Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

In this universe, Lara stopped being a reporter for personal reasons because the hours were too long and she could barely take care of Kanfah when he was still a baby. She ended up as an illustrator for kids' books and sometimes she also did terrariums of scenes for the books she illustrated when the author or the publishing company commissioned her on top of the illustrating work. She’d found out that working on them relaxed her. When he was around 8, Kanfah also started to help her with thembeing really good with his hands and managing some of the more intricate designs that Lara struggled with. It was like one of their pastimes even as Kanfah grew into his teenage years and early adulthood.

When he was younger, it was also a good way to get him to focus on something else than his urges to go after bullies, often by fighting them, especially during the times he got suspended from school. Lara knew that her son wasn’t a bad kid and he always tried to look after the oppressed, but he could also be a little too impulsive or rash in his decisions, hence the few times he got suspended from school… She still remembered the time she got called by the headmistress after Kanfah had been caught threatening another boy with a kitchen knife…

Usually while they were working together on a new terrarium, she took the opportunity to remind him the importance of rules and not to break them. But she knew that Kanfah was quite stubborn and only half listened to her when she scolded him. But deep down, Lara knew her son had a good heart, but she still worried. 

As he grew up and worked on completing his degree, he never let go of his self assigned missions to protect those who needed it and stop people who hurt others. Even if she didn’t fully approve of his choices, Lara hadn’t been surprised when Kanfah decided to become a private detective by day and a vigilante by night. It wasn’t an easy path and more often than she’d liked, her son came home with new wounds after yet another fight. Still, she knew her son liked what he did and felt useful. And from the ones he’d helped over the years, Lara couldn’t deny that Bangkok should be grateful that her Kanfah was watching over the city. Her son not only was physically strong and fast, he was also very clever and intuitive. But despite the nature of the crimes committed by some, Kanfah had never crossed the line by killing anyone. And Lara was aware that for some of the criminals he’d stopped over the years, he’d come very close to that line. 

With everything he faced during his cases, Lara sometimes wondered how her son could keep going on his own. She often wished he had a partner to work with him but also someone to take care of him, hold him when he was exhausted, help him tend to his wounds, take his mind off things after a particularly heavy case…
Kanfah came to sleep at her place several times a week and she was glad that, at least, he still came home to be with her, have meals together, work on terrariums or even chat about his cases when they weren't too sensitive. Because Lara had been to his condo / office and she’d found the place very impersonal and cold. She’d brought him a terrarium they’d worked on together to decorate his desk, but apart from a few pictures here and there, the place remained quite unwelcoming.

During one of their afternoons working on a new terrarium, Kanfah started to mention someone and Lara’s ears perked up at the annoyed tone and the clear frustration in her son’s voice. And yet, despite how supposedly annoying this guy was, her son kept talking about him and things he’d done for the rest of the afternoon. That day, Lara only learnt that this annoying guy was a cop, a detective like her son, and that he’d sort of helped Kanfah on a tricky case. Well, if she believed her son’s words, help was a generous term for what the cop had done. Despite how much Kanfah had talked about him, Lara hadn’t gotten a name  yet, but something within her told her that she’d hear of the officer again. 

Two weeks later, they were working on a particularly ambitious terrarium project commissioned for a new novel series. The pressure was quite high since the books were a huge success so Lara didn’t want to disappoint the author. That was why she’d called her son to help her. 
Kanfah was very focused on painting the small figurine of the main character in the novels. His fingers worked delicately and Lara paused to watch him work, always fascinated with how talented he was at this. 
They were working on a delicate part of the design when Kanfah let out an annoyed huff, seemingly thinking of something that had bothered him.
“Is everything okay sweetheart?” Lara asked him.
Kanfah looked up at her and his fingers paused on the small fox figurine he was trying to place in the right spot without disturbing the tiny bushes. “It’s nothing.”
“Sounds like there’s something on your mind.”
“Just, I don’t get why Jirapok calls the asshole ‘red fox’, it’s just ridiculous.”
Lara frowned, unfamiliar with that name. 
Kanfah still muttered to himself, “And the audacity of that idiot wanting to give me a code name too. I’m not like his stupid partner.” 
She waited to see if Kanfah would say more but then his focus returned to his task and he eventually managed to place the tiny fox figurine where it needed to be.

