Dear BabyFeat and fellow fans of PrapaiSky, here are the prompts and rules for the event in 2023. 🌻 If any questions occur, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
The fanweek runs from June 19 to June 25.
PROMPTS 🌻
Please share widely, so many people get to see it and join in!
[Image description: A field of sunflowers with a blue sky above it. On top of the picture is a white box with the prompts, and separate, smaller, white boxes with the date and the hashtag.]
DAY 1 — June 19
Motorcycles | Body Worship | Enemies to Lovers
DAY 2 — June 20
Teacher/Professor | Reunion | Fake Dating
DAY 3 — June 21
Flower Shop/Tattoo Artist AU | Confessions | Time Travel
DAY 4 — June 22
Proposal/Wedding | Injuries | "Shut Up" "Make Me"
DAY 5 — June 23
Graduation | Hurt/Comfort | Coffee Shop AU
DAY 6 — June 24
Royal AU | Soulmates | Alternative First Meeting
DAY 7 — June 25
Free Day!
RULES 🌻
The event takes place from June 19 to June 25.
All forms of content is welcome: fanfics, short stories, video or picture edits, drawings, playlists, etc!
Post your work whenever and wherever you want, but if you want it to be featured on Tumblr, please make a post with the work and/or the link to your work, tag this blog and use the hashtag for the event #PrapaiSkyWeek2023
You can submit your AO3 fanfics to the collection if you're comfortable to do so! Additionally, please use the tag ‘PrapaiSky Week 2023′ on AO3.
Put in all the necessary tags in your Tumblr post that apply to your work and add warnings accordingly. Also add the prompt(s) you chose.
NSFW is allowed (just don't post it fully on Tumblr. If you post it on Twitter, refrain from tagging the actors).
We will not share works with offensive content, adult/minor ships (besides canon), or incest. Just make sure you mention any explicit warnings and use proper tags.
The main focus of your work has to be on Prapai and Sky. Other pairings are of course allowed.
Late submissions are very welcome, please don't pressure yourself!
Feel free to mix and match the prompts, stick to one prompt, or go for a full set on one day. Use them as you wish!
If you have any questions before, during, or after the event; don't hesitate to send us an ask!
We're 3 episodes into Bed Friend and there are already so many similarities between Bed Friend and LITA. I had to make a comparison post between the two shows.
1. Uea and Sky hiding their smiles
2. King and Prapai using their puppy eyes powers
3. Oblivious best friends - Jade and Rain
4. King and Prapai being consent kings
And we haven't even touched on Uea or Sky's trauma. I can't wait for the rest of Bed Friend's episodes.
@febuwhump This is part of the scars and soulmates series. It's also part of the Febuwhump multifandom challenge.
Day 21 alternate prompt - limp (see chapter 2)
Day 22 prompt - can't scream (see chapter 4)
Day 23 prompt - you'll have to go through me (see chapter 5)
Day 24 prompt - experimentation (see chapter 6)
Day 25 prompt - assumed dead (see chapter 7)
Day 26 prompt - forced to choose (see chapter 8)
Day 27 prompt - survivor's guilt (see chapter 9)
Day 28 prompt - you're safe now (see chapter 10)
This story will have multiple chapters (it will contain the rest of the febuwhump prompts.)
Of guilt and regrets - Prapai needs to deal with his emotional baggage before it destroys every good thing in his life.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
"Huh, you didn't unpack."
Even though Sky has his back to his soulmate, the smile in Pai's voice is unmistakable.
Sky just grunts in reply as he lifts one of the boxes and moves it to the door.
"I knew it was temporary, so I saved my energy for more important things." At Pai's raised eyebrow Sky just sticks out his tongue and tells his soulmate to get his mind out of the gutter.
Pai chuckles as he takes Sky into a hug from behind, nuzzling his nose against the younger man's neck.
"Wanna show me your bedroom before you move back home?" Pai asks before turning his lover around to face him. He sees the refusal coming and places a kiss on his lips to prevent the reply.
It works because Sky is quickly lost in the embrace, and deepening the kiss, he lets himself be steered to the bedroom.
Before he knows it, they're both naked and panting on the bed. Pai is on top, licking and sucking his way down Sky's body until he reaches the hard cock leaking pre-cum already.
Pai doesn't waste time sucking the length down his throat, enjoying the sounds coming from his soulmate.
He is preoccupied, trying his best to tease more delicious sounds from his lover and therefore is taken by surprise when Sky suddenly pulls away and switches positions. Leaving him on top with a cheeky smile aimed at a disgruntled Pai underneath him.
"I was thinking maybe we could try something a little different?" Sky's voice is unsure but Pai can see him fighting against his insecurities. The older man's heart swells with pride and he nods eagerly.
"Anything, my Sky." He reassures his soulmate with a huge smile.
Instead of using words, Sky turns around leaving Pai looking questioningly at his back. But the confusion quickly turns into understanding which turns into arousal when Sky leans forward and starts licking and sucking at his cock.
Pai guides Sky's lower body over his face and quickly resumes his earlier activity of sucking Sky's length down his throat.
The new position proves to be very stimulating for both men who reach their climaxes almost simultaneously.
Sky falls to the side, utterly spent and satisfied. He turns around lazily and lies his head down on Pai's chest.
"That was..." Sky starts, "amazing." Pai finishes the sentence.
Sky laughs softly in agreement. "Now that that's out of your system, can we please resume moving my things back to our home?"
Pai kisses his soulmate's head before he sits up, automatically pulling Sky into a sitting position next to him. "Our home. I love the sound of that. Come on, let's get back to work, enough lazing around."
Prapai just laughs at the light slap he receives as they both head back to the living room.
It takes them an hour to load everything onto the rented trailer.
"You okay, baby?" Pai asks as they stand at the entrance to the apartment. Sky is skimming the place with a strange expression on his face.
"I'm fine P'Pai. I'm really happy now. The short time that I spent here I wasn't, I'm glad to say goodbye to this place." Sky turns to him and pulls him into a hug. "Thanks for not giving up on us. I love you, my P'Black Giant."
"And I love you, my Sky, more than anything. Seeing you safe and happy is all I ever wanted. Let's go home."
@febuwhump This is part of the scars and soulmates series. It's also part of the Febuwhump multifandom challenge.
Day 21 alternate prompt - limp (see chapter 2)
Day 22 prompt - can't scream (see chapter 4)
Day 23 prompt - you'll have to go through me (see chapter 5)
Day 24 prompt - experimentation (see chapter 6)
Day 25 prompt - assumed dead (see chapter 7)
Day 26 prompt - forced to choose (see chapter 8)
Day 27 prompt - survivor's guilt (see chapter 9)
This story will have multiple chapters (it will contain the rest of the febuwhump prompts.)
Of guilt and regrets - Prapai needs to deal with his emotional baggage before it destroys every good thing in his life.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Sky is only half listening to P'Virote's story about Dr Kas, too worried about his soulmate. They are on the couch in their living room, and Pai's hands are clutched in his. The older man's palms are sweaty and he has been avoiding eye contact with the people currently visiting their home.
All the couples involved in the trial had been to the doctor's memorial service that morning. Virote, Phet, Kris and Rune along with Phayu and Rain are now seated in the living room. Virote and Kris are sharing stories about Dr Kas, about how much he had helped them.
Sky knows that Pai is listening to every word and letting it feed his guilty conscious. He knows about the demons his soulmate is silently fighting.
The biggest demon currently playing havoc in his lover's mind is the guilt he feels over Dr Kas's death. No matter how many times he has consoled and tried to reason with Pai, the older man can't seem to let go of his guilt.
It's been 5 days since they were rescued from Dr Ram's secret clinic, hidden behind his mansion just outside Lopburi.
Sky hasn't been back to his apartment, preferring to be back in the safety of his home with Prapai. He knows that they need to talk and that the reasons for his moving out still need to be addressed. But that can wait, the need to be close to each other overshadows everything else for the moment.
The nights haven't been kind to them. They've been taking turns waking up drenched in sweat from nightmares.
He grips Pai's hand involuntarily as his thoughts wander to the moment before they were rescued. He had been sure he was going to die, and Pai would have been forced to watch.
"You're okay, sweetheart. I'm right here." Pai whispers in his ear as he pulls him against his chest. Sky gives him a small smile and allows the embrace for a few seconds. Fighting against the awkwardness of such a public display of affection.
He sighs as he thinks about his soulmate worrying about him even while he is struggling with his own guilt and regrets.
"I know, P'Pai. Thank you." He whispers back before he pulls away. He catches Rain's anxious eyes flicking between himself and Prapai.
His best friend has been vocal in his worry for the couple and Sky appreciates the concern but he doesn't want to bother him or Phayu with their problems.
He winks at his friend who smiles back tersely before he turns his attention back to Kris who is chuckling as he tells them about an embarrassing Dr Kas moment.
The clinical trial has been officially cancelled after the mysterious disappearance of Dr Ram and the untimely death of Dr Ekasit.
P'Chai has assured them that Ram and Kusa have been taken care of and that they will never be heard from again. Sky knows what it means, they are both dead. He would hate to admit it but the knowledge does bring him comfort.
The other trial participants seem to be handling the cancellation well. They all agree that without Dr Kas there should not be a trial.
When the guests leave, both Virote and Kris make a point of telling Prapai that they do not blame him in the slightest and that they are happy that he was there for Dr Kas in his last moments.
Sky can see the effect it has on his soulmate and he is grateful to their friends for their support and comfort. He knows that their words will help fight the self-recrimination Pai is struggling with.
Phayu and Rain are the last to leave and Sky can see the relief that floods his soulmate once they are alone. He knows how much Pai had dreaded this day.
"Are you okay, P'Pai?" Sky asks when his soulmate hasn't moved from the door after locking it.
"Mmh, yeah, I'm okay, honey." Pai quickly responds and moves to Sky's side. "I'm glad this day is over." He confesses as he places his arms around the younger man.
"Me too," Sky says softly as they move as one to the couch.
He snuggles into the embrace, enjoying the comfort he always finds in Pai's arms.
"There is something I haven't told you, about Dr Kas." Pai's hesitant voice has Sky pulling away a bit, but his hands never leave Pai's. He clutches them a bit tighter when he sees the raw emotions crossing his soulmate's face.
"He told me about his soulmate when we were driving to the clinic."
Sky listens to Prapai as he tells him about Ink and what Dr Kas went through in his teenage years. By the time Pai is finished, the older man is quietly sobbing in Sky's arms.
Sky is holding him tight while tears flow down his own cheeks. They sit like that for a while, Pai leaning against Sky and soaking up the comfort only his soulmate can provide.
When Sky has enough control over his emotions he speaks up but doesn't move from his position. He keeps running his fingers through Pai's hair, offering him the solace he so desperately needs.
"P'Pai, thank you. Thank you for not leaving me. Thank you for going against your instincts in that room, and for knowing what I needed from you."
"I keep replaying that moment in my head, and the what-if's..." He stops for a few moments, collecting himself before he continues.
"If P'Chai had been a few seconds too late. You would have been forced to watch..."
A choked sob from Pai makes him stop and he gently lifts his soulmate's head to look into his eyes. The anguish he finds steals his breath for a second.
"I'm sorry, P'Pai, I shouldn't have brought it up." Sky apologizes, hating himself for causing his soulmate more pain.
Pai, however, just grips him tighter. "Don't apologize, baby. Believe me, that scenario has been haunting me since it happened. Talking about it might help us both."
Pai sits up straight while keeping a hand on Sky's leg.
"Honestly, if it had happened a few months ago, things would have gone a lot differently. But the time we spent apart made me realize a few things." Pai squeezes the leg he is holding before he continues.
"I still hate that you get hurt when something happens to me. And I will be more cautious with the activities I participate in, but you are right. I shouldn't give up the things I love because of fear."
Sky is playing with the hand currently placed on his leg while he listens to Pai. Using the distraction to keep his emotions under control.
"I also realized that keeping you safe didn't necessarily mean only physically. Your heart and mind are just as important, if not more so. You've entrusted your whole being to me, and therefore I need to protect every part of you."
"Baby, I know your greatest fears because I've had front-row seats to some of the most horrible things to ever happen to you. And I know that your number one fear is being left alone. I won't do that to you, ever. I love you more than anything, my Sky."
Sky is crying openly by now and Pai takes him into his arms.
