FadelStyle are waist. Style's croptops to show his charisma and inclination to flaunt it and Fadels gun in his waistband to show his guard familiarty with violence.
JadeKamin are boots. Kamins heeled boots to show his class and superiority (in height) and Jades combat boots that show his unorthodox and aggressive methods/persona
As Long as I Can Travel this World with You: Chapter 21 Preview
Well…This is more alarming and unexpected than Style anticipated. And the news feels more official with an interpreter giving it to him. Style doesn't know why, but it does.
“Just last night, Sözcü TV and NOW TV aired breaking, late night investigative pieces on the interest surrounding the incident at Sing Sing,” the interpreter relays in Thai as this Azra Koc guy breaks the news in Turkish, “Both networks claimed these stories were prompted by the emails flooding the news stations about the incident and Khun Fadel’s identity. Both pieces used facial recognition software to compare stills from the footage of Sing Sing, and photos from Khun Fadel before he was taken. The reporters relaying the news did give disclaimers. They made sure to note that comparing an adult male face in club lighting to a twelve year old boy would not be a perfect comparison, and that prior positive matches with a similar amount of time passing typically result in a sixty to seventy-five percent positive match. Anything exceeding seventy-five percent when it comes to comparing an adult to a missing child is almost always considered a true positive. The results that the investigative reports gave were between eighty-two and eighty-six percent.”
Style glances over at Fadel and can't get a good read on how he feels about that. At all. So he just holds his hand beneath the table and waits.
“So I am guessing having more mainstream, reputable sources engage in the gossip is fueling public discourse,” Kemal says, his tone steady and down to business.
“That is putting it mildly,” the interpreter says, translating what Azra is saying, “All of the resorts in Turkey have crowds outside, the Sovereign especially. Citizens and resort guests are seeking out management for answers they don't even have. Plane ticket purchases to Bangkok have skyrocketed–from Turkey, but also from other countries. We expect these purchases are from news crews, influencers, international citizens who are very loyal to Demiral properties and take interest in family gossip, notable Turkish families you are acquaintances with, and…mobs of Turkish and international women in the 25 to 40 year old age bracket who are single.”
Style can't help but let out a sound of annoyance. He gets it. He truly does. Fadel is HOT, and he can't blame a solid percentage of the global population trying to shoot their shot. But at the same time, there is no shot to shoot. Fadel identifies as gay, and more importantly? He identifies as STYLE'S. Style is marrying him, even if Fadel gets sassy and claims Style will never ask him to. It's bullshit that they would even THINK of trying to steal his man–
“My canim is taken,” Leyla snaps, “He has a loving partner. You send those women home.”
Style nods in agreement, “What she said!”
“Style,” Fadel sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose until Selin puts a hand on his back.
“What is the conjecture how Bangkok will be now that this kind of report is in circulation?” Selin asks, “What do you think the timeline is on something like this escalating or dying down?”
“Well…the situation is unprecedented,” Azra starts, “It's hard to establish a timeline on how long the public will hold this level of curiosity when…this simply doesn't happen. But I do believe the longer we go without an official statement, the more likely people will start coming up with hurtful and damaging theories. A higher risk will be the public becoming more invasive by digging into private matters, stalking, or trespassing.”
Great. That's…fuck that. No one is stalking his man. Style won't allow it. Fadel will have five guards at all times and a bulletproof vest and Style telling people to get the FUCK away–
“I believe getting a statement out as soon as possible is the best call,” Azra finishes, “For safety and transparency reasons. I know you all were hoping that you would have some time to enjoy each other's company and feel more prepared, but I do think this will just gain momentum.”
“But so will news of my canim’s survival,” Leyla says, “It will make it hard for him to live a private life. We don't want that privilege ripped away from him, especially before he's ready.”
“Anneanne is right,” Elif says, “It might be too soon for him. We don't want to overwhelm him.”
“Elif,” Fadel says, “I am sitting right here.”
“I see that,” Elif says, “Hi, Fadel.”
“Hi.”
“Fadel obviously won't be the only one affected either,” Kemal says, “I don't mind if I get invasive questions thrown my way about this, and our extended family back in Turkey who have publicly known ties to us will be informed of what is going on. Security will be offered if they feel it is necessary. But my main concerns are focused on my grandson, Style, Bison, Keen, and my granddaughters.”
“I don't think Keen will be an issue,” Fadel says, “We barely spend time with him. Maybe once a month, if that.”
“He was still forced into a similar situation, Canim,” Leyla says, “He is still my beloved, adopted grandson.”
“Babaanne, you haven't even met him–”
“He's my grandson!” Leyla says more shrilly, “And I will meet him! Tomorrow!”
