Chapter 35

Beam gets a really weird relationship advice from a high school kid who has thick brows.  Forth makes Beam cry. Forth gets punched in the gut. Oh, and crossovers!

(It may or may not be in that order.)

Epilogue to follow. Or not.

***************

Beam's P.O.V

'Heeyy, when are you coming back? Forth misses you already ~'

I snorted after reading Forth's latest message. I can imagine what Forth must look like right now. This man was getting mushy again and i would've liked to see him do these things in front of my face. But for now, I need to make him believe that I'm not yet in the city. Let's  just hope that Forth or any of our friends isn't in Siam Center right now or we might cross paths.

I drove back to the city alone after politely refusing Pa's offer to be accompanied by a driver. I can survive the traffic here thank you very much. None of my friends, even Forth, knows that I'm already back. I told them I'll be home the next day.

I need to get something. What that is, i have no idea.

I stopped by Siam Center to get something for Forth. He didn't ask for anything but I just want to give him something. Why? Because Forth is the only idiot that forgets that his birthday is in two days, that's why.

Now I'm loitering around at the shops while trying to decide what to get for him. It escaped my mind to decide what to get him beforehand and now I'm seeing all kinds of possibilities and yet I don't know what to get. Or which shop to check first.

I sighed. 'Fuck it.'

I decide to check every shop. There must be something, i mean, there has to be, right?

I stand in the middle of the corridor and I see two shops of clothes facing each other. How about clothes then?

Wait. No, Forth doesn't like clothes so much. (He's almost always half naked when he's at my room so..) and if i buy him clothing, I sure as hell am the one who's going to wear it anyway. So no, no clothes for him. Besides, he might look too good and what if more girls flock around him? I'm stressed enough about girls (and boys) from the faculties closer to his building than mine. No. No clothes. Maybe some other time.

So I walked past the shops of clothing and then stopped in front of a bookstore.

How about books?

I frowned as i stood in front of this store, tapping my foot on the floor. Forth likes to read. But i don't know what kind of book to get him. I sighed and rolled my eyes. I should really pay more attention to him and the things he likes. This is getting frustrating.

Just then, two boys wearing different high school uniform walked past me and into the store. One of them immediately went to the skin care magazines and started flipping pages. The other one disappeared somewhere near the shelves of Japanese comics. I recognized those are the same things Wayo likes to read but i forgot what they're called. Was it Lucy? Loki? Lufi? I don't know.

I decided to go inside too. I envy these kids because they know what they're here for and me..well, not so much.

I'm now standing in front of a bookshelf. It's something about Robotic mechanisms and all that. I don't think he likes to read these kinds. How long am i staring at these books? Almost ten minutes now. Wow this is really frustrating.

In my periphery, the boy from earlier started sidestepping towards me, although i have no idea why he's doing that cause we are the only customers on this side of the alley. He's pretty weird.

He stopped right beside me and I looked at him awkwardly. He looked curiously at the book i was looking at and then back at me. He then did it again when i blinked at him like he was crazy. This kid is really weird.

I raised my brows and I'm looking at him now from feet to head, (that's how he looked at me I'm just copying what he did.) He's wearing black shoes, a blue uniform shorts and white long sleeved top. His wearing braces and has thick eyebrows. I looked at his shirt again and the logo tells me he's from an exclusive school for boys.

The boy raised a hand to pinch his chin, like how you do when you're trying to make a life changing decision or at least that's what this boy looks like.

I tried to ignore him but he cleared his throat to get my attention. I turned to him and raised my brows.

'I noticed you were boring holes into the books P, did you forget what book you're supposed to buy?'

I frowned. Why is this kid asking about what books I'm supposed to buy? I don't even know what I'm doing in this part of the store or what I'm supposed do be getting for my boyfriend what am I supposed to answer him?

'Err..I'm buying a book for my..uhmm..friend..'

He glanced at his wrist watch and looked at me funny.

'That's a pretty long time to stand there and stare at a book for a friend..' the way he said friend sounded a little weird but i didn't react on it.

'Well, i don't know what to get.'

'Hmmn.' He did the thing again. That pinching the chin part. He likes to be in other people's business as far as i can tell, why are kids bolder nowadays? 'Are you sure it's for a friend P? Because I wouldn't stand there for too long for just a friend.'