Afterwards, they shared a drink together which had become another ritual they’d added when Kanfah started university. Lara enjoyed having this moment with him after working for hours on a new terrarium. 
“So, earlier you mentioned someone called Jirapok. I don't think I've ever heard of him, who is that?” She asked, smiling and tilting her head curiously.
Kanfah finished his sip of red wine and put the glass back on the coaster. He pursed his lips as if he’d recognized her tone. It was the same one she’d used each time she’d asked if he’d met someone. It had started during his late years in high school, then she’d continued asking while he’d been in university. 
“The one I told you about a few times already.” He said, sounding annoyed, “He’s the nosy annoying officer always being in my business rather than working on his own cases. I really wonder how he manages to get any work done when half of the time he’s stalking me.”
Lara chuckled. Kanfah mildly glared at her. She chose not to comment on the fact that Kanfah usually didn't allow himself to be tracked, so, either this Jirapok was really good or her son didn't try as hard to stop him from finding him. 
“What are you thinking?” Kanfah gave her a suspicious look. 
Lara shrugged, “Nothing.” 
Her son raised his eyebrows.
She smiled and leaned back on the sofa, taking another sip of red wine, “It's just the way you’re talking about Jirapok reminds me of how you used to complain about N’Earth. Do you remember him?”
Kanfah's eyes narrowed, “Stop that train of thoughts right now.”
She chuckled.
Kanfah ignored her knowing smile, finished his glass and got up. Lara heard him muttering something but she couldn't catch it clearly, all she managed to hear was Jirapok's name among the incoherent words. She watched her son return to the work table, already focused on painting the tiny figurines that’d be added later inside the terrarium.

Lara finished her glass and then joined her son, sitting next to him and just observing him work. Kanfah raised one eyebrow when he noticed she hadn’t resumed working on the terrarium. 
Lara smiled sheepishly, “I already had a few drinks with Sybil at lunch.”
Kanfah shook his head, “So what? Am I supposed to complete your commission for you?”
“I’ll cook your favorite meal.” She offered with a wink. She leaned closer, “and you can tell me more about how much the handsome officer has been annoying you.”
Kanfah narrowed his eyes, “I never said he was handsome.” 
Lara still caught the way he immediately averted his gaze right after saying that and she was sure she also caught a very light flush at the tip of his ears. 
“But you’re not denying it.” She said in a soft teasing tone.
“Whatever, let me focus if you want this done before I have to leave for patrol."
“Fine, I’ll just go to the kitchen then.”
He hummed, his fingers already delicately working on another intricate piece of the design. She ruffled his hair tenderly and then left him to work. She couldn’t quite contain her slight disappointment that Kanfah hadn’t told her much about this Jirapok. She was really curious to know what he was like and wondered if he had any clue that he occupied her son’s mind quite a lot (judging by how many times he’d mentioned him that afternoon and also over the last couple of weeks).

During dinner, Kanfah exchanged a few texts with someone related to an ongoing case. Lara was curious to know if maybe it was the officer but as usual her son kept his phone screen towards him and she couldn’t see anything. He noticed her curious glances and after the third text he’d replied to, he silenced his phone and turned it face down, giving her a look. She smiled innocently.
Kanfah raised one eyebrow, not fooled, “I know you want to ask.”
Lara pressed her lips together to suppress her smile. 
Kanfah sighed, “It’s only related to my case.” He told her. 
Lara hummed. 
“He’s being an idiot again, sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong.” 
Lara couldn’t stop her smile this time, “Sounds like you’re not just annoyed.”
Kanfah let out a frustrated huff, “He’s the worst, never thinks before doing something that could end up being dangerous.” Kanfah paused before continuing on his short rant, “And really, who does he think he is always wanting to help? As if I can’t handle things on my own.”
Lara hummed, her smile growing more amused as her son let out another sigh before focusing back on his half empty plate. She still noticed how her son kept briefly glancing at his phone during the rest of dinner. 