"I'm not sure what I would have done if Dr Ram succeeded, but I don't think it's healthy to dwell on the what-ifs. I'd rather focus on the here and now. I'm very grateful to have you in my arms, and if you're okay with it, I'd love it if you would move back home."
The guarded hope in Pai's voice almost destroys Sky who just nods eagerly, tears flowing like rivers down his face.
"Of course P'Pai." He chokes out. "I love you so much."
They spend the night in each other's arms and the nightmares stay away, giving them their first restful night's sleep in more than a week.
@febuwhump This is part of the scars and soulmates series. It's also part of the Febuwhump multifandom challenge.
Day 21 alternate prompt - limp (see chapter 2)
Day 22 prompt - can't scream (see chapter 4)
Day 23 prompt - you'll have to go through me (see chapter 5)
Day 24 prompt - experimentation (see chapter 6)
Day 25 prompt - assumed dead (see chapter 7)
Day 26 prompt - forced to choose (see chapter 8)
This story will have multiple chapters (it will contain the rest of the febuwhump prompts.)
Of guilt and regrets - Prapai needs to deal with his emotional baggage before it destroys every good thing in his life.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Prapai isn't sure how long they've been held captive. There is no sunlight or darkness to gauge time by. There's only artificial lighting 24/7 but if he should hazard a guess it's probably been 48 hours since he was captured, longer for Sky.
The worry for his soulmate has steadily increased and he lies a gentle hand on his forehead, checking his temperature once again. He curses softly before he calls out. "Ram! He needs fever reducers again!"
Sky has been in and out of consciousness the entire time they've been held captive. He is semi-permanently in a disassociative state while Pai has electrodes attached to his head most of the time.
When Dr Ram appears he is carrying a syringe with what Pai hopes is pain medication. The fevers started shortly after the doctor's experiments but he has at least tried to keep them under control.
Kusa is keeping watch at the door, making sure Prapai doesn't try anything while he is not tied up.
Sky wakes slowly and he looks at Pai with feverish red eyes. "P'Pai, you're here." The look of bewilderment breaks Pai's heart.
"Of course, my Sky. I'm not going anywhere." Pai speaks calmly although his emotions are anything but. The urgency to get them out of there increases every time Sky wakes up more confused than before.
"I will give Nong 'Sky a few minutes to regain his senses. When I return there is something important we need to discuss." Dr Ram leaves the room but Kusa stays, keeping a watchful eye over the couple.
By the time Ram returns, Sky is more coherent than Prapai has seen him since he arrived. He briefly wonders what Ram injected him with, but his attention is quickly drawn to the two men watching them closely.
"Nong 'Sky, I'm glad to see you lucid. I am sorry for keeping you in a muddled state for the past couple of days. I have everything I need from the neural tests we performed on your soulmate. There is one last experiment I need to conduct which should help your DNA undergo the final mutation."
The doctor's excitement only serves to increase Pai's anxiety.
"Because this last test will have a big impact on you both, I will give you the choice of who will make the ultimate sacrifice. One of you needs to die."
It feels like all the oxygen has been sucked from the room. Pai can't catch his breath and Sky looks to be in a similar state.
"If you don't give me an answer in the next hour, I will be forced to choose for you." The doctor leaves the room, signalling Kusa to follow him. The door is locked, leaving the two men alone with the horrible decision looming over their heads.
Pai is the first to regain some semblance of control and he takes his trembling soulmate in his arms.
"Breathe, baby. Take a deep breath for me, please." He coaxes Sky softly while rubbing soothing circles across his back. He sighs in relief when Sky's breathing evens out. "That's it, good job, honey."
"P'Pai, he can't be serious, right?" Sky asks desperately.
"I'm afraid he is, my Sky." Pai slowly pulls away just enough to make eye contact with his soulmate.
"Listen to me, sweetheart. No matter what we choose, the most likely outcome is that we will both die." Pai keeps his voice calm, fighting for control in the wake of the madman's ultimatum.
"It's like you said. If I hurt, you hurt. If you're in pain, I'm in pain." Pai wipes the tears now slipping down Sky's cheeks.
"Baby, if you die, I die. We're bonded soulmates. But I won't insist on dying first. I know how much you fear being left alone. If you can't stand the thought of watching me die, I'll watch over you until my time is up."
Sky is looking at him in awe. "I, I thought I'd have to fight you." He stammers when he finally finds his voice. "You're always trying to protect me from being hurt, why, how?" He can't find the right words to express his feelings but Pai interrupts him by pulling him against his chest.
"Protection isn't always physical. Sometimes the heart needs to be safeguarded. And your heart and soul are what's most important to me. I won't leave you, baby. If you choose to sacrifice yourself, I'll be right there, by your side, and I'll follow you soon after." Tears are flowing down the older man's cheeks as well as they lie huddled in each other's arms.
Dr Ram reenters the room a while later and finds his subjects in an embrace. "I trust you have come to a decision." Kusa is standing at the door, making sure there is no chance of escape.
Pai glares daggers at the doctor but Sky lifts his head from his soulmate's chest and answers: "Yes, we have. But I have a question before I give you the answer."
Dr Ram looks intrigued and nods eagerly. "Of course Nong 'Sky. Go ahead."
"What do you hope to achieve? If we are going to die for this, I think we deserve to know." Sky tries to keep his tone neutral despite the dread filling him.
"You are right, Nong. You deserve to know what your sacrifice is for." The doctor places two vials on the table near the door before he turns around to face the men who are now sitting up on the bed, their backs against the wall.
"You have no idea how lucky you are. To have a soulmate. To have someone to share that special bond with."
"My parents are soulmates. Both my brothers have soulmates. I'm the only one without. But if this final mutation happens, I will be able to create my soulmate. I'd hoped to have Dr Ekasit as my soulmate, but I guess that wasn't meant to be."
He moves back to the table and uses a syringe to draw liquid from one of the vials. He turns around and slowly approaches the bed.
"Do you know how much people are willing to pay for the chance of having a soulmate? Of sharing such a strong bond with another person? Not to mention the companies interested in buying the patent."
"Now, tell me. Who do I inject? Don't worry, it's a fast-acting poison, your death will be quick and mostly painless." The doctor says calmly.
Sky can only stare at the doctor, taken aback by the man's nonchalance in the face of murder.
"You son of a bitch, I swear you will not get away with this," Pai growls, keeping an arm around his soulmate's trembling shoulders.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, should I choose then?" Dr Ram asks, unfazed by Pai's rage.
"N-no. Me, inject me." Sky says defiantly as he sits up straighter. He can feel Pai's arms squeezing him tighter and he sags into the embrace a bit as he holds his arm out for the doctor.
"I love you, P'Pai." Sky has just uttered the words when a commotion draws their attention to the door. Pai takes advantage of the distraction and pulls Sky as far away from the doctor as he can manage. Making sure the needle doesn't find its target.
The rest of the events happen in a blur. Before Prapai can register what is happening, he and Sky are escorted from the room. He glimpses the doctor's motionless body and he can hear Kusa's angry screams but his priority is Sky who is struggling to keep up as they are rushed to safety. He pauses for a second to pick up his trembling soulmate and then follows Phayu outside.
"Fuck, Phayu. I've never been so happy to see you." Pai exclaims when they are safe in the back of the architect's car. Sky is lying with his head on Pai's lap, his eyes are closed but Pai can tell that he is awake from the small tremors still coursing through his body.
"It's okay, baby. You're safe, it's over." He soothes as he runs his fingers through his hair.
"P'Pai, thank you. Thank you for looking after my heart and soul. I love you." Sky's body goes lax as he gives in to exhaustion.
"Of course, my Sky. That's my true purpose. Rest, baby. I love you so much." Pai continues to caress his soulmate's face as Phayu drives them to the hospital to get checked out. He is soon dozing as well, secure in the knowledge that Sky is finally safe.
@febuwhump This is part of the scars and soulmates series. It's also part of the Febuwhump multifandom challenge.<br />
Day 21 alternate prompt - limp (see chapter 2)
Day 22 prompt - can't scream (see chapter 4)
Day 23 prompt - you'll have to go through me (see chapter 5)
Day 24 prompt - experimentation (see chapter 6)
Day 25 prompt - assumed dead (see chapter 7)
This story will have multiple chapters (it will contain the rest of the febuwhump prompts.)
Of guilt and regrets - Prapai needs to deal with his emotional baggage before it destroys every good thing in his life.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Phayu is exhausted and on edge. He hasn't slept for more than a few hours in two days. He and Rain have been searching for their friends almost non-stop.
The coordinates that Dr Kas sent him led them to an old abandoned clinic. There was no sign of Pai or Sky but what they did find scared them, a lot. A pool of blood with a trail leading out of the building. It looked like a body had been dragged away.
Phayu glances at his boyfriend who finally gave in to exhaustion and is sleeping restlessly on the couch in his living room. It's 11 am and Phayu is waiting impatiently for news from P'Chai.
Pakin's right-hand man has been searching for the two missing men since the night Phayu found the abandoned clinic but no sign of his friends.
He eagerly grabs his phone when it starts to ring but hesitates before answering when he sees that it is Pai's father calling.
"Hello, sir. We still do not have..." Phayu stops speaking when he hears his friend's dad sobbing.
The conversation is a blur. He looks at the phone in his hand when the call ends. 'This isn't right, it can't be right.' He thinks as tears trail down his cheeks.
Pai's burned-out car has been found with the charred remains of two men. Two men that the police assume to be Prapai and Sky.
He falls onto the single couch, his legs suddenly unable to carry his weight. He drops his head onto his crossed arms and tries to quiet his sobs. 'How will I tell Rain?'
The ringing of his phone startles him from his thoughts.
"P'Chai." He answers, clipped, his emotions playing havoc on his mind.
"You heard." The older man states and doesn't wait for a reply before he continues, business-like.
"There is something familiar about the accident scene, we are investigating. I will call with an update soon."
"P'Chai, is there a chance that the bodies aren't Prapai and Sky?" He asks, clinging to hope like a drowning man.
"There is. I will be in contact." The call ends abruptly, leaving Phayu feeling untethered.
When Rain starts to stir a while later, Phayu has collected himself. He still dreads telling his boyfriend about the car accident.
"Hey, baby. I'm glad you got some rest." He says when Rain's eyes finally open and settle on him. He moves to take a seat next to him.
"P'Phayu, what's wrong?" The younger man asks which causes him to wince involuntarily.
"Rain, there is some news, but we don't know anything for sure yet." Phayu stops, giving himself a moment. 'Damn, this is harder than I imagined.'
"You're scaring me." Rain's voice is soft. His big eyes almost undo Phayu's resolve.
"They found Pai's car, it was involved in an accident."
Phayu can feel Rain's body stiffen and he runs a soothing hand up and down his back.
"There were two bodies inside but they haven't been formally identified yet. The assumption at this stage is that it's Pai and Sky." Phayu forcefully pushes down the emotions trying to overwhelm him.
"No. No way, they're not dead." Rain proclaims, and the conviction in his voice helps to settle Phayu's nerves.
He feels the need however to prepare his boyfriend for the possibility of things turning out very bad.
"Rain, I really hope you're right, but..."
"No, P'Phayu, they're not dead, I will not believe that for a second." Rain cuts him off and Phayu knows better than to argue with him when he's not interested in listening to reason.
He just sighs and prays to every deity he knows to prove the police wrong.
He changes the subject instead. "Let's go get something to eat." They haven't had breakfast yet and although he doesn't have an appetite he knows that they need to keep up their energy for whatever may lie ahead.
"I'm not hungry." Rain says simply.
"I know, me neither, but we need to eat something, Rain." Phayu uses his no-nonsense tone and Rain just nods reluctantly.
P'Chai calls while they are waiting for their takeaways and tells Phayu to meet him at 3 pm at the abandoned clinic and then disconnects the call. No further information is given which only adds to his apprehension.
It's a two-hour drive. They leave shortly after they finish eating. Rain tries to keep a conversation going but gives up 45 minutes into the drive. Not one of them is in the mood for chit-chat and they're not feeling up for any serious conversations. They listen to a music station instead.
Chai and three other men are waiting when Phayu arrives at the clinic. They exchange wai's hastily before Chai gets down to business.
"We know who was helping Gun and has been helping this Dr Ram. It's one of Khun Phakin's fixers. We have tracked his location. I believe that you may want to join us when we confront him."
Phayu nods, excited at the thought of hopefully getting answers and maybe finding Prapai and Sky alive.
