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Fadel, Bison, & Keen: The Implication of Victimhood and Human Trafficking
TW/CW Note: This essay argues the case of Fadel, Bison, and Keen being the victims of human trafficking. It also compiles and dissects evidence of that claim with sources, analyses of various scenes, and current Thai and International laws. It may be upsetting for some readers.
This meta/essay was written because I can't just watch a fun, Shakespeare derived show about gay hitmen and not get weird about it.
…And also because I have been working in the mental health/behavioral field for several years, almost solely with minors - some of whom were abused and exploited.
The more I think about Fadel's and Bison's circumstances - the canon evidence, the implied manipulation and abuse throughout the show, and everything that WASN’T shown or said to give Lilly any kind of legal legitimacy, the more I feel like they aren't as culpable for their crimes as they think they are.
But first, what constitutes as human trafficking on a Thai and international standard?
Under Thai law, human trafficking is comprehensively defined in the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act B.E. 2551 (2008). The Act outlines specific actions, means, and purposes that constitute human trafficking offenses.
Definition(s) of Human Trafficking
According to Section 6 of the Act:
"Whoever, for the purpose of exploitation, does any of the following acts: procuring, buying, selling, vending, bringing from or sending to, detaining or confining, harboring, or receiving a person, by means of threat or use of force, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power, or of the giving money or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, shall be guilty of trafficking in persons."
While this definition can be interpreted differently by various parties, the The Act further clarifies that exploitation includes, but is not limited to:
Sexual exploitation
Production or distribution of pornography
Forced labor or services
Slavery or practices similar to slavery
Involuntary servitude
Forced begging
Removal of organs for commercial purposes
Other similar forms of exploitation
It is worth noting that these forms of exploitation are ALWAYS considered trafficking when a child is involved, and Fadel, Bison, and Keen were obtained as minors under duress and violent circumstances.
Below are screenshots from The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, which pertains to Thailand specifically. Highlighted statements support the claims being made in this essay according to their country’s laws on the matter.
Internationally, human trafficking is defined by The United Nations as:
"The recruitment, transport, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation.”
Considering Fadel, Bison, and Keen were all orphaned when their parents were murdered by Lilly’s people, only to be put in the (dubious) custody of the woman who left them vulnerable to make them dependent on her, they more than fit this definition.
1. Acquisition through Deception and Questionable Guardianship
Following the murders of their parents, Fadel, Bison, and Keen were placed in the custody of Lilly—a woman they had no known relationship with prior.
All three came from wealthy families, yet no efforts appear to have been made to place them with relatives or protect their inheritance. They ended up with their parents' killer. Lilly tricking all three of their families into granting custody in the event of their deaths seems unlikely, but if she managed, this is still a form of coercion, considering what transpired.
Legal Framework: Thai Civil and Commercial Code Sections 1585–1588 require formal guardianship proceedings, prioritizing relatives and requiring oversight.
The UN Palermo Protocol and Thailand’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act B.E. 2551 (2008) would both consider guardianship obtained through fraud, deception, or abuse of power as qualifying mechanisms for trafficking. Considering Lilly had Fadel’s, Bison’s, and Keen’s parents murdered, then lied about who was responsible for their trauma and rehoming, she definitely committed:
Fraud, by misrepresenting herself - both to the boys and possibly to the courts for either legal guardianship, financial gain to obtain the families’ assets, or both.
Deception, by making her adopted sons trust her initially, only to manipulate them into thinking they were in danger and needed to be trained as hitmen.
Abuse of power, by using her position to manipulate them into a state of vulnerability so they would be reliant on her and loyal when it came to her training and orders once she gained their trust.
Conclusion: The guardianship and its legality may have never been formally investigated, and it may not have been obtained legally. If it was legally documented, Lilly likely obtained it through bribes and systematic manipulation. Considering all three boys seem to have come from wealthy families who would have likely assigned a guardian that their sons knew prior to being orphaned (a family member, a family friend), the circumstances are highly irregular. It also strongly suggests deceptive acquisition, qualifying under the legal definitions of trafficking.
2. Psychological Manipulation and Coercive Conditioning
Lilly began by treating the boys like sons, offering safety and structure before introducing training for violence and strategic killing. In the brief flashback we get, we see three boys standing in a line, foreshadowing their eventual soldier-like expectations. But when she sees one of their shoes untied, she bends down and ties it for them before telling all three they can call her “Mother”. This establishes a gentle, maternal bond that offers comfort, care, and parental authority. But this memory is sharply contrasted by the one following it when she has them practice their aim after the trust and need to impress her has been established. By the time she is sending Fadel and Bison on jobs she frames as necessary and noble, they are fully loyal to her and trust her knowledge, judgment, and orders.
She framed their actions as necessary protection or retribution for their parents' deaths, creating a false moral narrative to justify lethal missions. This manipulation led to emotional dependence, blurred lack of autonomy, and the belief that loyalty to her was synonymous with survival and justice.
Legal Framework: Thai and international trafficking laws recognize emotional coercion, abuse of trust, and manipulation of vulnerability as means of trafficking.
Conclusion: The grooming and emotional manipulation used to coerce minors into violence constitutes a clear form of non-physical coercion and entrapment. Despite Fadel and Bison being adults by the time they are arrested for their crimes, they were groomed, conditioned, manipulated, isolated from familial connections, and ultimately brainwashed as children.
3. Coerced Criminal Activity through False Narratives
Fadel and Bison were often told their assassination targets were involved with their families’ deaths or were dangerous criminals. While a few of these claims may have been true, other claims may have been used to manufacture moral permission to kill, embedding loyalty through deceit. They carried out violent missions under the impression that they were defending themselves or serving justice. Again, they were conditioned to prepare for this as minors, and possibly started missions prior to reaching adulthood. The timeline on their first kills was never substantiated, but their conditioning, grooming, isolation from family, and brainwashing make them qualify as victims being coerced into criminal activity through false narratives.
Legal Framework: The Palermo Protocol and Thailand’s anti-trafficking statute both include criminal exploitation through manipulation or deception.
Conclusion: Their participation in criminal acts under coerced moral justification meets the standard for trafficking-based criminal exploitation.
4. Sexual Exploitation via Implicit Coercion and Mission Pressure
This one is more of an interpretation, but I feel like it is worth exploring.
Going by what we see, it was not uncommon for Fadel and Bison to perform seduction-based roles as part of their missions—exotic dancing, acting as escorts, or using sexual appeal to disarm targets.
In the first scene of the show, Bison is posing as an escort and spending time with an older man. He starts singing karaoke with him, but is in the robe in the next scene and massaging the target, who is sitting in a tub, which is where the target is ultimately killed. Bison doesn't flinch. He almost looks proud of himself when the man is clearly falling for his advances. This notes satisfaction with his methods leading towards a successful, criminal mission that results in murder.
Fadel’s reaction towards such methods is a huge contrast.
In episode 3, Fadel and Bison are expected to seduce a person of interest through exotic dancing. She is then drugged and taken back to her room so they can go through her things and obtain information. Fadel initially pushes Bison to honey trap. He remains distant, cordial, and uses the excuse that Bison is better at it (which might imply Bison having less issues with it overall).
But this time, Bison refuses. It's worth noting this conversation happens right after he talks to Fadel about possibly dating Kant. He may have had little to no issue with it before, but does now that he is developing real feelings for someone. Bison pushes Fadel to be the one to seduce the woman. Unlike Fadel's stiff, professional request, Bison is humorous and playful. This continues despite Fadel showing discomfort and reluctance at the thought of dancing for her and the crowd. He ultimately goes through with it. Bison almost seems smug over not being the woman’s type and Fadel having to be the one to dance (although reacts with subtle and mild offense when the woman tells him that to his face). He also doesn't seem to empathize with his brother’s discomfort.
While it is possible that these methods were not suggested by Lilly and are only ones they resorted to as adults based on their own decision-making skills (as compromised as they were by their conditioning in other developmental areas), their reactions to this situation scream otherwise.
Fadel is reluctant and uncomfortable that he has to be the one to do it. His consent is dubious at best. He seems to depend more on Bison to carry out this type of skill due to contrasting takes on the matter.
Bison, on the other hand, seems to normalize honey trapping. He only takes issue with it when he is developing a romantic relationship. Even then, he teases and jokes about Fadel being the better man for this particular job, missing the quiet reluctance on Fadel's part. This hints towards desensitization, which can be a common coping response for abuse and complex trauma victims.
While Lilly’s conditioning on this front can only be speculated, we have a couple of pieces of circumstantial evidence that support the idea she either subtly planted seeds to put this method in her adopted sons’ toolkit or directed them to do it more overtly in the past - leading them to choose that method “freely” now.
Lilly’s recruitment of Kant into escort work—specifically to bring attractive friends to act as 'party favors'—demonstrates a clear pattern of sexually exploitative behaviors. While Kant WANTED to be invited to her circle to expose her for her crimes, she didn't know this. She viewed him as a young golf caddy, someone she could exploit with the promise of payment.
Lilly was a hitwoman herself. She may have resorted to honey trapping methods back when she was working beneath someone else. Cycled and generational abuse is unfortunately common, especially when the trusted figure refuses to admit they were once a victim or seek out therapeutic services/support.