As they were cleaning the dishes, Kanfah had to pause a few times to reply to more texts. Even with his back turned to her, Lara caught the way his shoulder shook with a feeble chuckle, probably reading a text from Jirapok. When he turned around and walked back to the sink, his face was back to its usual scowling. Lara made no comment about it. She genuinely wondered if her son was even aware that officer Jirapok had already started to get under his skin without him realising… 

A week later, Kanfah came home to help with the rest of the commission. Over the past few days, Lara had made great progress on the terrarium on top of having completed all the illustrations for another book. Yet, she was glad that her son had made it despite how busy he’d been with his latest case. Lara scolded him lightly when she saw that he was paler than usual and the bags under his eyes were quite prominent. She almost felt bad for asking his help on the terrarium, but he reassured her.
“Don’t worry mom, I enjoy doing it.” He said softly. “And I need to think of something else after the week I had.”
Lara frowned, worry filling her heart. 
Kanfah let out a long sigh, “Actually, it’s been going on for several weeks and I don’t see an end to this case yet.” He added, his voice betraying how tired he felt.
Lara moved her chair closer to him and laid a hand on his forearm, “Maybe letting the officer help you wouldn’t be such a bad idea.” She suggested in a soft tone.
Kanfah whipped his head to look at her strangely and she realised that her son hadn’t even mentioned the cop yet since he’d arrived. 
“Oh, hasn’t he been around this week?” She asked, feeling a little awkward. 
Kanfah let out an annoyed huff and Lara relaxed at the familiar sound each time the cop was mentioned. 
“Oh no, he’s been around. He hasn’t stopped pestering me but I can’t let him help with this case.”
Lara didn’t comment on how Kanfah had just implied that he’d actually allowed Jirapok to help him on other cases. 
“Why not?” She asked, curious.
Kanfah averted his gaze and remained silent for a long minute. Lara felt that he was hesitant to share his thoughts. 

After around ten minutes and a few more details completed on the terrarium, Kanfah sat back, stretching his arms. 
“I don’t think I can let the officer help on this case because it’s linked to the police station where he works.”
Lara’s eyes widened. 
“You remember how I told you there’s something fishy about one unit from that station?”
Lara nodded, vaguely remembering something her son had told her a week earlier.
“Well, it’s Jirapok’s unit.”
Lara felt suddenly uneasy. 
“I swear, there’s definitely something wrong with the entire police station. And that asshole partner of his, he’s shady too.”
Lara’s curiosity overpowered her slight uneasiness, “Wait, how do you even know so much about Jirapok’s police station and his unit? I thought he only came to bother you while you were working on your own cases.” She pointed out.  
Kanfah clenched his jaw, and Lara knew he was annoyed that she’d asked him more about the cop. “I may have kept an eye on the police station and the officer a few times the past couple of weeks.” He reluctantly admitted. “For the shady part, I’m almost 100% sure, but I actually doubt that Jirapok is aware of it.”
Lara frowned, “Have you asked him?”
“No, I don’t want this idiot to get into trouble if he doesn’t know anything about it.”
Lara couldn’t suppress a smile and he huffed again.
“Don’t say it.” He said, a weak warning in his tone. 
She shook her head and ruffled his hair fondly, “I’m not saying anything, sweetheart.”
He grimaced as he always did when she called him that. "I'm just watching the station to see what's wrong with it, nothing more." He insisted. 
Lara hummed, unconvinced.
Over the years, she’d grown more than familiar with his pattern; if her son believed that someone might get hurt or were in danger while he could do something about it, he’d always help. And Lara was almost certain that her son wasn’t completely clueless about the fact that he was following that pattern with Jirapok too. He might just be unwilling to admit it. 

_ _ _

One month later

It was past midnight when Lara woke up after hearing Kanfah coming home late, much later than when he usually came to stay a couple of days with her. She sat up in her bed and listened. Her son made as little noise as possible, probably hoping not to wake her, but Lara also knew that Kanfah was aware that she was a light sleeper, so he might suspect that she was up already. Lara strained her ear to listen to what her son was doing so late. A slight feeling of dread filled her heart when she heard a pained groan and loud laboured breathing. Worried that her son might be hurt, she got up and quietly left her bedroom, following where the sounds were coming from. She frowned when she noticed that Kanfah hadn’t turned on any of the lights. She felt her way to the living room where she could almost make out her son’s silhouette thanks to the moonlight coming through the half closed curtains. Her heart clenched painfully when she heard a distinct sob among the laboured breathing. She slowly walked to the couch and sat down, moving closer to him. He hadn’t noticed her, hunched forward, starting to shake with more sobs. Lara’s worry nearly overwhelmed her but she took a deep breath and gently stroked his back. His shirt was damp with sweat. 
He startled at the touch and looked at her, eyes shining and wide even in the dimness of the room. “Shit, I woke you.” 
Lara shook her head, still gently stroking his back, hoping to soothe him. 