"We leave in 30 minutes, we're waiting for backup."
Phayu looks at the three men standing next to Chai, they should be enough to take down two men, but Phayu can see the dangerous glint in the older man's eyes. They are not taking any chances.
Backup arrives in the form of another three men. They check their firearms and ammunition before P'Chai gives the signal for everyone to follow his car. It feels like they're going to war and Phayu prays that Sky and Prapai will not be found among the casualties.
@febuwhump This is part of the scars and soulmates series. It's also part of the Febuwhump multifandom challenge.
Day 21 alternate prompt - limp (see chapter 2)
Day 22 prompt - can't scream (see chapter 4)
Day 23 prompt - you'll have to go through me (see chapter 5)
Day 24 prompt - experimentation (see chapter 6)
This story will have multiple chapters (it will contain the rest of the febuwhump prompts.)
Of guilt and regrets - Prapai needs to deal with his emotional baggage before it destroys every good thing in his life.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Prapai can feel the dried blood on his hands and he swallows down the bile that threatens to come up every few minutes.
He is tied up in the backseat of his car. He is blindfolded as well. He has no idea where they're taking him but he hopes that wherever it is, Sky will also be there.
He keeps seeing flashes of Dr Kas's pale face as he cradled him against his chest, listening to the doctor give his final breath.
He knows that the image will haunt him forever.
The car comes to a stop a while later and Pai is manhandled out of the backseat. His legs feel wobbly as he is made to walk and he stumbles a few times before he is pushed onto a chair. His hands are tied behind his back and his feet to the chair legs.
He breathes a small sigh of relief when the blindfold is removed and he blinks a few times as his eyes adjust to the fluorescent lighting of the room he finds himself in.
Dr Ram and the man who shot Dr Kas, Kusa, appear. Pai knows that he recognizes the killer but he can't place the man's identity. The name also sounds familiar.
"Where is Sky?" Pai grounds out before a fist viciously connects with his face. Kusa shakes his hand afterwards while telling Pai to keep his mouth shut.
"Don't worry Prapai, Nong 'Sky is quite safe for the time being. He's been sleeping through most of his visit with us. He'll be thankful for the respite once we start with the tests." Dr Ram's cheerful tone only serves to agitate Pai further.
"I'm very close to finishing phase 1 of the trial. Your DNA has proved invaluable but I still need one final mutation to happen before I can realize my dream. Unfortunately for that mutation to take place I need something unpleasant to happen to the two of you. But don't worry Nong, your sacrifice will be talked about for years to come."
The agitation Pai feels slowly morphs into fear as he listens to the madman. He knows that he and Sky are in trouble, and he prays that Phayu will find a way to help them. "You really are crazy." He whispers, hating how much his voice trembles when he speaks.
Dr Ram laughs which only serves to increase Pai's apprehension. "That's what they say about all great minds at first."
The doctor swiftly turns the chair Pai is sitting in around. Pai gasps when he sees a large window which connects to another room. The room is dark which makes identifying anything inside impossible.
Dread fills the bound man, he instinctively knows that Sky is on the other side of the window.
He struggles when Ram starts to place electrodes on his head but Kusa's warning voice makes him still.
When the wires and probes are in place, Dr Ram leaves abruptly. The lights switch on in the other room to reveal Sky tied to a hospital bed. He looks to be asleep but his hands twitch every few seconds and he is moaning softly.
The doctor injects him with something and Sky startles awake a few seconds later. His bleary eyes fill with fear when he sees the doctor standing next to his bed.
"Ah, good evening Nong 'Sky. I hope you had a good rest. We're ready to start with the tests." Dr Ram moves to the corner of the room where Pai can't see what is happening but he curses and starts to struggle against his bonds when the doctor returns to Sky's side.
Sky's eyes go wide in horror when he sees the muzzle held in the doctor's hands. "No, please no." He begs as he squirms, trying to get away from the doctor.
Dr Ram ignores the pleas and fastens the muzzle over Sky's face before he turns around and walks out of the room.
Pai can only watch as Sky's body goes lax and his eyes grow dim. He can see his soulmate disassociating.
"Okay, Prapai, I want you to enter your soulmate's consciousness now. I need to see your neural pathways when you two connect." Dr Ram explains casually when he enters the room. He opens his laptop and starts to record the data being captured from the probes connected to Pai's head.
Pai grits his teeth, he hates doing what the doctor wants but he needs to help Sky. His worry for his soulmate wins and he quiets his mind before he approaches the door that will take him to his distraught soulmate.
He can see Sky lying naked on a bed, but it's not the hospital bed, it's a bed in a disgusting motel room that smells of smoke and sex.
"Sky, baby, it's me. It's P'Pai. I'm here, honey." He says softly as he approaches his terrified soulmate. Sky is nearly motionless, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, and small tremors are running through his body.
He doesn't respond to Pai's voice which causes the older man's worry to increase.
Pai takes his soulmate's hand in his and squeezes the cold limb. "Please, my Sky. Can you look at me?"
Sky blinks a few times before he slowly turns his head towards Pai. He tries to speak but the sounds quickly fade when he registers that the muzzle is still covering his mouth.
Pai curses softly before he removes the offensive gag and tosses it across the room.
"I'm sorry, baby. I should have removed that thing sooner. You're okay, I'm right here."
Sky looks at Pai with wide eyes. "P'Pai, what's going on? Where am I?" Pai glances around the room which have morphed into the room Sky is currently being held captive in.
"I'm not sure, Sky," Pai answers honestly before he continues. "But I'm here. I'm being held in the room next to this one. Dr Ram is insane."
"You came? I told you not to come." Sky whispers but the relief in his tone belies his words.
"Of course I came. I won't let them hurt you." Pai says although he feels like a liar, they're hurting him right now.
"I'm scared P'Pai." Sky has just uttered the words when he freezes and starts whimpering. "No, no, don't, please don't."
Pai just stares in bewilderment as a pair of hands unexpectedly appear and start touching Sky on his chest and his legs.
"What the hell?" Pai swears.
Kusa is suddenly with them in the room and he is skimming his hands all over Sky's trembling body.
Pai blinks his eyes open and is back in the chair he is bound to. His fears are confirmed when he looks through the window and sees Kusa sitting on the bed with Sky.
"What the hell are you doing?" He screams at Dr Ram who is still seated next to him with his laptop open in front of him.
"I need more information from your neural pathways, now, get back to Sky, he needs you." The doctor glances into the other room meaningfully. Sky is whimpering and fighting futilely against the hands travelling across his body.
"I swear I'll kill you," Pai growls before he closes his eyes and returns to his soulmate's side.
"Sky, sweetheart, breathe, please." Pai coaxes his boyfriend who is close to hyperventilating.
The look Sky gives him breaks his heart.
"You left, P'Pai. You left me alone with, with..." His voice trails off as he looks at something behind Pai. Pai gasps when he turns around and comes face to face with Gun.
"No, no, Sky, Gun is dead. He's not real." But the figure in front of Pai looks very much alive. He is grinning evilly as he moves towards Sky who is whimpering while trying to get away.
Pai moves on instinct as he pushes at Gun, but to his horror, he doesn't make contact. Gun is on top of Sky now, his hands all over the young man's trembling body.
"Fuck! Stop!" He screams, which causes Gun's hands to stop their groping and Sky to look at Pai with wide frightened eyes. The only person not affected by Pai's shout is Kusa who is still touching Sky.
"I'm sorry, my Sky. I didn't mean to leave you, I just needed to check something, but I'm back. I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere. Please listen to me, baby. Gun is gone, he is dead. You watched the video, remember?" As Sky slowly nods, the mirage of Gun starts to flicker. "That's it, good job, baby. He's gone, he can never hurt you again."
Sky inhales deeply and Gun disappears completely with his exhale.
"P'Pai, some-someone sstill touching." Sky stammers as he tries to move away from the hands now playing with his nipples.
"I know, I'm so sorry, my Sky. I need to leave quickly to get him away from you. I'll be back soon, I promise." Sky looks at him in bewilderment but then gives a nod, Pai can see his soulmate trying to be brave and his heart clenches painfully.
"I love you, Sky. I'll be back, I promise."
Pai opens his eyes and fixes the doctor with a cold look. "Get that bastard away from him." He says fiercely.
"No. I need more information." Dr Ram answers coolly.
"What do you need to happen?" Pai asks through clenched teeth.
Ram looks at him curiously. "Well, well, well. Are you willing to help me all of a sudden?"
"If it gets that asshole away from him, then yes," Pai says without hesitation.
"I am sorry Prapai. But I need Sky dissociated and scared, and the only way I know to achieve that is through someone activating his fight or flight response." If Pai didn't know better he could almost believe that the madman felt some remorse.
"Your soulmate's fight response has been completely destroyed by what that pervert did to him, his automatic response is flight. That's why he disassociates. And it's only when he is in that frame of mind that I get the results I need."
"But, I tell you what. It's enough for tonight. I'll let the two of you rest for a while and we can start again in a few hours."
Ram knocks on the window, signalling Kusa to stop. Pai is untied from the chair and to his relief he is escorted to Sky's room.
"You can untie his hands. We'll tie him up again before we start with round two." Ram says before the door is shut, leaving Pai alone with Sky.
His soulmate is watching him, disbelief clear in his eyes. He quickly removes the muzzle and rips it apart before he unties Sky's hands. He climbs onto the bed and takes the younger man into his arms.
"I'm here, sweetheart. It's me." He reassures until Sky's stiff body relaxes into the embrace.
"P'Pai. What's happening? What do they want from us?" Sky's voice is hoarse from hours of forced silence.
"I'm not sure, baby. He said that he needs a final mutation of our DNA to happen, but I don't know how that's supposed to occur. For now, I'm just glad to have you in my arms." Prapai holds his soulmate against him and breathes in his scent.
"I love you, Sky. We'll figure something out. We have our whole lives ahead of us, we will get out of here."
The conviction in Pai's voice helps to soothe Sky's frayed nerves and the younger man soon falls asleep in his soulmate's arms.
Prapai swallows the lump in his throat as he thinks about the last couple of days and Dr Kas's sacrifice. 'I'll make them pay, doc.' He vows silently before he gives in to the exhaustion, falling into a fitful sleep while holding Sky close.
@febuwhump This is part of the scars and soulmates series. It's also part of the Febuwhump multifandom challenge.
Day 21 alternate prompt - limp (see chapter 2)
Day 22 prompt - can't scream (see chapter 4)
Day 23 prompt - you'll have to go through me (see chapter 5)
This story will have multiple chapters (it will contain the rest of the febuwhump prompts.)
Of guilt and regrets - Prapai needs to deal with his emotional baggage before it destroys every good thing in his life.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Pai has just finished his early morning gym session, he is in the shower and the water that cascades down his back are soothing his sore muscles.
It's when he is drying himself that overwhelming fear has him struggling to catch his breath. He scrabbles out of the bathroom and falls onto his bed.
He closes his eyes and concentrates on regulating his breathing. His mind immediately goes to Sky. Something is very wrong with his soulmate.
He takes a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down before he tries to push against the door in his mind that will hopefully take him to his soulmate.
What he finds is chaos, torn and blurred images. Just as he thinks that he has enough of a picture to grab onto, it changes and he is left scrabbling to find his footing.
He becomes aware of a headache forming with fierce intensity. He is forced to retreat from his soulmate's mind. His head feels like it might explode.
He inhales sharply, his mind feels numb except for the splitting headache. When he is more or less certain that he won't collapse as soon as he's vertical he stands up from the bed to collect his phone from the bathroom.
His hands are trembling as he dials Sky's number. "Please be okay, please answer." He whispers desperately, but his soulmate's phone just rings.
He phones Rain next but he is still on his way to the university. He promises to let Pai know as soon as he's there. The concern is evident in the younger man's voice.
The headache has eased slightly and his mind is clearer. He dresses quickly before grabbing his keys on his way out. He's on his way to Sky's apartment when Rain calls. He sounds panicked as he tells him that Sky isn't at the university.
He is knocking on the apartment door when the sudden sound of his phone ringing makes him jump.
"Pai, what's happening, where is Sky?" Phayu's worried voice sounds over the small speaker of Pai's phone.
"I don't know, Phayu. He's terrified, that's the only emotion I've been feeling from him for the past hour."
Phayu can hear the distress in his friend's voice and therefore speaks calmly when he replies.
