Chapter Text
It’s early afternoon. Sand wants to water the plants but the sun shining through the studio’s window makes it hard for him to see what he is doing. He is ready to call it quits when suddenly he hears a door opening, followed by a whirring sound and the dark blinds lower a little, covering the offending light. Blinking away the black spots from his vision, he looks towards Boston who apparently came back from his quick run to the hardware store.
“Thanks. I couldn't figure out how they work.” Sand smiles at him, feeling a little embarrassed.
Ton waves a small device that he is holding between his fingers. “They’re automatic. I took the remote with me, sorry.” Walking further inside, he unpacks his purchase and begins fixing one of the light stands that was giving him trouble earlier. “So how are the plants? All good?”
Now actually able to see properly, Sand inspects the greenery. Hums to himself while giving them water to drink.
“Yeah. You’ve been taking good care of them. Gold star for you,” he throws over his shoulder, catching Ton’s pleased, proud smile.
Reaching their plumeria, he feels joy enter his heart. “Hello, darling. Look at you! So healthy and shiny. What a great patient you’ve been.”
He keeps babbling compliments to all the flowers, arranges them a little differently on the windowsill, then makes a note on his phone which of them will need bigger pots soon. Having chatted enough at the babies, he gathers his trash and watering can, and turns on his heel to go put everything away. Passing Ton on his way, he feels a screwdriver poke him lightly in the leg.
“You’ve been talking more to the plants than to me today.”
Sand glances at his friend and rolls his eyes at the pout directed at him. “You’ve been working.”
“I’m not working now!”
There’s an accusatory note in his voice and a hint of a whine sneaking in which make Sand laugh.
He pokes his head from the bathroom. “I couldn't talk to them when you had clients inside. And they need some attention. Don't tell me you’re jealous?”
“I’m not.” Boston makes a face, straightening up from his crouch, and moves towards the reception desk. “I could wilt from lack of attention too, you know?”
“You used to scoff at Ray for being dramatic but you’re as silly as he is.”
Having washed his hands, Sand closes the bathroom doors. Feeling amused, and a little bit incredulous, he approaches the grumbling Ton from behind. Wraps his arms around his middle, and hooking his chin over his shoulder, looks at the schedule calendar he has open on the laptop screen.
“This looks quite full.”
Boston makes an agreeing sound. “After the Parade people keep calling. I have some advertisement deals later in the month too.”
Sand squeezes him, half of his attention still on the names he sees on the screen. “Congrats!”
Ton makes a note under today’s date, smiles to himself. “Thanks.”
They stay like this for a few minutes then Sand detaches himself from him, and sits back on the chair behind them.
“Have you thought about hiring somebody? Ray is going to be even more busy with hotel stuff soon and the start of my academic year is looming closer, we won't be able to help you out as much as we do now. It looks like you need somebody full time. Maybe more than one person.”
Closing the laptop, Boston turns around. Leans back against the desk, crossing his arms. “I thought I could do this solo but yeah, you’re right. Ray asked me the same question a few days ago. It would be cool to have somebody to help with the equipment at least. The work would be faster, I could fit more people.” He scratches at his jaw. “Actually, April suggested I should try collaborating with some make-up artists. Hairdressers. People like that. P’Dokmai said she could design some easy to put together sets for me. Something about it being beneficial for both of our portfolios.”
“Smart,” Sand nods then gets distracted by his vibrating phone. “Ray is asking if we have time to eat lunch with him, P’Dokmai and the bar Phis. In like an hour. Said it would be an hour max since they are scheduled to tour his father’s buildings later. Do we? Have time I mean.”
“Yeah. The person we have coming in soon won't be here long. Then I have around two hours break. You’re supposed to meet up with the siblings later on anyways, right?”
“Yeah.” Sand replies to Ray. Smiles at the heart emojis and ‘miss you’ gifs. “Okay. He said he will text us the menu later so we won't have to wait too long for the food.”
☆
They are in the car on their way to the restaurant when Sand realises he may need something to write on during the meeting with the music teacher. Checks the time on his phone then turns towards Ton who is driving.
“Can we stop by the mall? I need to buy a notebook and some other stuff. I will be quick.”
“Mmm. Grab me some post-it notes if you will see any.”
“Will do.”
Sand buys what they need in record time. When he comes back to the car, he drops a bottle of green tea at Ton’s lap.
“Here. Gotta keep you hydrated so you won't wilt.”
The stony expression he gets directed at him makes his detour worth it.
