Work Text:
"This doesn't sound right.."
Puen mumbled, more to himself instead of the empty space around him that oddly feels wider without Talay in it. Feeling frustrated as he, once again deleted a sentence, staring at the unfinished work on the screen of his laptop, familliar pixels dizzying him out.
˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖ 𐙚 ˖ ݁𖥔 ݁݁˖
A year had passed after the crazy, unbelievable, universe-switching reunion between the two lovers. Puen could still remember the moment at the glass house, how he desperately pulled him in in an embrace and hold on to the man he loved as he acknowledge his soul when Talay finally, finally came back. Puen wouldn't know what to do if Talay didn't come back, he would've lose his damn mind.
It had also been a year since Puen had retired from acting. He came to conclusion that he liked writing the characters' life more than bringing the characters to life. And Talay, being the supportive partner that he is, didn't even think about having a negative reaction on Puen's chosen career. His lover, being comfortable his occupation is what matters the most to him.
˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖ 𐙚 ˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖
Talay already told his fiance earlier in advance that he would come home later than usual because of a scheduled meeting at work that for sure will require an amount of time. As everyone knows, life as a colorist is definitely not relaxed and to combine with his lover's dedication and passion to his work, which to Puen, is definitely not a problem. In fact, he supports Talay a lot. Seeing the man he loves enjoying what he does means more than anything to him.
But sometimes, he couldn't help but miss his lover. Can you blame him? Ever since he met Talay, even in another universe, he had , and I mean fallen! for Talay. He could spend a whole day just admiring him,
but of course, they're still functional adults with responsibilities and bills to pay.
Puen rested his back on the support of his chair, eyes staring on to the ceiling, a sigh escaping his lips. He reached over for his phone, screen casting soft shadows on his features.
Messages from 4 hours ago. All replied. His thumbs hesitated over the keys, before closing the screen with another sigh, feeling frustrated.
Work's undone,
and he misses Talay.
11:59..
12:00.
Puen got startled by the sudden sound of the door opening, jolting him right back to reality. He quickly set his laptop aside, standing up. Before he could even walk to the doorway, the door bursted open with Talay, breathing heavily as if he just ran a mile with no break.
But the moment their eyes locked, Talay's lips formed into a soft smile, that's when Puen's gaze panned to the circular cake being held by Talay's hands. Before he could even question,
"Happy birthday to you.."
Talay began to sing a familliar song, lighting up the candle, casting a soft glow against his skin before slowly walking up to Puen, whom still had a confused and surprised expression on his face.
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday, happy birthday.. Happy birthday to you."
There was a moment of silence as Puen came to realization, the flame of the candle now casting a soft glow on both of their facial features. "It's my birthday?.." Puen asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes, you idiot." Talay replied, still smiling. And for once, Puen didn't know what to say. He looked at the cake, the words "Happy birthday, Puen!" written in a pink icing. It was crooked, messy. Puen let out a quite chuckle. "You made this yourself?" He asked.
"I asked Tou and Tup to help me." Talay answered. Puen looked at him. "I thought you had work?"
"Except I didn't. " He returned. "Oh, no. I did."
"I was working for the man I love's birthday." Talay corrected.
The wall clock catched Puen's attention. 12:00. Then back to Talay.
"Hey, why are you crying?" Talay asked as he notices the man's glossy eyes, the softness of his voice adding up. Puen could only stare at Talay, not being able to say anything. "At least make a wish first." Talay added, reaching over to wipe Puen's tears at the corner of his eyes with his thumb. "Make a wish first, Puen."
Puen let out a sound between a laugh and a sob, trying to compose himself as he closes his eyes.
For Talay to stay well and healthy.
For the project he's working on to be a success.
For us to stay together forever.
Puen opened his eyes and blew off the flame on the candle, thin smoke curling up in the air.
"Happy birthday na krub.." Talay repeated, a hint of chuckle in his voice.
This reminded Puen of that time in the universe, when Talay also celebrated "his" birthday that wasn't really his.
He remembered how much he wanted to stay, because he was afraid that if he goes back, he wouldn't have anything that he already have in that universe, things that he had spent most of his life wishing to have. He had craved enough that he was willing to live another person's life, believing that he wouldn't have a family, a lover, friends that's waiting for him when he goes back.
But Talay is here.
Standing in front of him, going back homd at exactly 12:00 am, holding a cake that was made by him, Tup and Tou.
"Ai Puen.." Talay said, reaching over and taking Puen's hand, setting the cake down on the dining table before turning back to him again, cupping Puen's cheek and wiping the corner of his eyes again. "Say something, damn it." He said, but with no real heat to it.
"Thank you na, Talay." Those were the only words that Puen could say at the moment. Talay nodded, still smiling. "Of course." He acknowledged, before pressing a brief peck on Puen's cheek. "Come on, let's eat the cake." He added.
˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖ 𐙚 ˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖
Talay gave the first slice to Puen,slicing a piece for himself before settling down next to him. He watched Puen take a bite, before asking; "Is it good? It's my first time baking a cake." He said before taking a bite himself.
"It is." Puen answered, putting his fork down. "You made such effort."
"Well, I'd do anything for my fiance." Talay replied, "And you tell me I'm the cheesy one." Puen teased, chuckling as he sees Talay's reaction.
"Oho, okay. I won't anymore." Talay said in response, turning away from Puen lightheartedly. "I'm just kiddingg, layy." said Puen, holding Talay's wrist. Talay rolled his eyes in fondness and took another bite of the cake before looking back at Puen. "Thank you.. For doing this. I didn't even remember."
"Thank you for everything, really. Thank you for coming to my life." Puen confessed, the other man rested his palm on top of his hand, responding "You don't need to keep thanking me, Puen," he said. "I did this because I wanted to see you happy, and that alone is already more than enough to me."
There was a moment of silence, not the awkward one. Only the one that stands as a reminder that they are already familiar with each other's presence that they don't need to fill the silence with words in order to be comfortable with each other.
Puen broke the silence with a chuckle, giving Talay's lips a peck, before pulling him in an embrace. "I love you so much, Talay. So much." He murmured against Talay's shoulder.
"I love you so much as well."
When they pulled back from the hug, Talay suddenly picked an icing with his finger, smearing it on Puen's cheek, laughing. "Talay!" Puen said, startled with the sudden cool sensation on his cheek, even though he can't hold his laugh back himself.
"I'm not gonna get back at you." He took an icing and smeared it on Talay's cheek, chuckling. "You bastard." Talay muttered, though his voice is full of nothing but affection.
They were both home, again.