"Pai, try to stay calm okay? Where are you now?"
"I'm at his apartment but he's not here."
"Check to see if his car is there, I'm on my way," Phayu instructs before he ends the call.
Pai feels his breath catch in his throat when he sees Sky's car in the garage. He sprints the final few feet but then comes to a sudden stop when he glimpses something lying on the ground next to the drivers-side door.
He approaches the cardboard model slowly, he can feel his apprehension rise with each step. He picks it up carefully, making sure to keep all the parts together, even the ones that broke off with the fall.
He places it on top of the car roof and then slowly slides down to sit on the ground. He picks up Sky's car keys which lie within his reach.
"What happened, baby? Where are you?" He whispers to himself. He sits there until Phayu shows up.
"Pai? You need to get up. We need to find Sky." Phayu says urgently while he kneels next to his distraught friend.
"I'm scared, Phayu. Something is very wrong. I can't reach him." A tear trickles down his cheek.
"Let's go to your house, we'll decide what to do next once we're there."
He insists Pai leave his car and go with him. He knows that the man is in no condition to drive. He arranges with Saifah to have his friend's car delivered to his home.
Once they are settled in the living room Pai attempts to reach Sky again but the images are still distorted and the headache returns with a vengeance.
He calls Dr Kas, fighting the growing panic threatening to overwhelm him. The doctor tells him that he will be there as soon as possible.
Dr Kas is true to his word, he arrives three hours later. By 1 pm Dr Kas, Pai, Phayu and Rain are all seated in the living room.
The doctor has attached an IV line, feeding Pai a mild sedative and he has pain medication for the headache on standby.
Phayu and Rain are sitting on the couch across from their friend, their hands intertwined nervously.
"Okay, Pai, I need you to clear your mind and focus solely on the door leading to Sky." Pai nods slowly, breathing calmly, the sedative definitely helping.
He prods the door open and is immediately met with twisted images again. His breathing increases and he can hear Dr Kas urging him to remain calm. "Pai, call out to him, see if he responds."
"Sky, baby, I'm here. Can you hear me?" There's silence at first, but then he can hear soft sobs. The images shift and twist around him but he closes his eyes, concentrating on the weak sounds he can hear.
"I can hear you, sweetheart, can you speak up for me? I'm right here." He keeps his eyes closed, listening intently for any sound from his soulmate.
"P'Pai?" It's faint but it's the most beautiful sound he's ever heard.
"Yes, yes, my Sky. I hear you, baby."
"Good, Pai, ask him if he can show you one impression of where he is then grab onto it."
Pai does as Dr Kas instructs and a blurry image comes into view.
"Good, baby. That's great, I'm right here. I can see you but it's blurry, do you think you can clear the image a bit?"
Another impression comes into view. It looks like a hospital room, Sky is lying on a bed, and his hands are tied to the bed railings.
"Fuck!" Pai curses, anger coursing through his veins.
"He's tied to a hospital bed." He explains to the three anxious people in his living room.
"Can you enter the room, can you touch him?" Dr Kas asks patiently.
Pai concentrates on Sky, on what he knows his hand feels like, on the warmth of his skin. The image morphs into an actual room and Pai hastily moves to Sky's side.
He touches his soulmate's clammy hand and runs his other hand through his sweat-soaked hair.
"P'Pai? 'M scared. Don't like it here." Sky's voice is soft and his speech is slurred.
"I know, baby. I'll get you out, I promise. Sky, do you know who took you?" Pai asks urgently. He watches as his soulmate's eyes roll around in their sockets. He is struggling to stay conscious.
"Hmm, he- he wants... Don't, P'Pai." Sky isn't making much sense, whatever drug he's been given is making him confused.
"Sky, I need to know who took you, please baby."
"No, he'll hurt you too," Sky mumbles defiantly.
Pai takes a deep breath, trying to keep his frustration contained. He's about to ask his soulmate again when the door to the hospital room opens.
"Well, well, well. P'Pai, I'm glad you finally made it into your soulmate's mind. I've been waiting patiently." Dr Ram says as he moves into the room and comes to a standstill next to Sky's bed. He's inches from Prapai but he doesn't see him.
Pai tries to punch the doctor but his hand only finds air. "You son of a bitch!" He yells, fury trying to suffocate him.
"Sky, tell your soulmate to have Dr Ekasit phone me. We have some important matters to discuss."
Pai growls as he watches the doctor caress Sky's cheek while his soulmate only whimpers and tries to move away from the touch.
"Now, now, none of that." Dr Ram patronizes him as he continues to run his fingers through Sky's hair. He moves to the table near the door where syringes and vials are stored. Pai can only watch as he injects Sky with something. His soulmate's body goes lax and he hears Dr Ram's infuriatingly calm voice continue speaking as the room darkens and Pai is forced out of Sky's mind.
As soon as Pai opens his eyes, he yanks the IV from his vein and grabs Dr Kas by the collar. He pulls him up and slams him against the nearest wall.
"What did you do?" He growls threateningly.
Phayu is by his side in seconds, telling him to calm down.
Dr Kas is wide-eyed, he is glancing between Pai and Phayu while holding his hands in the air.
"Pai, what happened? What did you see?" Dr Kas asks his voice pitched high.
"Like you don't know." Pai snarls. "You and Dr Ram are using him like some kind of lab rat."
Phayu gasps at that and his stance next to Pai becomes threatening.
"Prapai, I don't know what you're talking about. Did you see Ram with Sky?" The doctor asks, his own face contorted in anger.
"Yes." Pai hisses. "And Ram said to tell you that you should give him a call."
Dr Kas reaches for his phone while still held against the wall by Pai's strong arms.
"Ram, what did you do?" He shouts as soon as the doctor answers. He has his phone on speakerphone for the other men to hear the conversation.
"Ah, Kas, I'm glad you got the message. I'm doing what you're too scared to do. I'm fulfilling my destiny." There is an edge of mania to the man's voice.
"Did you see? My serum works, there was no effect on Pai when I injected Sky with the sedative." Ram's gleeful voice fills the air.
"What do you want?" Pai growls, his knuckles white where he is holding Dr Kas against the wall.
"P'Pai, good, you're there as well. I want you and Dr Kas to pay me and Sky a visit. I'll send the coordinates. Only the two of you, if I see anyone else, you won't like what happens to your soulmate."
The call ends abruptly and Pai is trembling with rage. He still has Dr Kas by the collar of his shirt but he's no longer pushing him against the wall.
A few seconds later a message appears on Dr Kas's screen. The coordinates are just outside of Lopburi.
As soon as Pai sees it he yanks Dr Kas towards the front door. "Let's go."
Phayu grabs his friend by the elbow but Pai shakes him loose and gives him a hard look. "Don't, Phayu. I'm going to get Sky away from that loon."
Dr Kas speaks up, looking grim. "He's right Phayu. We need to go now. I'm afraid of what he'll do if we wait."
Phayu just glares at the doctor, not trusting him either.
"Look, I understand your suspicions, but I swear I had no idea he would go off the rails like this. I'll send you the coordinates right now. If you don't hear anything from us by tonight, send the cavalry."
Dr Kas has just enough time to send the message before he is dragged to Pai's car.
There is a tense silence between the two men as Pai drives. His knuckles are white as he clenches the steering wheel.
"I'm sorry Pai. I should never have involved you two. All I ever wanted was to help soulmates find each other in time, before..." His voice trails off.
"Before what?" Pai asks through clenched teeth. His eyes not leaving the road.
"Before history repeats." Dr Kas says quietly, pain clear in his voice.
"I had a soulmate. His name was Ink. We met when I was 15 years old. His home life wasn't good. His stepfather..." Dr Kas stops speaking for a while, collecting himself. The memories are causing as much pain now as when he was a teenager and was witnessing the cruelty first-hand.
"His stepfather molested him every night. He was an abusive, alcoholic pervert."
Pai hears the pain and helplessness in the doctor's voice and spares him a glance before he focuses on the road again.
"What happened?" He asks, his voice much gentler than before.
"He was a year older than me, we were both still kids. I couldn't help him much. Our bond grew stronger as we got to know each other. The beatings were no longer leaving only scars on me, I was experiencing the same pain he was."
Dr Kas closes his eyes, tears slipping down his cheeks as he talks about the most painful parts of his past.
"It was the day before his 18th birthday. We planned to sneak out and spend the night together. It would have been our first time making love. The pervert had other plans. He beat the crap out of him before he raped him repeatedly."
He is sobbing quietly as he recounts the night his life changed forever.
"Ink must have been in so much pain, but he was only thinking about me. He wrote me a letter before..." The doctor hiccups through his sobs before he continues.
"He took an overdose of sleeping pills. I almost died as well. If my parents hadn't found me in time I would have died with him. I was angry for a long time afterwards. Angry at my parents for saving me. Angry at Ink for leaving me."
"He explained in the letter that he couldn't stand the thought of me suffering because of him."
Pai has tears running down his cheeks as well. Listening to what Dr Kas is saying hit too close to home.
"That's why you became a doctor. To help soulmates because you couldn't help your own." He says eventually when he feels confident his voice won't crack under the emotions he is feeling.
"Yeah, but now your soulmate is in danger and I helped put him there. If I hadn't introduced you guys to him, Sky wouldn't be in this situation now. I'm sorry Pai." The guilt the doctor feels is evident in his tone.
"We'll get him out of there, doc. I won't let anything happen to Sky." Pai says confidently.
When they arrive at the coordinates, they're met with an old abandoned clinic. Pai slowly drives through the big iron gates. The place looks like something from a horror movie and Pai can't stop the chill that runs down his spine.
He sends a quick text to Phayu, letting him know that they have arrived at their destination.
The two men approach the entrance slowly. Pai shoves down his apprehension. 'Sky is somewhere in here.' The thought horrifies him.
"Welcome, gentlemen." Dr Ram's voice sounds over the speakers.
"We're here," Pai shouts. "Come out and talk to us face to face."
The doctor's laugh sounds demented and Pai feels the dread creeping into his being.
"Oh, I will, as soon as my dear colleague leaves. Hand him your car keys. Kas, I will let you know when I'm finished here."
"No way, Ram. You'll have to go through me before I let you experiment on people." Dr Kas shouts angrily.
"Oh, that can be arranged." A voice says from behind the two men.
A shot sounds through the clinic just as Kas and Pai turn around to see who is speaking.
Pai is caught off guard when Dr Kas stumbles into him clutching at his stomach.
"No! What the fuck! Doc, hey, you're okay. Stay with me, doc. Please, please!" Pai's screams echo through the clinic as he holds the dying man in his arms.
@febuwhump This is part of the scars and soulmates series. It's also part of the Febuwhump multifandom challenge. Day 22 prompt - can't scream (see chapter 4).
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Sky lets out a bone-weary sigh as he enters the small apartment that he's been staying in for the last 2 weeks. He tries to ignore the boxes that keep reminding him of everything that has gone wrong in the last couple of weeks.
He'll get to them eventually. Maybe when he has the willpower to do more than return home after class just to flop down on his couch.
He still has 2 assignments to complete before he is caught up with the rest of his peers. He groans as he stands up to look for something to eat. He rummages through the fridge and swallows down the guilty lump in his throat when he takes out the leftovers from his meal last night.
The meal that Prapai sent him like he's been doing every night since Sky moved out of their home.
His eyes sting with tears as he watches the food warm up in the microwave. He brushes the tears away angrily before he takes the food and sits down at the kitchen table.
He has no right to cry, this was his decision. He's the one who insisted on moving out and he's the reason his soulmate was left devastated and alone. At least that's what P'Phayu said when he spoke to him last week.
He told Prapai the reasons for separating, and at the time they had made sense to the young man.
Prapai was losing himself while trying to keep Sky safe. He was slowly giving up everything that he loved. Sky couldn't stand it. He couldn't be the reason that the man he loved more than anything turned into a shell of his former self.
The other reason was the self-loathing Prapai was still carrying and punishing himself with. He hasn't forgiven himself for their first time together, and before he could do that, nothing Sky said or did would get through to him.
As Sky sits, chewing the food, but not really tasting anything other than the tears flowing down his cheeks, he wonders if he made the right decision.
He is miserable and from what Rain and Phayu have told him, so is P'Pai. Though from what he's seen, Pai looks okay, sad and withdrawn but okay.
He closes his eyes and softly prods at the metaphorical door in his mind. The door that's been there since that time at the restaurant when P'Pai entered his consciousness to help get him out of the flashback.