So…
Legal Framework: Thai and international law define sexual exploitation to include pressured or coerced participation in sexualized roles, especially when the individual is underage or emotionally dependent. Regardless of when these behaviors started, they were conditioned, groomed, and isolated at a young age and made emotionally/psychologically dependent in adulthood. The crimes they were committing on Lilly's behalf fueled sexualizing themselves for information.
Conclusion: These sexually charged missions—especially when reinforced by peer pressure, manipulation, or emotional conditioning—fall within the scope of indirect sexual exploitation under trafficking statutes.
5. Systematic Emotional Abuse and Dependency Control
A strict performance-based hierarchy seems to have governed Lilly’s household. Compliance resulted in praise; deviation led to emotional withdrawal, ridicule, or humiliation.
Keen, unable to serve in the field, was repeatedly shamed and belittled, creating an obsessive need to prove his worth. He was often verbally and emotionally abused by Lilly. Fadel’s and Bison’s insults towards him often hint at ridicule or - alternatively - resentment, since Keen has never had to kill anyone. Creating rifts within the formed sibling unit also creates a breeding ground for competition and a need to please the trusted figure, especially in the more isolated party. Keen’s need to impress Lilly later on by trying to carry out the hits on Fadel and Style (and Kant and Bison, if they had been tracked down) was almost inevitable.
Meanwhile, Fadel and Bison were rewarded for excelling, reinforcing a world where survival and approval were earned only through loyalty and effectiveness.
Legal Framework: Emotional abuse and psychological dependence are explicitly acknowledged in trafficking legislation as valid tools of coercion.
Conclusion: This emotionally volatile environment fostered long-term dependency and control which meets the criteria for non-physical coercive trafficking.
6. Threat of Retaliation for Attempts to Exit
When Fadel and Bison attempted to retire peacefully, Lilly appeared to give her blessing—then secretly instructed Keen to murder them and their romantic partners.
Keen failed, and was verbally abused by Lilly, solidifying the lesson that disloyalty equals death.
Years earlier, Fadel had tried to leave her control by planning to move in with his first boyfriend. Shortly after, the boyfriend vanished.
Fadel believed he had been abandoned until Keen later confessed that Lilly had put a hit on the man. When Fadel asks why he never told him earlier, Keen says she would have killed him too.
Legal Framework: Retaliation or threats tied to exit attempts are core indicators of trafficking under both Thai and international law.
Conclusion: The lethal consequences for asserting independence—whether through romantic relationships or attempted retirement—showcase total control through fear, reinforcing their status as trafficking victims.
7. Financial Exploitation and Asset Suppression
This point is also more theorized, but is still worth noting.
Despite their likely inheritance due to their families’ wealth, Fadel and Bison seem to only have limited access to the estates they were legally owed.
It is implied that individuals (likely tied to Lilly) pressured their parents to relinquish property or wealth, and that refusal to comply preceded their murders.
Once the boys were in Lilly’s custody, it is unclear if there is evidence of ethical estate management or legal oversight.
Considering Lilly’s obsession with status - displayed by her friend group, hangout spots, and greed, it would not be surprising if she took control of the majority of their estates. She may have given them access to just enough for them not to investigate the extent of what they lost out on. Bison mentions the island home was the only property that wasn't taken. Any uncovered inheritance in the form of cash, stocks, bonds, property, valuables, and other assets were likely fraudulently controlled and only partially handed over to keep Fadel, Bison, and Keen from asking questions. Otherwise, it isn't out of the realm of possibility that Lilly arranged to take ownership or be the beneficiary through fraud, coercion, deception, or bribery, which is likely how she also gained custody of three biologically unrelated minors.
In fact, Lilly likely wouldn't have taken in three minors she personally traumatized unless there was a great payout earlier on. While being able to condition and brainwash them helped her financially in the long run, it would have been a huge gamble legally and a risky investment if she had not gotten the majority of their inheritance. So she likely let them keep some of what was rightfully theirs and paid them good salaries, but robbed them of much more than what she gave.
Legal Framework: Financial control is recognized under Thai law and international trafficking doctrine as a coercive tactic when used to restrict independence or manipulate behavior.
Conclusion: Their restricted access to their potential inheritance—combined with the violent deaths of their parents following coercion—strongly supports a pattern of financial exploitation consistent with trafficking operations.
Final Summary of Evidence Compilation
Fadel and Bison experienced:
Fraudulent custody acquisition and loss of familial protection
Psychological manipulation and mission-based coercion
Forced criminal activity disguised as moral duty
Possible sexual exploitation through conditioned loyalty and mission expectations
Emotional abuse and performance-based affection to ensure compliance
Lethal retaliation for attempted independence
Possible economic exploitation, likely linked to their parents’ murders
These experiences satisfy all legal definitions of human trafficking under:
Thailand’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act B.E. 2551 (2008)
The UN Palermo Protocol, ratified by Thailand in 2003
By this criteria, they were victims—trafficked, conditioned, and controlled through emotional, economic, and psychological means.
Legal and Moral Culpability
Legally and morally, Fadel, Bison, and Keen are victims of human trafficking going by the current laws and standards when their circumstances are examined.
But are they culpable for the crimes they committed under Lilly’s control and manipulation?
Yes and no. Morally, they are culpable in the sense that they committed murder and had awareness of what they were doing. They may have thought they were killing bad people, but they also seem to have known that killing was wrong. They knew to lay low and to not get caught. Their situation and upbringing led to other disturbing behaviors (kidnapping their significant others upon being betrayed). In some ways, yes. They have a history of being morally in the wrong and likely know as much, especially after Lilly’s lies and crimes are revealed.
However, with all of the circumstances listed above that support the idea they were victims of human trafficking, they would have had a strong case that might have excused them from legal culpability if presented extensively and correctly by knowledgeable legal representation.
“Each Party shall, subject to its domestic laws, rules, regulations and policies, and in appropriate cases, consider not holding victims of trafficking in persons criminally or administratively liable, for unlawful acts committed by them, if such acts are directly related to the acts of trafficking.”
“Any person who is a victim of trafficking in persons shall receive protection and appropriate care from the Government, including physical, psychological, and social rehabilitation, legal assistance, and compensation for damages.”
Source: Thailand Anti-Trafficking Act B.E. 2551 (2008), Section 41: https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Thailand197.pdf
“Trafficked persons should not be subject to arrest, charge, detention, prosecution, or be penalized or otherwise punished for illegal conduct that they committed as a direct consequence of being trafficked.”
Source: UNODC Issue Paper on Non-Punishment Principle: https://www.unodc.org/documents/human-trafficking/ICAT/19-10800_ICAT_Issue_Brief_8_Ebook.pdf
“The non-punishment principle is integral to fulfilling human rights obligations to victims, and obligations to prevent and suppress trafficking in persons and other serious crimes.”
Five years for murder charges? Normally a great deal. It is understandable why Fadel and Bison jumped on it, especially when they do not identify as trafficking victims and feel responsible for their prior crimes now that they know about all of Lilly’s lies. A life on the run was not appealing at that point. Serving five years so they could move on with their lives and hopefully be with their partners after the fact was preferable.
But I can only assume they declined legal counsel and a hearing/trial in exchange. If they requested legal counsel and got someone knowledgeable in exploitation, their cases and histories could have been examined in their entirety. A legal counsel set on advocating for them would have likely picked up any prior legal loopholes Lilly took advantage of, along with any fraud, coercion, abuse, and legal/illegal inconsistencies. With this evidence being documented, a strong case for their status as trafficking victims could have been established. This could have led to an even lesser sentence or no sentence at all. If it was determined that they needed to be in a restrictive environment, they would have likely ended up somewhere that focused on rehabilitation - not punishment - and it may have been for a much shorter time. Their status as trafficking survivors (if accepted by the courts, legal counsel, and Fadel and Bison themselves) would also likely result in expunged and sealed records.
So while this drama is classified as a romantic comedy based on a Shakespeare play, it is ultimately tragic when it comes to systematic failure - as well as the long-term trafficking, abuse, and manipulation not being legally recognized for three key characters. Fadel, Bison, and Keen will likely never truly understand the scope of injustices they have faced. They were not only failed by Lilly. They were also failed by the system that should have saved them from her.
I know it's been a bit since it aired and I watched it as it came out, but I have been tempted to write a meta on the autistic-coded traits of Thee from Me & Thee and how they make him so interesting and unforgettable. Honestly, if it were directly stated, his character would be fantastic representation for how to write a strong, comedic, and complex autistic character without relying on frequent stereotypes. Maybe I will actually write it one day.
Getting this notification reminds me why I fully left the Queer as Folk fandom years ago. Stopped writing in it at least 8 years ago, picked this story back up after 3 years due to people requesting it, faced hate again and thought, "This is a very toxic space and I don't face this in other fandoms." This comment comes over five years after I last updated. I decided to answer it because it did not bring me the same frustration and annoyance as I felt before.
Getting this notification reminds me why I fully left the Queer as Folk fandom years ago. Stopped writing in it at least 8 years ago, picked this story back up after 3 years due to people requesting it, faced hate again and thought, "This is a very toxic space and I don't face this in other fandoms." This comment comes over five years after I last updated. I decided to answer it because it did not bring me the same frustration and annoyance as I felt before.
For As Long as I Can Travel this World with You Chapter 20, you are most looking forward to...