I narrowed my eyes. This kid is challenging me to spill. 'Fine. A special friend, then.'

'What's the occasion P?'

'Birthday.'

'You stand there for almost fifteen minutes to get a book? And yet you don't know what book?'

'Why are you so nosy? I'm older than you, you shouldn't be meddling with my business.'

'I'm just saying P, if you don't know what to get for your..uhmm..special friend, then don't buy anything instead. You have to be sure of what you're going to give because that's what makes it special.'

He has a point, though. But am i really taking advice from a stranger?

'Oh yeah? Like what?'

'Your body.'

And i stood there, stunned. Partly because he blurted it out like it was something normal to say to a total stranger. The other reason was because of what occurred right after he had said it.

A book —  a very thick one — managed to collide to his head with a thud. I followed the extended hands that holds the book. This other boy, was wearing a different school uniform. He and this boy had the same complexion, only this new one was slightly thinner in size.

'LUKMO!' the boy hissed. 'What the hell?! You can't go around telling strangers to give their bodies to other people!'

'Aw Yok! Why did you hit me?' Lukmo whines as he rubbed his head.

Yok returned the book to the shelf and then turned to me and politely clasped his hands in greeting, and also to apologize. Only then did i realize i probably looked stupid gawking at them. 'P, I'm very sorry for his foul mouth.' then proceeded to drag Lukmo away from me.

'It's not a bad idea, P!' that's the last i heard before he disappeared from my sight.

I left the shop after a moments thought. The kid was right. I just decided to go buy something from the bakeshop and buy a cake instead because Forth likes sweets. At least I'm not leaving the place empty handed. *shrugs* Right?

***************

[Third Person P.O.V]

It was already dark outside when Beam left the mall parking lot and now he was grinning from ear to ear as he was making his way up to his room. He was trying not to imagine the look on Forth's face when he shows up unannounced. He was also thinking of pranking him about how his Dad found out and he didn't want Beam to be with Forth, and all that drama.

He didn't ask Forth where he was, he was sure the guy was taking a nap. Or at least that's what he told Beam a while ago when Beam asked him what he was doing.

He took the last flight of stairs and made a left turn towards the fifth door. The door was locked, which was not unusual since it was always locked whether or not someone was inside. What was unusual, however, was Forth who was supposed to be sleeping, is not inside. Beam raised a brow instead, he placed the box of cake on the table and checked the shower. No Forth in there, too.

Now where the hell is this guy?

All the excitement of surprising his boyfriend and playing a prank on him had evaporated from in a steam of slight annoyance and betrayal. He was supposed to be sleeping, that's what he told Beam awhile ago.

The door opened and in came the missing Forth.

'Oh, hey babe.' Forth said, with an air of nonchalance. As if he was expecting him to arrive a little later. As if he didn't send all those whiny texts in the morning. As if he wasn't surprised!

'Ooohh! cake! Is this for me?' he trotted towards Beam and pecked his lips and back towards the cake. 'You're the best!'

At that, Beam's brows rose skywards. It could've also disappeared into his hairline, if that was even possible. He remained glued on the floor, unable to think of what to feel. He expected a little more than this. He expected Forth to envelope him in a bone crushing hug and kiss him until he drowns from it. To ask endless questions about how everything went. But no, Forth was instead very focused on eating the cake instead of giving him his much needed attention.

'That's..that's it?' He whispers, he couldn't figure out if it was because he was so annoyed that he couldn't let out the normal octave of his voice.

'Come on babe, you were only gone for three days..it's not that long..' the stupid one shrugged.

'Fine.' he grits teeth.

He narrowed his eyes and looked at Forth after a little while. He was supposed to be ignoring Forth because it's what he did earlier but he couldn't stop the pain of being ignored. And he was also disappointed, he hadn't pranked someone in a pretty long while and well, he really expected that bone crushing hug. He took deep breaths to stop the tears pooling in his eyes but it was no use.

Forth, now very aware of what was happening dropped the pretence and went to hug him so tightly that he lifted Beam off his feet. 'I'm so sorry, I suck at this.' he chuckled softly in his ears. 'Aww, Please don't cry.'

'Asshole.' Beam mumbled, after some time of restraining himself from wrapping his arms around Forth to return the hug even though he very much wanted to, the annoyance now bubbling away just because Forth hugged him so tight. 'You're a fucking asshole!'