He's been checking in on his soulmate occasionally, needing to know that he is okay. He doesn't think Pai knows, he tries to be quiet, just observing his emotions.
He gives a soft sigh when he finds him, he's calm and focused, so probably still at the office. He feels warmth and tenderness enter his mind like he always does when he checks in on him.
Maybe he does know about the little visits, but Pai never lets on that he is aware and Sky appreciates it. They haven't spoken since Sky moved out, only texting once a day.
The separation is temporary, Sky is sure of it. They just need to find themselves again. He knows that he needs to figure out who this new Sky is - where Sky stops and Pai begins. They have become so entwined that he's not sure who he is without Prapai. And he knows the same is true for his soulmate.
He spends another few seconds just soaking in the warmth of Pai's emotions before he opens his eyes and the connection is broken.
He makes his way to his bedroom and sits at the desk. He might as well start with the next assignment. At least it will keep his mind occupied with thoughts other than P'Pai, and how much he misses him.
***
Prapai is in his office, going over the proposal sent by their newest high-profile client when he senses the gentle nudge in his mind.
The smile that lights his face is blinding as he closes his eyes, ensuring he is relaxed and peaceful. He focuses on his love for Sky, filling his thoughts with warmth and security. The emotions he knows his soulmate needs the most.
He can feel Sky relax while he absorbs the feelings Pai is offering him.
The connection is broken too soon, it leaves Pai feeling off-kilter and lonely. He sighs as he tries to get back to work.
He had taken Virote and Phet's advice to heart and he is slowly making progress in working through his emotional baggage.
He'd had an honest talk with Phayu and had told his best friend about his and Sky's first time together. At the time he thought that Phayu might deck him and he would have been grateful if he had.
What had hurt even worse than the fury was the disgust he saw on his friend's face. It matched the contempt he held for himself.
After Phayu calmed down and got over his urge to punch his friend, they had a long conversation. Phayu asked him how Sky felt about that night which stumped Pai for a while.
He told him what Sky's answer had always been but that he wasn't sure if he could believe him.
"Phayu, I started hurting him before I even knew him. And after I found out what happened to him, fuck, I wanted to crawl into a hole and die." He told his friend, tears of frustration and self-disgust flowing freely down his cheeks.
"He swears that he doesn't see that night as I do, but your reaction proves how wrong and repulsive my actions were."
Phayu took a deep breath, analyzing his response before he spoke. His voice was softer than it had been since Pai confessed his biggest sin.
"Pai, I've come to know Sky pretty well by now. I know that he doesn't say things he doesn't mean. It's one of the things I admire about him. He doesn't sugarcoat things and you always know where you stand with him. If he says that your first time together doesn't bother him then it doesn't."
"Yes, I was shocked when you told me, and that was definitely not your finest hour, but maybe I am being too hard on you and you on yourself."
Pai shook his head, he didn't want to be let off the hook so easily.
"Pai, let me ask you something. If you two hadn't met that night, do you think Sky would be better off now, without you in his life?" Phayu waited for a second to make sure his words got through to his stubborn friend.
"Do you think he would be happy now? Or would he still be looking over his shoulder, afraid of the monsters from his past coming back?"
That got his friend's attention. Pai looked like he might be sick just thinking about the what-ifs.
He slowly nodded his head, the truth of Phayu's words finding a home in his head and his heart.
"When did you get so wise?" He finally joked, feeling lighter than he had in ages.
Prapai is rudely snapped out of his wandering thoughts by Namtan slamming a file down on his desk. She is looking at him in amusement, enjoying the little jump she got out of her boss.
She innocently clears her throat as she tells him that the files he requested are ready, indicating the item she just used to scare him out of his daydream.
He grumbles "thank you" under his breath as she walks away from the office. He returns to the proposal, forcing himself to concentrate on his work. He feels better after the brief check-in from Sky, the little visits are the highlight of his days.
***
Sky is running late, he slept through his alarm clock, the fact that he only went to bed at 3 am definitely has something to do with it.
He is balancing his second-to-last 'catch-up assignment' on his knee while struggling with his car door. He hears the footsteps too late and before he can react he feels a needle pushing into his neck. His body goes limp but he is caught by strong arms before he hits the garage floor. He tries to scream for help but no sounds come out of his mouth.
He is awake but he can't move or scream, he feels utterly helpless as he is carried to his assailant's car.
@febuwhump This is part of the scars and soulmates series. It's also part of the Febuwhump multifandom challenge. Day 21 alternate prompt - limp (see chapter 2).
This story will be multiple chapters (it will contain the rest of the febuwhump prompts.)
Of guilt and regrets - Prapai needs to deal with his emotional baggage before it destroys every good thing in his life.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Chapter 2 of "Of guilt and regrets"
It's been two weeks since the stabbing incident and Sky and Pai have recovered in full.
Sky is thankful that the mugging happened just before his semester break, at least he hadn't been forced to miss any classes again.
Prapai's frame of mind has been worrying him. His soulmate seems withdrawn and unusually quiet.
Sky has a surprise for the older man and he hopes it will ease some of the tension between them.
The bedroom is decorated with candles and there are red and white balloons floating around the ceiling.
It's the one-year anniversary of their first time having sex, and although it may not have been the most romantic evening, it started the events that changed his life in the best possible ways.
He checks the time, it's just after 4 pm which means that Pai should be on his way home. He's about to light the first candle when a sudden stabbing pain in his ankle has him gasping and falling backwards onto the bed.
He stays there for 20 minutes, breathing through the pain and trying to calm his racing heart. He knows that the emotions he is experiencing aren't his own.
He can feel Pai's rage and anguish. As the feelings settle down he looks around searching for his phone. He curses when he sees it on the dresser near the door.
"Fuck! P'Pai, what did you do now?" He groans as he starts limping towards his phone.
He has just picked it up when it starts to ring, startled, he loses his grip and it drops to the floor. "Dammit!" He grunts as he tries to pick it up while keeping the weight off his injured foot.
When he finally has it in hand he answers grumpily: "What?!"
"Sky, are you alright? P'Pai called and asked us to check on you. We're on our way."
"Rain, what do you mean he called you? Why the hell didn't he call me? Is he okay? I know he hurt his foot because my foot is hurting like a son of a..." Sky cuts himself short and takes a deep calming breath before talking to his friend again.
"Rain, where exactly is my boyfriend?" He asks slowly, enunciating every word.
"Umm, he kinda, umm, got himself... Arrested." Sky looks at the phone in his hand for a second, sure that he must have heard wrong.
"Rain, I must have misheard." He starts and is quickly interrupted by Phayu's dangerously calm voice.
"Sky, we're almost at your house, I'm dropping Rain off to help you and then I'm going to bail my idiot best friend out of jail. We'll use the spare key to let Rain in, don't walk on that foot unnecessarily." The call disconnects before Sky can respond.
Sky hobbles to the living room, there is no way he is letting Rain see their decorated bedroom, he will never hear the end of it. He hears the front door opening and P'Phayu waves at him before quickly turning back towards his car.
The quick glimpse he saw of the older man's face is enough to make him realize that his soulmate might prefer to stay in jail for the night. Phayu looks pissed.
Rain hurries to the bathroom to get the medical kit and then takes a seat next to him. His friend inspects his swollen ankle and whistles at the bruising already visible.
Sky convinces him that it's just a sprain, saying that he wouldn't be able to place weight on it if it was broken.
Rain nods, although he isn't entirely convinced, he would prefer to take Sky to the hospital for X-rays but they compromise and he agrees to have Rain wrap it in a compression bandage. When he is finished he places an ice pack on top, telling him to keep the foot elevated.
Rain spends the next 30 minutes talking about everything and nothing, trying to keep his friend's mind occupied.
He is telling Sky about P'Saifah threatening to move out again after finding one of their "toys" between the couch cushions.
Sky is about to retort when he hears the key in the front door. A few seconds later it opens and Pai with an arm draped over Phayu's shoulders appears.
Prapai immediately hobbles to the couch where Sky is sitting, leaving Phayu to close the door. Rain quickly moves to the other sofa, giving Pai the seat next to Sky.
A tense silence settles in the room while Phayu sits down next to Rain.
"Umm, I can explain..." Pai starts and at the same time, Sky says: "Thanks P'Phayu, Rain. We've got it from here. We've taken enough of your time."
Phayu gives a small nod before he stands up and pulls Rain up with him.
"Call if you need anything," Phayu says while dragging a hesitant Rain with him towards the door.
Once they are alone, Sky silently takes the med kit and removes what's left of the compression bandage. He tells Pai to place his foot on his lap. The older man does as he is told, keeping a wary eye on his soulmate's face.
"I'm sorry, baby."
"What happened, P'Pai?" Sky asks, his eyes fixed on the task of wrapping his soulmate's foot.
"An idiot knocked me over. He skipped the traffic light and ran into the back of my bike. It all happened at low speed, I'm fine." He quickly assures when he sees Sky's shocked face.
"So, you were in a bike accident..." Sky's measured calm voice has Pai looking down sheepishly. "How did you get yourself arrested, P'Pai?"
"The asshole was drunk, he didn't even apologize. He just stood there cursing at me so I lost it. I hit him a few times until a cop pulled me off him."
"He arrested both of us, but he let me off with a warning," Pai concludes and slowly looks up, needing to see his soulmate's eyes to gauge how much trouble he is in.
Sky pushes the now-wrapped limb from his lap and sits, facing Pai. "Why didn't you call me?"
"Because I knew you were hurt, again, because of me." He whispers the last part, the self-loathing evident in his voice.
Sky inhales deeply, trying to suppress his growing frustration.
"P'Pai, it was an accident, it wasn't your fault. You have to stop blaming yourself every time you get hurt."
"That's the problem, my Sky! It's not just me. I hate being the cause of any injury to you. And it's happening more often. The moment that car hit me, my first thought was that I'm hurting you again!" Pai is trembling from his pent-up emotions.
"Gun and Petch are gone, you're supposed to be safe now, but I keep putting you in danger." The older man stands up, intent on pacing, but a sharp pain reminds him of his injured foot. He flops back down on the couch miserably. He doesn't miss the pained expression on Sky's face and he curses himself.
"See, I keep hurting you!"
"P'Pai, you can't keep doing this. We can't keep going like this." Sky says as he takes his soulmate's hands in his.
"We have to accept, YOU have to accept that our bond will cause each other pain. If you hurt, I hurt. If I'm in pain, you're in pain. We're bonded soulmates, there's nothing we can do about that." Sky speaks earnestly, hoping to ease his boyfriend's guilt.
"It's too much! Sky, I'm scared." Pai admits, with tears welling in his eyes.
"I don't want to race anymore because I'm scared you'll get hurt if I crash. I'm afraid our competitors might try to scare me off again, and you'll be collateral damage. Shit, baby, I'm scared of my own shadow these days."
Sky gently cups his soulmate's face in his hands, wiping the unspilled tears from his eyes. "P'Pai, you can't live like this, I won't let you. I won't let you give up the things you love just to protect me." He pulls the older man into a hug, running soothing fingers across his back.
"I think we should talk to Dr Kas. He might have some advice." Sky says softly as he pulls away from the embrace, needing to look into Pai's eyes.
Pai nods in agreement, the thought had occurred to him as well.
"I'm going to change and then we can order take-out," Pai says as he gets up, taking care not to place unnecessary weight on his injured ankle.
He gasps softly when he opens the door to their bedroom. "Umm, Sky, baby?"
Sky quickly stands up from the couch at Pai's exclamation and hits his forehead with the palm of his hand when he remembers the state of their bedroom.
"Shit! Shit! Shit! I forgot about the surprise!" He cries out as he limps his way to the bedroom.
Pai looks at him in apprehension. 'Please don't let this be what I think it is.' He prays silently.
"I wanted to surprise you, P'Pai. It's the first anniversary of..."
"Don't!" Pai interrupts more harshly than he intends to and he doesn't miss the hurt that flashes across Sky's face.
He's spent the whole day trying to forget about what happened one year ago, and if he's being honest it is part of the reason he lost it when that car hit him.
"I'm sorry, baby. I didn't mean..." His voice trails off when Sky turns around, but not before Pai sees the tears slipping down his cheeks.
'Fuck, Pai, you keep screwing up.' He swears at himself silently.
Sky is huddled on the couch, his legs drawn up to his chest. Pai approaches him slowly, not sure how welcome his presence is at the moment.