Group bonding
High Fadel
Potential New Relationships
Little Fadel Flashbacks
Preparing to go public
Style finding more Demiral Dynasty fanfic than he expected to find
The author coming up with too many scene ideas and writing massive chapters
wedding talk
Voting ended onMay 18
Fic preview below cut. Warnings for including real members or the British Royal Family, including a disgraced, now stripped of titles member shown in a negative light:
Spring 2009
Fadel can admit that he enjoys how The Lotus Orangery has been made up for this event. It's always nature based and beautiful. They still display the trees, plants, and vines growing the sustainable fruits and vegetables grown on site for the signature restaurants to use. Living moss and native flowers planted in pots provide decoration, along with elaborate canopies, scale models, protected orchid species in glass cases, and interactive conservation displays on smart screens. Boats shaped and painted like fish and water birds native to Thailand. The Orangery is the only venue big enough for such a thing, complete with ponds, a fountain, the stream, and plenty of space to have galas, weddings, over-the-top birthdays, and philanthropic events like this. It's probably Fadel’s favorite venue in the building. The large glass windows and doors let a lot of light in. The frosted designs on most of the thick glass frames offer privacy and sun protection. No harsh glares to create extra heat. While the room is a bit warmer than most of the other sections of the building, it's still comfortable enough, and it's pretty enough to keep the guests’ attention. As for the guests, this group is an important one. Or so Fadel has been told. They wouldn't have all come to Bangkok for it if that weren't the case.
That being acknowledged, Fadel still doesn't like bowing to royals. It’s stupid. He doesn't see how this lady is better than Ma, Babaanne, Selin Hala, or any of their staff. But apparently because she is the British monarch and found The Living Forest Accord worth traveling to Thailand for, they all have to treat her with the utmost respect.
“Your majesty,” Baba says, bowing towards her as she walks by in an ironically forest green coat dress. It's probably hot, but he supposes that is her business.
“This is my son, Fadel,” Baba says, “Our family is grateful for your attendance and support for our conservation efforts.”
“We are grateful to visit,” Queen Elizabeth says, “It is a beautiful resort. We look forward to visiting the resort in Chiang Mai later this week.”
“Staying there will give you a closer look at what we are trying to preserve,” Baba says, “It's beautiful up there. And the wildlife in the region is incredible. My wife is from Chiang Mai. It is where we are primarily raising our son.”
Queen Elizabeth turns her head and sets her gaze on Fadel. She doesn't even need to look down very much. Fadel is just a little bit shorter than her, “It must be a very peaceful place to grow up. Do you like your school there?”
Fadel nods, “It's a good school, your majesty. International. They work with my other school in Antalya.”
“Fadel is very well traveled and spends a significant amount of time in Turkey,” Baba says, “Our family is very tight-knit and happy to host your family.”
“Charles is happy to be involved in such things and has a speech prepared,” Queen Elizabeth says, “William has started following in his footsteps in that regard, so this will be good for him too. Harry is around here somewhere. He does enjoy exploring. A bit ornery, but he has a good heart. And my son, Andrew, has come along as well. He…loves Bangkok.”
Fadel glances up at Baba and doesn't miss the way his father’s expression becomes more pinched. Huh.
“We hope you enjoy your stay,” Baba says, “Let us know if there is anything you need.”
It’s only minutes later that Selin Hala comes up to Baba. She has Lara on her hip, a scowl on her face, and looks like she might punch someone once she puts her 3 year old down.
“What's wrong?” Baba asks.
“That asshole just said I looked amazing, even after ‘pushing out a kid’,” Selin Hala says harshly.
Baba winces at the words, “Inherently sexist and potentially backhanded. Is there a possibility that he meant well and is just incredibly unaware?”
“He pinched my ass after he said it!” Selin hisses, which causes Baba’s expression to go cold, “I don't think it clicked with him who I was. He thought he could just do that, just like he thought he could use his own government’s travel funds to hire ten women from Patpong and bring them to his room every day during his last visit. I know people at the Mandarin Oriental. High up. They told me. He fetishizes Thai women. He heard me speaking Thai to one of the managers and he fetishized me because of my heritage.”
“We are a quarter Thai.”
“Just enough for him, I suppose!”
Fadel continues to listen as Baba turns to her fully, “We can throw him out. Assaulting you–or anyone–is unacceptable. Baba doesn't like him. Anne definitely doesn't. I have Sirin steering clear. I have heard the rumors. I don't like that he is here at all. Management was not informed he would be staying. He just showed up with the guests of honor. But if you’d like, we can make a scene. If he's going to be bringing…hired women to his suite–”
“You mean prostitutes,” Fadel says, only for Baba to look at him sharply.
“Your toddler cousin is with us, Fadel.”
“Prosties!” Lara says, half hiding her face behind her mother’s arm because she knows exactly what she's doing, “Fetishize!”
How is she saying fetishize perfectly but hasn't tried saying his actual name in a solid five months?
“Lara!” Selin says, gently chastising her, “Adult words. I apologize for saying one of them. That was wrong.”
“You apologize too, Fadel,” Baba says, his voice a little too stern for Fadel’s liking. Fine. He will apologize.
“I apologize saying adult words,” Fadel says, then looks up at Baba, “But I used the job title respectfully and in the right context-”
“This man won't be displaying that kind of behavior here,” Baba cuts in pointedly, “It’s one thing for a tourist to bring someone back to their suite for a fun, consensual night. Fine. That's their business. But if his presence is creating media attention and he is tagging along with his mother, brother, and nephews–who generate a lot more attention–then he will be held to a high standard while he is staying here. If he is being inappropriate with a Demiral directly, then who is to say he won't be inappropriate with a staff member, who might feel more pressure to comply? I’ll kick him out now. I will even do it in front of cameras. No one touches my sister without her permission.”
“I'm sure that will go over well,” Selin huffs, shifting Lara on her hip, “If he does one more thing, he's out. He better not do a thing to any of these girls. They have been working since dawn to make sure everything is running smoothly. If he ever comes to an event again, we are only stationing middle-aged male employees for it. That's it.”
Baba nods and glances down at Fadel, “How much of that did you understand?”
“About the pervert prince?” Fadel asks, “All of it.”
“Let’s hope there are no microphones close by,” Baba mutters, glancing around to make sure.
“Maybe just keep that accurate title to yourself,” Selin says, bending her head just enough to kiss the top of his, “You stay clear too. Stay close to Elif, and encourage Melis to not be an escape artist at least for today.”
“No one is going to convince her of that,” Fadel says, lacing his fingers with Lara’s when she reaches out, “What?”
“I want you, Fabi,” she says, her eyes big and pleading.
…His heart.
Regardless, he keeps a straight face.
“I have obligations.”
Selin Hala snorts and looks at Baba, “What obligations have you given my nephew?”
Baba puts his hand on his shoulder, “To be on his best behavior and show off his ability to speak six languages.”
“I'm not speaking French, Arabic, or Cantonese,” Fadel tells him firmly, “I won't.”
“But you're so good at it!” Baba tells him, “Come on, let me show off my smart son.”
“I'll go into hiding,” Fadel says, “I will change my name, get a cottage in Siberia, and I will never be seen or heard from again.”
“And you will have to learn Russian while you're at it!” Baba says, “So smart and ambitious, look at you.”
“Fabi won't move,” Lara says to Selin Hala, as if her word is law, “No no no no. Fabi STAY. I want Fabi with us forever.”
Fadel decides to let go of his plan that was never a plan to begin with and offer his youngest cousin some reassurance, “Hey. I promise not to move to Siberia. Okay? I wouldn't leave you.”
Lara takes that in and nods in acceptance, “I love you, Fabi. Most. More than Elif and Melis do. You are my favorite.”
“Cool,” Fadel says instead of cuddling her immediately. It's hard, but he refrains. She tends to get clingy after, which can lead to tantrums. They don't need that right now.
“Elif is by the fountain,” Selin says, “I think she is starting to get a little overwhelmed. She's been greeting people left and right. I have to remind her she doesn't need to keep doing it if she wants to go have fun like the child she actually is. Maybe you can encourage her. You two can go have fun until dinner. Just stay in staff’s line of vision, avoid standing near exits unless an emergency requires it, keep us all updated on where you go within the building. Do not even think about going outside unless you bring security with you. You have a phone now. You're a lucky boy. All you need to do is send a text.”
Fadel rolls his eyes, “Disable Latitude on my phone. I don't need to be tracked. I'm eleven. Not a kid.”
“Right, right,” Baba says agreeably before looking at Selin Hala, “He's been under the impression that being in year two of the double digits makes him ready for a mortgage and that he is immune from being overpowered or manipulated.”
“It's true,” Fadel says, doubling down, “Your fears about me getting kidnapped are unfounded.”
“Your babaanne was thrown in the trunk of a car when she was nineteen, not long after she started dating your dede,” Baba tells him, “Your mother and I have been followed in the past, even as adults. So have your aunt and uncle. It's not unfounded. Keeping track of you is smart.
“Kidnappers will abduct one of the royal family members before even thinking about me,” Fadel says, “There are members from the British Royal Family AND the Thai Royal Family. I’ll throw one of them in front of me if someone starts looking my way.”
Selin Hala stares at him, then looks at her brother.
“I can't tell if he's serious or not.”
“It's getting harder and harder to tell with him,” Baba says, then looks down at Fadel, “We have security stationed pretty much everywhere. Mainly because Melis is an escape artist, but they are available to you too. If you feel uncomfortable, you tell them.”
“Avoid potential creeps,” Selin Hala says.
