Work Text:
Blue hair looks good on Dao.
That's the first worrying thought Arthit has about North's friend.
But then Dao gets in the car with him.
The second Dao says he's not scared of Arthit's driving, things start to change.
Everyone's scared of Arthit's driving.
It's new.
Intriguing beyond what he already knows.
Something that gets his mind wandering.
But then Dao's smaller hand slides into his, tears sliding down his cheeks, and all Arthit feels is this undeniable urge to protect him.
He's never felt that before.
To protect, care for, to watch over.
But also…
He wishes to make those tears fall for a different reason.
Knowing Daotok can read his feelings is different, for sure. But it doesn't change the violated feeling that followed the confession along with the curiosity.
Daotok cried for him.
The same younger man who seemed almost numb to emotions before.
Yet, tears welled in those dark eyes and slid down those pale cheeks.
Dao is intriguing.
And Arthit is glad for california because he wants to know more.
Needs to know more.
"P'Arthit," Daotok calls as he goes to pass him after taking him for coffee. "Thank you for taking me. You didn't have to."
"Don't worry about it," replies Arthit over his shoulder with a shrug.
But warmth is spreading through him.
He might have just opened another can of worms that he's not quite ready to face yet, and he still has to worry about either finding his mom or finally letting her go.
Arthit doesn't know if he's strong enough to handle any of this, but maybe, for once, in the quiet of his own room, he'll let himself feel everything.