Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“You need to be in therapy,” it was spoken in a manner that might be offending, but Sky either ignored it or was too lost in his thoughts to care. 

Prapai opened his mouth to ask, to clarify what the doctor meant exactly when Dr. Thiwat leaned back into his chair and sighed. His eyes were sharp as he searched Sky’s face, lingering a moment longer before he was speaking again.

“I mean, I can help with your minor injuries but we both know that’s not the real problem here, Nong.” Sky flinched like he’d been poked hard, and he had to force himself to stay still despite the urge to lean over and take Sky’s hands in his, tell him everything’s gonna be okay, that he’s safe.

Sitting there watching Sky was hard. It was made even more difficult by the fact that he couldn’t be at two places at the same time knowing that Sky needed him here to be with him, more than his desire to be somewhere else where those people who put those bruises on Sky’s skin were being held, hurt them as they hurt his precious Sky, make them pay for what they’ve done. 

Sky wasn’t talking but his eyes were haunted, pained, and Prapai could only wince in silence, his heart clenching painfully in his chest at the sight.

“He’s limping, doctor. I thought it could be because he broke a bone or something.” he wished he could be more helpful but given that Sky wouldn’t talk and he wouldn’t tell him exactly where it hurt the most was torture enough as it was. 

Gaze finding him, the doctor spoke to him directly. “Can you leave me with the patient for a moment, please? I’ll call you back inside once I’m done talking to him.” it wasn’t a request, and Prapai knew a dismissal when he heard one. 

He breathed sharply through his nose and nodded. “Khub,” he reached over to hold Sky’s hands and lifted them to place soft kisses over the backs of Sky’s knuckles until the younger refocused his gaze on him just enough to make him smile. 

“I’m just outside if you need me, okay? Call me if you need anything and I’ll come running.” it was a promise.

Sky nodded and he just had to lean forward to press a lingering kiss to the side of Sky’s head before he stood, not caring if the doctor was watching. 

-

“You didn’t tell me this was your husband’s clinic, P’Tharn. Imagine my surprise when I saw him step into the room to greet us.” he whined on the phone, momentarily forgetting his worries in favor of enjoying the sounds of his friend’s rich laughter from the other end of the line. 

“He looked seriously intimidating when he was interviewing me, like he’s trying to gauge if I was telling the truth. If I’m sure I’m not the one who hurt Sky and if it was me then I’d better step out of the consultation room before he beats the living daylights out of me. I’m telling you. He’s scary.”

Tharn’s laughter died instantly. “Wait, you didn’t tell me someone was seriously hurt. Is your friend okay?” the question brought his anxiety back into the surface as he sighed heavily hoping the heaviness that settled around the  general vicinity of his heart would ease up even slightly.

It didn’t, but at least he tried. He lifted a hand and pressed it against the closed door, wondering and equal parts hoping Dr. Thiwat would be able to coax Sky into talking. Of course he knew what the doctor was referring to, Sky had been so brave opening up to him after the nightmare he almost suffered the night before, but it wasn’t his nightmare to tell. 

There was so much he wanted to say to help, but he didn’t want Sky to feel like he owed him for anything. He could only sit next to him and held his hand through it, to support him all the way to the end no matter what.

“Physically, I think he’s fine and your husband clearly agrees with me. It’s something else in him that’s hurting and I’m not sure how I can help.”

Tharn was quiet for a moment before he was breathing harshly first and speaking softly next. 

“Was he…Had he…been assaulted, Pai?” the question prompted the memories to resurface, of that moment he stepped into the room and found that asshole from hell mounting Sky, of the abuse Sky had experienced in the hands of the same bastard he thought loved him.

The ache in his chest doubled in size that it was difficult to breathe through it. “Almost, Phi. I got there in time to stop it. But he...he told me the same thing already happened before and that’s…that’s something I’m still having trouble accepting even though Sky tells me it’s not my fault. That it’s never my fault I wasn’t there but I feel like -”