For a couple of minutes, the silence was only broken by Kanfah’s heaving breaths and the ruffle of damp fabric as Lara continued to comfort him. Eventually, his breathing started to slow down and return to normal. Lara moved a little closer, trying to see his face more clearly.
“What happened sweetheart?”  
Kanfah remained silent and Lara couldn’t ignore how worried she was. She needed to see her son properly. After a couple more soothing strokes down his back, she got up and walked to the nearest lightswitch. Then she went to the kitchen to pour him a glass of cool water. When she walked back to the living room, she could see Kanfah more clearly. She nearly dropped the glass at the sight of blood splatters all over his white t-shirt and his arms. Worry gnawed deep in her heart and not for the first time, she wished that her son had chosen a less dangerous path. She took a deep breath and walked closer, catching that there was also blood on her son’s hands. She looked all over him to check where he was injured but she couldn’t quite tell if the blood was his or someone else’s. As she sat back next to him, she shakily handed him the glass. From the way he moved, he didn’t seem seriously injured. Still, she gently patted his forearm down to his right hand. 
"What happened ? Are you hurt?" 
Kanfah flinched from her touch. She noticed that his hands were shaking.
"Kanfah, please, tell me." She pleaded, unable to conceal the worry in her voice. 
He slowly looked up at her. Her heart squeezed painfully in her chest at the sight of his face contorted with shock and fear. 
Lara moved closer and gently held his hands. "If you don't want me to wonder about the worst scenarios possible, I need you to tell me what happened."
Kanfah swallowed hard. He looked down at his still shaking hands within his mother's gentle and soothing hold.
"Please don't hate me, mom, I had no choice." He said in a broken tone.
Lara shook her head and squeezed his hands, "What crazy thing are you saying? I could never hate you, sweetheart."
Kanfah let out a sob and she moved closer to hug him. Her son clung tight, almost painfully but she didn’t let go.

She gave him a full minute before she pulled back and looked at him expectantly.
"This idiot almost got himself killed tonight." Kanfah eventually said, his voice still shaky.
Lara waited for him to say more. 
"I told him not to be so stupid but he didn't listen. He was so careless and I had no choice." 
"Slow down, breathe." Lara stroked the back of his hand.
"I just wanted to scare them, I had to stop them from hurting him."
Lara's blood ran cold, dreading what her son would say next.
"It all went so fast, I... The knife..." He let out another sob. 
"Kanfah, sweetheart, breathe." With her other hand, she stroked his nape soothingly. 

He needed another couple of minutes to calm down. When his breathing had slowed down, he brought the glass of water to his lips and nearly drank it all before a light cough forced him to stop and put the glass on the coffee table. Lara gently patted his back until he stopped coughing. 
"What happened ? Why do you keep saying you had no choice?" Lara asked him in a shaky voice. 
"They would have killed him." Kanfah's voice trembled with more than just fear, Lara could feel something darker too.
"I told him to be more careful but he wouldn't listen and now..."
"Is Jirapok okay?”
Kanfah's eyes widened. Lara’s as well, realizing he hadn't even said the cop’s name. Her son sighed, of course his mother would know. 
"He got shot before I found him."
Lara gasped in shock. 
"They had a gun to his head. There was no time to think, I had to act." He added shakily, his breathing starting to get erratic again. 
Lara feared what words her son would say next.
"I didn't intend to... I just wanted to scare them, distract them so they wouldn't kill him." Kanfah's voice broke again. "But if the other one hadn't left... And if the idiot wasn't hurt... I'd..." He paused and looked up in horror when he saw his mom's wide eyes. "Mom... I..." He fell into her arms again and shook with sobs. 
Lara didn't need to be told why her son couldn't finish his sentence. She held her son as his breathing slowly became less laboured. 
As she tightened her hold, she softly asked,"Where's Jirapok ? You said he was shot. Is he okay?”
Kanfah pulled back from her embrace and wiped his damp cheeks, "I took him to Lydia with the other cop."
"The other cop?" She frowned, unsure who Kanfah meant.
"The partner, the one I think it's stupid to trust but Jirapok begged me to call him." Kanfah paused, avoiding her gaze. "And I had no choice, Pramote said he knew someone who could help with the body."
Lara swallowed hard. She'd figured it out already but to hear her son say the word 'body' made it all too real. She scooted closer and gently held his face, her thumbs stroking under his tearful eyes. "Kanfah, please promise me that you'll stop looking into this case." She pleaded.
He shook his head, and she knew he wouldn't stop, and even less after what had happened tonight. 
"Please, at least promise me you will be careful and you won't put yourself in danger."
"I'll try, mom.”
"Okay, I suppose this will be enough for now." She said, sounding tired and defeated. "But I can't lose you, okay. And I hope Jirapok will be more careful too."
Kanfah huffed, "You don't even know him.”
Lara smiled weakly, "Let's just say, if you didn't care about him, you wouldn't have risked so much for him.”
"I couldn't let them kill him. He's innocent." Kanfah protested weakly.
Lara hummed but made no more comments. And they were both too tired to keep talking about it now. 
"Go shower, I'll burn these clothes for you.”
Kanfah shook his head vehemently, "Mom, no, I'll take care of it. I don't want you involved with this."
Lara didn't protest for now, but there was no way she'd just ignore this. Instead she said, "I hope you'll introduce Jirapok to me soon." She attempted a lighter tone while gently stroking his damp cheek. She didn’t give him any chance to respond, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead before getting up and leaving the room. As she walked down the corridor, she could make out a soft amused sigh. It made her slightly relax and smile before closing her bedroom door.  