Fadel nods and bows at both of them in respect, “Don't talk to the pervert prince, got it.”
Baba ruffles his hair, “Don't be a smart ass. But yes. Don't talk to the pervert prince, and make sure you and Elif are back by the time they start serving dinner. I won't make you come back for the speeches and presentations if you don't want to.”
Fadel fully plans on skipping out on those. As important as those speeches may be, events like these can be boring. He’s surprised Baba and Ma made him attend this one. They usually bring him to things like weddings, birthday parties, funerals, movie and play premieres, or events focused on children welfare or education. It's not that he doesn't care about saving the environment or animals. He cares about it. Ma has talked to him plenty about stuff like that. He just doesn't care about the people in attendance.
But still, he greets others respectfully as he passes them–never lingering long enough to get sucked into a true conversation, even when parents start mentioning their own children.
“Amelia is just a couple of years older than you,” one woman says, “George, don't you think they would get along?”
“I think there is definite potential. We’ll talk to his parents about setting up a date before leave,” the man next to her says, “Amelia studies three other languages. I hear you know several as well! You must be a smart boy. What do you plan on studying in university?”
Fadel stares at him for a moment before shrugging, “I'm eleven.”
“He does have a point, dear,” the woman says.
“Oh, but he must have some idea-”
“Maybe I will take a gap year, then go to culinary school,” Fadel cuts in, causing the couple to pause and look at him, “I’ll take a few business classes at a local community college as well, to round out my interests, and so I can be ready to help with the resorts in some capacity. But until then, I want to cook. Maybe at a chicken and rice shop. There are a lot in Thailand. I am sure I can find one that will hire me until I am ready to open my own restaurant.”
The man studies him for a moment before his face breaks into a grin, “He's a comedian.”
“The dry wit is commendable, and so advanced for his age!” the woman says before putting his head, “We’ll be in touch.”
Fadel narrows his eyes, “I wasn't joking.”
Because he wasn't, at least not fully. Did he throw in phrases that rich Europeans tend to scoff at like community college and chicken and rice shop, mainly for a reaction? Maybe. But it actually sounds like a solid plan now that he is thinking of it-
“Abim!”
When Fadel turns his head, his nine year old cousin is rushing over with a sweet, nervous smile. She curtsies in her safe green tea dress at the parents trying to sell their daughter to him–which triggers coos over how polite and proper she is–and then she takes his arm apologetically.
My cousin told me he would help me greet guests by the fountain,” Elif says, her accent almost undetectable. In fact, there is a touch of a high class British infliction on some words that Fadel isn't sure Elif is aware of or not, “I’m exhausted, so it is his turn. He mustn't delay any longer.”
“Mustn’t?” he mouths at her. But Elif doesn't react, curtsies again, and leads Fadel away from the couple.
“I'm not greeting guests by the fountain,” Fadel says to her as soon as they are out of earshot, “I'm going to dodge security and skip the event altogether.”
Elif shakes her head firmly, the tiny white flowers intertwined with her hair showing subtle signs of a potential plan to escape. Fadel will fix them. Again. Redo the entire braid, maybe.
“You can't skip dinner,” Elif says, “Dede said there are important people in attendance. We should be present to represent our generation.”
Fadel leans in a little, “You sound ridiculous. Let's try to dodge security. Just to see if we can do it.”
Elif glances around, “Fadel, we can't. They're here to protect us. And it would be too hard anyway. We aren't Melis.”
“We are smarter than a six year old.”
“Speak for yourself!” Elif says, “Melis and Lara are both scary smart, and they use their powers for evil.”
Fadel snorts at that, “Come on. Let’s try.”
“We’ll get in trouble.”
“We won't,” Fadel says, already walking away, “Baba said that as long as we stay inside, check in with staff, and don't agree to follow anyone to their unmarked white van for candy or a puppy, then we can go explore as long as we are back by dinner. Security can track me by my phone if they absolutely need to find us. But if you want to stay here and exhaust yourself by talking politely to-”
“Shhh!” Elif says, as if Fadel might call the guests something insulting. He was thinking about it, to be fair. But he is sure they are not all bad.
“Let's go do something else,” Fadel says, “Aren't you bored?”
Elif glances around, “...Yes. But I also know that it's important to attend these things for practice. Anne said women have to work ten times harder to be taken half as seriously as their male peers.”
Fadel gives his cousin a double take, “You're NINE. She did not say that to you.”
“She said it around me!” Elif says, “Which makes it even more true!”
“Fine,” Fadel says, “It probably is true, because people suck. I promise to support you in all of your endeavors. And I will make sure to not live up to my potential so you don't have to work as hard. You can even become CEO. I won't fight you for it, not even once.”
“You promise?” Elif asks, but she is smiling a little.
“I promise,” Fadel tells her, “Let’s go swimming.”
“Fadel, no,” Elif says, stepping back, “My hair-”
“I will rebraid it.”
“No, because the chlorine will dry out my hair, which means I will have to wash it, dry it, and then get it redone,” Elif tells him, “There is no time.”
…She’s right.
“Fine,” Fadel says, “Let’s go bug The Glass and Tide for scraps.”
“We’re not dogs.”
“We’ll take them back to the screening room on the VIP floor and play metal music videos until it is time to come back,” Fadel says, and he knows he's got her. He and Elif may be different in a lot of ways, but their taste in music? Pretty much identical.
“Okay, that does sound more fun than this,” Elif admits. So that's what they do. And if Fadel tries his absolute best to alternate between different elevators and staircases every other floor? That's his business.
“This feels like it's more work than it's worth,” Elif says as they slip into the back staircase.
“I need to understand how Melis does it,” Fadel says to her, “I actually think we’ve lost them this time.”
Elif rolls her eyes, “You have a phone, Fadel. One that can be tracked. If you want to avoid being found, then toss it over that railing. I dare you.”
…Fadel is NOT throwing his new phone down into the lounge below them. He isn't even going to answer her.
“Next wing, come on,” Fadel says, and Elif continues to follow him. Their extended family is under the impression that Elif is the best behaved one. Their immediate family is even under that impression. And fine, that is probably true. But she just needs some encouragement, and then she's doing the same stuff they do and suggesting they break technology that also acts as a tracking device.
Even if they aren't fully hidden from staff because of the phone, they are no longer in direct eyesight. Maybe there are people actively watching the cameras. Maybe there aren't. Fadel doesn't know. But it feels like they have gotten away with something when they sneak through the staff entrance to steal food from The Glass and Tide, carry it out in closed containers, and slip into the stairs again to go up two more flights.
They stop on the main spa floor for more salon supplies. In case the worst case scenario happens and Elif’s inevitable headbanging to their planned music video party causes a hair emergency. Fadel isn't particularly worried about himself. But his family is female dominant. He learned early on that the thick waves they all tend to share are both a blessing and a curse when it comes to the women. Endless styling possibilities, but stressful to care for in a timely manner. That's why Fadel started practicing when he was eight. He wants to help them, and he has actually gotten pretty good at it. He doesn't love doing it, but he loves helping them. The girls may be annoying sometimes, but he loves them more than anything. He will help them and protect them. Always.
And sometimes, those instincts extend to other people. Even people he doesn't really know. Maybe that's why he reacts the way he does once they get to the spa floor. They have two more turns before they enter the salon wing. They managed to bypass the main check-in lobby with their key cards. Right now, they are in the sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi wing. The few times Fadel has seen the public spa floor, it has been relatively busy. This time, it's practically empty. Fadel can only assume that most of the guests are trying to get glimpses of whatever people in attendance they deem as notable. Sounds pretty boring, if you ask him.
But there is one singular man here in this wing, plus a spa attendant with dropped linens at her feet. And she can't be blamed for that, not even once, because the man has her against the wall. His hand is stroking her side, all while her eyes are closed and she seems to be bracing herself for impact.
“Just a little kiss, yeah? Let's see where things go. I'm not against paying, if you are concerned you might miss a tip during your time with me.”
Elif notices too as she looks around, “We should go tell someone-
“Hey!” Fadel calls out, walking forward. The man looks over his shoulder, squints, and lets out a laugh.
“This spa is for adults,” the man says to him, “You look like you are dressed for the conservation event. You look very dapper. So go on. Go back to mummy and daddy before you get in trouble.”
Fadel looks up at him, “I'm not the one who is going to get in trouble, not when you're the one who has a woman pressed up against the wall when she doesn't want your hands near her. Let her go. Now.”
The man laughs louder this time and turns to him fully, one hand still latched around the employee’s arm, “You're brave, aren't you? Funny too. Do you know who I am?”
Fadel shrugs, “Some ugly pervert.”
“Fadel!” Elif hisses, but sneaks through to see if she can get said ugly pervert’s hand off the woman’s arm. The man’s now more menacing gaze redirects to Elif just enough for him to let go of the woman and shove Elif back with his forearm.
“You’ll pay for that,” Fadel tells him.
“Oh, yeah?” the man asks, “How so? In baht? Sure, kid. Why not? Your currency is nothing compared to mine. It won't cost me anything, and in more ways than one.”
“I don't want your money,” Fadel says, “I want you to face actual consequences.”
The man proves how ugly he is as he gives Fadel a hideous grin, “Again. You don't know who you are talking to. You won't be getting your wish, because you are talking to someone who doesn't even know what the word consequences means.”
Fadel clenches his fists but decides not to use them. Ma always told him to never hit anyone unless it's in self-defense.