“You’re so funny.”
“Why thank you! I think so too.”
“I’m tempted to make you walk the rest of the way.”
Sand grins. “You won’t. You looove me.”
“I’m a king of bad choices after all,” Ton sighs, the corners of his mouth pulling up despite his obvious efforts to stay annoyed.
In revenge Sand presses a cold bottle to his neck, making him yelp. For the rest of the drive Ton pointedly turns up the radio to drown out his snickers and the teasing comments.
(“I thought you wanted my attention.”
“I changed my mind.”)
☆
When they arrived at the restaurant, they spotted Ray smoking near the parking lot. He waved to them, beaming, and got rid of the cigarette during the time Boston maneuvered the car to his liking. Sand was swept into a hug the moment he left the vehicle. They would have lost themselves to kissing if not for Ton closing his doors louder than it was necessary. Snorting into Ray’s neck, Sand let him have his revenge without a comment while Ray whined at their grumpy friend for startling him. But once they caught up to him, he also dragged Ton in for a hug which made them both perk up.
The moment they reached the table, all the Phis started complaining that Ray was so distracted with constantly looking at the window, barely listening to them unless they mentioned their names, and mumbling under his nose how him being away from his boyfriend should be a crime especially when said boyfriend was hanging out with his best friend without him, that they had to kick him out to wait outside or they would have strangled him. Despite feeling like he could melt both from affection and embarrassment, Sand still laughed over this so much he teared up. When no one was looking he kissed his love’s flushed cheek, cooing into his ear.
He also looked at Boston meaningfully, mouthing told you so while grinning, so happy and amused he could burst. (He would be lying if he said he wasn't also flattered by all this neediness.). In answer to that Ton pointedly sat on the other side of Ray instead next to him where his dish was placed. But later on he also put on his plate one of his dumplings when he was distracted talking to P’Yo, yet still caught Ray leaning back in his peripheral vision, so he knew Ton wasn't actually upset with him.
☆
They are gathered outside, chatting among themselves before they have to temporarily part ways. Sand rakes his eyes over everyone and the vehicles that belong to their group.
“Since Phis have their own car, I’m taking the convertible,” he announces to Ray, pressing a kiss to his cheek, and outstretching his hand, palm up, in silent request for the keys.
To his surprise, Ray makes an apologetic face. “Sorry, love. Something is making a weird sound in it. I have to take it to the mechanic.”
Before Sand can lower his arm, Ton drops his own keys onto his palm.
“You take this one, I will take Ray’s to be looked over. I still have some time before the next client and there is a good garage near the studio.”
Sand smiles warmly at him. “Thanks!”
He hugs both his guys. Gets tugged by Ray into a proper kiss when he waves at them and starts walking away. Only then he is allowed to leave. Smiling widely he approaches the siblings, cheerfully showing them his bounty.
“You said it’s quite far so I’ve got us a car. Let’s go.”
☆
Sand steps outside feeling as if for the past half an hour he was being punished by the universe for his earlier behaviour. The whole drive the siblings were bickering back and forth. And while he suspected P’Lek didn't actually mean any of his grumbling, he was unsure about P’Dokmai. She was very pleasant towards him, grilling him about the songs he was making, mentioned she occasionally plays drums but almost every time P’Lek said something it was like she had to… tease him? Say something biting? He doesn't know what was going on because it kind of felt like it was a knee-jerk reaction for her. Once or twice he thought he caught her wincing at herself, going quiet for a second and poking P’Lek in the shoulder. He was at a loss for what to make of their relationship. Sure, he also teased his loved ones a lot but there was that little something in their conversations that was troubling him.
He follows the siblings into the big building. The Phis’ said it’s a private art school mostly centered around music. It sure looked like one. With its marble floor, high ceilings, and wide, sprawling staircase it screamed expensive to him. Not a place his past self would step into without feeling like he is trespassing or something.
Just few steps next to the entrance, there is a reception desk manned by an elderly man that P’Lek wais at, ushering them forward towards a double door hidden behind one of the pillars. While P’Dokmai strides determinately ahead, Phi turns around to walk backwards for a moment.
“Father has his own office here but he should be waiting for us at the cafeteria. He eats lunch around this hour.”