He sits down on the floor in front of his soulmate, extending his injured foot along the length of the couch.
"Sky, sweetheart, will you look at me, please?"
Sky just shakes his head, keeping it buried in his arms on top of his knees.
"Baby, I know what today is, it's the anniversary of the first time I hurt you." They've talked about that night. Sky has made it clear that he doesn't feel the same about what transpired, but the guilt and shame Pai feels over their first time together is slowly killing him.
"I want to go back to that night one year ago and kick my own ass. I want to tell myself to stop being arrogant and spoiled. I want..."
He's interrupted by a loud slap across the face, his left cheek is stinging from the force of the blow and he looks at his boyfriend in bewilderment.
Sky's face is a mask of rage.
"There, is that enough, P'Pai? Or do you want me to keep hitting you until you get over yourself? I've told you, over and over again that I do not see our first time the same way you do." Sky feels flustered and his emotions are going haywire. He has a fleeting thought that maybe he's experiencing Pai's emotions as well as his own, but he doesn't pay it much attention.
"Yes, you were arrogant, and yes it was a dick move, but I wouldn't have slept with you if I didn't want to. If I have any choice in the matter, I will never let that happen again. And I did have the choice, you've said it yourself, if I had asked you to stop you would have. You need to let this go, P'Pai. Before it destroys you, before it destroys us."
He feels exhausted after his tirade and gets up from the couch slowly. "I'm calling P'Phayu to come pick me up. I can't stay here with you tonight. I'll call you tomorrow. I love you P'Pai."
Prapai has never felt as lost as he does at this moment. He hears the door open when Sky leaves but he can't get himself to respond. He feels numb and it's terrifying.
He's not sure how much time passes before he feels the urge to relieve himself. He's surprised to see that it's completely dark outside.
When he's done in the bathroom he settles on a chair in the dining room and fumbles with his phone. He needs to call Dr Kas, the man will know what to do. 'He has to.'
He spends an hour talking to the doctor, and he feels even more hopeless afterwards.
There is a way to weaken their soul bond, but it's not a viable option for them. They would need to cease all contact, and even worse, they'd need to be on different continents.
Dr Kas told him that he would reach out to Virote and Phet. He said that they went through something similar in their relationship and that they could give better advice than he could.
That revelation helps to ease his mind more than his conversation with the doctor did. Virote and Phet are married, and therefore obviously worked through their problems.
His phone rings ten minutes later and to his surprise it's Virote. Even more surprising, he and Phet are on their way to Prapai.
They live 30 minutes away and after their conversation with Dr Kas, they decide that the conversation they need to have with Prapai can't wait till morning.
Pai waits nervously, unsure of what the couple will say but knowing that he needs help to get himself out of the mess he made with Sky.
@febuwhump This is part of the scars and soulmates series. It's also part of the Febuwhump multifandom challenge. Day 20 alternate prompt - rope burns.
Word count: 1672
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Sky glances fondly at the two men sitting across from him in the living room. Rune has his head on Kris's shoulder while playing with his soulmate's hands in his lap.
He looks relaxed and happy. Rune had spent the day with Sky and Prapai while Kris was in a university workshop. He had reached out last week, asking if they could visit for the weekend.
Kris is in his third year of law school and the workshop had been mandatory. They had agreed eagerly, excited at the chance of getting to know the couple better.
They have just finished dinner and Kris is telling them about his experiences studying law.
Sky is enthralled by his passion for his chosen career path. He knows that Kris will make an excellent prosecutor. That is his goal, although he still has a long way to go before he can reach his dream.
"If you don't mind me asking, what inspired your career choice?" Pai asks from beside Sky and the look on his face clearly states that he is also intrigued by Kris's passion.
Kris glances at Rune before he turns his attention back to the others. "I've always been interested in the law, I started studying before I found Rune. But after," he squeezes his soulmate's hand in his before he continues, "I saw how broken the system is. I found a new purpose."
"The people, and I use that term loosely, that hurt him are still free. Two years later and they're still not paying for what they did."
Kris's face is etched with anger and pain. Rune leans in and places a chaste kiss on his cheek, turning red right after. Kris lets out a small gasp at the uncharacteristic display of affection which is quickly followed by a blinding smile. Rune buries his face in Kris's neck, trying to hide.
Sky and Prapai exchange amused smiles before Pai clears his throat and decides to change the subject for Rune's sake.
"I have some questions about the clinical trial you're participating in if that's okay with you guys."
Kris nods eagerly while Rune looks back at the other people in the room, still feeling embarrassed but thankful for the distraction.
"Dr Kas answered our questions but there are still some things I'd like to ask your opinions on."
Kris gestures for him to continue, keen to learn more about Prapai and Sky's bond.
"I think my main concern is if they are trustworthy. Dr Kas and Dr Ram. Before we commit to participating in the trial I need to make sure Sky will be safe."
This gets a snicker from his soulmate who hastily adds: "we both need to be safe, you doofus." But there's no real heat in his words.
Kris chuckles at the playful banter before he turns serious. "I trust Dr Kas implicitly. He has helped us more than anyone else. He's been there for us when my parents failed." There's pain in his words but he continues regardless.
"I'll share an incident that happened a year ago which will give you a bit more insight on Dr Kas."
One year ago
"Please hurry, Dr Kas, he's been like this for 30 minutes." Kris cries desperately as he clutches Rune against his chest.
"Take deep breaths, Kris. I'm on my way."
True to his words, Dr Kas arrives 20 minutes later. He lets himself into the small apartment with his spare key. It's 10 pm and Kris feels blessed to have the older man as a friend. He is always willing to help, no matter the time.
He is a bit surprised to find Dr Ram following close behind but all his attention is drawn back to his soulmate who is still thrashing in his arms.
"Kris, we want to try something. We think that your connection is powerful enough. I want you to calm down and then focus all your energy on Rune. Feel his emotions, let them enter your mind."
Kris takes a steadying breath, calming his racing heart and does as the doctor instructs. He opens his mind and feels a flood of emotions enter. It steals his breath for a second but Dr Kas guides him through it.
"Good. Now I want you to see if you can enter his mind, enter his consciousness. I know it sounds impossible, but I believe you can do it. It might feel like pushing against a door. Take your time, Kris."
Kris pushes against the emotions trying to drown him, focussing on Rune and his need to get his soulmate out of the flashback he is trapped in.
He gasps when images flood his mind. Rune is lying naked on a mattress, he's shivering from the cold. It looks like a basement. The images take form around him and he notices that the door is locked. Rune is trapped inside the damp dark room.
He inches closer carefully and notes with alarm the rope burns on his soulmate's wrists and ankles. He'd obviously been tied up.
He sits down next to Rune and places a tentative hand on his forehead, noting with concern that he can feel a fever running through his soulmate's body.
"Rune, sweetheart, it's me, Kris. You're safe. Please open your eyes." Rune whimpers before feverish red eyes open and latches onto Kris's face.
Recognition flares in his eyes before he cowers away in fear, staring at something behind Kris. When Kris turns around he comes face to face with the monster responsible for Rune's current state.
He tries to cover Rune's naked body with his own while yelling at the man to get back and leave them alone.
He can hear Dr Kas's concerned voice asking him what's happening, but his sole focus is on keeping the monster away from his soulmate.
He is suddenly awake and struggling to catch his breath. Dr Kas is looking at him with wide eyes and speaking soothing words, coaxing him to breathe.
When he is finally able to take a deep breath into his oxygen-starved lungs he realizes that he is lying on the floor with Dr Kas sitting next to him. The relief from the doctor is palpable.
"That's it, Kris. Good boy. You're okay."
***
"I almost went into cardiac arrest that day. If Dr Kas hadn't acted so quickly it could have gone really bad. He told me that we would never try it again. I've begged him to give me another chance but he won't take the risk." Kris finishes the story and looks at Sky and then at Prapai before he continues.
"I know how much it would mean for the study if we could succeed and Dr Kas could do the necessary tests while I'm in Rune's mind, but he won't budge. He says that it's not worth putting us both in danger. So, to answer your question, yes, I trust him. I think he's being overprotective, but he has our best interests at heart so I can't really argue with him too much."
Kris doesn't miss the look exchanged between his friends and decides to push for information.
"Dr Kas mentioned that your bond is especially strong as well. Mind if I ask how strong?"
Sky gives a slight nod after which Pai starts a bit hesitantly.
"We haven't confirmed this to Dr Kas, but I think he suspects. I entered Sky's mind to help him out of a flashback."
Kris isn't sure how to respond. To everyone's surprise, Rune speaks up. "And you were okay, P'Pai?"
"Yes, I was fine, but there was no one else in the flashback, it was only Sky."
They sit in silence for a while, processing everything that's been revealed.
Kris finally speaks up first. "I understand your reluctance to reveal this. It's huge and could place the two of you in danger if the wrong people find out. But, I think you can trust Dr Kas. He has only ever wanted the best for all of us. I think he has some trauma in his past but he has never mentioned anything to us. He has an understanding of what we go through that most people don't have."
"I guess we'll need to talk with Dr Kas," Prapai says as he looks at Sky to see his reaction. Sky nods in agreement. "If we can help other people find their soulmates faster I think it's worth the risk."
"What about Dr Ram?" Pai asks, to which Rune gives a loud snort.
Sky and Pai look at him curiously but Kris quickly speaks up. "Rune isn't his biggest fan, but I think he's harmless. He's been vocal about wanting us to try the mind connection again, despite Dr Kas's refusal. Rune feels the same as Dr Kas. He doesn't want me to take the risk."
"Of course I don't, I can't lose you." Rune's voice goes soft as he says the last part and Kris's face lights up.
"You won't, sweetheart. I love you and I'll always be here, okay?" Rune nods then duck his head in between his soulmate's shoulder and the couch cushions.
"I understand your disapproval Rune, I'd feel the same if it was P'Pai." Sky turns to his soulmate as he continues. "I think we should be more cautious in the future, P'Pai. Who knows what might have happened if I wasn't alone in the flashback?"
"I'd kill that fucker with my bare hands," Pai answers haughtily.
"You don't know that P'Pai. Don't be arrogant." Sky huffs, annoyed at his soulmate's disregard for his concerns.
"I'm sorry, baby. You're right. We'll be more careful next time, I promise." Sky is still a bit miffed but eventually gives in to Pai's puppy eyes which are on full display.
Kris chuckles when he sees Sky's outrage so easily deflated. "Those are dangerous." He comments looking at Pai's eyes and then at Sky with a knowing smirk.
"You're telling me." Sky chuckles and then both men burst into laughter at Prapai's confused expression.
@febuwhump This is part of the scars and soulmates series. It's also part of the Febuwhump_2023 multifandom challenge. Day 19 prompt - you deserve this.
Word count: 3250
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
"Baby, are you ready to go?" Prapai asks as he peeks into their bedroom. He sighs when he sees his soulmate sitting on the bed next to his still-empty suitcase.
"P'Pai, I don't know if this is a good idea." Sky's voice is soft and unsure.
Pai moves to sit behind his soulmate, taking him in his arms and holding him close against his chest.
"My Sky, you heard what Dr Kas said, this will be a good opportunity to meet other couples with similar experiences."
"That's the problem P'Pai. They'll know what happened. They'll know how broken I am." He whispers the last part.
Pai breathes in deeply, pushing down his immediate response. Instead of saying anything, he places a kiss against the back of his soulmate's neck, breathing in his comforting scent.
When he is finally somewhat confident in his response he pulls away and gently turns Sky around to face him.
"Sweetheart, you are not broken. You are the bravest person I know. And we have the opportunity to meet other people who have faced similar demons and have come out stronger, just like us." He keeps Sky's hands clutched in his own until his soulmate finally meets his eyes.
He can see the uncertainty there, but also a sliver of hope. He breathes a sigh of relief when Sky gets up and starts packing.
The resort is two hours away. It's on the beach, which definitely helped sell Pai on the idea.
They arrive at 5 pm, thankfully missing most of the Friday afternoon traffic. Dr Kas is waiting for them outside the reception area.
"Pai, Sky, I'm happy you could join us."
The couple greets the doctor and then follows him inside to confirm their reservation.
The bright smile from the young man at the front desk, accompanied by the warm words: "Ahh, Mr Prapai, welcome to The Beach Front Villas" gives Sky the sneaking suspicion that his soulmate upgraded the room that Dr Kas reserved for them.