“It means this.”
She never said anything about not kicking someone. And if he did the hardest high kick he had in him to aim straight for the man’s crotch? That is Fadel’s business, just like his enjoyment over seeing the man let out a shout and drop to his knees is his business.
“Run!” Elif shouts, grabbing the woman’s hand to drag her with them, all while she remains stunned. Fadel goes ahead and runs too even though he would like to watch the man groan and cry on the ground some more. However, his brain wins out over his heart and he rushes down the staircase until they find themselves in a utility closet.
“Oh no,” the spa attendant stays, pacing in front of the door, “No no no no no. I need to talk to Lek, apologize, see if I can get reassigned, I have had this job for three WEEKS! How did…who are you?! Where are your parents?!”
Fadel points at himself, “I'm Fadel. That's Elif-”
“Fadel, that isn't important!” Elif says, pacing too, “You just kicked a prince! You kicked an English prince! Don't you know who that was?!”
Fadel takes that in, “...Is that the pervert prince Selin Hala was mad at?”
“Huh?” Elif asks before groaning, “I don't know, but I made sure to know all of their faces for this event! That's Prince Andrew! He's fourth in line for the throne-”
“I don't care because he's also a jerk,” Fadel tells her.
Elif stares at him in disbelief, “You don't even feel bad. We…Fadel, we can't WORK with this.”
“Work with what?”
“You aren't going to be easy to feel sorry for if you don't feel sorry for what you did!” Elif says, “That is PR 101.”
Fadel blinks, “...Huh?”
“You're going to have to go into hiding,” Elif says, her mind racing, “He deserved it, yes, but he is a prince and has connections and they used to kill people and hang people in England! Burn them at the stake for witchcraft! What if they do that to you?! What if they execute you for assaulting a prince?!”
Fadel imagines being burned at the stake as his parents, grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins are forced to watch. He doesn't like the idea. It also feels unlikely.
“They probably won't burn me at the stake-”
“We can't take it off the table, Fadel!” Elif says tearfully, “They have done it before and they could do it again! I won't let them find you! I won't!”
With that, Elif tackles him out of nowhere. They have wrestled occasionally, and during self-defense lessons. The thing is, it is in Fadel’s nature to let the girls win every single time. It's a game he doesn't mind losing with them. So maybe it's that suppression–along with Elif’s desperate need to take control of this situation–that lets her successfully get his phone out of his pocket before she quickly pushes up the window on the back wall and throws it outside. Fadel can only watch her while she watches the phone drop from several stories above.
“Good,” Elif says, “It's shattered, and it didn't fall on anyone. Someone else getting hurt because of you is the last thing you need.”
“You're the one who just threw my phone out a 22nd story window,” Fadel says, feeling the agitation starting to creep in. That was HIS phone.
“You don't have a phone anymore,” Elif says, “You need to run, at least until things die down. Or when you hit puberty and aren't as recognizable. Whichever happens first. We need to be careful. We will sneak your passport out of your parents’ things and get you the first flight out of the country, preferably a country England has no ties to–”
“Who ARE you?” the employee says more loudly, “Why did two children who want to flee the country hide me in a closet–”
“Oh, I can't flee,” Elif says, shaking her head, “I need to stay here and divert their attention elsewhere so Fadel can escape–”
“I'm not fleeing the country, Elif.”
“You could be put to death, Fadel!” she snaps, “Imprisoned! Or worse, GROUNDED. Do you want that? Do you? I am trying to help you and-”
“Help with what?”
Fadel and Elif sharply turn their heads to the now open utility closet door to find Melis standing there. She twirls in her flowy, sleeveless floral print dress approximately seven times to show it off in case they forgot how much it shoots outwards when she does it, tosses her crimped hair behind her shoulder, and puts her hands on her hips knowingly.
“How did you find us?” Fadel asks. With one front tooth missing, Melis gives them a knowing grin.
“I saw your phone drop out the window of the closet I was in,” Melis says, walking forward with purpose, “When I saw the damage, I guessed which floor. And I guessed RIGHT.”
It's very impressive. Scary, but impressive.
“We just…” Elif starts, rubbing her temples, “We need to focus on the plan. Auntie?”
The woman seems to realize Elif is talking to her and almost looks offended, “Auntie??? I'm twenty-one-”
“Old enough to watch after my abim while he is on the run,” Elif says as the woman sputters, “What's your name?”
“Nok!” Nok says, then groans, “I shouldn't have told you that. I should NOT have told you that.”
“I won't say a word,” Elif says, “But you were almost hurt by a bad prince. An evil one. Fadel protected you. I don't want either of you burned at the stake.”
“I am more worried about losing my job!”
“We have money,” Melis says as she twirls, “You watch Abim, Taylan Amca sends you money.”
Suddenly, Melis stops spinning and looks at Fadel with big eyes, “Abim? Where are you going?”
“I don't know yet," Fadel says, “But I kicked a prince, and now I might be executed.”
Melis’s lower lip wobbles, “What does that mean?”
Fadel drags a thumb across his own throat, “Death.”
That seems to be a word Melis understands since she throws her head back and cries.
“I don't w-want you to d-die!”
“He won't!” Elif hisses, rushing over to her younger sister, “I will make sure of it! But you have to be quiet-”
“I will go with Abim too!” Melis wails, running over to hug Fadel, “We will go to…together! I want Anneanne!”
Fadel feels a pang of sadness at the idea of not being able to see his grandparents for a long period of time, “Then you should probably stay with Selin Hala and Arman Amca. You’ll see Anneanne and Dede practically everyday if you stay. But I won't be able to come back for years. Maybe not ever-”
“NO!!!”
“Melis, shhh!”
But before she can calm down, the utility closet door opens again and they are met with the sight of Leo, who is in a black suit and is wearing an earpiece.
“H-Hi, Leo,” Melis says, her breath hitching as she wipes her face. Leo looks like he stopped being impressed by her a long time ago.
“I have found Khun Melis, as well as Khun Fadel and Khun Elif,” Leo says into his headset, “They are with a spa attendant in a utility closet. No, they don't seem to be harmed–Are you harmed?”
Elif steps forward, “We are not harmed. But we will not be discussing any more personal matters. I demand legal representation for Fadel and for myself.”
Melis growls and stomps her foot, “I want that too!”
“You don't even know what legal representation is,” Elif tells her.
“We get the same so it's fair!” Melis shouts, “It doesn't matter what it is!”
“Khun Elif is demanding legal representation,” Leo says, “No, I don't know why…Got it…Understood. I will bring them down so we can…get to the bottom of this.”
“Fadel,” Elif says under her breath, “Run–”
“No one is running,” Leo says sharply, then points to the three of them, “You, you, and you. Follow me. You too, ma’am.”
Elif shields the woman and shakes her head, “She has been through enough!”
“Elif,” Leo says, although he does seem slightly confused that she is the one giving him the most problems when it is usually anyone but her. He even glances at Fadel in what looks to be a subtle plea for support, but he is kind of fascinated by this version of his cousin so he just stays quiet.
“Promise she won't lose her job because some prince hurt her!” Elif demands, her gaze fierce and fiery.
Leo opens his mouth, closes it, then closes his eyes, “Everyone will be heard out and treated fairly. Now, please. Let's go meet your parents and grandparents in the VIP lounge before the event starts so I won't lose MY job.”
Melis–her breath still hitching–takes Leo’s hand and holds it against her chest, “You won't lose your job, Leo. You find me the fastest out of anyone despite being so new. And you speak Turkish, Thai, Italian, AND English. You teach me Italian! And you are my best friend.”
“Then why do you keep running from staff?” Leo asks, but he looks slightly fonder now, “To make my job harder?”
Melis taps her chin thoughtfully, “I runnn because you're my best friend! So you can find me!”
“Sounds like a lie.”
“It's nottt,” Melis sings, then looks back at Fadel and Elif, “Leo will protect us. Let's go.”
And so they do. Fadel accepts his fate of some sort of conflict, scolding, or whatever else is coming his way, especially when they arrive on the VIP floor and he can hear an angry voice with a British accent yelling about his “horrid behavior”.
“Sir, my grandson is eleven years old. I am sorry he hurt you, but I also know him well enough to know he would not resort to violence unless he felt threatened in some way. So may I ask if something occurred to make Fadel feel like that?”
“He just went nuts!” The perverted prince shouts as they walk in, “His eyes looked soulless!”
Elif straightens her shoulders and then walks to the table with purpose to sit next to Fadel’s father, “We want legal representation. Also…funds for relocation may be necessary.”
Baba puts his arm around Elif, glances at Fadel, then focuses on the prince again, “You have my attention. You retrieved your brother and mother for support during such a traumatic time-”
“You told your MUMMY? Did you cry too?” Melis asks, taunting the perverted prince before sticking her tongue out at him.
“Melis,” Selin says, pointing at the chair next to her sharply. Melis huffs, but runs over and sits down. When Lara climbs out of Arman Amca’s lap and into Selin’s, Melis quickly leans in and whispers in Lara’s ear. Lara listens carefully before sitting up and pointing at the pervert.
“Bad prince! Bad prince! Fabi stay here! You go home!”
“Lara,” Arman says, taking her back, probably to keep her away from her influential older sister.
“We need to focus on the topic at hand,” the prince says, glaring in Fadel’s direction, “And that is regarding this boy attacking me unprovoked-”
“It really wasn't,” Fadel says, “You had an employee against the wall because you wanted to rape her.”
