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The sun was burning against Rome’s back, a jarring contrast to the cool water pooling around his waist. It was a beautiful day, made even better by the knowledge that there were no responsibilities waiting for him. Thee’s wedding had made his dad uncharacteristically sentimental, allowing both of his sons a week off from their usual business.
It was perfect. Almost too perfect, if only he weren’t dying of boredom.
After the wedding, Rome had asked Mok to spend his free week with him and to his surprise Mok had agreed. He’d hoped that it was a sign that Mok was finally coming to terms with his feelings for him. Because Rome knew they were there, hidden beneath layers of duty and loyalty.
But despite being fired by Thee, Mok had yet to dispose of the discipline that had been drilled into him ever since he was a child. Rome noticed his eyes wander when they ate together, darting across the room to check for possible dangers. He saw how Mok’s shoulders tensed whenever one of the butlers stepped too close to Rome, always on high alert. It was a side of Mok he knew. The one he’d fallen in love with over the years. Yet, he craved to see the other side of him. The careless one. The one that didn’t live after rules and years of training. He wanted to peel away layer by layer until he reached the real Mok.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come in?” Rome called across the pool. “I’m sure it’s pretty hot in your suit. Not that you’re not hot anyway.”
Even though Mok was sitting on the other end of the pool, Rome could see him roll his eyes. Still, he didn’t move from his position on one of the loungers, placed strategically to overlook the vast expanse of the manor. “I’m good here, Khun Kritdanai.”
Khun Kritdanai.
Another habit he’d tried to get rid off without success.
“Come on.” Rome whined exasperated. “A little water won’t kill you.”
“I know, Khun Kritdanai. You seem to have forgotten that I was on the swim team in middle school,” Mok answered calmly, his eyes busy searching every hidden corner of the yard.
How could Rome ever forget about that? Not when he’d spent every free minute back then watching Mok from the bleachers. The way he’d cut through the water with focused determination, pushing himself through it like it was nothing. When Mok had needed to quit to follow his duties, Rome had been more disappointed than anyone.
He missed seeing him swim. To him, it had always seemed like the water was the only place where Mok allowed himself to be free. If only he got to see him like this now.
That’s when the idea came to him, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.
Rome walked to the steps at the edge of the pool, feeling the shallow water dance around his middle.
He’d never been the best swimmer, always preferring to watch than to getting himself soaked in chlorine. And he knew that Mok was very much aware of that little detail.
He stepped out of the pool, noticing the way Mok’s eyes flickered over him, followed by a faint flush coloring his cheeks. Any other time, Rome would dwell on Mok’s reaction, but for now, he stored the little piece of information away for later.
The hot sandstone burned under his feet as he lazily strolled towards Mok, purposefully stretching his hands over his head to give Mok an even better view of his wet chest and the tight swim trunks clinging to his legs.
And then, he slipped.
One strategically misplaced foot and he was toppling into the pool with an overexaggerated scream. The cool water hugged him tight, pulling him deep into its embrace. Still, Rome didn’t panic. He let himself sink, knowing that he was safe.
Mere seconds passed before he felt the water ripple beside him, followed by the feeling of strong arms wrapping around his waist. He smiled to himself as he was pulled upward, his head breaking through the surface with a dramatic gasp.
Mok hauled him along, his arms squeezing him tightly to his front. Rome couldn’t think of a better place to be. When they reached the edge of the pool, Mok lifted Rome up onto the hot stone, his legs dangling in the water between them.
Now that his back was no longer Mok, he could finally see him. His suit clung to him, hugging his broad shoulders and accentuating his small waist. His hair was slicked back, his glasses lost somewhere along the way. It didn’t matter, Rome would just get him a new pair.
“My savior,” Rome said dreamily, caging Mok’s body in between his legs.
“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” Mok asked, trying for his usual careless tone, even if his voice betrayed a hint of amusement.
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Rome grinned innocently.
“You’re impossible.” Mok rolled his eyes, trying to free himself from Rome’s grip.
“That’s why you like me.”
Mok sighed, but he didn’t deny it as he let Rome pull him closer, his legs locked tightly behind his back.
It may not be the confession Rome had hoped for, but at least it was a start.