Arthit was thunderstruck. It was true then. Arthit was indeed Thara's father, as stated by the birth certificate. On thinking further, Arthit realised that the timing matched. They had done it only once around Kong's birthday, and the date of birth specified was about 9 months from then. Thara resembled Arthit. The male pregnancy report was right in front of his eyes.
Saying Arthit was overwhelmed, would be an understatement. He had stopped breathing. Thara was his daughter. He had a daughter. He had a daughter with Kong. The man he loved and the same man he hated once. He just didn't know how to react. Should he be happy? That his sunshine is actually his daughter. Or should he be sad that she hates him or that he already missed 6 golden years of her life, and Kong never bothered to tell him.
Arthit took his leave, not knowing what else to say. The entire drive back to the hospital, his mind couldn't stop thinking. If he was conflicted about situations before, it only became worse now. He wanted to leave all the past grudges and go back to Kong, to profess his love, and get back with his daughter. But the entire situation was so complicated.
It didn't help, that Kong was hell bent on keeping Thara away. Initially Arthit thought he did that because of the accident. Now he was pretty sure it was because Kong didn't want him to find out. Kong had gone through a very risky, life threatening process, to bring Thara, to bring his daughter. Arthit couldn't help but love him more. Life has its own ways to mess with a person. Just like how Arthit found out in a very very random situation that he was the father to a 6 year old girl.
He reached the hospital, wanting to confront Kong. How could Kong keep his daughter away from him for 6 years? He was angry, confused and scared. It was all so jumbled up in his mind.
He was going to his own office, when he crossed Pha's office. Thara was cheerfully chatting with Pha, with dramatic expressions, and Pha was smiling, seeing the child. This was another problem. His best friend liked Kong, and now his daughter was playing with Pha. It made him jealous.
Arthit came in, trying to maintain his composure. He greeted Pha and his sunshine, his daughter. His brain still hadn't completely accepted this fact. He tried to repeat it over and over in his mind.
"Uncle Pha, take me and daddy out for dinner." She said with a wide smile.
"Sure sweetheart. Would your daddy like it?" Pha's voice was as sweet as honey, and Arthit didn't like it one bit. He didn't like having these mixed feelings of anger for his best friend either.
"Daddy will love it. Then you can marry daddy." She giggled. Pha laughed along with her. That's it. Arthit had reached his limit. How could they talk about marrying Kong? Kong belonged to Arthit, no one else. Even Thara belonged to Arthit.
"Then I can call Uncle Pha, my Papa. What do you think Mr. Sun?"
Arthit was just a second away from exploding, when he saw Kong. Kong had barged in, and grabbed Thara's hand. She seemed shocked, and rather scared.
"I asked you to stay away from her." Kong growled. The cold tone almost gave goosebumps to Arthit. Kong was indeed scary when it came to Thara. Pha just looked between Kong and Arthit, utterly confused. It was evident, that they both knew each other. Pha had never seen this side of Kong. He took Kong for a very sweet and calm man.
"Why do I have to stay away from her?" Arthit said, thinking how Kong could ask him to stay away from his own daughter.
"We should discuss this in private." Arthit suggested, trying to control his emotions in front of the child.
"P'Pha, could you please look after Thara for a few minutes?" Kong asked politely. His entire tone and behaviour totally opposite to what it was seconds ago. Arthit noticed how Kong was totally okay with Pha being with his daughter. Kong trusted Pha. This angered Arthit even more.
Arthit took Kong to his own cabin, locking the door. Kong glared at Arthit, keeping a firm stance, about a metre away from Arthit.
"I know everything, Kong. Don't try to hide it." Arthit said carefully, trying not to sound angry.
Kong stiffened. He took a few steps backward, trying to think of what Arthit could possibly know. There was only one thing, his ultimate fear, that he didn't want Arthit to know.
"W-what do you know?" Kong asked, his words shaky.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Arthit asked quietly. Kong didn't respond. Arthit repeated, this time a little louder, more frustrated. "Why didn't you tell me, Kong?"
"There is nothing I'm obliged to tell you." Kong said coldly.
"Of course there is. You are supposed to tell me that Thara is my daughter. How could you not tell?!" Arthit yelled. Kong jumped. He had not expected Arthit to find out. He didn't want Arthit to find out. Ever. But here he was, knowing it all.
"She is not your daughter." Kong said, gathering courage.
"Do a DNA test to prove it." Arthit stated. Kong froze. Paternity test would prove it all. He couldn't have that.