Sand is about to nod when from further in the building one man breaks away from a group of his colleagues. He waves at them and P’Dokmai picks up her pace, soon enough falling into his open arms. Meanwhile Sand stops in his tracks. Feels as if the ground beneath his feet disappeared and he is lurching into a bottomless pit. His heart freezes then gives a painful thud. Static rings in his ears. He feels blood draining from his face, his hands get cold and clammy. While everything in him is a big question mark, somehow he still manages to weakly call out P’Lek’s name. He mumbles something about giving the three of them some time to catch up in peace, that he has to leave for a moment. Doesn't wait for a response, just turns on his heel and hightails it out of there as unobtrusively as he is capable of.
That was Sun. My father. The siblings' dad is mine too. We share a father. I have siblings. P’Lek is really my older brother. Father has more children. That was father, right? I wasn't seeing things… I have siblings. Sun is P’Dokmai and P’Lek’s dad. I have siblings.
Sand stumbles outside feeling dizzy. He doesn't know what to do with himself. His knees feel weak. Heart beats so fast he can hear its frantic thumping, feel the blood flow in his neck. He walks a little bit to the side, leans heavily against the wall. The impact with it knocks some wind out of his lungs. He rummages in his bag, looking for a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. Once he has them the shaking of his hands is so bad he can't even manage to light the stick.
How did I never find out Sun is a teacher? Never stumbled into P’Lek and him together? How is this possible? All this time I was afraid to disrupt his life only to learn he has two children. Knows about them… Should I tell them? Wouldn't it be weird? Suddenly springing up with the news? Being the third, the new one? They probably have so much history between them… I would just feel like an outsider. And what about P’Lek? Would he be okay with me? When I’ve already managed to anno-
“Sand?”
It’s like he summoned the man with his spiraling musings. His head shots up. P’Lek is standing a few steps in front of him. Eyes flickering all over his frame, and Sand wonders if he looks as unsteady as he feels. He hopes not, doesn't know what he could use as an excuse if he were to be asked any questions now. Can only stare helplessly, praying that Phi either won't see anything amiss with him or if he does, will just conclude he is ill or something and send him home. He hopes for the second option, would really like to run away and think in peace. Preferably in Ray’s arms. Could even do with Ton’s cold logic. They would know what to do because he doesn't.
Neither of those things happen. Something in Phi’s face shifts, a casual mask covers the concern that was visible on it just seconds ago. He comes closer and lightly tugs on his arm to make him move.
“Let’s go. There is a place with delicious smoothies nearby,” he spares an exasperated look at the things he is clutching in his fist. Tsks. “I’m pretty sure I told you these things are bad for your voice. It's a non-smoking area, put them away.”
Sand's hands move on their own, his old habit of doing as the man said kicking in. A little bit of shame sticks to the back of his throat. Somehow he manages to speak.
“What about your family?”
P’Lek glances at him, still keeping his arm in a loose grip, making him follow him. “You mean Dokmai and dad?” At Sand's nod he shrugs. “You had a good idea. They’ve not seen each other in person for many years, best to give them some space for now. I’ve told them we will be back later.”
They are walking side by side, Phi’s hand now wrapped loosely around his wrist. Sand doesn’t mind. It’s grounding him. He feels as if not for that, he would have floated away into the sky like a lost balloon. Or just crumpled to the ground. To take his mind off the thought ‘Phi is really my brother’ that his brain latched onto, he forcefully redirects it to the cigs comment.
“I’m trying to quit.”
P’Lek tilts his head, seems to come back to himself as if he was deeply thinking about something too. “Ahh sorry? Quit what?”
“Smoking. Ray is trying too.”
A surprised look thrown his way makes him huff.
“Boston has been complaining about the smell. And not so long ago suddenly started nagging about all this health stuff. About my voice too, since I’ve been thinking about music more seriously.”
“Smart guy. Keep him.”
Sand snorts. “The fam invite is kind of for life so yeah we will.”
P’Lek sighs but when he makes a questioning sound, unsure what in his response could make the other look so done, he shakes his head at him. Then they are in front of their destination and Sand forgets all about it.
The place is pretty. The outside sitting area resembles a little garden. There are big, tall flower pots between benches and chairs for the aesthetic and resemblance of privacy, he guesses. He spots one person sitting in the far corner, the rest of the people are inside. No doubt seeking shelter from the heat that is lingering in the air.
He feels P’Lek fingers unfurl from his wrist.
“You still like pineapple? They have a nice blend with it, mango, coconut milk, and banana.”
“Sounds good.” Sand is surprised Phi remembers that. Another unexpected thing that makes his body and mind calm down a little more.
