Chapter Text
"Congratulations boys, you're expecting twins."
Pat and Pran blinks at the announcement. Dr. Aof announced to them with a warm and gracious smile, but the words seem to hang in the air, taking a moment to fully register with Pat and Pran.
"As in two babies?"
"Twins?" Pat echoes, his voice barely above a whisper, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Pat turns to look at Pran. Pran's hand tightens around Pat's, seeking reassurance in the midst of the unexpected news.
"Are you sure, doctor?" he asks, his voice trembling slightly.
"Are you sure its not just a fat baby that looks like two babies? I mean how can you be certain? Did they tell you that?"
The doctor nods, his expression conveying both professionalism and genuine happiness for the couple.
"Yes, twins. Both embryos are developing beautifully. Fraternal. But from the same egg donar. One from each. You should be very grateful as this your first try and you've successfully made it. Most couples aren't so lucky."
Pat feels a rush of emotions flooding through him – joy, disbelief, and a hint of nervousness. Twins.
Twins!
It's more than they had ever imagined. He wasn't even going all out on being a parent. He thought about it many times before, but knowing that he is with Pran, it all seemed so blurry then. But now it's becoming a reality.
"Pran?" Pat turns to his partner, their eyes meeting in a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "We're going to be parents. Parents of twins."
"Not one. Twins!"
Pran's eyes glisten with unshed tears as he nods, his grip on Pat's hand tightening even more.
"Our babies," he whispers, the words filled with a mixture of awe and overwhelming love.
As Dr. Aof hands them the folder containing the latest sonograms, Pat's heart swells with anticipation. Opening it, he and Pran are met with the images of their unborn children, tiny yet perfectly formed.
"They're beautiful," Pran murmurs, his voice choked with emotion as he gazes at the sonograms, his fingers tracing the outlines of their future.
Pat feels tears pricking at the corners of his eyes, a lump forming in his throat as he looks at the images of their twins. It's a moment of pure, unadulterated joy, knowing that their family is growing, that their love is creating new life.
With a shared glance, Pat and Pran know that they're ready for whatever lies ahead.
"They'll be here on the seventeenth December this year."
:):)
Pat lies on the sofa bed, his gaze fixated on the sonogram images he received earlier from Dr. Aof. There's something about the blurryi pictures of their unborn babies that captivates him, drawing him into a world of dreams and anticipation. These tiny, indistinct forms represent their future, a future filled with love, laughter, and the joy of parenthood.
"You're adorable," Pran's voice breaks through Pat's reverie, and he looks up to see his partner standing there, a fond smile playing on his lips.
Pat raises an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "I'm just admiring our little miracles."
"Well, you've been admiring them for hours that you've forgotten to take out the trash again," Pran teases gently, a hint of amusement in his tone.
Pat chuckles, shaking his head. "Can you blame me? They're just so beautiful. They already have both our features and more."
"Let me see," Pran says, joining Pat on the sofa and leaning in to examine the sonogram images. Pat points out various features, tracing imaginary lines on the blurry images.
"That's your nose," he says, pointing to a faint outline. "And here is my strong muscles."
Pran smiles, his heart swelling with love for his partner. "You're such a softie," he teases, nudging Pat playfully.
Pat laughs, his eyes sparkling with joy.
"And look, this one has your sarcasm," he says, pointing to another indistinct shape on the sonogram.
"Sarcasm, huh?" Pran counters with a grin. "Well, what about this? I think this one has your... uh, let's say, your farting talents."
Pat's laughter fills the room, the sound echoing with warmth and happiness.
"Touché," he concedes, leaning into Pran's touch.
"But you know what?" Pran says softly, his gaze meeting Pat's with unwavering love. "I hope they inherit your kindness and your generous heart and smart ass brain. That's what truly matters."
Pat's heart swells with affection for Pran, overwhelmed by the depth of their connection. "And I hope they have your resilience and your unwavering strength," he replies, his voice filled with sincerity. "And your dimples."
As they share a tender moment, Pran plants a soft kiss on Pat's hair, his love for his partner shining brightly in his eyes.
"We have to tell them," Pran whispers, his voice tinged with excitement and anticipation.
"We'll tell Paa and Ink later."
Pran sighs.
"I meant our parents."