_ _ _

The next morning, Lara woke up earlier than usual. To be frank, she hadn't managed to sleep a wink after what had happened. She'd been plagued with worry for her son. No matter how much she’d thought about what he’d told her, she couldn’t figure out a way to help him. And even if she did, she doubted that Kanfah would even allow her to get anywhere close to this case. 
She was too wobbly on her feet to take a shower so she headed to the kitchen for some coffee. She tried to be as quiet as possible, hoping she wouldn’t wake Kanfah. As she waited for the coffee maker, she glanced around the living room to see if she could find the bloody clothes. She felt a painful pang to her heart when instead she saw her son asleep on the couch. She sighed. Kanfah might have been too drained to even reach his bedroom earlier. She walked closer and adjusted the blanket on top of him. She gently stroked his hair. Her worry grew at how pale he looked, the dark circles under his eyes more prominent in the daylight. She replayed their conversation and could still hear the fear in his voice after he'd struggled to confess what he'd done. 
A faint vibration tore her gaze away from her boy, her attention drawn to Kanfah's phone on the coffee table. She saw the screen light up with several incoming messages. Filled with worry, she bent closer and looked at the screen. There were notifications for three missed calls from an unknown number and one from Lydia. The screen lit up again, it was now a text from the same unknown number as the three missed calls. Lara hesitated, she should wake Kanfah, but he looked so vulnerable and in dire need of sleep, she'd hate to disturb him. Her boy deserved rest. She had the feeling that the coming days wouldn't be easy for him. She grabbed the phone and took it with her to the kitchen where her coffee was now ready. She let out a soft relieved sigh that Kanfah hadn’t changed his password; he’d told her about it in case of an emergency. Lara’s guilt faded a little when she convinced herself that this was an actual emergency. She couldn’t let her son get caught after what he’d done. If he got arrested by any of the cops from the station he’d been investigating, they might do much worse than just throw him in jail. She swallowed hard, remembering his pleading voice when he begged her not to get involved. But how could she ignore this? She was his mom, she had to protect him from any harm. If there was anything within her power to help make sure he’d be safe, she’d do it without a second thought. 
With another pang of guilt, she scrolled through the messages from last night. There was only one from Lydia which she'd sent a little before Kanfah had returned home. The text read: Handsome is stable now. Get some rest and come as soon as you can tomorrow. Lara couldn't suppress the smile at the nickname. She wondered if it was the nurse who called Jirapok that or if it was Kanfah. She doubted it was the latter. Her son wasn't into giving nicknames. He still grimaced each time Lara called him 'sweetheart'. 
She then scrolled through a few messages coming from the unknown number. When she saw a very long and detailed one from the previous night, she avoided reading it. Her eyes had just seen the word 'body', and to be honest, she wasn't ready to face that yet. She read the next one: I spoke with my contact and he'll help. You were right, it seems he owes you one. Lara wanted to know more about this contact who was supposed to help her son. Help him with what? 
There were a few more texts following Kanfah's response to the previous one (a simple Thanks). Lara scrolled down until she reached the most recent ones. He's awake and he's asking for you nonstop, it's annoying. Just come. It started to click in Lara's mind despite how sluggish her brain was; these texts seemed to be from Jirapok's partner, the one Kanfah didn't like. 
"Mom, why do you have my phone?" 
Lara nearly dropped it and looked up at her son guiltily. He didn't look mad, just curious. She tried to smile, "It was vibrating a lot, I feared it would wake you up." 
Kanfah narrowed his eyes, "I could see you scrolling through my texts just now." 
She let out a nervous huff, "I'm sorry. After last night, I was worried." She handed him the phone. "You should call them back." 
Kanfah nodded and left the room with his phone. Lara sighed, still worried. She busied herself with preparing breakfast while sipping on her coffee.