“Cool. Go sit somewhere, I will take care of the drinks,” having said that P’Lek strides through the open doors, joyfully greeting the woman behind the counter.
Sand scratches at his elbow then moves towards the corner that’s the furthest away from everyone. The table he chose looks to be one for bigger groups. He drops his bag on a long bench, and himself right next to it. Tries to stave off his nerves by observing and identifying the flowers growing in the pots around him. Is in the process of trying to figure out if the flower he is seeing from the distance is one he knows or not when a cup full of soft yellow cream enters his field of vision.
“Here, my treat.”
Thanking P’Lek, Sand takes the drink which coldness shocks some clarity into him. He is grateful his hands are no longer shaking, doesn't know how he would explain that to his Phi. Who surprises him once again. Instead of sitting on the opposite side of the table, he plops down next to him.
They sip on the beverages in silence. Then P’Lek puts his cup on the table, and wipes the moisture gathered on his palm on his trousers. Casually speaks into the air between them.
“I met father when I was ten. My Mae died in a car crash and he was listed as my next guardian. Quite a surprise for both of us. Dokmai found out her dad was not her bio dad in a biology class, can you imagine that? She was thirteen. Didn't contact him for a year. We got like two years together before she and her parents moved to Ireland. To be honest I got to spend more time with you than with her. We just texted and used all that various online communication from time to time.”
“I’m sorry about your Mae.” Sand fidgets with the paper straw. Chances a quick look at his Phi. “But why are you telling me this so suddenly?”
“To make you feel better. Should I take a wild guess what made you run away or do you want me to pretend I don't know anything? Just so we are clear: I don't like the second option.”
Sand’s mind blanks out. He can feel his jaw dropping, and snaps it shut. Tries to say something but it’s like his throat doesn't work anymore. P’Lek catches the cup that he didn't even realise was falling from his hands and about to meet the ground. Places it on the table, next to his own.
How did he figure it out? Is he even talking about this? Or it’s going to be some kind of misunderstanding? Gods let him just speak. I don't want to make decisions anymore. I’m way over my head with this one.
His pleading must have been visible on his face because soon enough P’Lek continues.
“When you saw our father you got pale as if you had seen a ghost. Dad said he recognised you from his other job, that you come by a lot. It could mean you’re his fan or a stalker but you would never do the second and well… Your Mae was sneaking glances at me a lot the other night. When I asked her about it she was apologetic, saying I just reminded her of someone she knew years ago. I joked there must be something generic about my face since I think we look alike too. She nodded but looked thoughtful. All those things put together make for a clear picture don't you think?” P’Lek looks at him kindly, tentatively as if he were dealing with a spooked animal. “We are brothers, right?”
Sand stares. The whole time Phi was speaking his voice was steady, calm. He doesn't know how he managed that in this situation but memories from his teenage years remind him he was always level headed in moments of crisis. P’Lek’s demeanour, coupled with the fact that there are years of history between them, and just his desire to have this father issue (now with added siblings to the mix) finally resolved, make Sand nod.
The beaming smile he gets in response to that confuses him. Why is he like this? It makes no sense. He feels like his brain is a step away from just calling it quits.
Unaware of his growing befuddlement, P’Lek hums, drumming his nails on the table, his gaze distant. Then quirks an eyebrow at him.
“Are you up for talking about this?”
Am I? This is different than if he were to confess the truth to Sun. He suspects that being rejected by a total stranger would hurt less than if things were to go fully south with Phi. But ignoring the issue would just make everything awkward. (And a small, hidden part in him wants to make the siblings thing work. He suddenly yearns for it even more than for getting close to his father. His teenage self is jumping with joy, stirring awake the thoughts and emotions he once pushed away.) And he really is tired of chewing on it for so long. Now one person that’s involved in this, that he likes, knows. And Phi smiled. That’s a good sign, unexpected but good.
“Okay but I don't know what to say,” he mumbles honestly.
“Understandable. Let me ask this: how long have you known? About father. I think I’m safe to assume you found out about me and Dokmai today too?”
Sand takes a deep breath, traces the lotus tattoo that's on his forearm. “Yeah. It was quite a shock. As for father… I’ve known for a few years.”
“Were you going to tell him one day or didn't feel the need to? Gosh, it’s a wonder we never crossed paths if you had been over to his bar enough times for him to recognise you.”
“I was weirded out by this too but now when my head is a little bit clearer I think I went during the time it was your shift at YOLO. Or you could have been at the garage, if you still work there.”
