Chapter Text
Aching limbs and muscles screamed at Tharn as he tried to make it up the stairs to his and Phaya's room. He thought about just forgetting all the flights of stairs left and sleeping right there on the steps. He knew it wouldn't be comfortable, and he'd probably regret it in the morning, but it honestly sounds a lot less like hell than climbing to the top. Coming back from Naga world had left him beyond exhausted.
Judging by his stomach it had been several hours since he ate anything, yet Tharn didn't feel like eating, even though his grandmother has cooked his favourite dish. The emotional reunion was too overwhelming for him.
A year...
12 months...
365 days...
525600 minutes...
Tharn had to stay away, away from everyone, away from his Phaya, the one person who meant the world to him. He loved Phaya from the bottom of his heart and spending every day in Naga world without him felt like torture. Phaya though heartbroken and in pain atleast had everyone around to take care of him but Tharn was all alone and away from his love ones.
As Tharn climbed the last steps, he could feel everyone's eyes on him. Maybe they were still making sure he had actually returned. He gave a small smile to his grandmother and Yai before pushing open the door to his room
"Hey" greeted Phaya with a smile straightening the covers of their bed "I got everything ready here"
A lone tear fell from Tharn's eyes. Phaya was always too sweet with his gestures. The older never hesitated to show how much he meant to him "Phaya..."
Phaya dropped what he was doing and went to stand near Tharn, cupping his jaw. He immediately noticed the slight change in his lover's temperature "Are you okay? You feel a bit warm"
Tharn ignored Phaya's concern and swallowed thickly, covering the hand with his own "I missed you... Your touch... Your voice... everything ...I .. I don't ever want to..to be alone again"
Phaya placed a kiss on Tharn's forehead and stayed for few seconds "I missed you too Tharn. I still can't believe you are here. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you. Last year was really difficult without you. I love you so much Tharn"
"I love you too" Tharn spoke softly before leaning in for a kiss, body melting when Phaya wrapped his arms around and pulled him close
"Let's rest tonight. We'll talk tomorrow" said Phaya and watched Tharn slowly slip into the bed, his movements sluggish. Brows knitted in worry when Tharn was out like a light before he could join him.
Dropping back down to sit beside his head, Phaya draped a thin blanket over Tharn who curled into it reflexively, hands hugging it to his body. Phaya ran a hand on his head, still frowning at the warm skin
A knock at the door tore Phaya's attention. He got up to see Yai standing with an apologetic smile "Sorry to disturb you both but I just... Is he .. I mean Tharn..."
Phaya nodded opening the door wide so Yai could see Tharn. He understands the need for the man to physically see that Tharn has actually come back to them "He's here P'Yai. He fell asleep though. Think he's tired"
Yai visibly relaxed on seeing his little brother sleep peacefully "Still feels like a dream right?"
"If this is a dream then I don't ever want to wake up P'Yai" replied Phaya looking at Tharn and Yai placed a hand on his shoulder "Don't worry Phaya. This time we will never let him go. Now you too take some rest. I'll come back later"
Phaya closed the door and stared at Tharn's sleeping form. His boyfriend looked so small, barely visible under the covers. He definitely had lost weight and he didn't even want to think about the small bruises covering his feet. What has actually happened before Tharn came back to him. At what cost did Chalothorn let Tharn go. What did Tharn do or say to convince the Naga? There were so many questions but right now nothing seem important other than the fact that Tharn was with him.
Phaya felt his stomach do a summersault when suddenly Tharn let out a whimper, his face moulding in clear pain "No... No.."
"Tharn" Phaya rushed towards the bed, heart beating faster with every second
Tharn creased brow and slight uneven breathing kept him from doing so. It was clear to Phaya that the younger man was having a bad dream. Something like that would keep him from getting good night's rest. He grabbed Tharn by his shoulders and shook gently "Tharn hey.. Tharn.."
Tharn jerked but didn't open his eyes. Out of protective instinct, Phaya let his index and middle finger slip to press Tharn’s over-warm pulse point. The rapid fluttering under the pads of his fingers made him frown. Few minutes back Tharn was fine but now his whole body felt like it was on fire "What the hell?"
"I'm sorry... Phaya" Tharn's breathing quickened as his body shivered under an unknown fear. His eyes were clenched shut and so were his fists that were bunched with the sheets. Tharn let out a sob which broke Phaya's heart. The older boy then flattened his palm against Tharn's’s neck, stroking his thumb up and down in a fruitless but calming gesture "Tharn wake up! I'm right here... Tharn!"
As if someone had switched a light on, Tharn snapped his eyes open, wide and frightened. He sat up hurriedly and looked around as if to check, infact double check where he was and with whom he was. His eyes landed on Phaya who was watching him with equally wide eyes "Phaya"
Phaya cupped Tharn's burning neck with both hands, his voice low and assuring "I'm here Tharn. You're with me. It was just a nightmare...you're safe"
Tharn didn't stop the tears that fell as he slowly moved his body into Phaya's arms. Safe. If he was with Phaya then he should be safe. He so badly wanted to hide and shield himself from the outer world. Hearing Phaya's fast yet steady heartbeats, Tharn wished he could come back sooner. His body felt weird and skin itched in an unexplainable way. His head was hurting and so was his stomach. Something was definitely wrong with him.
Phaya ran a hand on Tharn's trembling back "You're having a fever"
"I'm fine" lied Tharn, not wanting to worry Phaya. He will be fine if he could get a good night sleep "I'm just tired"
Phaya helped Tharn to lay back down "You're not fine Tharn. You rest... I'll be right back"
Tharn closed his eyes, not knowing when sleep claimed him and pulled him under it's clutches.