Fadel hums, but looks at Azra again and speaks in Turkish. Style tries to listen to the interpreter. He does. But Fadel speaking Turkish is sexy. Regardless, Style knows this meeting is important.
“I am more concerned for Bison,” Fadel says, “He has already been impacted by this. He's happy for me, and I think he feels very cared for and welcomed by my family, but he has been working really hard. He found a job he loves, one that is setting him up for med school. I don't want his career or personal life compromised. And I want Style protected. If even a fraction of what you are saying about…some women wanting to see me…if that's true, and I don't really think it is–”
“Sweetheart, it's intense,” Selin says tiredly, “I looked outside this morning, and it's just going to get worse.”
Fadel doesn't seem convinced, “Maybe Songkran will distract them.”
Style clicks his tongue, “Songkran always distracts me. It's a blast. We gotta go this year, baby.”
“I don't know if engaging in Songkran activities this year will be wise,” Kemal says, but holds his hands up, “I am aware you boys are adults, and you have every right to enjoy yourselves. But precautions would need to be taken, especially with everything going on.”
Fadel shrugs, “Celebrities attend Songkran. I doubt Style and I would stand out if we would go.”
“That sounds like something Melis would say,” Kemal says, “We will…discuss that later. Songkran is not a priority.”
The offended gasp Leyla lets out almost causes Style to laugh out loud, but he manages to hold it back.
“Kemal,” Leyla says harshly, “It was our first year as a couple. I talked about wanting to show you Thailand. You snuck me out of my father's home and whisked me off on a private plane. We met up with my old childhood friends, terrorized the streets with water guns and buckets, and you booked one of the best suites in The Mandarin Oriental, where we made use of the vast majority of flat surfaces in a very satisfying way.”
“Hell yeah, Babaanne!” Style says, giving her a high five.
“Style, please don't encourage her,” Selin says under her breath. But Style could swear that she sounds the slightest bit fond, so he doesn't take it personally.
“Don't be a prude, sweetheart,” Leyla says, “That sort of thing is genetic.”
Selin gives her mother a disbelieving look, “What are you talking about?”
“I am talking about stamina and drive,” Leyla tells her, “Taylan–bless my sweet boy’s soul–he inherited that from me. Before he met Sirin, he had the girls hooked left and right.”
Leyla glances between Elif and Fadel, “So if any of my grandchildren experience those types of urges, they know who they got it from. Their beautiful and vivacious grandmother…and their suave and handsome dede as well. It's one of the many reasons I picked him.”
When Leyla blows a kiss across the table towards her husband, Kemal raises his eyebrows at her but catches the kiss mid-air.
“Fadel,” Style whispers as he leans in, “I love her. Your babaanne is amazing.”
“You heard my aunt,” Fadel whispers back, “Don't encourage her.”
“I can't help it–”
“Well, back on topic,” Azra cuts in, “I believe a statement this weekend would be wise–or possibly during Songkran to strengthen the likelihood of it not being the biggest headline in Thailand. Internationally might be a different story, especially in Turkey and other areas where the Demiral brand is particularly significant. But releasing it when a major event is going on might soften the news here. Slightly. Maybe.”
“You don't sound sure of that,” Fadel says quietly.
“To be honest?” Azra says, meeting Fadel’s eyes, “I'm not sure. This is unprecedented. The public has already latched onto this story. It's trending in several different countries. The only thing I am sure of is that a statement will cause…a huge surge of interest. But in a scenario where a statement is significantly delayed, I see the existing interest festering into more malicious conspiracies about you and your family. I don't think those projections would be good for anyone. I believe April 14th would be the best day to make the announcement. On the one hand, it's a Monday. Sometimes the beginning of the week makes news stick harder, and it becomes a major conversation topic. But on the other hand, it's smack dab in the middle of local celebrations. It might provide some distraction. It also gives you all a few days to prepare.”
Style takes Fadel’s hand at that point, “I will tell Ben and Babe to make out more than usual. They can get their costars to do the same. People go nuts for that kind of fan service. We’ll get through this, baby. We will.”
And even though Fadel is bouncing his leg–thus much more anxious than he lets on–he raises his eyebrows at him in disbelief, “You think everyone will get that distracted by Ben and Babe making out at Songkran?”
“I think those two love you enough to try their very best to make it happen,” Style tells him.
“Style is right,” Leyla says, “GayTok is very popular. I'm surprised my canim hasn't been connected to the viral Style Auto video he starred in a few weeks ago! If they had connected him, those women would not only know my canim is taken, but that he is interested in men. I had a feeling, Canim. I did. Didn't surprise me one bit.”