Forth laughed at the expletive. 'I missed you too.'

Beam wiped his tears on Forth's shirt. 'I didn't even miss you.' he sniffed.

'You don't mean that.' Forth hugged tighter.

'Of course not.' Beam mumbled after he sniffled.

'Hmmn. Forth is really sorry.'

'I can't believe you pranked me. I can't believe you did that!' Forth squirmed when he pinched his side but giggled anyways and kissed his temple. 'Jerk.'

'Well..you were going to play a prank on me first!' Forth held him by the face and kissed the corner of his mouth. 'Just a taste of your own medicine..' he had that smug look on his face.

'I wasn't going to prank you!' Beam lied but Forth didn't look convinced in the slightest. 'How the hell did you even know?'

'Art saw you at the mall. Why were you standing at the middle of the corridor anyway?'

Beam bit his lip and didn't look Forth in the eye as he tried to reason out.

'Just..you know..doing things..wait! Were you following me?'

'Eh? No! Tsk!' Forth rolled his eyes this time, the smug look disappearing from his face, and he walked towards the bed and carelessly fell on his back, arms spreading on either side, leaving Beam to either follow him or remain standing there. 'I didn't follow you! Why would i even do that? So i can see you talking to that little shit at the bookstore? Tss.' He glared halfheartedly at the ceiling.

At this, both of them were grinning stupidly. Forth, because he just played a prank on his boyfriend even though it didn't last long and he succeeded, (more or less). Beam, because he remembered what the 'little shit' told him.

That thought just lifted his spirit and he suddenly felt bolder and braver. This is payback.

Beam made a move to the bed and climbed on top of Forth who jerked with a start, eyes going wide. Beam grinning mischievously at him whilst he positioned himself on a more comfortable angle which is sitting directly on top Forths..abdomen.

'You know, you should probably thank that little shit.'

Forth gulped. 'And why would i do that?' he glared, trying to act unaffected of what's currently on top of him.

'Well..he's the one who told me what to get you on your birthday so..'

'And what's that?'

Beam leaned down and kissed him but pulled away before Forth can kiss him back. 'Maybe I'll tell you later.' Forth groaned when he pulled away grinning.

And for a fleeting moment, Beam almost crumbled and give in and kiss him again and again, like how he imagined it back home.

But no, payback was payback.

He got up and instead made a move to the bathroom to take a shower. 'That's what you get for ruining my plans.' and Forth was left to deal with the calming of the thing under his pants. 'Go eat your cake, love.'

*

It seems as though none of them can keep a pretence for too long because roughly two hours later, Beam gave in.

Forth was leaning on the headboard, reading a book, something about troubleshooting. And Beam jumped on top of him again. Beam looked smug now, and Forth narrowed his eyes. Another tease, he thought. So he kept reading but Beam pushed the book down, kissed him and this time, he didn't pull away.

Forth didn't move at first but when Beam didn't pull away, he finally kissed back. Slowly at first then hungrily and then they were fighting for dominance until Beam conceded.

He was gripping Beam's waist and Beam was gripping fistfuls of his hair and then Forth pulled away. He had to be sure this time.

Beam looked at him im confusion.

'Wha—

Forth pressed their foreheads together, eyes closed and released one shaky breath. 'Do you have any idea what you're doing to me right now?' he asked, voice hoarse and gritted teeth.

'I am aware.' Beam deadpanned, looking annoyed at the unwanted interruption. 'That is actually the general idea..'

'Huh?'

'Early Birthday present..' Beam shrugs.

Forth looked at him skeptically. 'You sure about this?'

Beam groaned. 'Do you want the present or not? I have things to do..'

Forth nods.

'So are we doing this or do you want me to stop?' Beam always looked cute when he was impatient, in Forth's eyes.

'Okay.' Forth grinned. 'Proceed.'

Beam snorted at this, then bit his lip. 'Happy Birthday..'

Forth had that knowing smile on his face again but was promptly erased when Beam grabbed him again and crashed their lips together.

***************

'So what's the plan?' Mark asked to no one particular whilst writing something on his notes. He was sitting beside Jan, his girlfriend, and she was seating beside Art. Lam and Forth were at the seat in front of them.

'For what?' Jan asked this time because Forth had that distant stare in his eyes again.

'Birthday.' Art jerked his head towards Forth while looking at Jan who made an 'Oh' but without a sound.

