each other, the scenery in front of them long forgotten. The attraction between them was so strong, pulling them toward each other. Mew liked how the lights just hit the boy at the right angles, accentuating his features. Gulf liked the soft smile playing on Mew's lips and his mind just went blank.
They leaned closer and closer. Closer until their breaths mingle, breathing in the same air. Mew had a hand in Gulf's nape, tilting the younger's head up. His other hand was on Gulf's cheek, his thumb caressing it softly. On the other hand, Gulf didn't know where he should put his hands. He just had them clumsily around Mew's waist, clinging to it loosely.
They could feel electrical sparks running through them. The moment felt so magical…
"Wait," Gulf said, exhaling and pushing Mew slightly away from him."Are you sure this is a good idea? We barely know each other…or do you wish for this—" he gestured between them— "to be just a fling?"
"What? Never!" Mew widened his eyes. "Look, look, look, look. I know we've just met but I have this gut feeling that you're the one I've been searching for my whole life and—"
"If this is going to be a long distance relationship, I'm ending it right here," Gulf said seriously, his expression turning resigned and solemn. "Being close is hard enough, but that thing? It's never worked out for me."
Mew had thoughts running through his mind. Countless. For someone who'd had his heart broken many times, he knew that something like that could create trauma. However, he couldn’t be sure whether what Gulf had encountered was really the same as him. It probably didn’t because each person experiences different things. Truthfully, he wanted this to develop into something special as well, especially when he knew that it could be something more for them. Something he very much looked forward to. As a risk taker, he knew he’d regret more if he didn’t seize opportunities given to him. This time was no different. What he had to do, though, was to gain Gulf’s trust. It wouldn’t be something easy, but he believed that people who'd been hurt a lot and gone through so much pain could mend each other's souls.
“Do you...perhaps want to talk about it?” He tentatively asked.
“I...I don’t understand how people can just cut things off with others,” Gulf admitted. “Of course, it’s even easier to just ‘ghost’ someone now that there’s social media. I just...I really hate the word ‘please keep in touch.’ Like they shouldn’t be the one saying this. It’s me because everyone always leaves me. When I try so hard to make friends or be in relationships, everyone just ends up abandoning me. Sometimes without a word or an answer as to why. I don’t want that,” he paused, turning toward the scenery, to the orange glob that almost left the sky. “I didn’t know when it started but I’ve been trying to avoid getting too attached to people in case they decide that one day they’re bored with me and just...leave. It's also why I've been brooding at the beach. I've lost contact with someone I called my best friend. There's been no answer after all the effort I've put on my end. And if we're starting something, I don't want to be the only one trying, the only one chasing after you. It's really tiring…”
Mew pulled the boy in without a second thought. “How about we try our luck?”
“How…?” Gulf sniffled.
Mew smiled.
“Hello, my name is Mew Suppasit. I’m 23, just finished my first year of my masters in Industrial Engineering at Chulalongkorn University,” he started saying. “I really don’t live in Phuket, just here for a vacation. As you can see, I really enjoyed surfing.” He winked and Gulf immediately blushed. “I actually live in Nonthaburi with my dogs, my parents, and a younger sister. I really enjoy listening to music, playing games, singing, and reading mangas in my spare time. I also like playing with my dogs, especially with Chopper, he’s a very cute pomeranian. I can’t eat spicy food and I really love Japanese food. Um...I think that’s some of the very basic things you should know about me.”
“Wowww…” Gulf was gawking. It really astonished him how someone can easily open up to a stranger. Technically. "Wait…you're actually. Oh my god. I'm so sorry! You're actually much older than me, Phi. I'm so sorry!"
Mew was blinking before bursting into a full laughter, almost cackling. Of all the responses that could be from his little biography, that had to be Gulf's reaction. Oh, boy. He really was too cute for his own good. Mew really was glad to have met him. He was sure that this guy would be the death of him.
"What's up, N'Gulf," he said, smirking.