“What's that mean?” Melis asks, but the rest of the room freezes, whether they know what that word means or not. The fact that it is so silent is suddenly very daunting. He wants to sit on the other side of Baba, but he doesn't want the anger directed in Baba’s direction, nor does he want it in Selin Hala’s direction if he goes and sits with her. He wants his ma, but he wouldn't be surprised if Baba kept this quiet from her for now to keep her away from the pervert prince. Fadel appreciates that.
But he appreciates his ma and Babaanne rushing in even more.
“Fadel,” Ma says, bringing him close before taking his face into her hands, “Are you alright?”
Fadel nods once, “I'm fine, Ma.”
“What did you do to my canim?!” Babaanne says explosively, her eyes settling on the pervert prince, “Because he is a good boy! If he hurt you, then he had every reason!”
“He had no reason except for being unruly and spoiled!”
“And I have heard the same about you, except worse!” Babaanne shoots back before turning to him, “Fadel, you tell us. No matter how much you think it will upset us, we need to know if this man hurt you.”
“He didn't hurt me,” Fadel says, “He was cornering her. She's afraid she will lose her job because she told him no.”
“Andrew,” the queen says, sounding tired and disappointed.
“He's a liar!” Andrew says, then looks at the spa attendant, “I have never seen you in my life. You tell them that.”
But the spa attendant doesn't say a word.
“We can clear this up by pulling up footage from the spa floor, your royal highness,” Leo says, his tone polite but clipped, “Miss Nok has been on her assigned round all afternoon. If Khun Fadel is mistaken and you truly have never met this woman, that can be confirmed.”
“That is a fantastic idea, Leo,” Dede says, “Let’s clear this up. Your majesty, your royal highness, I am sorry we have found ourselves in this mess, but I am sure the footage will show how my grandson came to the conclusion violence was the answer. If it was truly a mistake on his part, then we will tend to him privately and ensure such an error in judgment never happens again. However, if the footage does reveal nefarious intentions? I expect you to also hold your family member accountable, just like we will.”
The pervert prince sputters at that, “Excuse me?!”
Fadel steps closer to his grandfather, “That's probably a good idea, Dede. When I told him there would be consequences for how he was treating Nok, he laughed and said that he didn't know what those were. I gave him an example.
Selin Hala bites back a laugh and tries to force herself to stay quiet. But the other prince exhales through his nose and pinches the bridge of it, “Idiot.”
It's no more than a mutter under his breath, but Fadel hears it. The pervert prince does too since he turns to his brother, seeming hurt before looking at his mother.
“Mother, viewing the footage is not necessary-”
“Go home, Andrew,” the queen says, “This is not our place.”
“I didn't do anything wrong–”
“Then let us go look at the footage,” Baba said, “We are all in agreement that this is the best course of action.”
“Or we could forget this ever took place,” Andrew says.
“Forget?” Babaanne says, going over to check on Nok, “You won't come into our resort, harass our staff, and accuse MY grandson of attacking you unprovoked, then decline offers to pull up the footage!”
“Go home, Andrew,” the queen says, “We have a jet. Use it.”
“Mother-”
“Going home is a good option,” Dede says, “We will all accept your decision if you take your leave now. Another is to allow us to pull up the footage quickly. If your story turns out to be true, we will offer our apologies and work with Fadel on better decision making. And if it turns out that our grandson’s story is true and yet you are still here, refusing to leave…well, I would be happy to escort you through the front door myself. I am sure the press would love the opportunity to take pictures of us both.”
The pervert prince is out the door within seconds with both British and Demiral appointed security trailing behind. He looks a lot less sure of himself than he did thirty minutes ago.
“I apologize that this incident occurred,” Dede says to the queen and her eldest son, “But I do not tolerate staff abuse, or children witnessing it. However, to my knowledge, your majesty, you all have been lovely guests. We don't want an outlier to tarnish our gratitude for your attendance. Let's go about this as we would have prior to this hiccup–for this visit and future visits. Just because your son is no longer allowed on Demiral properties doesn't mean we won't do everything we can to accommodate the rest of your family.”
The queen looks mildly surprised, “You are banning my son from your resorts?”
“It’s not personal,” Dede says, “We value our staff and the serenity our resorts are known to provide. He violated both. But we are all working towards a common good here. Let's focus on that for today.”
And despite it being a long shot, the queen and Prince Charles agree with Dede and get back on schedule.
--------
“And then they served really good plant-based courses once dinner started. I'm so hungry–”
“Fadel!”
Fadel blinks, then looks at a wide-eyed, slightly alarmed looking Style. His heart melts immediately so he impulsively nuzzles Style’s face, kisses him, presses their foreheads together, and looks at The Lotus Orangery.
“Do you think this would be a good place for a wedding?” Fadel asks, “It would be good for a reception–”
“Fadel!” Style cuts in again, then leans in closer as he lowers his voice, “You kicked a disgraced rapist ex-prince in the balls while he was still a prince?”
Fadel pauses, then nods his head, “Yeah, I guess.”
“You GUESS?!” Style says, “You…Baby, that is something you mention before the seven year mark!”
“It's just a normal childhood story.”
“Normal?!” Style squeaks, “Your nine year old cousin broke your phone to keep you from getting tracked while you both took a new spa attendant with you into hiding. She planned on relocating you so you wouldn't be burned at the stake by the British Royal Family, and then you both got busted by your six year old cousin and a security guard I have met but he never told me this–”
“You just met him yesterday,” Fadel says, rolling his eyes as he takes Style’s hand and leads him closer to The Lotus Orangery. It isn't empty. In fact, there are plenty of people inside wearing formalwear for The Khlong Renewal Benefit.
“I want you to see the plants and stream,” Fadel says, “Let’s go in.”
“Fadel,” Style says calmly, “We are in loungewear. We are not going in there.”
“But I want to show you.”
“I know,” Style says more gently, “Maybe after everyone leaves, or some other day. We have food to pick up, remember?”
Fadel is really hungry. Maybe that's why–once a catering staff rolls out the leftovers from a large, tiered hors d'oeuvres display to park it for pickup and goes back inside–he steals a couple.
“Oh, you would NOT do that if you weren't high!” Style says, but lets Fadel feed him a mini Thai spring roll anyway, “Shit, these are good.”
Fadel hums and lets Style take the other one from his fingers, “Imagine if it were a wedding cake.”
Instead of answering, Style shoves the whole roll into Fadel’s mouth. Luckily, it is small enough for him to eat gracefully.
“I am looking up fanfics about your family as soon as we set up the food in Melis’s suite.”
That threat sounds familiar…
“You said you were going to do that after we left my grandparents' suite.”
“And then Mond was there!” Style exclaims, “That made me forget my plan! He's my bro! And have you seen him? He is VERY attractive-”
“I am standing here talking to you about weddings and my childhood memories, and you are calling another man attractive?” Fadel cuts in, keeping his voice as dead as possible.
Style lets out a squeak, but then throws his arms around him, “Mond is hideous. And he's straight, so he's a lost cause! Forget that I said he was attractive. He's too young for me too! Twenty-nine! Disgusting! I need my lovers to be twenty-eight days younger than me exactly. No more, no less. You're my baby. My baby boy-”
“You're a freak,” Fadel says, but then lightly nips at Style's lower lip. There is a hitch on Style’s breathing before he dives right in for a real kiss. It's one that shouldn't happen here. It's definitely one that shouldn't escalate here-
“I just wonder why they didn't make an appearance. I was sure they came for this event.”
Style quickly breaks off the kiss and stands next to Fadel in a way that implies innocence. However, Fadel doesn't think the women even noticed them standing off to the side.
“They all flew in, and they have donated a lot for flood prevention efforts,” the woman in the blue dress says, “They're one of the more generous and progressive wealthy families you hear about. I feel disappointed.”
“They could have encouraged one of the girls to come,” the woman in the red dress says, “Despite that video of Lara circulating.”
“Maybe Phi Kemal grounded them for having too much fun,” the woman in the blue dress says with a laugh. Soon enough, they're out of sight.
“I'm looking up fanfics about you and your family,” Style says again.
“Fine,” Fadel says and takes his hands, “Let’s go outside. There are a few courtyards and gardens I want you to see-”
“Nope!” Style says, pulling him away from The Lotus Orangery, “No more wedding venues tonight.”
“But I want to talk,” Fadel says.
“Yeah, I get that,” Style says to him, “Loud and clear. Get us to the annex. You know your way around better than me.”
“It hurts my feelings when you change the subject or don't put any thought into my suggestions.”
Style scrunches his face up, “I do too put thought in it! I said no to the first one because it was too big and formal looking. I said no to the second because the path was winding and unpredictable. One second, I would be watching you walk down the aisle and the next, I am watching you float face down, blood gushing from your head.”
“You want me to walk to you?” Fadel asks, “I think it should be the other way around.”
“No,” Style says as soon as they're in the elevator, “It needs to be you.”
Fadel shakes head and pulls Style closer, “It needs to be you.”
“Well, get used to it being you because you will be the one walking down the aisle at our wedding,” Style shoots back.
Fadel opens his mouth to argue before the light bulb goes off.
“So you're saying we will have a wedding.”