“Pai, breathe. Breathe slowly, just do it, come one. Breathe with Phi. Yes, like that. Okay, are you calm?” he answered a rough ‘yes’, before the older man continued. “Okay, listen. Your friend is right. You can’t beat yourself up for something that’s happened in the past and for not being able to help him then. You weren’t in his life back then, but you are now. You are now, so this time, you do what you must to make sure he knows you’re staying, that you’re not going anywhere. It’s not going to be easy, and there are times he would doubt everything you do for him but don’t let the anger and the frustration get to you. If he wants you there, if he trusts you enough to allow you to get close, then do everything in your power so you could earn it, for him to trust you a little bit more everyday until you have it completely. Pai, it’s never going to be a cakewalk, but if you love him, and I can feel it, I hear it in the way you talk about him that you do love him, then be there for him. Let him see it. Let him experience it. Let him see the world with you, let him face the ugly things he’s faced alone but this time with you by his side, and hold his hand through every battle, every fight, every harsh word thrown and make him understand that this is you and him against everything now. If you can do that, then I’m sure he’ll be fine. Whatever it is he needs to go through this time, he’ll get there. You’ll be with him till the end and he’ll realize it soon.”

He didn’t even realize he was crying until he reached a hand to his face and found moisture on his cheeks instead. He laughed softly as he wiped the tears away, hearing his friend breathing lightly from the other end of the line.

“He’ll be okay, Pai. Don’t worry.” Tharn whispered with conviction, as if he just knew. Pai smiled despite himself and muttered a quiet thanks under his breath before the call disconnected.

-

“The bruises aren’t that bad, and the limping isn’t that bad either. I checked and there was another huge bruise on his hip, which he said was caused when he bumped hard against the edge of the bed. He didn’t tell you about that?” Dr. Thiwat was speaking softly, though his eyes were focused on whatever he was writing on the table.

He’d requested Sky to sit outside, saying that he could wait there while he talked to him. Prapai had a feeling he would be questioned more about what exactly happened to Sky, but a part of him was certain the doctor might do so, but not in a straightforward manner.

He lifted his head and the look Dr. Thiwat gave him floored him. He knew. Prapai was certain of it.  

“Did he tell you?” he asked.

The doctor’s eyes were kind, if not inquiring. “Not in so many words but you know, he didn’t have to. I know something’s off without the patient admitting it.”

He blinked and looked away. He didn’t need to confirm it nor deny it, yet he figured the doctor didn’t even need him to.

“I just want to make sure he knows he’s safe with me, Phi. Could you tell him that?” he wondered if he sounded and looked like he was pleading but at this point he couldn’t really find it in him to care. The only thing that mattered right now was Sky, and making sure the younger knew he was being cared for. 

“You’re doing fine making him feel safe as it is, Khun Prapai. I think my husband already told you that,” the statement had him whipping up to face the smiling doctor, finding himself offering one in return. “But just in case you need help when it comes to dealing with things you both will encounter in the future, just let me know and I can refer you to someone. I know them personally and I can assure you, they can help.”

Prapai searched the doctor’s face and nodded. “Yes, Phi. Thank you. I appreciate it.”

Dr. Thiwat did the same before he produced a business card and handed it over. “Here. Message them first and tell them I forwarded their details to you. Once they receive that, they will call you back to set up an appointment. But before you do that, talk to Nong Sky first okay? Let him know why you’re doing this and if he agrees then you’ll see this therapist together. I suggest you tell him you’ll do it together otherwise -”

“We will, Phi. I’m not letting him do anything or go anywhere alone. Never again, I promise.” he said, cutting the doctor off curtly.

The doctor smiled. “Good then. The prescriptions he needed to buy for the cuts and bruises is already with him, so make sure he gets it. Anything else you need help with, just let me know. I’ll be happy to assist, even if it’s just to talk.”

He stood then, bowed when the doctor stood with him. “Thank you, P’Type. I appreciate everything. I’ll reach out if ever we need anything. Please tell P’Tharn I’ll visit you guys soon, hopefully with Sky too. Thanks again.”

The doctor shook his head. “You’re welcome, Khun Pai. And don’t worry, I’ll let Tharn know you’re visiting. Good luck and take care, yeah?” 

Prapai bowed again, smiled one last time and left the room to find Sky still waiting for him.

He got to where Sky was seated, took his hand and pulled him up. Leaning in, he pushed his face into the crook of Sky’s neck and breathed, inhaling greedily, as his arms wormed around Sky’s waist to pull him closer.

Sky turned to him and sighed heavily, melting into his embrace the way he always did when they were in close proximity.

“Let’s get you home, baby.”

Sky’s hands wrapped around his back in answer, pressing close, closer, his warmth a welcoming balm Prapai would never get tired taking advantage of. 

“Okay, P’Pai.”