His hunch is confirmed when they are escorted to the honeymoon suite.
Once they're alone, Sky levels his boyfriend with a fierce look. "P'Pai, we've talked about this." He is standing with his hands on his hips, trying his best to stay mad. His soulmate however is using his best wounded-puppy expression and Sky folds much quicker than he wants to.
He turns around in a huff, trying to conceal the traitorous smile tugging at his lips but Pai sees it because he rushes forward wrapping his arms around Sky.
"You're not really mad. I saw you smile." He sing-songs happily as he places a kiss against his lover's neck and then deftly turns him around in his arms to place a playful kiss on his lips.
Just as the kiss turns heated a knock on the door causes Pai to groan while Sky just snorts at his obvious misery.
Sky shoves him away lightly and walks to the door.
"I'm sorry for interrupting," Dr Kas apologizes as soon as he sees Pai's impatient frown. "We're all having dinner together at 7 pm, I hope you guys will join us." He waves at the couple awkwardly after Sky confirms that they will be there while Pai just glares at the doctor the entire time.
Once the door is closed they resume their kiss which leads to them christening the bed and the shower before they head to the restaurant just after 7 o'clock.
They find Dr Kas seated at a big table with 3 other couples. Sky feels nervous as the doctor waves them over. Pai picks up on Sky's unease and he places a comforting arm around his shoulders as they head towards the crowded table.
"Nong 'Prapai, Nong 'Sky, allow me to introduce you to everyone."
"This is Kris and Rune." The two men look to be around Sky's age. Kris has a similar build to Prapai. His short bristly moustache doesn't distract from his boyish good looks. Rune is clean-shaven with raven hair that covers most of his forehead.
Kris gives a tight smile in response while Rune avoids eye contact, nervously playing with a napkin clutched in his lap.
The next couple seems a bit more friendly, smiling politely while they are introduced. "This is Lamon and Mali." Lamon is a large guy, and Pai estimates him to be Dr Kas's age, around 30 years old. Mali is a petite woman with shoulder-length dark hair and is probably in her late twenties or early thirties.
The last couple at the table is by far the youngest. "This is Daw and Wila." They both look younger than Sky, especially Wila. She looks to be around Phan's age and Pai feels instantly protective.
"Our other couple will be joining us tomorrow." Dr Kas concludes the introductions and they spend some time perusing the menu, the couples chatting amongst themselves.
Dinner goes better than expected and Sky feels at ease among the people seated around him. Lamon and Mali have been married for four years and they have a daughter together. They can't stop gushing about their little Mila and Sky finds it adorable.
Daw and Wila met two months ago and Sky can tell that they still feel awkward about their soul bond. They're not a couple but Daw is staying with Wila's family. Sky doesn't want to be nosy so he doesn't ask about Daw's family.
Kris and Rune's dynamic is fascinating and Sky has to stop himself from openly staring at them. Rune hasn't spoken a word since Sky and Pai joined the table. He avoids everyone except Kris and Dr Kas. Although Rune hasn't said anything, Kris anticipates his every need without hesitation.
Dr Kas interrupts Sky's silent musings as he explains that Kris and Rune's soulbond is the most powerful in the trial.
"Prapai and Sky have a very strong soulbond as well." He informs the other couples. He had spoken to the two men beforehand to discuss what they felt comfortable sharing with the rest of the group.
Lamon looks up from his phone in surprise. He glances at Pai before his eyes settle on Sky. "I'm glad he found you." He says frankly, his eyes soft and earnest.
Sky doesn't know how to respond and is relieved when Pai speaks up.
"Me too, but Sky saved himself." He replies proudly, squeezing his soulmate's hand where it is clutched in his under the table.
The rest of the evening goes smoothly, everyone enjoys the food and the comfortable atmosphere.
When they are finished and the couples make their way out of the restaurant Dr Kas motions for Prapai and Sky to remain behind.
"I have a small favour to ask." The doctor says when they are alone. "I'd appreciate it if you guys spent some time with Kris and Rune. They could use some friends close to their age."
The couple agrees easily before heading to their suite for the night.
It is agreed that each couple will have breakfast on their own and that the group will meet again for lunch.
Prapai and Sky are on their way out by 7 am with plans to explore the tourist towns nearby when they run into Kris.
"Good morning, Nong 'Kris. We're going to explore the towns nearby, would you and Nong 'Rune like to join us?" Pai inquires, remembering Dr Kas's request.
"Thanks, Phi, but Rune doesn't do well in crowded spaces. He's still recovering from last night. We'll have to pass."
"That's not a problem, what would he be comfortable with? We'd love to get to know you guys better." Sky says, hopeful that the other man might agree to a compromise.
Kris looks reluctant as he contemplates the offer. The only reason he is even considering the proposal is because of Dr Kas's insistence on them making friends.
"It will be best if he's not exposed to noise or crowds, so we'll have to stay here. You guys go ahead and have fun. We'll see you this afternoon."
"Then would you mind if we joined you for breakfast? We'll order takeaways and have them delivered to your room. Rune won't need to leave the suite." Pai suggests with his puppy eyes on full display. Sky can see the moment Kris falls victim to those bad boys and he can't stop the snort that escapes.
"Umm, sure, I guess that could work," Kris says, looking at Sky quizzically.
"Great! What would you guys like to eat?" Sky asks trying to cover his embarrassment.
Kris assures them that anything is fine before he excuses himself, saying that he needs to prepare Rune for their visitors.
Breakfast is mostly spent in tense silence with Kris being hyper-vigilant about Rune's emotional state and Rune staying withdrawn.
Despite the lingering tension, Sky and Kris move to wash the dishes while Kris keeps a watchful eye on Rune from the small kitchen.
Pai notices Rune watching video after video on superbikes and MotoGP and smiles at the gleam in the younger man's eyes.
"I have two Ducatis at home. They're my pride and joy, except for Sky, of course." Pai keeps talking even though Rune hasn't paid him attention or even looked away from his phone.
He spends a while regaling his silent new friend with stories about his motorcycles and the races he has taken part in. He goes into technical detail, seeing that the younger man's interest has been piqued.
"You know a lot about bikes." Rune comments, looking shyly at Pai who tries to hide his surprise at hearing Rune speak. He knows that he failed when the young man chuckles.
"Yeah, I do speak, I just don't like it."
Pai gives him an easy smile and the two spend the next 30 minutes discussing anything and everything to do with motorcycles.
Sky can see the tension in Kris's shoulders start to ease as he watches Rune relax and participate in the conversation with Pai. He can't help but be proud of his soulmate's ingrained ability to reach even the most closed-off individuals.
"P'Pai is really good with him," Kris whispers, admiration clear in his tone. "He never opens up to anyone. It took more than a year for him to feel comfortable with Dr Kas."
"Yes, P'Pai is amazing. You wouldn't believe the hoops I made him jump through before I let him in."
Sky chuckles at the memories.
"How did you two meet?" Kris asks but quickly wishes he hadn't when Sky flinches at the question. "Sorry, I don't mean to pry."
"No, no, it's fine. Let's just say it wasn't under the best of circumstances, and we got off to a rocky start. But P'Pai proved himself in every way. He's the best thing that ever happened to me."
"What about you and Rune? How long have you been together?"
This time Kris looks uncomfortable and Sky quickly apologizes.
"We're not, together, like sexually. He can't stand touch. His adoptive parents were cruel and..." Sky can see how much it hurts his new friend to talk about it and quickly assures him that he doesn't need to share the details.
Kris gives him a grateful smile before he continues. "We're working on it. He's become a lot more comfortable with my touches, he even initiates a hug sometimes." He smiles sadly, thinking about how pathetic he must sound.
"That's great and huge progress. I didn't want anyone to touch me after..." Sky stops short, looking away.
"I figured you guys would understand our situation. Dr Kas insisted on getting to know you two. Now I know why." Kris says as he places a tentative hand on Sky's arm.
They spend a few awkward moments just standing in the kitchen before Pai's laughter draws them to the living room, where Rune is laughing softly at Pai's antics. The sheer awe on Kris's face is enough to make Sky grateful that they got the chance to meet them.
The four men spend the next two hours enjoying each other's company. They end up seated around the small coffee table in the living room, with various card games scattered around them.
They're busy with the third round of Uno and Sky is the undefeated champion although Pai is trying his best to change that.
Sky smirks evilly as he places the +4 on the stack. "You deserve this one." He cackles but immediately goes silent when he hears Kris curse and sees Rune's reaction to his words.
Rune is whimpering while pulling at his hair. "No, no, m'sorry, be good." He whispers over and over again. Kris has moved in behind Rune and pulled him against his chest, restraining his hands.
He's humming a lullaby in his soulmate's ear while rocking them back and forth.
Sky looks at Pai in bewilderment and immense guilt is radiating from him. Pai squeezes his hand before he turns his attention to Kris.
"What can we do, Nong?"
Kris glances at Pai in surprise, forgetting about their guests amid the current crisis. "Call Dr Kas, please." He whispers in answer before resuming the lullaby, not stopping his gentle rocking.
Dr Kas arrives a few minutes later and kneels beside Kris. "How bad?" He asks simply.
Kris shakes his head before he answers: "It was a phrase. I want to try again, doc. I can do it."
"No, I told you after the last time, we're not trying that again. We'll wait it out." Dr Kas states firmly, leaving no room for argument.
Pai helps Kris move Rune to the bed where he takes his soulmate's trembling form in his arms.
Pai turns around and sees Sky standing in the doorframe, looking utterly lost. He moves to him and pulls him into an embrace, alarmed to feel his soulmate shivering.
"P'Pai, tha-that's what it's like for you, every time I get triggered." He whispers into his boyfriend's chest, trying to bury deeper into his comforting form.
Pai places a kiss on top of the younger man's head before he lifts his chin to look into his eyes.
"Sweetheart, I love you more than anything. I'm grateful to be able to help you cope with your past and with your trauma. Sky, look at Kris. Does it look like he minds?"
Sky does as Pai asks and has to suppress a sob. Kris is holding his soulmate against his chest, his eyes are closed while he rocks them gently. The love radiating from him is almost tangible.
Pai tells Dr Kas that they'll return to their suite and to call if Kris needs anything. They leave the couple in Dr Kas's care. They are both still concerned about their new friends, but they also realize that they can't assist them any further.
Dr Kas calls an hour later with the news that Rune is awake and feeling better. He tells Pai that the couple will not be joining them for lunch but that Rune has asked for him and Sky to visit them afterwards. Pai agrees easily and quickly tells his boyfriend the good news and about the invitation to visit them after lunch.
An unfamiliar couple is seated at the table when Sky and Prapai arrive for lunch at the restaurant a bit later.
Dr Kas introduces them as Virote and Phet, the couple in the trial who has been together the longest. Sky and Pai wai respectfully before they take their seats across from them.
"P'Virote, you look familiar. Have we met before?" Pai asks as he opens the menu.
"I don't think so, Nong. Maybe you've seen my work in the papers? I'm a..."
"Journalist! Of course, you're the famous investigative journalist who helped bring down Khun Fiat's drug cartel." Pai exclaims excitedly and Sky can't help but chuckle at his soulmate's obvious admiration, bordering on idolization.
"Ah, another fan of my famous husband." Phet chuckles as he claps his soulmate on the back.
"You're married?" Pai asks, clearly interested, and Sky looks at him in surprise. They haven't discussed marriage but the way Pai is watching them makes it clear that the thought has crossed his mind.
"Yes, although not legally here. We eloped and married abroad." Phet explains and looks at his husband adoringly.
Pai nods his head, lost in thought until Sky squeezes his leg under the table. He gives him a sheepish grin before resuming conversation with the group.
After lunch Sky and Prapai make their way to Kris and Rune's suite. Sky is feeling apprehensive and guilty because of triggering Rune. He knows logically that it's not his fault, but that doesn't ease his conscience.
Kris greets them with a tired smile and tells Pai that Rune is resting on the balcony. He grabs Sky lightly by the arm and asks if he can have a word in private.
Sky nods at his soulmate's quiet question, letting him know that he is fine and Pai moves to the balcony to give them privacy.
"Have a seat." Kris gestures to the couch and Sky complies wordlessly.
"Rune has certain words and phrases that trigger him." Kris starts, looking at Sky intently.
"The first time I triggered him I felt like the worst piece of shit." He inhales deeply before he continues.
