Duang With You

The sunlight of a new morning streams through the window. The Christmas party last night, paired with the neat whiskey Quinn's dad handed him, leaves his head feeling heavy. His broad arm sweeps across the bed, searching for the person he was sure he'd held all night, but the person has gone. 

 

Quinn has disappeared from the bed because, at home, he always turns into that early bird who wakes up with the sunrise. Duang slowly opens his heavy eyelids, stretching lazily on the bed that still carries Quinn's scent. He glances around the room, taking in the musical instruments, books, photographs, and everything that has shaped Quinn's life. A wide smile spreads across his face.

 

This isn't a dream.

Having Quinn is real.

 

"Are you awake yet?"

 

"You... why did you leave me?"

 

"Mama called me to make pancakes. You told her last night that you wanted some."

 

"Really? I was drunk. All I remember is you kissing me before bed. That's it."

 

"Yeah, that's what happened. I wanted to try making them for you, so I got up early. Sorry."

 

Still in his pyjamas, Quinn pulls Duang up to go shower. It's another morning where they shower together. Nothing much happens beyond cuddling in the warm tub. Quinn gets out first, knowing that if he doesn't, Duang will whine endlessly.

 

"So fair-skinned."

 

"You're annoying."

 

"But it's true."

 

"Still not used to it?"

 

Duang looks at Quinn, who is now wrapped in a bathrobe, dabbing his face dry with a small towel. Quinn turns to him with a curious expression. Duang stretches his legs in the tub before replying, "How could I get used to it? I fall in love with you every day."

 

"Cheesy."

 

"You're blushing. I can tell... Hey, don't just walk away!" Duang laughs to himself, finishing his shower and quickly brushing his teeth. Not long after, he steps out to find Quinn standing and picking out an outfit to wear.

 

Later that evening, Quinn's parents and Duang's parents had plans for an important dinner together. Their relationship grows steadily without ever failing. It's something that happens when both are ready for every emotion, every understanding, and every bit of support. They never hold each other back.

 

Duang thinks this is a relationship filled with positive energy, and he feels incredibly lucky to have it. So lucky that he doesn't want anything more than this.

 

"What are you staring at?"

 

More than having Quinn. Having an understanding family. Having a smooth life.

And even on bad days, having a hand that still holds his.

 

"Babe."

 

"Hmm?"

 

"Friend likes you."

 

Duang knows a certain someone still thinks this pickup line isn't old yet. Because every time he uses this silly line, someone can't help but smile.

 

He locks eyes with Quinn through the large mirror attached to the built-in wardrobe in the room. Quinn's pale cheeks turn a deep red. Duang bets Quinn's heart is racing, and he loves that he can make it happen, just like the first day they started talking.

 

"My name is Friend."

 

Duang laughs as Quinn's face turns bright red. Not long after, he yelps and dodges a pillow Quinn throws at him. They dress quietly, with Quinn handing Duang his shirt. Lately, Quinn has been dressing Duang up like a doll.

 

"Quinn, relax. We're just going to eat at EmQuartier"

 

"Wear this. I'll grab the ring."

 

"You're having too much fun dressing me up these days."

 

"Well, you have a great figure."

 

"We're the same size."

 

"You're bigger. Your legs are longer."

 

"Your torso is long, which is great. Your waist is so slim. I love it. I want to be your boyfriend."

 

"Aren't you already?"

 

"Aw, you cutie patootie!"

 

And Quinn hates these words. Duang knows it because Quinn shoots him a glare like he's ready to punch him. He's picked it up from Jettana, whose real nickname he still doesn't know. Jettana, who is still single.

 

"Bangkok won't be cold anymore, will it?" Duang mutters as he spots Quinn's turtleneck in the closet.

 

"Well, you have to wear winter clothes when we went to Chiang Mai with P' Nuea and P' Prince."

 

"That trip was amazing. We lived like royalty."

 

"Well, P'Prince is rich."

 

"Can't argue with that. He's so rich it makes me feel like I'm just a stray dog."

 

"He's beyond rich. Come here, let me roll up your sleeves."

 

Duangs walks over to Quinn, who is about the same height but looks smaller because he's slimmer. Quinn rolls up Duang's sleeves, adjusts his clothes, slips the ring onto his finger, and steps back to admire his work. Quinn looks satisfied, as Duang always looks good in a button-up shirt.

It's a light blue shirt, slightly oversized for Duang, but rolling up the sleeves makes it fit just right. He pairs it with beige straight-leg pants and a thin ring Quinn bought during a trip to Korea last year. He hasn't worn it before because he thinks it doesn't suit him. As for shoes, simple white sneakers complete the look. A perfect outfit for dinner with the parents.

 

"Stay still. I'm taking a picture."

 

"Wow, making it a collection now?"

 

"Because it looks good."

 

Duang scrunches his nose and smiles for the camera. Quinn has been using Instagram more often lately, though he only posts on his story and disables messages so no one can tease him. He even blocks his friends from messaging him, saying he doesn't want to bother replying.

 

"Did you tag me?"

 

"Of course."

 

"Wow, I look so handsome."

 

"Don't style your hair. Leave it natural like this."

 

Duang watches as Quinn uploads the photo and tags him. The hashtag is one everyone probably sees almost daily because they're on break and spending their days wandering around, with Quinn dressing Duang up every day.

 

#DuangDaily

 

That's what Quinn calls it.

And Duang goes along with it.

 

"What are you wearing?"

 

"I don't know yet. Want to go eat pancakes first? It might take a while."

