"Since you've chosen having lunch in my office, I'd like to know what goes on in that spontaneous mind of yours. Is there anything you regret so far."
"I have some regrets." Rey nodded, putting aside his empty takeaway lunch box. "Not many though."
"Do tell."
"The image of your naked body coming out of the bathroom in that hotel. I do regret looking away."
Ari grimaced. "If I were you, I'd be apologizing for a lot of things at the moment. You made me feel terrible that day."
Rey laughed. "You are going to forgive me anyway. It was just a matter of when."
Standing up, he threw the lunchbox inside a bin at the corner of Ari's office. "I did come to the room a couple of times while you slept to get a thing or two." Poking at Ari's cheek, he added on, "You sleep well when you're tired Manager Ari. However whenever you are uneasy, you fidget endlessly, like that night we met your foster family." Taking a seat opposite Ari, he added, "That becomes my other regret. I should have taken the opportunity instead of throwing you to someone else."
"You know, I do not believe a word you are saying. Your conviction may be admirable, but it doesn't give me confidence of your volatile personality." Ari said then pushed his empty lunchbox towards Rey, who read his gesture and threw it away in the bin. "I also appreciate your forwardness, but you definitely need to work on your approach."
"Surely you didn't forget our wager again. You got the client Manager Ari, neither are you seeing anyone."
"Rey I'm being serious. This is not a game. You are still enticed by women."
"Yes." Rey admitted. "B-But I'm not particularly attracted to anyone at the moment, neither do I want to..." Rey cut himself short, regretting his words and upon noticing the blank expression Ari wore, he felt the need to rephrase his remark, but Ari raised his hand in a bid to cut him off.
"I'm not offended. Don't get me wrong Rey. Your confidence in where you stand is what puts me at a disadvantage. Having waited to feel this...chemistry and unrequited connection... I guess I understand Ned better now." Looking at Rey in the eye, Ari concluded. "I've chosen to settle. I'd be stupid if I were to let this trivial hiccup bother me. Who would believe I managed to get a straight guy smitten? One that I used to like more than eight years ago? Nobody. Honestly it sounds ridiculous and far fetched to me."
"You worry too much. Let's just enjoy the moment one day at a time."
"Is there any pressing reason behind your visit to my office during your lunch break?"
"I came to see my boyfriend."
Ari sighed heavily. "I appreciate wittiness, and your care for my empty stomach but you can't be doing things like this on a whim."
"As I see it, you needed comforting and a bit of lunch."
Ari's chuckle was dismissive. "My idea to avoid you the next coming days may not be a bad idea."
"You were planning on avoiding me again?"
"Yea. It's becoming hectic working with you ploughing me every night. I had to sacrifice something."
"And you chose me?"
"You don't pay my bills. As a matter of fact, you are full of debt, aren't you."
Rey laughed. "That's a low blow but I'll take it."
"Start taking your job seriously. Your debt is not going to take care of itself."
Upon Rey's departure, Ari pondered over his entanglement. It felt rushed and confining. The hesitation to put labels on what they were was all on his side. Despite their sexual relationship being enchanting, Ari felt more humiliated whenever he gave in easily to pleasure.
'I got what I wanted so why I'm I hesitant? Or does being bottomed regress me?"
"These days, he feels like he is in a rush. Perhaps I'm the same since we often get to work in the knick of time." Ari chuckled. "No matter how much time we spend together, it is never enough; and whenever we are at work, each of us can't wait to see the other, counting down time until we meet again. Rey even popped in today to bring me lunch.
Even so, it would not be out of place for him to think he has finally had me, calling me his boyfriend and what not. Soon, he might even begin telling me he loves me. Of course, I'd expect nothing less from someone of his age, hippy and giddy."
Ari's smile dropped. 'But, he might still be simply curious. He remains a novice with a satisfaction at humiliating and pestering me nonstop.'
"Manager Ari, your appointment is here."
Ari nodded and checked the time. Almost an hour had passed upon Rey's departure. There had been days he speculated on many reasons why his brother would come to visit, whether what he said about their family were lies, or if Rey was simply naive; but a naive Rey was a version he had not yet seen therefore, there had to be some reason why he'd taken his brother's side.
"Big brother... I'm glad you accepted to see me."
Ari stood from his seat. "This meeting you requested is a disadvantage to you in the long run than me. I loose nothing so let us finish this quickly."
Smiling, the man replied. "I only had modest expectations at best. You've known I've always been a simple man. May I take a seat?"
"You may." Ari said and sat down too. "From your letter, you are looking for a house. The good news is I found one very far away from this town."
"Brother," The man said dismissively, glancing around Ari's office with much appreciation. "Everyone was startled by how fast you sprung back up. I suppose that has always been you, the stabilizing force that kept us siblings together until the scandal befell us."
"Did you come here to reminisce?"
"Our second brother recently took over the GCEO tittle after our parents stepping down. He ran our businesses down and incurred a lot of losses. He is not equipped to repair a rift of such a magnitude."
"That is not good news."
Seeing that he had picked Ari's entrepreneurial side, his brother went on. "I was kicked out when I suggested you take over. I gladly left but Mother later contacted me and begged me to bring you back but I refused. You see, in life, one must forge their destiny. That is why I was relieved when I found you, not to bring you back but because I believe you and I are similar, and I intend to follow in your footsteps."
"Are you gay?"
Ari's brother guffawed at the remark. "You must deem my story as mare pontification but I guarantee you, I do not care of my losses. I'm quite a hothead big brother. It still lapels me how you were treated upon your last visit; and to answer your question, I not."
Ari fidgeted in his seat then leaned back. "You talk big, but all I hear is a little pup begging to pet. Either you lost your way or you are broke without a coin to your name."
"My finances should not worry you, big brother. I studied business well therefore I can subdue a contract excellently. I'm also not too foolish to think I'd equalise your skills. While looking into you, I stumbled on your accomplishments. You've done well for yourself big brother therefore I see futility in trying to speak of a partnership. That is why I wish to visit the past and only request that you once more become my big brother. It has never changed how I view you. It never will."
"If I'm to allow this relationship you seek, you do realize I'll only keep you near to watch your moves. I do not know what you are screaming, but I do believe you are not going to stop pocking into my affairs. Whatever scheme you are hatching, it will come to light eventually."
"Even if I were hatching something, I have no way of succeeding without resources. Chairman Ned as I've heard of him is a powerful man, very close to you and full of resources."
Ari stiffened. "I see that you shall never gain my trust. You have the mind to give me more grief."
"If I come off that way, I'm sorry. Think of the two business moguls that raised us. Being competitive is a given. I'm simply stating that I'm at your disposal business-wise and as a brother... I'm on your side big brother Ari. Please, let us mend this burned bridge once and for all."
"What of Rey? What are you up to?"
"Oh, your good friend. He is a man with a gentle soul."
"Gentle?"
"I'd say you got yourself a fine catch big brother, guarding you like a fierce dog. I'd dare not to mess with him."
"Dog?"
"Why yes. I know he let me see you not freely but because just like you, he prefers to keep his friends close, and enemies closer."