:):)
When Pat and Pran shared the news with Ink and Paa, the excitement went through the roof, their joys were palpable, even through the virtual lens of a Zoom call. Despite being miles away in Switzerland, Ink and Paa and their children's joy overflowed, evident in their beaming smiles and the exuberant antics of their children dancing behind them. They must have talked for at least five hours over the news, the preparations, the discussions, tips on welcoming the boys. It was a whirlwind of emotions.
Now the only thing left to do is tell their parents.
The excitement of Ink and Paa's reaction buoyed Pat and Pran's spirits, if only this was the reaction they everyone will have for them. They know the reality of it all. Not everyone is going to be happy for a homosexual couple having children in an unnatural way. Underneath their excitement and happiness, lurked a deep-seated anxiety about revealing the truth to their own parents.
For many years, ever since the news of their secret relationship was ungraciously revealed and the pitiful and eventful escape to the beach, they had hidden their relationship for many years, shielding it from the prying eyes and judgment of their families and friends. They had fought tooth and nail for their relationship, hiding it from nosey workers, business partners, friends, neighbours. For Pat and Pran, knowing that the truth is enough.
Now, with the impending arrival of their twins, the moment they had been dreading was fast approaching.
Every discussion about how to broach the subject with their parents stirred up a whirlwind of emotions within them. Nervousness, uncertainty, and fear mingled with the hope of acceptance and understanding. They knew that this conversation could change everything, for better or for worse.
Pat's love for his parents ran deep, despite the challenges they had faced in the past. His father, has always been a source of conflict for him, now after years and years of maturity and understanding, Ming has become a pillar of support and guidance in his life. The thought of losing that connection, of being cast out from his family, filled him with dread.
Similarly, Pran couldn't bear the idea of being estranged from his own parents, especially his darling mother whose warmth and love were an anchor in his life. The thought of never again tasting her delicious green curry or sharing quiet moments of laughter with his father was almost unbearable. Just the thought of it, brings uncontrollable tears.
As they grappled with the weight of their secret and the impending revelation, the heaviness often clouded their eyes, a testament to the depth of their emotions. But amidst the fear and uncertainty, there was also a glimmer of hope – hope that their parents would see past societal expectations and embrace them for who they truly were, a loving couple about to embark on the journey of parenthood.
With each tear shed and each moment of doubt, Pat and Pran found strength in their love for each other, knowing that no matter what lay ahead, they would face it together.
"We're in this together."
Pran plans a kiss on Pat's knuckles.
"Together."
:):)
As the day of their revelation drew nearer, Pat and Pran found themselves seeking solace in each other's arms more often, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment. They spent hours discussing their fears and hopes, finding comfort in the shared understanding of their mutual struggle. They felt like young teenagers again, hiding behind their parents, holding out for themselves, protecting each other against everything.
Finally, the day arrived. With nervous anticipation coursing through their veins, Pat and Pran decided to invite their parents over for dinner at a private restaurant. They booked an entire room for themselves, hoping to create a relaxed and intimate setting for the conversation they had been dreading and yet eagerly awaiting. Their parents were not told that the other was invited, and so the couple clenched their teeth.
As they checked the room together, their hands brushed against each other's, sending sparks of warmth and reassurance through their bodies. They exchanged glances filled with unspoken words, drawing strength from the silent promises of support and love. It truly feels like they were in their late teens again, back in university, the stolen looks, the wanting and yearning.
The waitress signals the arrival of their parents, Pat and Pran shares a meaningful look before informing her to usher them inside. The air was thick with tension the moment the parents lay their eyes on each other.
There was no words exchanged. No pleasantries.
A strong and curious look.
A tsk.
A displeasured twitch of the eye.
It felt like eons before they sat down on the assigned seats, the shuffling of chairs punctuating the uneasy silence.
Pat clears his throat, gathering his courage to speak. He can feel all the nerves and emotions of his younger self. Seeing his Pa and Ma's eyes boring into him, he just wants to curl up into a ball and hide at a corner. Seeing this, Pran instinctively knows to be by his partner's side, running a soft pat on his arm.
"We got this," whispers Pran, his eyes steadily sending him courage.
"We got this."
Pat clears his throat once again. This time he feels lighter than before.
"Ma, Pa. Mr. & Mrs. Siridechawat. Thank you everyone for coming," he begins, his voice steady despite the nervous flutter in his stomach. "Pran and I have something important we want to share with you."
The parents exchanged curious glances, their expressions a mix of apprehension and curiosity.
Pran reaches out to grasp Pat's hand in front of everyone, offering silent encouragement as the tension n the room intensifies.