P’Lek makes a thoughtful sound. “I do. Well, sort of. The guys expanded, bought another warehouse. I work at the new location, solely with bikes now. But yeah that could be it. Come to think of it, I don't drop by to listen to him play much so there's also that.”
“That’s cool. The working only on the bikes thing. I remember how you used to complain when they assigned you to fix some car...” Sand stills the movement of his hand. “As for telling him… I was close to doing it. Once. But ahh… I don't know. I guess I didn't want to disturb his life with news of a grown up son. And it’s not like I need him? I have my Mae. Honestly I just didn't know what to do so I just hung out around him.” After a beat he adds in a whisper: “I think part of me was afraid of being rejected.”
A large hand squeezes the ball of his shoulder. Stays there, resting on it lightly. It settles some of the frantic buzzing he feels under his skin. Anchors him in the present.
“I see. I wish you knew about us sooner so you wouldn't fret at least about disturbing him. But honestly, it’s on him for not being careful during sex. Fools like that deserve to be ‘disturbed’. You need to let him know you exist? Go ahead,” P’Lek winks at him when he snorts at his words. “Though yeah, I understand protecting your own feelings. Well, now you have me. And Dokmai. I’m sure he won't reject you but on a slim chance he will do something stupid, we will be there for you.”
Sand smiles feebly. Feeling like some of the weight that was present in his life from the moment he learned about Sun was just lifted from his shoulders. Flexes his stiff fingers.
“You sound pretty sure P’Dokmai will be okay with me. I know we became friends but this is quite a change. She seems to be always huffing at you. Why would she be okay with another… brother.”
P’Lek laughs, ruffling his hair. “Awww you are so sweet. Don't worry about that. I’m pretty sure it’s going to change,” his expression turns serious. “We really didn't get to know each other much at first. Sure, she started to show up here and there but we were still getting used to each other when she left. And we were so young then. I’m going to share a secret with you, I think she won't mind if that will put you at ease. Her being so snarky with me? I came to the conclusion that it’s her way of protecting herself, us really. It’s easier to fake-quarrel than to be constantly mushy when there is such a distance separating us. I could just be that annoying older brother she can huff and puff at. Less chance of going weepy over not being able to meet up, right? And you know I like to tease, she is like that too. It’s something we three share, what with you getting under your guys' skins. So yeah now that she is back we should be more chill. And Dokmai already adores you, your lot took good care of her. Thank you for that by the way,” he leans towards him and whispers, a cheeky smile on his face: “You’re impossible not to love.”
“Huh?” What did he say???
“You’ve stolen mine and P’Yo’s hearts the first time we met.”
Sand stares, wide eyed.
P’Lek chuckles, pointing a finger at his face. “Exactly like this. Your eyes are a lethal weapon, I’m sure you know that. Do you remember that day? YOLO wasn’t even open for a year yet but it was such a success Phi needed more staff. You were our last candidate for the day. We were already both pissed off and tired. You don't know about this because you never took part in the recruiting process but before Plug, I used to sit with P’Yo not only as a second ear but to weed out the misogynists,” P’Lek sighs, an angry line forms between his brows. “There she was obviously older than me, CV’s spread before her, her name part of the bar’s name… just you know many signs to figure out she is the owner AND YET most of the people that came greeted me first, looked more at me than at her. It was infuriating. Can't imagine how she must have felt… So we were on our last nerves, and then she saw your CV. There must have been some error among the staff, you should have been told ‘no’ from the start. You weren't even seventeen yet! Let alone eighteen… Very daring of you to try out when you surely knew the law.”
Sand can only smile sheepishly at the judging look P’Lek threw at him. He remembers a little bit from that time. The way he was so desperate to find any job so that he could start saving up money for university. Yet no one wanted a highschool student, no one that wasn't shady. He heard about YOLO from one of the girls at Roxie, gathered inspiration and courage from the bar’s name, and dropped his CV with some guy at the counter.
“I was surprised to get a response to be honest. And I could tell you were mad about something. And about to kick me out,” he admits in a small voice.
P’Lek’s gaze softens. “We must have added to your nerves, sorry. But it worked to your advantage,” he laughs. “You went inside all wide eyed like some baby deer or a lost kitten. Took one look at us and before we could even apologise to you for the misunderstanding, you started listing everything you could help with. Staring at us, at P’Yo, with so much plea written all over your face. Such big, innocent eyes. You were so polite, so honest, so desperate. And actually skilled! When you left we just were like: well shit. We had to keep you. Not only you were the only decent person we talked to that day. We thought that if this cute kid bumped into somebody he shouldn't, they would eat him alive.”
