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Cher opens his eyes to a hand cradling his bangs. He knows those moments, those touches, those sweet, soft touches and it belonged to the one man he has loved throughout his life.
Gun.
He also knows that his forever is almost coming to an end. He smiles as he looks towards right and finds the love of his life whose eyes are red brimmed but the love in those were overflowing. Overwhelming is what Cher feels to leave this man.
It sent Cher back to 2 years before, when he fell unconscious in the bathroom scaring Gun which led to numerous hospital visits only to get reminded that there was an expiry date to his life. He had seen his Phi cry that night and he had consoled the older. They knew how difficult it was for one of them to be left behind no matter how trivial the matter sounded. Zo had showed up with his grand daughter and cheered him up. Tub couldn't stop the tears and Jack held Ink tighter.
Thoop held his hands tightly asking him to not leave and Cher had just smiled remembering Tian. Cher had kissed his younger brother's forehead and smiled brightly at his husband of 40 years on the hospital bed.
Today it was the day. Their 42nd anniversary. He still remembers the proposal at the gaming cafe of Tub and how Gun popped up the question while grilling the meat and took out the ring while in between the conversation. How the wedding took place on the beach. He had dressed up in White three piece suit which Gun chose after thousands of breakdowns. His Phi Gun also wore a suit which had white dress shirt with black blazers and trousers. And a bow which Gun complained about after the wedding. They kissed even before the official officiating the wedding ( mind Cher jumping on Gun surprising the latter) and had kissed despite the tears flowing from Cher's eyes and when they separated, Gun had wiped his tears and whispered I love you.
He remembers how they stumbled upon the bedroom and how Gun had pinned Cher to the door, kissing him and Cher pulling his husband closer. He remembers every touch, every kiss, every whisper they had shared that night. How Gun had carefully unfolded his entire being with care and love and looked for consent every moment with his eyes.
He still remembers how the union felt right no matter how many times they had done it. And the I love you when he felt his Phi Gun looked at him as his slid into Cher. How they had approached their conclusion and how the over stimulation made him scream Gun's name with tears leaking from his eyes. Despite being spent out completely, he remembers the after care Gun had given and how they had complete rest for one week before one week of their honeymoon in Paris.
He remembers how the morning aftermath . How he had woken up before his husband and knew that he had made right decision giving his heart and life to the man sleeping next to him. He snuggled closer to the naked chest and the slumber has been the ever.
He remembers how much Gun changed throughout their marriage. Their love grew sweeter and their parents were nothing but happier.
He remembers how he and Gun had had a fight which almost made him crazy but at the end they had solved it which took lot of tears and breakdowns. He remembers the hug getting tightened with ever sob Cher took.
He remembers the first time they decided to adopt and how Gun almost went crazy with Cher acting all restless during the adoption process. Cher knew Gun was afraid of becoming a father but when he was one, Cher was nothing but proud. Their twins were absolutely amazing and they had loved their parents dearly.
He remembers how his son, Thyme came from school one day, upset and asked where their mom was. Gun had sat down to console him along with their daughter. Cher couldn't stop the tears when he saw their daughter, Tian, explain to the young boy that no matter who they were born to, Gun and Cher would always be their parents. They had had a tearful night with all four of them snuggling and cuddling in the king size bed of theirs.
He remembers how mischievous their twins were and how obedient they were as well. Thyme was similar to him, sunshine, funny yet sensible and Tian was more like her other father, the sunshine protector , rational yet playful.
He remembers how one day, the CEO took the kids to his office and the twins dozing along with their father that night when he had arrived back home. He prayed to God and thanked him for this precious life.
How Gun took all of them on picnics and spend his time with them regardless of his heavy and packed schedule.
How their dates did not cease down and the twins acted disgusted just like their uncles at their parents open display of love through actions and words.
He remembers how Gun showered him with love everyday, kissed him and made love to him. He remembers how their friends teased him for new hickey on his neck everytime they met. How he would exhale slowly when Gun ventured the back of his neck and knew Gun was addicted to it.
He remembers the breakdowns and vulnerable moments they had shared. The tears, the hugs and the tired smiles and everything. He remembers the one time when Gun had had a nightmare of Cher leaving him and both had taken a day off the next day and spent cuddling all day.
He remembers the playful banters, bickerings and words of love yelled and whispered. He remembers those sleepless nights where they had talked through out and faked a sickness and taken leave to sleep the next day. He remembers the trips to beaches and his hometown and the foreign countries.
He remembers how he had thanked God for every moment with his family, friends, kids and his Phi Gun.
Their lives went on graciously despite the ups and downs,
Until, Cher was found unconscious.
He had been feeling sick for few days and they were supposed to visit the doctor but when he was discovered by Gun, Thyme had called ambulance and Tian who looked after her father who was still in shock. That's when they know he had two years to live.
Gun was in denial for many days as he couldn't wrap his mind around the fact that his husband would leave him in few span of months. He had cried holding him tightly. And the two years passed within the brink of an eye.
Now that he knew death would pull him any moment from now, he selfishly craved for more time. He had seen Thyme falling in love and Tian meeting the love of her life. How both of their kids earned their own living yet acted all wanting to get spoiled by their fathers. The only thing he wished for was his husband. The man who knew was his home, life and happiness. He did not want to leave his Phi Gun.
"Aren't you tired, Nong Cher ?"
He felt a hand caressing his head as he was asked a question.
"I feel better whenever I am with you." He answered with a smile on his face.
"Cher, please don't leave Phi na. Please, I can't leave with you."
He opened his eyes and held his husband's left cheek and answered, "Phi Gun, I've told you this, remember ? If I am your happiness, it will never be gone."
He felt a hand tightening on his with tears flowing through them. He could feel the strings pulling him, he looked at his love of his life for the last time and as he smiled as he whispered before closing his eyes, "I love you, Phi Gun."