"We're together," Pat finally blurts out, the words hanging in the air as he awaits their reaction. "We've been together for many years."
"We love each other. And we want to be together," says Pran with full emotions.
There is a moment of stunned silence as their parents process the news, their eyes widening in surprise. But before Pat could brace himself for their response, his mother's face broke into a radiant smile, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, it is as if she can finally relax and breathe after holding everything in for so long. Strangely enough, Pran's dad made a soft smile, almost chuckling at the reveal.
"Oh, Pat," she exclaims, rushing forward to envelop Pat in a tight embrace. "That's wonderful news! I'm so happy for you both. I truly am."
His dear Pa did not react, his stern and furrowed expression a constant.
"Congratulations, son," she says gruffly, clapping Pat on the back. She turns to Pran and gives a wide and brilliant smile. "You two make a very handsome couple."
Tears of relief welled up in Pat's eyes as he embraced his beloved Ma, feeling the weight of her acceptance lifting from his shoulders. Across the table, Pran's parents did not share similar sentiments to Pat's mother. Dissaya's eyes are ever so sharp and brilliant, it is radiating with some unknown force. Her husband, by her side as always, steady and calm.
"Mae, Phaw?"
The atmosphere in the room grew heavy with tension. Pran's parents remain in silence, their expressions unreadable as they processed the announcement.
After what felt like an eternity, Pat's mother spoke up, her voice tinged with sadness.
"I see," she murmurs, her eyes downcast as she fidgets with her napkin.
His father remained silent, his jaw clenched tightly as he stares between his beloved wife and son, lost in thought.
Pran's mother exchanges a solemn glance towards him and then to her childhood friend across her, her usually warm and beautiful smile replaced by a mask of reserve.
"I need some time to process this," his mother says quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
The weight of Pran's parents' subdued reaction hung heavy in the air, crushing Pat and Pran's hopes of acceptance and understanding. As tears quickly prickles at the corners of their eyes, they exchange a wordless look of shared anguish, their hearts heavy with disappointment.
"I have to go," says Ming and immediately gets up from his seat. "I have somewhere to go."
"Honey," calls Pat's mother desperately, hoping to get some sense to her husband.
"Thank you for the invite, Pran," says Dissaya as she touches her husband's shoulder, notifying him that she wants to leave. Without a look to her son, she exits the room swiftly.
Pran's father quickly reaches to his son and Pat and gives them comforting touches. "I am happy for you two. I really am. Just give us time, boys."
Ming follows suit as the Siridechawat exits the room, with Pat's mother rushing to catch up with her husband.
Once again they are alone in the room, this time the weight is heavier than ever.
"I... I think we should go," Pat chokes out, his voice thick with emotion as he returns from his high, unable to bear the weight of their parents' silent disapproval any longer.
Pran nods wordlessly, his eyes brimming with unshed tears as he follows Pat out of the room.
Their departure from the restaurant was met with a heavy silence, the air thick with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. As Pat and Pran stepped out into the cool night air, the weight of their parents' disapproval bore down on them like a crushing weight, leaving them feeling lost and alone. They hold each other throughout the ride home, wanting each other's presence. They did not want to be alone.
In the privacy of their own home, Pat and Pran clung to each other, their tears mingling as they sought solace in the warmth of their embrace. They had hoped for acceptance, for understanding, but instead, they were met with rejection and silence.
"Pat," cries Pran hysterically. "I'm so lost."
"Me too," Pat immediately pulls Pran in his arms. "Me too."
:):)
As Pat and Pran navigated the emotional turmoil of their parents' reactions, they found themselves clinging to each other more tightly than ever before. The weight of their disappointment and rejection hung heavy on their hearts, threatening to overwhelm them with despair.
"I don't know what to do, Pat," Pran confesses, his voice trembling with emotion as he buries his face in Pat's chest.
Pat's heart aches at the sound of Pran's despair, his own tears mingling with his partner's as he holds him tight. "I know, love," he murmurs, his voice choking with emotion. "But we'll get through this together, okay? We always do."
And so, they clung to each other, their hearts intertwined in a bond that could not be broken by the harsh judgments of others. In the depths of their love, they found the courage to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that together, they could overcome anything.
"We have each other," says Pat softly in Pran's ear as he rubs smooth circles on his back. "We always have."
"And now we have them with us," adds Pat lovingly, pointing to the sonogram of their twins.
"Our babies."