-

The minute the door closed, Type pulled his phone out and unlocked it, tapping on the call icon and calling Tharn.

His husband answered in just two rings.

“Hey baby, are you done now? I can come over to pick you up. Just give me fifteen minutes and I’ll -”

“I love you, Tharn,” he said, cutting his husband off, feeling his emotion well up in his chest at the sound of the other man’s voice, grateful for every little thing the other man did for him as he thought of the pair that just vacated his office. The memory of the same thing that haunted him for years on end, and seeing the same love and affection brimming across Prapai’s face as he watched over Sky closely.

“Baby, what -”

“I love you so much, Tharn. I love you. And thank you. Thank you for never giving up on me.” he said, biting his lips and smiling through the tears he was thankful his husband couldn’t see.

Tharn soon rumbled about making him cry, and then promptly crying too, Type laughing and crying with his stupid husband as Tharn made him promise to wait as he prepared to drive there to pick him up.

He just listened, his gratitude and love for Tharn overflowing, wishing for one moment that Sky and Prapai would make it through the same way he and Tharn did.

“Be there in a few, baby. See you soon, my Type. I love you!”

“Okay, bastard. I’ll wait for you so drive safely!”

“Roger that. I love you. Don’t hang up, keep talking. I love you. I love you, I love you -”

“Ai’shit Tharn, shut up!”

Chapter Text

It shouldn’t be surprising anymore that the moment Tharn found him sitting alone in his office, his husband was quickly tugging him forward and kissing him. 

The intensity of it had him shaking, certain it would have brought him to his knees if Tharn wasn’t already holding him up, arms steady around his hips as he steered them around, backing them against the nearest wall while still kissing him. Tharn’s kisses tasted of salty tears and desperation, and for a moment there, Type realized he couldn’t breathe.

“Ai’Type, Ai’Type, I love you. I love you so much, baby.” Tharn cried out, framing his face in his hands and kissing him, his mouth, his nose, his eyes, his cheeks that were equally drenched with tears as memories resurge and made him unable to quell the emotion raging to be let out.

He clawed at Tharn’s shirt and tugged him forward, only vaguely thankful they were the only ones left there as he let Tharn’s arms around him, barely keeping the noises in when Tharn hefted him up, his hands tangled in Tharn’s hair and Tharn’s mouth sucking marks against his jaw as they made their way to the consultation room.

-

It was over before he realized it, tangled into an almost complicated pretzel with him on top of Tharn as they laid across the patient’s bed. They would have to change the sheets before they left later, but for now, he had this, the warmth of Tharn’s body against his own and his husband’s fingers drawing soft patterns on his skin as if he hadn’t done so many times after they made love.

“I saw myself in him, Tharn, exactly the way I did when I saw Tar for the first time.” he hadn’t meant to bring that up now, but he needed Tharn to understand why he’d said the things he did earlier, why he felt like he’d been brought back to the past the second he looked into Sky’s eyes and realized what had happened to him. 

Tharn hummed to him, pressing down to nuzzle his cheek. “The incident…I mean, whatever happened to your friend’s friend? It’s recent. I saw it in his eyes, Tharn.”

“Shh, baby,” Tharn was saying, holding him close and keeping him there. Type allowed himself to be held, fingers closing around his husband’s elbow as he turned to push his face against Tharn’s neck and breathed him in. “He has Pai now, okay? He’ll be fine.”

“Tharn,”

“You can’t save them all, Ai'Type,” and Tharn sounded pained too, conflicted as he held him tight, held him like he always wanted to be held. “I know you want to but that’s not how the world works, okay?”

He chuckled then, because how could he not? Tharn was being silly. “You’re the one who has that stupid hero complex, Tharn, not me.” he reminded his husband with a slight jab on his chest, just because he could. “I just. I just wish I could do more. I mean, to help. If I could, in any way, then I should do it, right?”

Tharn nodded then and gave him another kiss, obviously because he couldn’t help it. 

“You’ve done enough by directing them to go to the right people, baby. Pai should know what to do next. And if he really loves that person like he said so, then he should know where to go from there.”

He lifted a hand to cup Tharn’s cheek then, seeing the same love and affection in those brown eyes of his, unwavering, unchanging, just as he promised when they married each other that afternoon, three years ago.

“You’re the best thing that ever happened to me, Ai’Tharn,” he whispered, meaning it with all of his heart. “Thank you so much for loving me.”

