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Palm Pannakorn Jannaloy and Neungdiao Kiattrakulmethee defied all odds and are now happily married. Palm is now successfully running his restaurants in Bangkok while his dad takes care of the bar in the island, continuing Palm’s mother’s legacy. Neungdiao is now successfully running the family’s business, and though he’s pretty occupied recently because of his mother’s retirement, he never missed out on anything related to his family. As for the threat for his family? Though his uncle is now serving his time in jail, there are still enemies out there that from time to time threaten their safety, but Neungdiao has no worries at all. Palm, aside from managing his restaurants, is also the head of the family’s security. What worries Palm on the other hand is their little 7-year old daughter, Ariya.
Ariya was born from Neungidiao’s family’s helper who vowed to be a single mother. Tragically, the helper passed away when Ariya was born. Determined to take care of the baby, Palm and Neungdiao legally adopted her and named her Ariya. Their little girl is truly their bundle of joy. Palm and Neungdiao vows to never let any harm come her way. Palm has always been confident in protecting his family. One thing he was not ready for though was when he came home one time and his husband told him about their little girl’s crush. He swore that the next time there’s a parent-teacher conference, he will hunt that boy and threaten him to leave his little sweet girl. Looks like his opportunity will be coming soon.
Palm and Neungdiao are currently enjoying their time by the pool as they wait for their daughter to come home from school. Palm rests his back at the lounge chair with Neungdiao sitting cozy in between his legs. Palm wraps his arms around Neungdiao as he watches his husband read a book. Unable to stop himself, he kisses the smaller one’s cheek and whispers random love notes.
“Really? You’re going to be this romantic at 3 pm? Neungdiao laughs as he put his book on the side table
“I missed you so much. I love our daughter, but I feel like this is the first time in a while I get to have you on my own” Palm hugs his husband tighter
“You’re overreacting. We slept together last night” The smaller one argues “We literally had sex last night, Palm”
“That’s different” Palm chuckles
Neungdiao turns his head a bit to lightly kiss his husband’s lips “Having a kid taking a toll on you husband?” Neungdiao asks as he comfortably leans on his husband’s chest.
“No. Not at all. Ariya is the best thing that ever happened to me after marrying you”
“You’re making me blush. Even after 7 years of marriage” Neungdiao gushes
“You speak just like Jay”
“Jay??! Who the fuck is that??!” Palm makes his husband look at him
“Our girl’s boyfriend” Neungdiao shrugs
“Oh that’s his name?! I was not informed that they’re boyfriends, girlfriends now! Also she’s 7, Neung!” Palm panics
“Calm down! At their age, it just means they are close friends”
“You never know what that kid can do! I was planning on hunting him when we next go to her school so I can tell him to stop getting close to Ariya but now you’re telling me they’re together??” Palm huffs in anger
“Calm down Palm. His fathers are actually quite nice. I met them briefly when I dropped Ariya off the other day.I think that’s also why Ariya feels close to him. Because they both have two daddies”
“Doesn’t matter, Neung. No one is ever worth it to have our girl” Palm shakes his head. Neungdiao can’t help but laugh at his husband. Palm is not the jealous type but somehow, when it comes to Ariya, he goes over the top.
“Papa! Daddy!” A sweet little voice enters the garden
“Hey, princess” Neungdiao sits up and opens his arm for his little girl. He carries the girl on his lap and hugs her tight. Palm envelops his arms around his little girl and husband. This is his life right here.
“Daddy! You’re home too!” Ariya kisses Palm’s cheek. It’s how his little girl can melt his heart that makes him convinced, no one else deserves her. Palm is aware he’s exaggerating, but can you blame him? He never really grew up in a good family environment. It’s only because of Neungdiao that he can have a family. He watches as his little girl talks about her day. He stares at her beautiful features. Her dimples appear as she happily tells her dads about the movie they watched in school. She may not be their biological daughter, but no one will ever doubt if she’s his or Neungdiao’s kid as her features are as good as theirs. Not that he’s bragging. Perhaps it’s the parent in him that makes him say that proudly. His adoration turns to annoyance once Ariya starts talking about Jay. The kid that he’s been planning to hunt down for a while now.