Style freezes, then steps back, “Hypothetical, Fadel. Eventual. In the distant, theoretical future, assuming the earth doesn't get sucked into a black hole. That would suck. Don't you think? We would get turned into human spaghetti. Someone said that on TikTok, so it has to be true.”
But Fadel just smiles serenely and moves closer, “I would accept the end of the world as long as we’re together.”
As for Style, he doesn't really have anything to say to that. He just seems a little surprised that Fadel doesn't have a fever when he checks him for one.
I started to read your fics AND I FELL IN LOVE they’re so so good!! My question is: will you continue writing “Emergence”? I’m so obsessed with it😭💔💔it’s so so good!!
I hope to eventually! Emergence, and a couple of fics in the KinnPorsche fandom are still firmly in my queue, just on hiatus. But Emergence still means a lot to me. I'm glad you love the story!
hey! I was heavily inspired by your work Emergence (by one particular scene) and I wrote a fic about it 😭❤️but only after publishing it I reread your fic and realised how similar it is to your work. It was never my intention to steal you idea, I gave you credit in my notes but if it’s not enough, I can take my fic down.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/84313726
It's completely fine! There are many ways to explore similar ideas. Glad Emergence inspired you ♥️
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapter 19 Summary: Once reporters start approaching the resort and a family meeting is held, Fadel's mood goes south. Style goes back to work for the first time in days and has an unexpected altercation. During bouts of strong emotions, the girls reveal how not normal their lives are. Melis gains comfort from an unexpected source. A timeline is more established.
Chapters: 19/?
Fandom: เขาจ้างให้ผมจีบนักฆ่า | The Heart Killers (Thailand TV)
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Fadel/Style (The Heart Killers), Bison/Kant (The Heart Killers), Bison & Fadel (The Heart Killers), Kant & Style (The Heart Killers), Babe/Original Male Character
Characters: Fadel (The Heart Killers), Style (The Heart Killers), Bison (The Heart Killers), Kant (The Heart Killers), Chris (The Heart Killers), Jay (The Heart Killers), Babe (The Heart Killers)
Additional Tags: Post-Canon, Misunderstandings, Miscommunication, Sugar Daddy, Marriage Proposal, Insecurity, Travel, Summer Vacation, Emotionally Repressed, Not Cheating, Assumptions, Found Family, Family Drama, Family Feels, The Sims 4, Switching, Demisexuality, Fluff and Angst, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Workaholism, Family Reunions, Family Issues, Past Child Abuse, Gaslighting, Kidnapping
Series: Part 1 of As Long as I Can Travel this World with You Universe
Summary:
Over two years after being released from prison, Style’s insistent words about not rushing to the altar are echoing through Fadel’s brain. He's tired of feeling like he's failing Jay, who sends him curious and expectant glances when Style isn't looking. Fadel also feels confused whenever Style buys him expensive presents or talks about buying a house together, but still puts off the marriage conversation. It's one Fadel accepted putting off before. It used to feel like a daunting thing to talk about, despite genuinely wanting that future with Style one day. Now, Fadel tries to find ways of bringing it up nervously and hopefully, only for Style to successfully redirect the conversation.
When he has a drunken bonding night with his brother to talk (and maybe cry) about it, Bison just says, “Don't worry. Marriage isn't everything.”
He needs to find a way to have a productive conversation about it with Style. If he can find a way to do that and know where Style truly stands, then maybe - just maybe - he will be able to ask the love of his life the question that has been gradually traveling to the front of his mind for years.
Or…
Fadel wants to get engaged. Style has other plans.
As Long as I Can Travel this World with You: Chapter 19 Preview
Style didn't think he was going to work today, but here he is.
He's been productive already. He called Nont on the way to the Rolls-Royce dealership, informed him of the situation, and asked him about his advice in regards to employees seeing clips from last night with a good chance they may start making connections. Nont agreed that a non-disclosure agreement was a great idea for not only them, but for Style’s employees as well. He said he had templates for documents like this and would edit one to pertain to their situation. When Style asked if it was offensive to demand their employees keep their mouths shut, Nont just said it was smart since it would cover them once Fadel and his family do make a statement–and it would not be framed like that anyway. They could use partial transparency to their advantage, and Nont could lead the meeting in order to create understanding, compassion, and agreement in the attendees, versus offense or suspicion.
So Style called Nont sexy again, then hung up and got to work. He has his best boys attending to the plans he drew up for Nya’s car. Two employees who Pa had hired over a decade ago, one protege who he hired in back in early 2026 because Knot was and continues to be a close friend of Babe’s and just had a baby at the time, and one employee he stole from his rival last year. It had been so easy. The loyalty was clearly flimsy there. Maybe Nont is making a solid point about having the employees of Style Auto sign non-disclosure agreements. But to be fair, Style pays better than any of his colleagues.
“You guys are doing good,” Style says after he looks at all the progress, “I'm sorry I haven't been here.”
“Your plans were extremely detailed and descriptive,” Knot says, “Everything has been set up exactly as you told us. This isn't the hardest project we have done.”
“Just incredibly specific,” Benz says, “But Nya seems to be pleased. She stopped by the other day. We made sure to let her know the finished product will scream…sexy leprechaun.”
“Whatever the client wants, the client gets,” Style says with a grin, then gets to work. He never really enters a full flow state. He has set his watch to prompt him every 20 minutes to check in with Pa. Pa does tell him to chill after the first eight check-ins.
Pa: I will let you know if I see anything truly suspicious. But Fadel seems to be doing better. He's cooking away in the back. The couple of breaks he took were to serve customers personally and check in with me. So I think he is seeking connection, or at least distraction. How is everything?
Style: Everything is good here! My boys know their stuff 🚘🔧💪🏼 So my precious baby sugar princess is doing better? You think we can head back to the resort after he gets off work and he can move past the incident from this morning? His family really is concerned. They keep texting.
Pa: He has not said either way.
Pa: Is he going to go back to therapy? I really think he should have that, especially right now. He liked it. He told me when I helped him find someone after he first got out.
Style: I don't know. I brought it up to him yesterday. He sort of took it as an insult, despite liking it.
Pa: I will try to talk to him about it once he is more like himself.
Style: Thanks. I appreciate it. His family wants that for him too. They said they would find him options. They also said they were looking for themselves to lead by example. And because they probably need it. I am sure this is a lot for them emotionally too, even though they are ecstatic he's in their lives.
Pa: It's complicated for every one of them. For you and Bison too. Bison has a therapist. Maybe you should find one.
Style: I am completely fine, thanks 💅🏼
Pa: You like to talk. A lot. You’ll do great.
Style: I would annoy the shit out of a therapist 😂
Pa: Probably, but you enjoy doing that to people.
Pa: Stop texting me every 20 minutes. I am trying to watch a show while I loiter at your boyfriend's restaurant and you keep interrupting the good parts.
Style: Fine. I will bump it to 30.
Pa: an hour
Style: 45 minutes! That's all I’m upping it.
Pa: I accept. Goodbye.
So Style sticks to that plan. He works his ass off, checks in every forty-five minutes, and wraps up around 6 pm. He heads back into the office the dealership provided to update the progress notes, gets his stuff together, only for the door to open and the general manager to walk in. Kittipong Vejvongse. Kit for short. Style met him on the tour, and a couple of times since. Nice enough, he supposes. Definitely important enough, and Style could tell Kit was very aware of that.
“You haven't been around the last few days.”
Style nods in acknowledgement and focuses on packing his bag, “I left detailed plans and notes for my boys. They know how to keep things moving. I have some family stuff going on that requires my attention, but I have been keeping a close eye, even from a distance.”
Kit nods and closes the door behind him, “They're good workers. Highly competent. That speaks well on your behalf. So do your plans. The level of creativity and detail puts the notes from my team to shame.”
Style grins at that, “Glad you think so! Nya is an old friend and repeat client. She is specific about what she wants. Makes it a little easier. It was nice seeing you again. Thanks for letting us use this office and your facilities-”
“I wanted to offer an opportunity.”
“Oh yeah?” Style asks, intrigued, before wincing slightly, “It…If it has any urgency or requires a significant amount of time, I might need to pass. Like I said, I currently have a lot going on that needs my attention and care. But I can maybe set up a team or refer you to someone-”
“It won't take too much of your time,” Kit interrupts, stepping a little bit closer, “Just your…participation. The passion I have witnessed from you.”
Style tilts his head, “Can you be more specific? It's been a long day, man.”
Style probably shouldn't have asked that question, although Kit does make himself clear when he reaches over to cup Style’s cheek. Style stays mature and professional about it. He truly does. An indignant and–admittedly–truly humored shriek is both of those things.
“Oh, come on!” Style says, laughing, “You didn't expect me to melt at that or drop to my knees to suck your dick!”
Kit blinks, as if this reaction wasn't in the roster of possibilities he went through in his mind, “You do realize how much influence I have with other dealerships. Some of which you have worked for in the past as an independent contractor-”
“Cool story, bro.”
“I can give you more opportunities,” Kit continues as his gaze darkens, truly powering through, which Style really respects, “Or I can make them harder to come by.”
Wow! It's been a while since he has been threatened like this! He feels flattered. He thought he might be losing his magnetic spark in the eyes of predatory gay men. Too past twinkhood for their liking, too muscular and sexy, rather than cute and doe-eyed. He can't wait to tell Fadel.
…He probably shouldn't. Fadel would hate it, even on a day without stress and trauma regression. He has more than enough going on.
“Do you understand?”