Fadel seems dubious about that, but doesn't try to argue against the claim. Probably because he's gay.
“Throw that in the statement then,” Fadel says, causing multiple heads to turn, “Say I am in a committed relationship with a man so all of the women outside back off.”
Azra purses his lips, “I don't know if that is wise. For multiple reasons. For one, you live in a country where LGBTQ media is produced and consumed quite heavily, much more so than the rest of the world. If you lived elsewhere…maybe we could explore that route. But I think many women–at least local women–would continue to obsess, although maybe in a slightly different manner. And even if they didn't, I could see male citizens taking it as an invitation to enter the dating pool.”
“Fadel has no dating pool,” Style tells him, allowing the interpreter to translate, “You tell them it's in the midst of a permanent drought, and only one single raindrop exists in his metaphorical canyon. Me.”
“Style, you're a whole storm, and I do mean that respectfully and affectionately,” Kemal says, “That being said, I do agree with Azra. This statement is not the time to give excess information. While formally acknowledging who you are will happen, we are giving just enough information to remain transparent, as well as note the efforts that…Lilly made to make it so Fadel had no safe way to return to us. I also don't want to deal with more male…suitors. For lack of a better term. We have faced those with the girls. I'm not saying women aren't a threat. They absolutely can be, and Lilly is a prime example of that, despite her motives being different. But the men tend to be more forceful and entitled.”
“I will NOT have any gross men try to force themselves in my canim’s space,” Leyla says firmly, “We will protect him just as we protect the girls.”
“We will do our best to enforce strict boundaries, Anne,” Selin says to her.
Azra clears his throat, “While we want to maintain a level of transparency to lower obsessive interest, we don't want to reveal too much and give the public multiple focal points to potentially harass. Naming a significant other probably won't deter the public at this point in time. It will just widen the microscope to include you. We don't even plan on mentioning Bison or Keen with this first statement, despite them facing similar circumstances. We have a separate meeting with them tomorrow morning before the larger lunch meeting with your employees. If they want to get their stories out there, they will have this family’s full support and assistance. The same goes if they want to pursue their parents’ assets and seek acknowledgement and compensation for what they went through.”
Fadel breathes out and looks at everyone at the table, “I'm not doing the legal stuff. I have my name back. I don't have to sign documents with the name Lilly arranged for me anymore. It's fine.”
“...We do not need to make any immediate decisions in that regard now,” Kemal says after a beat, “But we will keep the option open. You told me last night about restitution packages that were drawn up to keep the matter quiet, and that yours was written with wording to try and prevent third parties suing on your behalf or for any collective trauma or collateral damage. That tells me they know you, Bison, Keen, and anyone directly affected by what happened have real legal standing regarding how it was handled.”
“There is also the boy that they labeled as you,” Selin says quietly, “It seems that he died from an illness. Not from being…burned alive, not like the first report we got listed. But they desecrated his body. Lilly most likely took a dying or already dead boy from an orphanage, someone who could quickly be erased from the system. She had the body burned until it was unrecognizable and got medical and government officials to list that it was yours. That boy deserves closure.”
“We have already arranged for him to be buried near our family if his family can't be identified,” Leyla says, “But even if we can't identify a name, he will not be alone, and we will make sure he has justice so he can rest peacefully.”
Selin nods and looks at Fadel, “It was more than just Lilly who hurt you, sweetheart. She had help. And she and those other people hurt us too. We won't make an immediate move. We are focused on you and your well-being. That is our number one concern. But what happened to you, Bison, and Keen was unacceptable. It was abuse and neglect on a large, legal scale. That needs to be addressed. We are also concerned that children and families with less resources could face similar trauma if any of the people Lilly bribed, blackmailed, or corrupted still have positions of power–”
“I don't care,” Fadel says. It's a lie. Even if Fadel doesn't consciously realize he is lying, Style knows it is still a lie because Fadel looked sick to his stomach when he found out about that kid. He looks sick now, probably enough that his family understands they are toeing a thin line.
“We aren't focused on them right now, Abim,” Elif says, “Like Anne said, we are focused on you, making sure you stay safe, and that your boundaries are respected. Don't think about the other stuff today. Just the statement preparation, talking to Baba and some other family, and interviewing some therapists to see if you like any of them. That's all you need to do today. Everything else can wait.”
Style reaches over to stroke Fadel’s back, “The other stuff can be handled by lawyers anyway. Nont got them to extend the deadline to sign on those packages so he could re-negotiate them. Elif is right. Focus on the statement, talking to some uncles, aunts, and cousins, and therapy stuff. Then, you're free and we’ll have an easy night.”