“So, papa” Ariya shyly looks at Neungdiao “I followed your 7 seconds advice” she lightly bit her lower lip
“You told her about that? Neung..” Palm whines. Neungdiao lightly elbows his husband. Signalling him to not talk.
“Then what happened, baby?” Neungdiao lightly touches her cheeks
“While we were having lunch in the classroom, I saw him staring at me. Then I looked back. In my head I counted to 7” She proudly raises 7 fingers “He never looked away!” She giggles
“Oh darling…look at you” Neungdiao gushes
“Stop it! I’m not enjoying this conversation at all. I”m going to the kitchen to cook Ariya’s favorite spaghetti” Palm stands up and leaves the two
“Why is daddy upset?” Ariya frowns
“Oh don’t worry. Your daddy is just being overly dramatic. Why don’t you change to your homewear my love? I’ll go help your dad in the kitchen” Neungdiao stands up and leads their daughter back to the house.
While Ariya goes to her room to change, Neungdiao goes to the kitchen to talk to his husband. He sees Palm skilfully cutting onions, anger still evident on his face.
“So daddy is jealous?” Neungdiao hugs him from behind
“I don’t like it Neung. I don’t like the idea that anyone can ever hurt our girl” Palm whispers
“We’re in love. We got hurt in the past multiple times, but look at where we are now”
“I know that. I just…she’s only 7 Neung. I want her to be with us for a long time”
“Palm? Aren’t you exaggerating too much? She’s still a kid. Our baby” Neungdiao kisses his husband’s back. Where the tattoo of his name is located.
“I know. I know. I look like a fool huh?” Palm lets go of the knife and faces his husband. He wraps his arms around Neungdiao’s slim waist and pulls him closer
“I think it’s cute. Quite jealous now actually. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you that jealous when it comes to me” Neungdiao playfully pouts
“I was jealous of Ben!” Palm frowns
“Right…” Neungdiao sheepishly smiles. “So I’m guessing you’re going to the parent-teacher conference tomorrow morning?” He asks
“Of course. I’m still going to hunt down that boy” Palm smirks
“You’re so silly, husband” Neungdiao hugs Palm. He saw their little girl walking in with a smile on her face. She obviously heard the conversation and was happy to know her dads loves her a lot. Neungdiao winks at her. Tomorrow will definitely be a long day for Palm
_____
Palm watches from the driver’s seat as his husband and little girl make their way to the car. They are going to drop their daughter off the school and also attend the parent-teacher conference. Neungdiao opens the back door of the car and helps Ariya in her car seat. He notices his husband looking at them from the rearview mirror
“Why do you look so glum?” He asks
“Why does my little girl look extra beautiful today? It’s making me jealous” Palm answers
“Don’t worry daddy! I told papa to tie my hair nicely today because I’m so happy we’re all going to school together!” She beams. This makes her fathers’ hearts melt
“I love you so much darling” Neungdiao kisses her cheeks before closing the door and heading to the passenger’s seat.
“Ready to go?” Palm asks Neungdiao
“Always”
Palm grabs Neungdiao’s right hand with his free hand. He tightens his hold on him. Truth be told, though they’ve been married for 7 years already, he sometimes still feels awkward being in public. As much as the world has already opened up about a lot of things, he still sees some judgemental eyes looking at them when they’re out with Ariya. Feeling his husband’s nervousness, Neungdiao kisses Palm’s hand, reminding him that he is always proud of their love. Palm smiles at his husband and briefly looks at Ariya who’s also smiling at them.
“Let’s go then” Palm starts the car. His nervousness eases down when he remembers that today is the day he’ll be meeting the guy who wants to steal his beloved daughter.
They soon arrive at the school. Parents flock with their kids in hand as they enter the building. Ariya is enrolled in a prestigious school in Bangkok. Though all genders are now accepted, Palm will never forget how one mother tried to flirt with him to leave Neungdiao. Saying it’s not right for a child to only have 2 fathers and that the kid deserves a mother. Of course he told his husband right away. After investigation, they found out that the mother actually had been trying to flirt with other fathers in the school. With her reputation ruined, she eventually transferred her kid. Despite leaving, her words were permanently embedded in Palm’s mind. What if one day Neungdiao realizes that he wants a mother for Ariya and leaves him after?