"He had just moved in with me. Dr Kas and I finally got him out, away from the people who hurt him. He was 19 when I found him, that's almost two years ago. I'd spent a long time wondering who he was, what he was like. When we eventually found him, I was ecstatic."
"We were having dinner and I was telling him about my day. I told him about my varsity friends and their antics. It was the first time I saw him laugh. I was thrilled and infatuated. I told him that he has a pretty smile. It triggered a flashback that lasted for three hours."
Kris looks towards the balcony, making sure his soulmate is still resting before he turns back to Sky.
"What I'm trying to say is, it's not your fault. You couldn't know those few words would cause him to experience a flashback. The only people at fault are those monsters that adopted him when he was 5 years old."
Sky nods in understanding and gives him a watery smile as he clasps one of Kris's hands in his.
"I've never been on the other side of a flashback. I've never seen what it's like for those who have to witness it. Those who have to help us through it. So I want to thank you for the way you take care of Rune, and for the way you love him."
Kris's own eyes are suspiciously wet when Sky stops talking. "You know what? I was apprehensive about coming this weekend, Rune doesn't do well in this type of setting, but I'm glad we came. I'm glad we got to meet."
Sky gives a small laugh. "Same, I didn't want to come but I'm happy that we did."
The two glances up as Prapai and Rune enter the room. They quickly wipe the tears from their eyes before the other two take their seats next to their partners.
Sky and Prapai spend the rest of the weekend enjoying Kris and Rune's company. Rune opening-up to the couple more than he ever has with anyone.
They agree to stay in touch, finding comfort in a couple whose demons rival their own.
@febuwhump This is part of the scars and soulmates series. It's also part of the Febuwhump multifandom challenge. Day 18 prompt - Can't stay awake
Word count: 2312
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
"I heard he had a nervous breakdown." Sky hears the words and stops before rounding the corner. 'It's not about me'. He tries to reassure himself as he continues to listen, despite his brain telling him to walk away.
"No way, I think he went away with that hot boyfriend of his. He's rich and influential so he could easily arrange for Sky to miss classes."
Sky can feel his heart rate pick up and his hands are trembling but his legs won't move. He's frozen to the spot, listening with morbid curiosity to his peers speculating about his three-week absence.
"No matter the reason, he shouldn't have been allowed back into the program." A female voice says and Sky thinks he recognizes it, but he doesn't care who it is. 'They're right.' A voice whispers in his head. 'You don't deserve to be here.' It viciously continues.
"Yeah, well, I guess he has friends in high places." A male voice replies this time.
"Sky! There you are!" Rain calls from behind him, excitement clear in his voice. He turns around slowly, trying to get his breathing under control, but obviously fails because Rain asks, worried: "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, it's nothing. Let's go." He steers his friend back in the direction he had just come from. Away from the voices which have quieted noticeably.
Rain finally pulls his arm free when they reach the cafeteria entrance. "Sky, you're pale and shaking like a leaf, what happened? Should I call P'Pai?" The obvious worry in his best friend's voice almost has Sky in tears but he pushes down the emotions and persuades his friend that he is fine and that he doesn't need to phone Pai.
Rain doesn't look convinced but he backs down, changing the subject to the next street race. Sky lets his friend's excited voice soothe his nerves as he tries to forget the hurtful things he overheard.
But forgetting proves difficult, the things they said have settled like lacerations on his heart. He spends every waking moment working on his assignments and the school work he missed.
Every time Prapai tries to get him to take a break, Sky refuses and tells him that he will slow down when he is caught up on his classwork.
Sky knows that he is pushing himself but the voices in his head are getting meaner. 'You're useless. Your classmates are right, you don't deserve to be there. You should just quit for real."
Sky shakes his head, trying to clear his mind. He glances at his watch and is surprised to see that it's 4 am already. He sneaks into the bedroom and quietly lies down next to Pai, trying his best not to wake his soulmate. He promised him that he would be in bed by 11 pm.
Sky breathes a sigh of relief when Pai only turns around in his sleep, finding Sky's body and pulling him close, but doesn't wake up. He falls asleep within seconds.
He groans when a hand shakes him lightly on the shoulder. "Sky, sweetheart, you need to wake up. It's 7:00 and you said that you want to stop by Phayu's before uni this morning."
He finally opens his eyes and is met with Pai's worried expression.
"Baby, what time did you come to bed?"
Sky looks away quickly as he fibs. "Not late, P'Pai. I can't remember the exact time but not long after you did."
Pai doesn't believe him, he knows that much, but the older man doesn't call him out on his lie. Instead, Pai hugs him before going to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
Prapai drives him to Phayu's house. They take the car because Pai isn't sure Sky won't fall asleep on the bike in his current condition.
Phayu agreed to help him prepare for the make-up test he is taking later that day.
Rain ambushes Pai in the living room where he is waiting for Sky. "P'Pai, I'm glad I can have a moment alone with you. I'm worried about Sky." He gets straight to the point.
Pai looks at Sky's best friend warily. If Rain has picked up on Sky's worrying behaviour, things are worse than Pai imagined. His concern has been steadily increasing. His soulmate hasn't been sleeping much, pressuring himself to catch up.
"Sky has trouble staying awake in class. He's exhausted, is he sleeping at all?" Rain asks trying to keep the accusation out of his tone.
"I'm not sure how much he's sleeping," Pai answers honestly. "He insists on working after I go to bed. He promises to follow me soon after, but I'm not sure he does."
Pai sighs in frustration. He can't shake the feeling that they're missing something.
"Rain, did something happen at uni? He started staying up late a few days ago and he's determined to get his missed assignments and projects done as soon as possible. We arranged for him to have time to catch up. He doesn't need to work himself to death like this."
Rain shakes his head in denial but then stops, remembering the strange look on his friend's face that day at uni, and the way he was trembling. "P'Pai, there was something, it happened a week ago. I found him standing in the hallway, he was pale and shivering. I asked him what was wrong, but he deflected. Fuck! Something must have..."
"Naughty boy! Language!" Phayu's stern voice cuts off what he was about to say. Phayu glares at Rain and then at Prapai while Sky just stares into space, looking like he might fall asleep while standing.
Pai takes Sky's arm and guides him to the sofa in the living room.
"P'Pai, we need to go." Sky protests weakly but sits down anyway. Too exhausted to put up a real fight.
"Sky, baby. Rain and I are worried about you. You're not sleeping and you're working yourself to death. Sky, we spoke to the faculty, you don't need to..."
"Why? P'Pai, why did you do that?"
Pai stares at his soulmate as he interrupts him angrily. Sky is furious and he pulls away from Prapai who is trying to hold him.
"I didn't ask you to." He adds, his voice softer this time.
Pai is shaken by his soulmate's reaction but he quickly composes himself and then turns the younger man's face to look into his eyes.
His breath catches at the sorrow he finds.
"I know, my Sky, but I wanted to. And Phayu wanted to. You deserve..."
"No! No, I don't. I shouldn't be there." Sky pulls away completely as he wraps his arms around himself.
Pai is utterly lost. 'What the hell?' He looks at Rain and then at Phayu who has matching expressions of confusion and heartbreak.
"Sky, what do you mean? Why do you think that?" Phayu asks as he kneels in front of the younger man. He reaches out and carefully places a hand on one of his knees.
Sky remains silent and refuses to make eye contact. His lack of response has the other three men even more concerned.
Rain sits down on the arm of the sofa and pulls his friend against him. Sky stays stiff as Rain tries to hug him. "Sky, you're my best friend and I love you. Those weeks without you in class were the worst. I don't only want you by my side, I need you there."
Sky slowly relaxes as Rain speaks and by the end of his little speech, Sky is hugging him back fiercely, tears running down his cheeks.
Pai and Phayu exchange relieved glances as they watch the two younger men embrace each other.
Pai waits until Sky pulls away from Rain's embrace before he asks his soulmate to look at him. He's frowning slightly when he asks: "My Sky, what happened? Who put the idea in your head that you don't deserve to be back at the university?"
Sky shakes his head in denial, avoiding eye contact. "I, I don't know what you're talking about, P'Pai." But the tremble in his voice, combined with his body language is a dead giveaway that he's lying.
"Something happened, at the university," Rain states firmly, leaving no room for arguments.
Sky finally sighs in defeat and stares miserably at his hands.
"I overheard some of our classmates talking." Rain and Pai share angry looks over Sky's head but no one says anything, patiently waiting for him to continue.
"They, they feel that I shouldn't be there. That I've been given special treatment because of," he glances at Pai for a second before looking back down. "because you're my boyfriend."
Pai can feel the rage boiling in his veins. 'How dare they?' He thinks. 'They have no idea what he's been through'.
Rain's face is flushed in anger. "Who, Sky? Who said that?"
Sky looks up at the obvious anger in his best friend's voice and he is left speechless at the matching furious expressions on all three faces staring at him.
"Umm, guys, you do know that murder is against the law, right?" He attempts to lighten the mood.
It doesn't work, Pai also insists on knowing who made the remarks.
Sky looks at each of the men before he responds.
"Guys, I appreciate the concern, but I don't know for sure who it was. I didn't see their faces, I only heard them. And, more importantly, they don't have the full story. I can't blame them for speculating... "
Pai interrupts heatedly: "Like hell you can't. Baby, they have no right to spread rumours, especially because they don't know the details."
Rain and Phayu nod along in agreement, still furious on Sky's behalf.
Sky sighs, he is exhausted and doesn't have the energy to argue, but he knows that he needs to get his friends and boyfriend to drop the matter.
"Look, yes, I was hurt and upset when I heard them. And I took the things they said to heart. I'm glad you guys called me out on it. I needed to share this with you, I know logically that what they said isn't true. But the voices in my head kept repeating all the hurtful things I heard and adding untruths from my past."
His arms are wrapped around himself in a self-hug again and Pai pulls him into his side, enveloping his soulmate in his strong arms.
"I'm okay, really. I promise I'll slow down. I'll take the time the faculty gave me to catch up." He turns to look at Rain as he asks: "Please, don't make a scene. I just want to forget about what happened and focus on my studies. I'll talk to you guys if I feel overwhelmed, okay?"
The other men don't look convinced and they still look peeved but they eventually agree reluctantly.
When Prapai drops Sky at the university the younger man doesn't miss the way his soulmate glares at the students passing by. He just chuckles and kisses him on the cheek before he joins Rain.
Pai watches the two enter the university and turns to Phayu who has joined him at his car.
"I hate this Phayu. He's been through hell and now he has to contend with petty jealousy as well." His hands are balled into fists by his side, fighting the urge to punch something.
"I know Pai, I feel the same, but believe me, Rain won't let this go. He'll make sure Sky knows how much he deserves to be here, and he'll take care of anyone who doesn't agree."
The morning passes uneventfully, Rain keeps an eye on Sky and their classmates, making mental notes of everyone's interactions with his friend.
They're sitting at their usual table at lunch break. Sky is quietly dozing, his head resting on top of his arms while Rain, Sig and Ple discuss their newest assignments.
"It must be nice, missing 3 weeks of classes and then sleeping peacefully through lunch. I should get myself a wealthy boyfriend."
Rain is up and in the student's face within seconds. Atid is taken aback by Rain's sudden invasion of his personal space. Atid is a tall guy with a medium build, larger than Rain in all aspects, but he finds himself cowering at the rage emanating from the smaller man.
Sig and Ple are by Rain's side now, not sure what has set him off but ready to back him up if needed.
Rain glances at Sky and is relieved to see that his friend is still asleep.
He steps even closer, jabbing his finger into the man's chest as he snarls at him. "You have no right talking about my friend behind his back. He has every right to be here. Heck, he deserves to be here more than any of us. If I ever hear you talking about him again I will make sure to let his very wealthy and influential boyfriend know exactly who has been spreading rumours about him. And believe me, he is very protective of his soulmate."
Rain revels in the fear he can see in the other man's eyes. Atid backs away slowly, his hands raised to show he isn't a threat.
"Hey, calm down, man. I meant no harm." He turns around and hurries away, glancing back once to make sure Rain isn't following him.
"And make sure to tell your friends to stop spreading gossip." Rain yells at his retreating back.
Sky is awake and looking at his friend with a frown. Rain just shrugs and tells him to go back to sleep.
"I'll wake you up for the next class." He says while stroking his friend's back.
He sends a quick text to Phayu and Prapai telling them that he found the culprit and he took care of it.