Style nods thoughtfully, “I understand. But I have a question. Do you have enough influence with the racing community? I build cars for some of Thailand’s top drivers. If you need their numbers, I will send them to you. What about the entertainment industry? I have let GMMTV use my garages as film sets, customized multiple vehicles for various dramas, and for the actors who want to upgrade their ride. How about international aristocrats, nobles, and politicians? I am just wondering if you will need some help canceling me in the eyes of circles you don't have as much of a hand in. Here. Let's sit down. We’ll call them together-”
“I am the general manager and an equity holder of Rolls-Royce. You should consider yourself lucky-”
“I am taken,” Style tells him more bluntly, “I have been with the same man for over seven years. And he is hot. Believe me, you are not on my wish list this Christmas. Speaking of, that's my man’s birthday! Isn't that cool? I bet your birthday is at least fifteen years before his.”
Kit started posturing aggressively halfway through Style’s response. He seems to think Style cares? Whatever. Style can take a punch. He isn't going to hit him back. That's the last thing that Demirals need, to clean up the mess of another fist fight less than twenty-four hours after last night. So Style just sighs and presents his right cheek.
“Can you punch me here?” he asks, tapping his cheek, “I like my left side better.”
Kit blinks and grips onto Style's collar, “What is wrong with you?”
Style snorts at the question, “No idea. Many things, possibly? Maybe I should see a therapist. Do you have any recommendations for one? Probably not, right? If you did, you would have worked through this power trip addiction. Forget me sending you all my contacts. Let's sit down and find YOU a therapist. A good one. You’ve got this-”
“Why are your hands on my independent contractor?”
Style peeks over Kit’s shoulder and sees Nya standing in the doorway–in all her young, lavender trophy wife girl boss glory–and gives her a wave, “Don't mind us. Just a little harassment in the workplace! Did you know how much he wanted me? So much that he doesn't even care that I have a boyfriend! He's AMBITIOUS-”
“Style,” Nya says, then stomps over. Kit immediately lets his hand fall to his side as she stares him down despite her petite form.
“If you ever touch him, look at him wrong, make any of his team uncomfortable, or jeopardize his reputation and business dealings, you will become absolutely no one. Do you understand me?”
Kit can barely look at her as he clears his throat and nods before glancing at Style.
“Keep up the impressive work.”
“Thanks!” Style calls out as he quickly leaves the office, “See you next time! Nya, can you believe that guy? So funny-”
“Are you okay?” she cuts in, “Are you hurt?”
Style tsks, “You know who you're talking to? Style Chayakorn, that's who! Automotive engineering expert, and YOUR ex-babysitter! Don't worry about me! I had him under control-”
“That doesn't matter,” Nya tells him, “It wasn't okay. If it happens again, tell me. Don’t minimize it like you are doing now. So you tell me. He'll disappear.”
“...Very mafia of you,” Style says, then narrows his eyes suspiciously, “Are you mafia?”
“No, Style,” Nya says, “I just have a lot of influence and money. Speaking of, I saw the videos from Sing Sing last night. How are the girls? How are Fadel and Bison?”
Style sighs and glances around, “Can we leave here first? I was about to head to the restaurant. I can call you once I am in my car-”
“I had my assistant drop me off to tend to some errands,” Nya says, leading the way out, “I’ll ride with you to the restaurant! I love that food! Maybe we can hang out tonight? I've been bored. I want friends.”
“Uh…” Style starts as they walk together, “Yes on the ride to the restaurant. I don't know about hanging out. Things are a bit weird right now. People are talking about Fadel’s family-”
“Style, I'm not going to say shit to anyone.”
“I know you won't,” Style says, and he honestly means that, “We are just…we are staying at the Majestic. They gave us a VIP suite on their family floor. Same goes for my pa, Bison and Kant, even Ben and Babe. Fadel is…adjusting. Loves having his family back deeply but he has been emotional. A meeting this morning turned a bit…he had a hard time understanding their intentions because of his trauma. I'm hoping he is in a better headspace and ready to talk with them.”
Nya pouts at the words, “I hope Fadel is okay. Maybe if he has more friends, he will feel better. I can stay with Kant and Bison while you guys talk to his family. Or Ben and Babe. Or Uncle Jay!”
“We’ll see,” Style tells her, then gets in the car. After Nya sits in the front passenger seat and Style pulls out of the parking area, she turns to him and changes the subject.
“I think you should tell Fadel what happened with Kit.”
Style scoffs at the idea and glances over at her, “That was wild, right? Guess I'm hard to resist-”
“I feel like you are using humor to cope with sexual harassment, which isn't funny,” she says, which sounds smart. Politically correct, even. But still…
“The victim is allowed to laugh,” Style informs her, “It is just truly hilarious that he would even try such a thing!”
“What if Fadel was hired by Gordon Ramsay for a project and Gordon Ramsay targeted him like that-”
“Then Gordon Ramsay would be DEAD!!!” Style snaps before shrugging flippantly, “If Fadel didn't chop his dick off first. He very well might. If not him, then Bison would do it on his behalf. By the time I got there to have my turn, Gordon would already be buried. RIP.”
Nya shakes her head and looks out the window, “You are very strange.”
Style actually thinks he is quite normal. But he lets Nya have her opinion, focuses on the road, and tells her Fadel has too much on his plate to get pissed off over silly Kit.
What are you most looking forward to in Chapter 19 of As Long as I Can Travel this World with You?
The morning meeting that leads to Fadel regressing/leaving
Fadel's employees starting to catch onto clues
Nya, Melis, and Ben having someone in common
Fadel becoming vulnerable as he realizes how much his grief affects him
Fadel continuing to be an edible lightweight, but with different effects
Fadel having a stoned heart to heart with his cousins
Fadel being so talkative that Style feels like the quiet one
and make sure your comments are kind!!! “I love this so much!” and “this is amazing! I’m so excited for what happens next” are more likely to get your favorite fics updated than “when will we get the next chapter?”
Chapters: 6/?
Fandom: เขาจ้างให้ผมจีบนักฆ่า | The Heart Killers (Thailand TV)
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Babe/Original Male Character, Babe & Kant (The Heart Killers), Babe & Christ (The Heart Killers), Babe & Style (The Heart Killers), Kant & Style (The Heart Killers), Bison/Kant (The Heart Killers)
Characters: Babe (The Heart Killers), Original Male Character(s), Kant (The Heart Killers), Style (The Heart Killers), Christ (The Heart Killers), Jay (The Heart Killers), Original Characters, Bison (The Heart Killers)
Additional Tags: Slow Burn, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Friends to Lovers, College, Post-Canon, Prequel, First Time, Travel, Love Letters, Birthday Presents, Psychic Abilities, Family Drama, Family Dynamics, Unconventional Families, Falling In Love, Acting, New York City, London, Past Sexual Abuse, Past Child Abuse, Bullying, Self-Esteem Issues, Self-Worth Issues, Cuddling & Snuggling, Intimacy, Non-Sexual Intimacy, Sexual Tension, Sharing a Bed
Series: Part 2 of As Long as I Can Travel this World with You Universe
Summary:
Chapter 6 is now up!
Chapter 6 Summary:
Babe gets a job offer at Night Fern, a new and large nightclub venue from the Early Fern sisters, all while Ben finds out about Babe’s interesting work history. Style goes on the coolest tour a third wheel could get until it makes him perseverate on failure. Ben’s feelings become messier due to artistry, competence, and daiquiri-stained t-shirts. Christian realizes that things may be getting out of hand after his mother comes to visit and gets Ben talking. The last week of the semester brings promising auditions, callbacks, and casting for the spring plays, only for one secretive play in question to be more intense than anyone could have expected.
Chapters: 6/?
Fandom: เขาจ้างให้ผมจีบนักฆ่า | The Heart Killers (Thailand TV)
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Babe/Original Male Character, Babe & Kant (The Heart Killers), Babe & Christ (The Heart Killers), Babe & Style (The Heart Killers), Kant & Style (The Heart Killers), Bison/Kant (The Heart Killers)
Characters: Babe (The Heart Killers), Original Male Character(s), Kant (The Heart Killers), Style (The Heart Killers), Christ (The Heart Killers), Jay (The Heart Killers), Original Characters, Bison (The Heart Killers)
Additional Tags: Slow Burn, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Friends to Lovers, College, Post-Canon, Prequel, First Time, Travel, Love Letters, Birthday Presents, Psychic Abilities, Family Drama, Family Dynamics, Unconventional Families, Falling In Love, Acting, New York City, London, Past Sexual Abuse, Past Child Abuse, Bullying, Self-Esteem Issues, Self-Worth Issues, Cuddling & Snuggling, Intimacy, Non-Sexual Intimacy, Sexual Tension, Sharing a Bed
Series: Part 2 of As Long as I Can Travel this World with You Universe
Summary:
Chapter 6 is now up!
Chapter 6 Summary:
Babe gets a job offer at Night Fern, a new and large nightclub venue from the Early Fern sisters, all while Ben finds out about Babe's interesting work history. Style goes on the coolest tour a third wheel could get until it makes him perseverate on failure. Ben's feelings become messier due to artistry, competence, and daiquiri-stained t-shirts. Christian realizes that things may be getting out of hand after his mother comes to visit and gets Ben talking. The last week of the semester brings promising auditions, callbacks, and casting for the spring plays, only for one secretive play in question to be more intense than anyone could have expected.