But Fadel shakes his head, “Melis just sent out a required meeting to happen at 7:30.”
Style feels confused, then checks the app for the notification.
HIGH PRIORITY
DEMIRAL/DEMIRAL ADJACENT FAMILY YOGA AND POWERPOINT PRESENTATION
7:30 pm - 8:45 pm
Required Attire/Items:
Comfortable clothes that allow stretching and movement
Required Attendees:
Melis Demiral
Elif Demiral
Lara Demiral
Fadel Kasemsan
Kemal Demiral
Leyla Demiral
Selin Demiral
Style Chayakorn
Bison Phanlert
Kant Pattanawat
Babe Pattanawat
Ben Halvari
Jay Chayakorn
Nya Sinclair
Style squints at the list, “When did Nya get a Demiral family account?”
“I'm asking in the comments,” Elif says, only for everyone’s apps to ping.
Elif: What is this for, and who made Nya an account?
Melis: It's for an important matter, and I made her account! It's a level 2, so relax.
Kemal: You are still supposed to get majority approval, Melis.
Melis: Nya and I use almost all of the same night routine products! And on top of that, we shared a dream last night. So clearly, she is part of our soul circle! I need her for the powerpoint presentation because she is calming and supportive!
Nya: 🩷💙💜🩷💙💜💞
Melis: 🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻🩷🤍🧡🥹
Leyla: Let Nya keep her account for now. She needs friends her own age. She is married to a grumpy, old gay man quickly approaching death.
Nya: All of that is correct! Thank you, Khun Leyla! ♥️♥️♥️
Leyla: You're welcome, sweetheart.
Selin: May I ask what this powerpoint is about?
Melis: Important socio-developmental matters that should be promptly experienced by family and family adjacent members who are ages 22 to 40.
Kemal: Then why are you inviting family members who are no longer in that age bracket?
Melis: Because I know the old people will have something to SAY.
Melis: And because I love you guys ♥️♥️♥️
Nya: She loves you guys so much 🥰
Lara: You should invite Mond.
Melis: …Why?
Lara: Because he's Ben’s cousin. And I am asking you to.
Lara has added a required guest to the family meeting:
Mond Amarin (app invite pending)
Ben: I bet he will come if he isn't busy at the patisserie! He got an early start today despite going to bed late, so he should be good! I love my hia! Thank you for inviting him! 🥰
Style: Yeah! Mond is my bro!
Melis: Why did you make him an account without family approval???
Melis: Wait
Melis: Lara
Melis: Do you finally have a crush?
Lara: Yeah, sure. 🙂
Style lets out a gasp and looks up from his phone, “Fadel! There is love in the air! Lara and Mond might become a thing!”
Fadel just narrows his eyes at his phone and says nothing. Despite being separated from his cousins for two decades, he's still protective. Elif must feel protective over Lara too, since she lets out a disgruntled sound. So grumpy, the both of them! It must be a Capricorn thing. But Style loves Capricorns. He really does. The love of his life is a Capricorn. And Mond! Mond is a Capricorn! His bro! And if Lara puts on the moves, he'll be family. They’ll probably be groomsmen in each other's weddings!
Melis: Wait, are you serious?
Lara: Why would I lie about something like that?
Melis: Because you exchanged like six words max with him last night.
Lara: Sometimes that's all you need.
“Who is this boy?” Selin asks curiously.
“He's my bro,” Style tells her, “Ben’s cousin too, but more importantly? My bro. He owns Patisserie de Siam. And let me just say, Lara has great taste.”
“Kemal, he's gorgeous,” Leyla says approvingly, “I met him last night. And he can cook. We must support this relationship.”
“How old is he?” Selin asks, and Style doesn't miss the way she glances at Elif. Interesting. But he will let her know that a four year age gap is not a huge deal–
“He's 29,” Elif says, then blinks when a few heads turn in her direction, “...Melis did all of our astrology charts last night and put them on a table in birth order. That's the only reason I know.”
“That does sound like her,” Leyla says.
Ben: YOU LIKE MY COUSIN?!?! 🥰😍😍😍🫢
Lara: I said sure.
Ben: That's so cute! I love love! I'll put in a good word, but I won't say anything to him. Not unless you want me to. ♥️
Lara: Thanks. I guess.
Elif: Lara, you literally told me a few weeks ago you would rather slit your own throat than go on a date.
Lara: I would. Small talk is such a bore 🥱
Elif: So why are you doing this?
Lara: Oh, you know.
Lara has edited Required Attire/Items List
+ 1 mango mousse cake and 1 large raspberry macaron for Lara (applies to Mond only, must be hand delivered in a box)
Melis: Your courting tactics are interesting. Why don't you text him instead? I can give you his number. Tell him you really appreciated meeting him, that he was nice to be around, and that you liked his pastries!