“You haven’t been here since that incident huh? Don’t worry. I have my guards up today! I’ll protect you my dear husband. My turn to be your bodyguard” Neungdiao pinches Palm’s cheek, making the other one stop his thoughts
“Papa! Daddy! Jay is there!” Ariya excitedly says as she unbuckles herself and opens the door “Can I go?” She asks
“Yes”
“No”
“Huh?” The child asks
“Daddy says no”
“Don’t worry my love. Go. Papa says you can go. We’ll be with you shortly” Neungdiao smiles at his daughter and watches as she gets off the car. “You gotta let it go my dear husband. Let our kid be a kid” Neungdiao playfully lectures Palm before kissing his cheek
“Fine fine. Let’s go” Palm briefly smiles and gestures for Neungdiao to also get off the car
Palm saw his daughter playing with a young boy, who’s slightly shorter than her. He admits that the little boy is cute and seems to be a gentleman. He watches as the young boy gets rid of the leaf on his daughter’s hair. What Palm also sees is his daughter, beaming in joy. Like a magic potion, his heart just melts at the sight.
“That’s cute” Neungdiao smiles “Still going to hunt him?” He looks at Palm who’s also smiling
“I’ll think about it” He holds on to his husband’s hand
“Neungdiao?” A voice calls. The couple looks at the owner of the voice. Standing in front of them is another couple. One gives a very alluring aura, friendly enough that you can’t help but smile back at him. While the other one gives you a thought of running away from him.
“Oh Style! You made it!” Neungdiao smiles and pats the other guy’s shoulder. Palm on the other hand keeps staring at the other guy. He seems to be a trouble and someone that he wouldn’t want to be close to his family.
“This is my husband, Fadel” Style introduces him
“And this is my husband Palm” Neungdiao introduces
“Ah the ever popular Palm that the mothers in this school keep talking about. Hi. I’m Style” Style offers his hand
“Palm. I don’t think I’m popular” He answers as he shakes the offered hand “Fadel. I’m Palm” He offers his hand to Fadel after, only to be rejected a handshake.
“My husband is not fond of being too friendly” Style giggles “So ignore him”
“Style!” Fadel frowns
“I get you. My husband can be very stoic sometimes” Neungdiao laughs.
Style and Neungdiao met one time when they both picked up their child. Upon knowing their little kids’ little romance, the two have exchanged contact and before they knew it, they’ve been good friends since.
“I didn’t know you have close friends here in Jay’s school” Fadel says
“Jay? You’re Jay’s parents?” Palm looks at Style then Neungdiao
“Oh yes! Your daughter’s boyfriend” Style giggles
“They’re not lovers. Just friends” Palm argues. He continues to stare at Fadel. Glaring at him as if he’d be ready to brawl any time.
“Sorry about my husband. He tends to be overly protective of Ariya” Neungdiao apologizes
“Don’t worry. If I am Ariya’s dad , I would be too. She’s beautiful” Style says
“Style, we should go. Jay’s teacher is calling us” Fadel says
“Right! Hey Neungdiao! You’re still down to attend Jay’s birthday party next week right? At Heart Burger?” Style asks
“Of course! We’ll be there” Neungdiao answers, earning a questioning look from Palm
“Style! What party?” Fadel questions his husband
“Oh don’t worry about it! Let’s go!” Style gives a quick nod at Neungdiao before dragging his husband out
“That man screams danger” Palm whispers as he watches the couple get in the classroom
“Style is sweet. He even helped me once when my car broke down in the parking lot. He’s a mechanic!” Neungdiao proudly says
“Not him. His husband. I won’t even argue when someone says he’s a hitman”
“Palm! Stop with your imagination!” Neungdiao playfully hits his husband
“But what party is that huh? I was not informed”
“Oh. Apparently Jay only wants to invite Ariya for his birthday so Style asked me if we can go. It’s going to be in their family’s restaurant, Heart Burger”
“And you didn’t ask me if I’m ok with it?” Palm asks
“Even if it’s not from me, the moment your daughter begs you, we all know you can’t resist Mr. Pannakorn Jannaloy ” He playfully tickles his husband’s chin
“I hate that you know me all too well” Palm smiles. He loves it when Neungdiao is being playful with him in public. It eases his mind about being in the middle of judgemental eyes.
