"Ad tristem partem strenua suspicio." -Syrus

The minds of men who have been unfortunate are prone to suspicion.

July 10, 2019

For all the things you are, you're the eighth wonder. Someone that had yet to be seen, by the beauty and by the calm. You remind me of the simple yet fine things in life. I am not as grand as a poet my past life was, but I believe remnants of him still live within me.

It's how I've come to love you until now. All I know is all that we've been building is slowly growing to a home. One that I could keep in my hands for as long as I desire. One that I could take with me, no matter where I may be.

Our story may not be conventional, but it certainly is the truest one I have ever attempted to write. It may not be the prettiest, but it is the greatest I have ever told. Our love is not crafted by the best author, but it's a story I'll never get tired of reliving again and again.

This is only the beginning, and I have faith that I end up with you.

They were stuck in the crowd with fans who are asking for signatures. Brett could hear Eddy from next to him. Maybe it was subconscious, but he knows that voice even in a crowded room.

After the meet and greet and celebration, they were happy yet exhausted. They walk back to the hotel room and Brett immediately landed face first in the bed. Eddy held him back up to change and to brush his teeth.

They do this together every time. They were brushing their teeth side to side, with their arms touching. Brett felt really comfortable and felt like he could sleep right then and there. Eddy's unoccupied hand snaked around Brett's waist and held Brett up. Brett finished up first, clinging himself to Eddy's body.

Eddy finished up quickly and half carried and half dragged a sleepy Brett in his arms. They reached the bed and Brett, once again flopped back into the bed.

"Fucker, lie down properly so I have space." Eddy said, scooting next to Brett.

"Fuck you, you didn't have to call me fucker." Brett said tiredly, having no energy to think of an insult.

"Hush, you're moving anyway, so I win." Eddy retorted, holding Brett's body close by his.

Brett did not say anything, he just holding Eddy back. He was about to drift to sleep until Eddy asked him a question.

"Could we get married this year?"

Brett was awakened by the question.

"That's a bit too fast, isn't it?" Brett spoke, a bit shocked.

"I mean, we've known each other for a long time now and we know we're soulmates..." Eddy started.

"Eddy we haven't even had a proper date. Your parents don't know and I'm pretty sure ma's the only one who knows about us." Brett argued, holding Eddy closer to him, if it was possible.

"I know, but I'm fucking excited at the thought of a ceremony that's just us. Just show up one day to my parents' house and just tell them I got married."

"Well, first, they'll be mad you didn't tell them. Second, they'll be glad thinking it's a nice woman you married. Then, they'll ask you if you're out of your mind for marrying your best friend and disappointment ensues." Brett narrated.

"You don't know that... Maybe they'll love you." Eddy coaxed.

"Maybe they'll force you to marry a girl if they found out you wanna marry me." Brett half-joked, laughing lightly.

"This got very sad, quickly."

"I know, but a bit of reality will keep us grounded."

Eddy went quiet for a while and Brett decided to maintain that silence, too.

"Do you really think that you aren't worthy of me until now?" Eddy asked sincerely.

"No, I don't think it... I know it. It's just, I'm better at managing it now because, well, you love me. I never doubted your love, I always knew that was the truth. But when it comes to me being worthy of you, I think about it a lot." Brett cleared his throat and started talking more. "I still think you need a better life than this... I'm glad you love me and think that I'm worthy of you. Yet, my brain just tells me that you need to be kept by someone who really deserves you."

"If anything, it should be me thinking this... Though, you loving me all this time just makes me have faith. That maybe I am doing something right and living something worthwhile." Eddy said, playing with Brett's hair. "I love you Brett, I really do."

"Eddy, I love you too. I love you a lot."

"Good."

With that, the men fell asleep blissfully.

- - - - -

The moment they set foot back in Australia, Eddy was suddenly calling Brett. They weren't even a day apart yet.

"You need something?" Brett asked.

"Yeah, just come to my childhood home." Eddy said calmly, smile almost audible from Brett's line.

"Okay..." Brett said, hanging his phone up.

He got dressed casually and picked up a cake from the store. He always brought something when he was visiting the Chen's. He drove to the home and immediately greeted by Eddy waiting for him.

The moment Brett set foot on the household, he could sense the tension. Eddy was still trying to be calm while mama Chen had a look of scrutiny in her face as she looked at Brett. Brett set the cake down and greeted Eddy's parents politely.

"I heard the news that concerned you..." Mama Chen said with a tone that seems indistinguishable.

"What was it about, auntie? I certainly hope it was great news." Brett said, trying to be polite.

"Edward here just told me that you and him were in a relationship, is that correct?" Mama Chen asked inquisitively.

Brett looked at Eddy with a questioning look. Eddy just nodded.

"Yes ma'am... I'm terribly sorry that I'm not prepared. If Eddy told me he was planning on telling you, I would have given you a better and more prepared answer." Brett said, apologizing to Eddy's parents. "Please forgive me." Brett added.

There was silence and Brett was dreading it. He decided to cut it, by speaking his mind.

"Mr. and Mrs. Chen, I know I'm not exactly who you were expecting when the time comes that Eddy will introduce another significant other in his life... But he makes me happy and he makes me feel loved. I love him so much and I know me and him aren't really a conventional couple. Yet, my soul always knew it was him again and again." Brett explained, clearing his throat. "If you really don't approve of our relationship and never allow us to marry, I respect that... But please, give me a chance to prove that my love for him is not an insanity before you completely disapprove of me." Brett added, kneeling down in front of Eddy's parents.

Papa Chen was more than impressed. He wouldn't do this even if he loved someone so much. Mama Chen felt her heart grow soft at the man in front of her. She never saw someone brave enough to defend their love for another person. Of course, she didn't show it.

"Son, sit down on the sofa... You don't have to do this." Papa Chen exclaimed, looking at Brett with such softness.

Brett sat down as he looked for an answer from Mama Chen. He understood from that look that Papa Chen already approved.

"Well, I can't disagree... I cannot let soulmates part." Mama Chen said, holding Brett's hand. "Be good to our son..." Mama Chen added.

"I will. Please do not worry. I will do my best." Brett replied.

Eddy sighed out loud and everyone looked at him intently.

"What? I thought you were gonna disown me..." Eddy defended.

"Aiyah, you always ruin the moment." Mama Chen said. "You're lucky that Brett is here to keep you at your feet." Mama Chen added.

"Oh ma, trust me, I know..." Eddy replied.

After a long afternoon of mingling and chatting, Brett and Eddy were at the car. They were driving back to Eddy's apartment. When they reached it, they both went down to the flat.

"You know, you could have told me that you were gonna tell your parents." Brett said, laughing a little.

"I know, but you were gonna be too nervous so I did it casually." Eddy responded.

"Shush, you're really fucking lucky that I love you."

"Trust me, I know very well."

Eddy stood in front of Brett, hugging him.

"Can I kiss you?" Eddy asked.

"Of course..." Brett said, closing his eyes.

Eddy slowly leaned it, savoring the in between moments of the kiss. He held Brett close to him, feeling his warmth. Brett smiled into the kiss. This was perfect.