Nya: That's really good advice, Mel 🙂
Melis: Thank you!!! See? I give good advice! I'll send you his number and you text him that.
Lara: No thanks
Melis: Lara, you have to do more than send him an app invite through social media and a pastry delivery demand.
Lara: I really don't.
Melis: You DO. Because now I am invested, despite how weird you are. I will reach out to Mond to make sure he knows he is to attend. And I am teaching you to flirt. TODAY. You already have the looks. You just need the right lines, level of affection, and tone of voice! So you will know how to conduct yourself at the family meeting. Since WE weren't invited to the required meeting this morning, we have all day to practice!
Nya: Can I stay to help?
Melis: Of course you can! I wanted you here to help prepare for the meeting anyway, AND for some much needed spa time. You are part of my soul circle!
Nya: Yay! 😄
“So are we all in agreement to release the statement on Monday?” Azra asks, pulling everyone from their phones.
“Hm,” Kemal hums, but looks at his grandson, “Fadel?”
Fadel breathes out, then puts his phone on the table face down, “...Okay.”
Kemal nods, looking just the slightest bit teary, “Monday then. Let's take fifteen minutes. Stretch our legs, decompress, then come back for a couple calls. Unless you want to keep any conversations going, we will make sure they know the calls will be kept short.”
“I’ll text Baba so he knows we will be logging on soon,” Elif says, sounding slightly annoyed as she stands up. Style supposes that's understandable, if her father cheated on her mother.
But even as everyone double checks with Fadel before they take fifteen, Fadel doesn't move, and Style stays right next to him.
“You okay?” Style asks, reaching up to stroke his hair. Fadel just shrugs before looking over at him.
“You don't have to stay.”
Style tilts his head, “I want to.”
“You really don't have to,” Fadel says before letting out a sigh, “I don't know how every family member I am talking to is going to react to me coming back after so long. I don't want you to feel like you have to protect me or defend me–”
“I always feel like that!” Style says, “That's my job, Fadel! You're my partner!”
“I'm aware,” Fadel says, sounding suspiciously calm, “Because it's my job too. And while my more immediate family has been very accepting, I don't know how the others will be. Melis said Uncle Arman didn't love it when she came out to him, and I guess when his…his other daughter came out as trans, he didn't love it either. He didn't disown them, but he wasn't waving a pride flag when he was told.”
“Well, did anyone give him one beforehand?” Style asks, “Probably not! It might have just been about not having the appropriate props.”
Fadel huffs out a soft laugh at that, but then pulls Style in for a gentle kiss, “I love you.”
“I love you more,” Style says, “Which is why I want to be here for you!”
“I appreciate it,” Fadel says, “And I would normally say yes. But…if anyone even looks at you wrong, I might tell them off. I would rather just tell them you exist, answer any questions they may have about you, and deal with any potential awkwardness or homophobia without you having to sit there for it.”
“But I love homophobic people,” Style says softly, “They make me laugh. I’ve told you this.”
The corner of Fadel’s mouth quirks up, so Style kisses it and waits for Fadel to change his mind.
“Let's hope none of them are homophobic,” Fadel says, “Go enjoy your day. Get some work done while you still can. You can probably sneak out without anyone spotting you.”
…Work is tempting too. And so is getting a better look at what is supposedly going on outside. But still, he wishes Fadel would let him stay.
“You’ll tell them how handsome I am?”
Fadel seems slightly amused by the very serious request, “Sure, Style. If Babaanne doesn't beat me to it first.”
“She's spicy!” Style says before glancing around, “You must get that from her. Genetically.”
And while Fadel doesn't seem to love that idea, he doesn't deny it either.
Summary: Fadel wanted his black slippers back. Instead, he got duck-shaped ones that squeak, and a very humbling walk to the kitchen while armed and adorable.
Style calls this an upgrade.
Summary: Fadel arrives to kill a man, and leaves with the man's grandson, a bag of stolen jewels, and absolutely no explanation for how any of this happened. The grandson, Style, has already planned their getaway, picked out their future home, and informed Fadel's brother that he'll be husband number two but the favorite. Fadel has not been consulted. Fadel is not sure he minds.
Summary: Style crashes a wedding, steals some cake, steals the bouquet for good measure, and announces to Fadel that he's secured marriage. Fadel just wants to know how he got in.
Summary: Pregnancy has turned Style into a feral little housecat who wants one thing and one thing only. Fadel keeps saying "we shouldn't." Style is about to prove him very, very wrong.