“So you broke the law for me,” Sand breathes out, blinking rapidly.
“So we broke the law for you,” P’Lek grabs his hand, squeezing it. “During opening hours you helped in the kitchen, right? If someone caught a glimpse of you and asked questions we lied you were my little brother. We didn't tell you to not make it weird, and there was no need since you didn't talk to the clients. It worked like a charm since I told you we look a little bit alike.”
“That’s a lot of risk you all took for a stranger.”
“Worth it.”
Sand looks at his Phi, his brother. He recalls all these years they knew each other. When he started working, the man singing on the stage looked so grown up and cool in his eyes. And he was always so nice to him: shutting down other staff members that tried to tease him, sharing his sweets, teaching him how to play the guitar when they had some free time. Sand feels tears gathering in his eyes, leans his head on P’Lek’s shoulder.
“I never told you that. Didn't want to come off as way too clingy or a child. But I used to wish you were my older brother,” the hand clasped around his spasms. He hears a startled och above his head.
There is a sudden weight at his head, Phi’s chin lightly resting on it.
“And now we know we really are brothers. Wishes do come true.”
There is so much warmth and wonder in P’Lek’s voice it makes his heart swell up. But he can't help the doubt, and the confusion that cloud his mind.
“You wished for that too?”
“Of course! I just told you I adored you from the start.”
“Well yeah kid me but-”
“But what? I know we drifted apart. I understood you needed your independence, and probably didn't want to hang out as much with a dude that treated you like a little kid. Whatever, I wasn't going to be a creep but I never stopped looking out for you. Plug told you I call you my lil bro.”
Sand frowns. He didn't pay much attention to that revelation when the truth to the mystery of who beat up Bo was suddenly presented to him. All these years… could he have been wrong?
He swallows, gathering some courage. Somehow touching this topic feels more embarrassing, painful to him than everything else they talked about.
“I didn't start to distance myself from you because of that.”
Phi stills, then leans back so that he can see his face. Sand avoids his gaze, resolutely stares at the drinks before them.
“Then why?”
“Do you remember the barman that P’Yo hired around the time I was 18? Worked with us for like a year,” when there is only silence, which is fair they went through a lot of them, Sand adds: “He left just before P’Yo came up with the ‘bar rules’ idea.”
He is barely finished speaking when P’Lek grabs him by the shoulders, leaning into his space in a way that leaves him no choice than to meet his eyes.
“Did he do something to you?!” He sounds panicked. Eyes wide, boring into his with such intensity it makes his heartbeat quicken.
Sand shakes his head, observing how the man deflates. How he exhales in relief. Feels the tight grip of his hands on his body slacken. It’s his turn to get tense and worried.
“He didn't just quit, did he? What happened?”
P’Lek flexes his jaw then drops his hands into his lap, falls back against the bench. “Wanted more from me than just friendship. Didn't understand no means no and had a close meeting with my fist. Nothing bad happened, don't worry. But he got fired the same day, and was the reason Yo made the rules.”
“Och. Fucker.”
“Indeed. What does he have to do with us no longer being close?”
Sand sighs, feeling foolish and ashamed. Angry.
“Few months after he was hired he took me aside and said you won't ever say anything because you are too nice but it was time for me to stop bothering you. That I was an adult now, should act like one and not cling to you so much. That it… that I was annoying you. And since you two became quite close I believed him.”
“Asshole. I’m sorry I didn't realise what was going on. He did mention us being close from time to time, called you my little shadow but I didn't think much about it. It sounded cute, especially since you weren't actually little.” P’Lek huffs out a laugh even though his expression is grim. “Teenagers grow up, get moody, start being all adult-like, right? I figured it was what happened with you. Not long after that you met the dickhead. We thought you were just experimenting, outgrew some stuff… I know you don't like listening to the same thing twice but I’m really sorry for not seeing that something was wrong. Fucker looked charming. Both of them did…”
“It’s okay. Really.”
And it is. He is sad that they lost few years due to meddling fucker and their own assumptions but it’s a relief to know he wasn't actually a bother. That he was wanted, still is.
Sand startles when P’Lek suddenly throws his arms around him, pressing a loud kiss to his temple.
“Now you won't be able to get rid of me. Lil bro.”
“Wouldn't dream of it.”