Mark, Jan and Lam stared at Forth who was smirking at a nonexistent scenery, Art's face remained planted on his mobile game. Their faces mixed with curiosity and amusement.

'Doc Beam came back yesterday right? So what's up with him?' Lam asked everyone, not even bothering lowering his voice.

Although they were used to Forth's quietness, they were not used to his weirdness of staring into the distance and smirking like an idiot. It only happened when that time Beam didn't want to talk to him anymore, and when Beam was away.

'It must be the pheromones again.' Art shrugged.

'Pheromones? What are you? A bee or some—

'Hey guys!' Beam waved as he walked long strides towards their table, Kit and Phana in tow. Forth's smirk grew into a shit eating grin.

Everyone greeted the new arrivals and Beam easily took a seat at the part of the table in front of Forth, his right foot supporting his weight while his other foot dangled from the table.

Lam rolled his eyes as the two lovebirds were enclosed in bubble of their little world.

'What brings you all the way here?' Mark turned to Phana.

'We just followed him.' He gestures to Beam who payed him no attention.

'Ah. Makes sense.' Lam nods. 'Hey guys, you want to include us in your little world for a second?'

Beam turned to him and Forth peeked from beside him. 'What?'

'What's the plan?'

'For what?'

'Duh. End of the term? Your birthday? His birthday?' Lam gestured to Mark who's birthday is next week. 'Am i the only one who remembers all of your birthdays?'

'Oh.' Forth turned to Beam. 'What do we do?'

Beam shrugged.

'Let's go on a trip. Post birthday celebration.' Jan supplied. 'All of us.'

'Cool.' Mark said, and glanced at everyone. Art nodded approvingly — without tearing his eyes away from his phone of course.

'Okay.' Beam and Forth said. 'End of the term is in three weeks. We have time.'

'I'll take care of the ride. As long as I'm not the one driving.' Lam said in a rush. 'Dad could drive.' He gestured to Mark. For some weird reason, Lam started calling him Dad and called Jan his Mom. The said couple had stopped telling him not to and eventually got used to it.

'Stop calling him Dad. You make me cringe.' Art spoke after rubbing his eyes. He put his phone down while restarting the game.

'So it's a plan then? A vacation. All of us?' Ming said out of nowhere and Kit almost jumped out of his skin. He sling an arm around Kit's shoulder and sent a knowing grin at Phana who narrowed his eyes. Forth saw the exchange and sighed.

'Not again.' he mumbled and Beam looked at him funny.

He was excited for the get together even if deep inside he knew he wasn't going to have a proper vacation. Especially with Ming, Phana, and Lam around. Oh, and also Mark.

Even so, it was something to look forward to.

*

'We need to go.' Phana said after a little while of chatting with the gang from engineering. Kit glanced at his wrist watch and tried to pry Ming's hands off his shoulder.

Beam stood up from the table and pinched his cheek which made him grin. After that night, Beam became a little more affectionate even when in public.

Phana offered his hands to Forth in a 'man hug' kind of way, Forth stood up even though he was a bit confused why Phana wanted to hug him.

And then it clicked.

After the hug, Phana jabbed his fist up his gut. Everyone in the table and the cafeteria stopped and stared.

'What the fuck was that for?' Forth groaned and Beam kicked Phana twice in the shin before helping Forth who was clutching his middle.

'Happy Birthday!' Phana shrugged, raising his hands mid air.

'I'm sorry. He does that all the time.' Beam said and Forth gave an exasperated snort.

'Really? You don't say..' Forth deadpanned and Beam just shrugged, half amused and half sorry.

'I am so glad I'm not dating one of your sons.' Mark said, still in awe. And then he turned to Ming who had that slight panic in his face and then grinned.

'P..' he tugged at Kit.

'Don't worry, it's not your birthday yet.' Kit shrugged.

'What a shame.' Lam faked a disappointed sigh.

Beam kicked Pha in the shin again as they were leaving.

***************

A/N: Y'all ready for the Epilogue? I think I'm going to squeeze in Beam, Phana and Forth's P.O.V? Still not sure though.

Vote, comment, let me know your thoughts. Thank you my Lovelies!!

(I stalled myself in publishing because i had that little shit in my head telling me to abandon mission. Dysphoria is a fucking bitch.)