Tharn’s face lit up like a kid on a Christmas morning, his eyes twinkling with the same emotion Type could hardly look away from even if he tried.

“Always and forever, my Type. I promise.” and there’s the vow he would never get tired of hearing either, as Tharn sealed that with another kiss, and another, and another, just because he could.

-

He’d planned to take Sky back home again, but he figured it would do Sky good to be in a familiar surrounding, to sleep on a familiar bed. That selfish part of him wanted that familiarity to be extended to his own home, his family's own where he grew up in, his own room and bed where Sky had already spent the better part of the last few days, but after their 'unplanned' trip to his friend's husband's clinic, he figured it would make Sky feel better to stay in his dorm apartment tonight.

Not alone because there was no way Prapai was going to allow that. 

The drive going to the apartment building was quiet, as was the trip up to the room itself. In other times the silence would have probably already scared him, but not this time. 

Not when Sky had all but leaned into him the second he had rounded the way to the passenger's side to help Sky out of the car, the younger man's fingers clawing tightly against the fabric of dress shirt as if it was his lifeline. 

In the elevator, it was even better. Sky had all but melted against him, face buried into the crook of his neck,  breathing lightly. Prapai had kept his arms around Sky the entire time, protective and possessive and grateful, for very obvious reasons. 

Carrying Sky out of the elevator bridal-style once they reached Sky's floor only seemed appropriate, so that was what he did. Enjoying Sky's adorable little huff of surprise when he caught Sky around the hips and hefted him up, dropping a quick kiss to Sky's forehead and mumbling a quiet, "Shhh, I got you baby." as he walked the rest of the way towards Sky's apartment door.

Once they were inside the room, Prapai made sure Sky was comfortable, putting him down on the couch first before leaving him for a moment with the promise that he'd be back quickly. He went to the bedroom to hunt for that fluffy blanket Sky liked, and came back to the living room with it. 

Sky's eyes were shadowed when Prapai pulled him back into his arms, after tucking the blanket around Sky carefully. Sky's arms circled around him, and once again, shifting to bury his face into Prapai's neck like a puppy seeking heat. 

It was extremely cute and equal parts heartbreaking. 

"P'Pai?" His name whispered softly, Pai could only hum in response. There were so many things he wanted to do, to ask, but they seemed rather irrelevant now that he was holding Sky. 

"You didn't tell me you’re acquainted with Dr. Thiwat?" This wasn't exactly the topic he would rather they talk about tonight but that was okay too. Whatever topic Sky was comfortable with, he was fine with it. 

He chuckled softly and pressed another lingering kiss to the side of Sky's head, his fingers on Sky's nape, thumb caressing the spot with all the tenderness he could muster. 

"Ah, well, yeah. But it’s his husband that I’m friends with, actually.” he paused here to remind himself that he was simply explaining himself, and that Sky’s question was valid, given the nature of their conversation with the doctor himself earlier. “After…after what happened, when I noticed that you’re still in pain, right? I thought I should get you checked. I remembered P’Tharn had mentioned he knew of this newly-opened physical therapy clinic, so I called him.” the thought made him smile, though, finding P’Type there.

“I had no idea it was his husband who owns the clinic, though. So imagine my surprise when I saw him there earlier. I even had to call P’Tharn to complain why he forgot to mention that very important detail.”

Sky shifted then, slowly lifting his head from where he'd been nuzzling Prapai's throat until they were face to face, humming in affirmation as if he’d given him a satisfying answer. This close, the dark shadow in Sky's eyes was even more prominent, and under the dim light of the living room, it was a hundred times heartbreaking. 

"P’Type, right?” Sky murmured, to which Prapai nodded in answer. “He’s good. He…He told me something," Sky was saying next, as his fingers twisted against the front of Prapai's shirt. "And I think… I think he understood what I went through - what I'm going through even when he didn't actually say so out loud." Prapai actually didn't know what to say to that, but somehow, that prompted a memory to resurface, remembering his very interesting conversation with P'Tharn earlier. 

His friend's words of advice, the way he'd said the words as if he'd known exactly how Prapai felt.

As if he'd experienced the same thing himself. 

He screwed his eyes shut and felt his heart break yet again, but for a very different reason as he gathered Sky in, holding him close and wondering if this was how P'Tharn felt too, this hopelessness that sometimes overshadowed everything, the fear of not being able to help Sky stay grounded when he needed someone to anchor him, the fear of not being strong enough for Sky to lean on when he needed him most.