“I know that look Mr.Pannakorn Jannaloy” Neungdiao winks
“You need to stop flirting with me in public Khun Neung. You have no idea how wild I’ve imagined doing it with you in school” Palm says
“Hey! Our daughter is here!” Neungdiao smiles as he taps his nose with his finger
Their moment is disturbed when they hear Ariya’s teacher call them. They look at their daughter who’s smiling at them and wave their hand as they enter the classroom.
“Mr. Palm Pannakorn Jannaloy and Mr. Neungdiao Kiattrakulmethee” The teacher guides them to the seat in front of her table “My name is Jan Ployshompoo Supasap” She introduces “Please call me Jan”
“Then please call me Neungdiao and my husband, Palm”
“Pleasure to meet both of you. I’m Ariya’s new homeroom teacher. I started just last month”
“I heard that Ms. Ploy gave birth. Glad they are able to find a replacement for her” Neungdiao answers. Palm is just simply in awe at how involved Neungdiao is when it comes to Ariya. He knows how busy his husband is, so the fact that he knows a lot about what’s going on in Ariya’s life, Palm wants to stand up and give him a standing ovation. He’s a proud husband right here. “I hope our daughter has been good” Neungdiao starts
“Ariya is nothing but a sweetheart. She participates well in school and is really smart. She always finishes her task on time. Honestly a great role model in our class” Jan says “There’s really nothing else to say about her. I have no complaints. I’m lucky to have her in my class”
“That’s so good to hear. How about her reading? Has it improved?”
“Very well Neungdiao. She improved a lot and can finish a book faster than her friends” Jan comments
“What about Jay? Palm intervenes
“Palm!”
“Oh. It reached to you I’m assuming” Jan laughs “We had couple of incidents where a group of guys teased Ariya. Jay would always come to the rescue, protecting her. He always declares Ariya to be his girlfriend. Those kids are adorable”
“Someone bullies my daughter?” Palm asks. Put aside Jay, but someone actually dares to hurt his daughter?
“They tried, but honestly, even without Jay, Ariya is a very strong girl. She answers back and never lets those boys control her”
“I’m sorry about my husband. He tends to be overprotective” Neungdiao apologizes
“I understand. Do you have any other questions?
“If there’s anything at all, you’re welcome to contact me. Be it about her studies or anything at all she needs to improve on”
“Thank you Neungdiao. Before we end this session though, I want to give to you both the painting that Ariya made yesterday” Jan hands them a piece of paper. It’s a painting, obviously done by a 7-year old. It’s a painting of Palm and Neungdiao with Ariya in between. The painting shows that they are at a beach and holding hands. Underneath the painting, she wrote, ‘Forever!’
“This…” Neungdiao looks at Jan
“We asked the kids to draw their ideal vacation with their family and this is what she painted. Ariya always talks about you two. She brags about how her dad, Palm would cook anything she ever ask for while her papa, Neungdiao would always read her stories and buy her pretty dresses. She says she loves it when you two kisses her cheeks together. I can tell she grew up in a very warm family” Jan says
“This is very special. Thank you so much” Palm says
“It’s a pleasure” Jan stands up and guides the two politely at the door
The two fathers stare at each other, loss of words for how sweet their daughter is. Neungdiao knows right then and there, it’s time to book that vacation for the beach. He knows exactly where to take Ariya. The special, hidden beach that he and Palm fell in love at. He’s just happy he finally decided to buy that beach.
“Are you thinking of what I’m thinking?” Palm asks
“Our beach?” Neungdiao whispers
“How did she know?”
