Tiwa wakes up in the morning to the chirps of birds overhead and the swoosh of surf onto the shore, cocooned in a bundle of blankets on the sand. He raises his head and looks around, groggy and disoriented, and realizes that Pravat is not next to him. As he scans the area, he notices a figure approaching from the water, running from the waves to the shoreline.
He looks up and sees Pravat with the sun haloed behind him, his hair messy and curling where the ends are wet, his cheeks flushed, and his eyes clear, clear brown. Pravat has a content, loose smile on his face as he dusts sand off of his body. The sight dazzles Tiwa's eyes—the fact that Pravat's living body is real and solid and full of chaos and color—and the light glancing off of him is a sight to behold.
The constellations swirl deep within his eyes, and the multicolored flecks of sand cling to his skin, products of years of erosion by the waves. It feels as though they are destined to be there, pulled in by his irresistible gravity, just like Tiwa has been time and time again. A sudden feeling of breathlessness washes over him as he takes it all in.
It feels like he's dragged a comet down to earth that he's been chasing his whole life and somehow tethered it there, containing all its intense energy into a picture-perfect moment crystallized in time that he can hold on to and keep amongst his most precious memories. It occurs to him that he's never thought like this before or appreciated something.
With drops of water dripping off his skin onto the sand, Pravat bends over to ruffle Tiwa's hair, which dries into a fluffy, curly mess. Then he quickly grabs all his stuff, steps back into his jeans, and tugs his t-shirt on. "Come on. Put your clothes on. We need to go," he says, sounding bright and revitalized.
Tiwa nods and instantly kicks the blankets off his legs before looking for his pants and shoes. As he dresses again, he still smells like salt water, like Pravat. They're all over him now, and he doesn't want to wash any of it off.
They get everything back in the car, and Tiwa stands outside, lingering by the side, looking back at the water like he is reluctant to leave. Pravat joins him after a minute, and stands in front of him, his shadow falling over him, and Tiwa just stares him in the eyes like they are his own sky.
Moving his hand to Pravat's cheek, Tiwa breathes and leans toward his lips. "Pravat." He lives in a shared intimacy of air and then moves the last inch into a kiss. It is warm and perfect.
Smiling brightly, Pravat pulls back before the kiss gets any deeper. "Come on," he says, but instead of getting in, he guides Tiwa over to the front of the car.
With his phone in hand, Pravat opens the camera and wraps his arm around Tiwa's waist. They snap a single picture together next to the car by the sea. Although they aren't typically fans of selfies, it feels necessary to capture the place and moment with at least one photo. He shares the photo with Tiwa and admires it.
Tiwa feels weird. His hair blows in the wind, his face slightly startled as if caught by surprise in an intimate moment. He looks like someone else in the photo—someone so much happier than whom he has seen in the mirror. Pravat gathers up Tiwa's hand and presses a tender kiss to it before putting on his sunglasses and gesturing for him to enter the car. The sea fades into the background as they drive away.
***
That afternoon, they arrive at the hotel where every bandmate and manager of 'The Prides of Music' stays. The atmosphere seems blurry, but Pravat doesn't mind. Because, as an alpha, he's strong enough to handle anything for his mate. There is nothing stopping him from doing that. He turns toward Tiwa, who fidgets with the seatbelt in fear of something. Not something, but probably someone!
He shakes his head and pulls Tiwa's hands away before helping him with the seatbelt. It's not hard, but Tiwa is making it seem that way. Their eyes meet; Tiwa's light brown eyes are staring at Pravat and trying to convey what's going on in his mind. Nodding his head, Pravat pulls him into a tight hug and whispers sweet things in his ear until he calms down.
He then takes Tiwa's hand and helps him out of the car, wrapping his arm around Tiwa's waist as he guides him toward their reserved hotel room. Everything is going smoothly until the great Jaran Buathong comes their way, head held high and not looking at them. Pravat doesn't pay any attention to it, but someone close to his heart definitely will. He cautiously tightens his grip on Tiwa, making sure he knows he's not alone.
The grumpy alpha scowls while passing by.
With his blood boiling in his veins, Pravat growls and clenches his fist, turning to attack Jaran. However, the omega leans forward, sliding into his arm and leaning against him. Pravat understands what Tiwa is doing. He also understands how hard it is for Tiwa, so he calms his nerves and lifts Tiwa's chin to look him in the eyes, figuring out something sad hanging in them.
Not wanting to worry Pravat, Tiwa breathes softly and wipes at the corner of his eye. "I'm exhausted. We shall move on," he says with a teary grin that quickly falls away as they walk forward.
Approaching the room, Decha suddenly appears and greets them. He inquires about their trip and other details, ensuring he's up-to-date on Tiwa's needs. Their lack of surprise at his concern prompts them to take their time chatting with him. Decha updates them on the paparazzi situation, reassuring them that he and his brother have already handled much of it. He urges Tiwa to focus solely on the upcoming concert while waiting for Pravat to have a private conversation.
Pravat nods and turns to Tiwa, briefly kissing his forehead before giving his hand one last squeeze. Tiwa understands without words and reciprocates by squeezing Pravat's hand one last time before going inside.
Pravat then walks with Decha in the hallway to discuss Jaran's decision to leave the band. They both agree not to mention it in front of Tiwa to spare him from feeling guilty and breaking down before parting ways.
When Pravat takes just two steps ahead, something important comes into his mind, so he stops and looks over his shoulder. "Do I have to thank you for what happened at the last concert?"
"I-I h-have no idea what you're talking about," Decha stutters, halting in his steps and facing the other direction, not daring to look back. "It seems like you believe I had a part in it. I was completely unaware of everything until after it all unfolded," he replies, trying to regain his composure.
Pravat smiles and walks off, turning to his room to see Tiwa staring blankly at the television. It is not good. Shaking his head, he crawls into the bed and sits beside him to distract him from the unwanted thoughts. He wraps his arm around him and lets him rest on his shoulder while watching television with him.
By the time the show that is running ends, Tiwa is asleep against Pravat's chest, his little body heavy and slack. Pravat watches Tiwa's face and brushes his hair away before pressing a kiss on his forehead.
The room is quiet now, the only sound being the gentle hum of the television. Pravat gently helps Tiwa and tucks him into bed, making sure he is comfortable before turning off the television and dimming the lights. As he watches Tiwa sleep, he can't help but feel a sense of peace and contentment wash over him. Despite the challenges they may face, moments like this remind him of the love and bond they share. With a soft smile, Pravat leans in and whispers, "Good night, baby deer. I'll always be here for you."