Around ten minutes later, Kanfah returned, phone still in hand and looking restless. He barely glanced at the breakfast set up on the table and rushed to his bedroom. Lara listened to him go through his wardrobe and then go to the bathroom. 

Nearly twenty minutes later, he rushed past the kitchen and grabbed one of the toasts.
"Sweetheart, you need to eat more than that." She pleaded with him but he was already leaving without a word. Lara slumped on the chair and let out a heavy breath, worry increasingly growing. 

As she was clearing the table, her phone rang; it was Kanfah. She rushed to pick up.
"I'm sorry mom. I had to leave earlier. I stopped by Kayla's to get breakfast.” He said in a reassuring tone and she smiled. “I'm heading to the hospital now. Apparently Jirapok's been asking for me." He paused, sounding a little awkward at that last part. 
"I'll come by later." Lara offered.
"No mom, please, you can get involved."
She sighed, "I'm not. I'm just visiting my friend Lydia." She tried to sound casual.
"Mom, you can visit her some other day. Please."
"Kanfah, I promise I won't ask any questions. But please, let me be there for you." She insisted, "if it were me in your position, you wouldn't want to be kept in the dark either." 
Kanfah was silent on the other end.
"Kanfah, you're all I have. You can’t ask me not to do anything I can to help you. Or at least be there for you and the one you care about."
Kanfah let out a shaky sigh which caused her phone to crackle with static "Fine, you can come later, but please wait until late afternoon. I mean it, mom." His tone was firm meaning there was no arguing possible. 
"Okay, I'll wait until then. Thank you, sweetheart."
"I have to hang up now." 
And the call ended before Lara could say anything more. And despite still being worried, she felt a little lighter.

_ _ _

By the end of the afternoon, Lara parked her car in the usual spot by the park. She grabbed the bag with the iced tea drinks she’d bought on the way from Kanfah’s favorite shop, she’d also gotten some for Lydia and the two interns, Yoki and a few extras for the cops. She walked to the back of the park and down the long alley until she arrived at the back door of the clandestine hospital. She shakily knocked the code on the old wood and waited. 
“Hello khun.” Yoki opened the door for her with a tired smile. “Phi said you’d be stopping by.” 
Lara thanked him and followed him down the main corridor. She waved at Meen who was busy doing her rounds with the patients. 
“It’s down there, phi said it was best to keep the cops away from other patients.” The boy sounded a little annoyed and even scared too.
“She’s worried they might shut down the hospital.” Lara understood.
Yoki nodded. 