“I did talk to her about our little place. The place where we let our love bloom. A place where we said goodbye to her grandmother”
“Oh Neung…”
“Let’s go? You and I need to work a lot so we can take time off and give Ariya the vacation she wants”
“That I agree” Palm smiles as he holds on to his husband’s hand
“Daddy! Papa! Are you going?” Their little girl ran to Palm’s arms
“Oh my baby girl. Yes. We have to go to work” Palm carries her and kisses her cheek
“Baby! You’re doing so well in school. Papa and Daddy are proud!” Neungdiao says. He looks at Palm, signalling him about kissing her cheeks together. The two father leans and kisses her cheeks on both sides, making the little one giggle
“That tickles Daddy! Papa!”
“Now, you behave yourself ok? If a guy ever tries to bully you, kick them down there. Remember what I taught you?” Palm asks
“Palm! What did you teach our daughter?!” Neungdiao is bewildered. When did Palm ever teach her such thing?
“Don’t worry daddy! Jay is there to save me!” She points at the young boy who’s staring at her
“Ha. That Jay guy I should…” Palm is about to rush towards Jay, but Neungdiao stops him
“We are going to be late, Palm”
“Ok. I’ll let you go for now. We’ll pick you up later at 4 ok?” Palm lets go of Ariya. They watch as she runs to where Jay is.
“Good job letting her go, husband” Neungdiao playfully hits his shoulder.
They soon reach their car. Neungdiao is still holding on to Ariya’s painting, heart swelling in joy. He notices that the car is still not starting. When he turns to his right, he sees Palm wiping a tear
“Palm? What happened?” Neungdiao makes his husband look at him. He gently grabs his cheek, comforting him. Without a word exchanged, Neungdiao knows why Palm is crying. There’s only one thing that makes Palm cry. His family.
“Nothing. I’m just…thank you for giving me a family Neung. Thank you. You have no idea how you and Ariya complete me” Palm lets the tears flow freely
“Oh my lovely husband. You complete me too. Us. I love you so much Palm” Neung kisses his tears away until he reaches his lips. He sucks on Palm’s lower lip hard as if reminding Palm that he’s there for him. He opens his mouth slightly to let Palm insert his tongue. The two of them kiss passionately, reliving the love they swore at their beach. They let go, panting, catching their breaths. They stare at each other and allow their foreheads to touch.
“I love you Neung” Palm whispers
“I…”
Before Neungdiao could answer, a knock reminded them that they are still in public grounds. Alert, the two of them turn to Neungdiao’s side only to see Style looking at them. Neungdiao opens the window to speak to his friend
“Hey! I thought you’re about to suck his dick here in public. I mean I don’t know how I feel about that!”
“Style!” Fadel and Neungdiao shouts
“What?! I mean you guys kissing is a turn on really, Makes me want to bring my Fadel home instead of going to work” Style looks at Fadel and winks at his husband
“You’re embarrassing me. Get this over with” Fadel walks away without saying goodbye
“Ok fine. I’ll let you two continue sucking each other. I just want to say that we have other locations for Heart Burger now. Jay’s party will be at the Asok location. I’ll send you the address”
“Thank you for the information” Neungdiao says
“See you!” Style playfully salutes at them then goes after his husband
Neungdiao shuts the window and looks at Palm.
“Well, I forgot we’re still here” He chuckles
“Your new friend seem to be…”
“Vulgar? He’s just playful” Neungdiao says
“Too playful in my opinion”
“But you know” Neungdiao swallows hard. Clearly what he’s about to say is something he never talked to Palm about. He reaches out to Palm’s leg and gently caresses it
“Neung?”
“He taught me some things you know. How to be…in bed…how to make it hotter?” Neungdiao bit his lips. He watches as his husband stares back at him. Eyes looking thirsty all of a sudden. 1…2…3…4…5…6…7
“Fuck this. We’re not going to work today. I’ll call the restaurant we’re going to be off today. You call your office. They don’t always need their boss. We’re taking time off today. We have until 4!” Palm turns on the engine of the car “I need to know what your friend taught you. What tips he gave you” Palm smirks.
Neungdiao winks at Palm before letting go of his legs to grab his phone and call his secretary.