"No P'Arthit. She is my daughter. I gave birth to her, that is true. But-"
"She is mine just as much as she is yours, and you know it. Stop denying it." Arthit said, stepping closer.
"For the last time, she isn't your daughter. I don't know who told you that. But I had her with another man." Kong lied. He had to say something, anything that could counter what Arthit was saying.
"Another man?" Arthit's voice was barely a whisper.
"Yes. After that night, I was angry. I wanted to forget you. A-and I slept with someone else." Kong spoke quickly.
Arthit lost it. Kong belonged to him. No one else could touch him. His jealousy had reached it's limit. Part of him knew Kong was lying. The other part was angry for even the mention of another man.
He took the dolphin show piece from his table and smashed it to the floor. The glass spread everywhere with a loud noise. Kong was terrified. He was practically trembling. The tiny bit of confidence he had earlier, was completely gone now. He was scared of Arthit. The habit of throwing things, Thara had it too. Kong realised it was another similarity between them.
Arthit started to step closer to Kong. Kong was scared, he could feel his heart beating loudly. He took a few shaky steps backwards, hands in front of him in defence. Arthit continued, taking slow steps to Kong, looking him straight in the eye. The look was a mix of anger, hurt and something else Kong couldn't identify. Was it longing?
Kong jolted, when his back hit the door of the cabin. There was no escape now. The door was locked, and Arthit was merely inches away, the anger in his eyes slowly disappearing. It was replaced almost completely by longing, and maybe lust. He eyed Kong's lips, missing the soft lips he hadn't tasted for 7 years. Everything from seconds ago completely vanished. All he could think about was those lips.
Kong anxiously bit his lip, gripping the door. He didn't know what was happening. His legs were trembling, as Arthit continued to stare at him. Arthit blinked a few times, trying to come back to his senses. He was probably just an inch away from Kong.
"Never say anything like that again. You are mine." Arthit whispered, his breath fanning on Kong's face. Kong closed his eyes tightly. Arthit this close to him, was very scary. He wanted to get out of there, wanted to disappear. Arthit moved back a little, which helped Kong to start breathing again.
"If you do, I'll take Thara with me." He said seriously, his voice low and dangerous.
"Y-you can't do that!" Kong said, raising his voice.
"Yes, I can. It won't be hard for me to use my family background and get Thara's custody." Arthit threatened.
Kong's eyes widened. This couldn't happen. No, Arthit can't take Thara away from him. He had no right. Thara was Kong's lifeline. There would be no him without Thara. Now Arthit wants to take the only person that is dear to him, that he loves more than his own life? He hated Arthit even more. Arthit had no respect for other's feelings.
How long are you going to make me suffer like this? Will you ever be satisfied? How much more do I have to bear, so your revenge is done? Kong thought, almost breaking. Kong opened the door and left, not wanting to stay there any longer.
..........
Kong couldn't stop thinking about the conversation they had. It made it impossible for Kong to sleep. It was already 24 hours since he had seen Arthit. He still couldn't get him out of his mind. Kong was angry. Arthit couldn't take his daughter away like that. Kong is not the same anymore. He is not someone Arthit can toy with.
He was carrying lots of files, along with medical equipment. Suddenly he felt the weight lessen. He looked up to see Arthit holding the files in his hand. Kong immediately put his guard up. It was such a nuisance, working in the same hospital as Arthit. After yesterday's events, Kong had left Thara at home. No more coming to the hospital for her.
"Let me help you " Arthit said gently. Kong was wondering whether this man was bipolar.
"No, thank you." Kong tried to take away his files, but Arthit didn't let him. Kong didn't want to argue, so he let Arthit carry them.
Kong placed everything on his office table, and turned. He didn't know Arthit was right behind him. They were a hair's breadth apart. He stumbled, losing his balance. But Arthit's hand quickly wrapped around Kong's waist to steady him. Kong caught a glimpse of Arthit's deep chocolate eyes. It reminded him of the first time he had ever looked into them. He bent backwards, resting his hands on the table for support, trying to create some distance.
Arthit kept staring at Kong's eyes, looking deep into his soul. Arthit's eyes were filled with a lot of emotions. There was guilt, regret, hurt, confusion and something very close to love. They stayed in that position for a long time, when finally Arthit spoke.
"I miss you, Kong. I want you back."
..........
A/N: Ooh I'm getting excited. Who wants more?