 

"No, I want to watch you get dressed."

 

"You're such a creep," Quinn grumbles, taking off his robe. Duang almost loses his composure. Good thing Quinn is already wearing underwear and boxers. But those pale shoulders with his bite marks? Absolutely stunning.

 

"What a view."

 

"Stop being annoying."

 

"Take your time. I'm enjoying this."

 

"Be quiet." Quinn scolds the unnecessary commentary. Duang whistles as he watches Quinn hold up three or four shirts against himself, still undecided. Having a boyfriend who is good at dressing up is like this. Quinn only dresses up when it's just the two of them. It's entertaining.

 

"Babe."

 

"What?"

 

"You've got a hickey on the back of your thigh."

"...'

 

"I'm going to eat pancakes. I'm done teasing. Bye bye~~" Duang hears Quinn cursing at him as he leaves the room. He isn't actually afraid of getting scolded, but thinks Quinn might pick an outfit faster if he isn't there to distract him.

 

"Khonfu."

 

"Woof!"

 

"Where have you been playing? You've got grass all over you."

 

"Duangggg, I can't keep up with your daughter. She ran off and rolled in the gardener's freshly cut grass," says Quinn's mom.

 

"You're definitely getting scolded by Papa, you little rascal."

 

"Come here, let me brush you off. If Quinn sees, you'll miss out on treats again," she says.

 

"Good morning, Mama."

"It's late, dear. But good morning. Quinn's dad went out for breakfast with his friends. We'll meet at EmQuartier this afternoon. Can you drive me there?"

 

"Of course."

 

"And where's Quinn? Tell him to come eat pancakes."

 

"He's getting dressed. He picked out my outfit, too."

 

"He spends money like his father. A true papa's boy. He's got four closets full of clothes now."

 

Duang laughs. Hearing stories about Quinn from his mama always makes him smile. It's the same when his own mom talks about him to Quinn. He always sees Quinn smiling, too.

 

"I'll go check on the cook for a bit."

 

"Alright, I'll take Khonfu to eat."

 

"You're such a sweetheart."

 

Quinn's mom kisses Duang on the cheek. He carries Khonfu, who has grown much bigger, in his arms. Her perky ears twitch as if she knows it is time to eat.

 

"Khonfu."

 

"Hgggg...

 

"What mischief have you been up to?"

 

Uh-oh. Duang hasn't gotten far with Khonfu and hasn't finished brushing off all the

grass when Quinn comes downstairs. He's dressed in an outfit that matches Duang's, with a turtleneck. Duang thinks he shouldn't have mentioned the cold air, as Quinn really goes all out.

 

"Don't scold her."

 

"Khonfu, get down."

 

"Quinn, don't scold her."

"Khonfu?"

 

Reluctantly, Duang sets Khonfu down. She sits obediently, whining softly as Quinn points a finger at her and begins to scold. These dogs really understand people, don't they? Damn it. She's so good at looking pitiful, and I can't stand up to Quinn either.

 

"No treats for you today, okay?"

 

"Woof!"

 

"Oh, no?"

 

Duang pulls out his phone to secretly record Quinn, who is sitting and having a full-on conversation with the dog. One moment he's teaching her, the next scolding her, and then pulling her in for a kiss on the head while brushing off the remaining grass.

 

Duang watches Quinn through his phone screen, startled when Quinn turns to glare at the camera. I'm probably in more trouble than Khonfu. I'm definitely getting scolded.

 

"Don't post that."

 

"Come on, my boyfriend's adorable. I want to show him off."

 

"I always look uncool when you film me."

 

"Not true. You're super cute."

 

Duang plops down next to Quinn after they finish feeding Khonfu. In the end, she doesn't miss out on her treats. She's Papa's little princess, after all. Quinn is just bluffing.

 

"Look at this. See?"

 

"Cute only in your eyes."

 

"If that's the case, then great. By the way, I still haven't let go of the fact that someone asked for your number at the bar that night."

 

"I didn't give it to them. I told them I have a boyfriend."

 

"I don't care. I'm keeping count."

 

"You're so unfair."

 

"You make me so possessive."

 

"I didn't even do anything."

 

"Oh, so you're saying you're naturally super cute, huh?"

 

"You're the one saying all this."

 

Duang presses his nose into the fragrant strands of Quinn's hair. Glancing left and right to make sure no one is around, he steals a quick kiss on Quinn's cheek and wraps his arms around him from behind. Duang rests his chin on Quinn's shoulder, the scent of Quinn's cologne still making his heart race.

 

It's everything about Quinn. It's strange as Duang knows he isn't the best, yet somehow, he ends up with the best, Quinn.

 

"What are you thinking about now?"

 

"Nothing."

 

"We've been together for so long. Do you really think I don't know?"

 

"No, it's just. I'm thinking how ordinary I am, and you're the best. How did I end up with you? It makes me feel both incredibly lucky and like a total cheat," says Duang.

 

"I've told you before, I'm special because it's you who loves me."

 

"Even if you really are ordinary, I don't need the best of anything."

 

It's a love confession without the word 'love.' Duang tightens his embrace, pressing a kiss to Quinn's shoulder as the next words sink in.

 

"Just being you is enough. I don't want anything else."

 

"Same here."

 

It's another bright morning.

Simple.

Yet never the same.

 

"I don't want anything else from this world either, now that I have you."

 

It's an ordinary morning, yet somehow the most special one for the two of them. And it'll always be this way, forever and ever.