It must be, judging with the way his friend had phrased his advice like that, the struggles, the will to stay strong not for himself but for the person he loved, to keep that faith in his heart that they'd make it through somehow despite of all the shit they would have to wade through together. 

"His husband may have said something along the same line, baby, so I guess you're right." He whispered, thumbing the corner of Sky's mouth. 

Sky's palm was warm against his skin when he'd framed Prapai's face gently, tugging down until their foreheads were touching. 

"You'll stay with me, right?" It wasn't a question but a plea, and Prapai's heart clenched painfully in his chest in answer. He was nodding his head and holding on to Sky's wrist as he watched Sky's lovely mouth stretched into a smile, one that perfectly reached his eyes this time around. 

"Right, P'Pai?"

"Always, I promise." He cracked a smile too, vaguely aware of Sky's fingers wiping the tears falling from his eyes. God, he hadn’t been aware he was a crybaby until Sky came into his life and made him feel so many things, made him want to give him the world and more. 

"Everyday for the rest of our lives, if you'll have me." And that was a plea and a promise, both he would be willing to work hard to keep it until Sky believed him.

P'Tharn's voice rang clear in his head he was smiling and nodding his head as he tightened his hold around Sky's wrist. 

You can’t beat yourself up for something that’s happened in the past and for not being able to help him then. You weren’t in his life back then, but you are now. You are now, so this time, you do what you must to make sure he knows you’re staying, that you’re not going anywhere.

"Even when I'm being difficult? When I say mean things to push you away?" Sky murmured, still touching Prapai's face, close, closer, allowing him the luxury to hold Sky like this, without turning him away. 

It’s not going to be easy, and there are times he would doubt everything you do for him but don’t let the anger and the frustration get to you. If he wants you there, if he trusts you enough to allow you to get close, then do everything in your power so you could earn it, for him to trust you a little bit more everyday until you have it completely. 

"Even then, baby. Nothing you do or say is going to make me run away for good, you hear me? You're stuck with me forever, Sky. I'm never letting you go no matter what." 

Sky pushed himself closer until he was practically sitting on his lap, the blanket falling away from his body. Prapai only had half a mind to tug it right back, draping it over Sky's back, tucking Sky's narrow shoulders underneath. 

"You won't get tired, P'Pai? You won't regret this?" And there was that uncertainty, that unbidden fear that colored Sky's features yet again, and it shattered Prapai's heart into shreds at the sight and sound of it. 

He shook his head and kept a hand around Sky's neck, the other at the small of his back to keep him in place, P'Tharn's voice echoing in his mind as if to remind him of everything he would have to face bravely to be with Sky. 

Pai, it’s never going to be a cakewalk, but if you love him, and I can feel it, I hear it in the way you talk about him that you do love him, then be there for him. Let him see it. Let him experience it.

Oh, but he would. He was determined to do so until he proved himself worthy enough of Sky, of Sky's affection. 

"Never, baby." He tugged gently, carefully, until they were nose to nose, catching Sky's lips for an equally tender kiss, keeping it soft, just barely grazing of lips against lips until Sky hummed back to him, hands tightening around his shoulders. 

"Then, be mine. Say you're mine now, Phi. Promise me." Sky caught his face in his trembling hands and Prapai leaned into it, into Sky's touch, equally surrendering himself to this, to everything Sky was willing to share with him until he was worthy enough to have more. 

"I'm yours, Sky. P'Pai's going to take care of you, I promise." 

Let him see the world with you, let him face the ugly things he’s faced alone but this time with you by his side, and hold his hand through every battle, every fight, every harsh word thrown and make him understand that this is you and him against everything now. If you can do that, then I’m sure he’ll be fine. Whatever it is he needs to go through this time, he’ll get there. You’ll be with him till the end and he’ll realize it soon.”

He knew it wouldn’t be easy, and he was certain P'Tharn wouldn't have phrased it that way if it was, and yet somehow, Prapai was comforted with the fact that even then, even while he was sure things weren't going to be as easy as he hoped they would be, the thought that after all of the hardships he was willing to face from hereon, Sky would be with him. 

And for him, now, it was more than enough to look forward to an uncertain future.

So long as they were together, Sky and him. It would be worth it.

They would figure out the rest as they go.