"P'Mewww, stop teasing me…" Gulf said, hiding his face behind his hands. His body had been pumping too much blood lately. "But…you're really studying at that university and industrial engineering, too? Really…?"
"Yeah, why?" Mew raised a brow. Did fate really have something in store for them?
"Then how come I've never seen you before?” Gulf asked innocently, looking at Mew between his fingers.
“Wait, what?” Mew was the one being puzzled now. “You’re pulling my leg. I don’t believe you. You’re pulling my leg!”
Gulf shrugged before pulling out his student id as evidence.
They were smiling, then. Their noses touching each other. Both of them couldn’t believe that so much luck could be on their side...
5 years later
"P'Mew, what are you doing?" Gulf asked as he rubbed his eyes and yawned when the space beside him was empty, leaving him colder than expected. He twisted his body as the sheets tangled around him, searching for his missing boyfriend. "Where are you?"
"Tua-eng!" Mew startled, jumping and swiftly closing the closet. He almost didn't have enough time to hide the surprise in the back pocket of his pants. "You're awake!"
"I know you're sort of an early riser, but today is Sunday which means you can't get out of bed yet," Gulf whined, opening his arms. Mew didn't hesitate to walk into them and snuggle the love of his life, rubbing his cheek on the younger's neck. "Mmmmmmhhh, so warm. My sun…I can't believe you're really mine."
"I'm yours since the moment I laid my eyes on you, have been for the past five years, and will continue to be yours for many years to come, my little sunflower," Mew said before laying Gulf down properly on the bed and bending down, tracing Gulf’s face with his nose sensually until the younger whined. Then, Mew proceeded to slowly—because there was no need to rush things—capture Gulf’s lips. Soon they were engaged in a battle of tongues, teeth, and lips that danced and moved according to their own rhythm. It was a rhythm only known to them, something sweet but also very intimate.
"My sunflower…" he moaned.
"I'll never get tired of you saying that to me." Gulf smiled sweetly, pushing himself away from his boyfriend so he could stare at the pair of eyes he loved so much. "I'm glad that I'm your sunflower and even more glad that you're my sun. They fit us so well, don't you think? You're the only thing I'll ever look at and you've been giving me so much positive energy. I've grown so much because of you."
"I know I'm a sensitive person, but do you really have to make me cry this early in the morning?" Mew wiped some brimming tears from his eyelashes. "You've also given me so much. Your sincerity and honesty is so rare among people these days. In the midst of billions of sunflowers, you'll always be the only one that I see. The only one I care about. Thank you for always believing in me even when I don't. Thank you for always supporting and encouraging me when I'm down or have problems. Thank you for always giving us a chance to always try something new together, for not getting bored and always ready to learn about each other. I love you so much. I really do, so much that I want you to be mine forever."
Gulf raised an eyebrow as Mew climbed down their bed with their hands still intertwined.
"Will you, Gulf Kanawut Traipipattanapong, make me, Mew Suppasit Jongcheveevat, the happiest man alive?" The older one said, smiling through his tears as he knelt down with a ring box from the pocket of his pants. "Till death do us part?"
As Mew opened the box, Gulf stared at it unblinkingly. It was a simple silver ring but with intricate patterns and symbols of infinity engraved on them. Mew always told him that even though he believed himself to be ordinary, he was always special for his boyfriend. That he was "simple but elegant" just like this ring.
Gulf could only nod, putting out his hand as silent, happy tears ran down his cheeks.
I love you, too, Mew Suppasit, he thought. So much it hurts.
"I'm glad I didn't listen to Mild that day," Mew told his future husband. "I'm glad I listened to my heart instead."
"Thank God," Gulf said with fake horror, a hand on his chest.
They both laughed.
“Let’s grow as we go,” Mew said, interlocking their fingers. "I'm never letting your hands go ever again."
“Let’s.”
They smile at each other, leaning into each other without another word. It was a kiss of snot and tears, but sweeter than any other kisses they'd ever had. The love they have for each other was as strong as ever.