They arrived on the second floor all the way down one of the side corridors. Lara noticed a small group of people she’d never met before. They were all sitting around a table, discussing something that she couldn’t hear. She noticed that one of them was wearing a holster and a police badge, Jirapok’s partner she guessed. Seeing her lingering, Yoki tugged her further down to the last door. When she glanced back curiously at the group of men, Yoki shook his head and silently told her not to ask any questions about it. She reluctantly nodded and followed the boy to the last door. Yoki knocked on it gently and waited a full minute before Kanfah opened the door. When he saw his mom, he got out of the room and closed the door behind him, grabbing his mother’s wrist and tugging her away. Lara opened her mouth to protest but both Kanfah and Yoki shook their heads. 
“Phi is changing Handsome’s bandages and checking his other external wounds.” Yoki explained. 
Lara saw her son mildly glare at Yoki, “I told you to stop calling him that.” 
Lara couldn’t suppress a smile, she’d been right that it wasn't Kanfah who'd given that nickname to the cop. 
“Why? Don’t you think he’s handsome?” Yoki teased.
Kanfah narrowed his eyes, “shut up about that.” 
The younger boy chuckled and Lara couldn’t help feeling more interested, questions burning on the tip of her tongue. Instead she asked, “So, does that mean that Jirapok is okay?”
“Oh, you told your mom about him and yet you still deny how you’re f…” Kanfah pressed his hand on Yoki’s mouth and looked at him a little menacingly. 
Yoki only laughed and pushed him off. “Fine, I’ll shut up, gotta go anyway. He glanced at the bag in Lara’s hand, interested. “Khun, can I have some?” 
She nodded and handed him three drinks, “Go give one to Meen and Nathee too. 
When Yoki had left, Kanfah also eyed the bag with light interest. 
“I got your favorite, don’t worry. 
Kanfah pretended not to care with a nonchalant shrug. 
“But first, I’d like to meet him, if you’re okay with it of course.” She said gently. 
Kanfah frowned, pretending not to understand, “who are you talking about?”
Lara’s smile grew playful, “Handsome.” 
Kanfah groaned, “not you too.”
She stepped closer and patted one of his cheeks which was slightly flushed. “You don’t think he’s handsome?” 
“Mom, stop. And I’m not sure it’s a good idea, he’s still groggy because of the strong painkillers.”
Lara’s expression turned serious again, “of course. I didn’t mean to disturb him while he’s recovering.” She looked at her son more intently, “but, if he’s going to be part of your life, I’d like to meet him one day when you’re both ready.”
“What are you talking about? He’s not… we’re not…” Kanfah denied.
“I’m your mom, I know these things.” She said softly.
Kanfah was spared from answering when the door suddenly opened with Lydia pushing a medical cart out of the room. She glanced around to look for Kanfah.
“Oh there you are. Handsome’s bandages were changed and I applied some bruise cream where it was needed. I think he should stay here for at least 4 days so I can look after him. He’ll need some reeducation for his left leg. As I told you already, the bullet didn’t touch any important nerves but the leg will still be sore and he might limp for a few weeks after being discharged.” Lydia explained, her voice strained with exhaustion after the long night she’d had operating on the cop. She turned to Lara to greet her with a quick wai and then looked at Kanfah again to continue, “I told him he needs sleep but he’s stubborn and asks for you at his bedside.”
Kanfah’s cheeks flushed redder and Lara couldn’t suppress another smile, especially when Lydia’s tone turned light and teasing.
“You’d better lie down with him or I’ll need to sedate him.”
Kanfah opened his mouth to protest but it was Lara who spoke first.
“Wouldn’t it be too much medication at once? That can’t be good for him, am I wrong?”
“You’re absolutely right, phi.” Lydia smiled at her and then looked at Kanfah expectantly.
He sighed as if it was the hardest thing he’d been asked to do, “Fine. But he better not get used to it.”
“You keep telling yourself that.” Lydia said in a tired but teasing tone as she pushed the medical cart away.
Kanfah glared at her and Lara moved closer to hug her son’s arm. 
“I think you should go back inside.” She pointed at the door. 
Kanfah let out another long suffering sigh but didn’t protest. He gently held her by the arm and tugged her to the door. She gaped, not having expected her son to let her meet the other man just yet. 
“I’ll need someone in the room in case I fall asleep. Can you please help me watch over him?” Kanfah asked and he sounded so vulnerable it made Lara’s heart squeeze painfully. She nodded, choosing not to make any comment about her son clearly being worried for the cop’s well being. 
As Kanfah opened the door, she tried to look past his shoulder to the bed to catch a glimpse of the cop lying on the bed. Kanfah turned to give her a strange look and she stopped, smiling sheepishly.
“Oh Fah, finally you’re back. Where were you? I…” The rest of Jirapok's words got stuck at the back of his throat and Lara offered a kind smile. 
Kanfah sighed and looked between the two, resigning himself to introduce them. “Officer, this is my mom Lara, mom, this is officer Jirapok.” 
Upon hearing who the woman was, Jirapok tried to straighten up in his bed, wincing when he felt the pressure on the wound on his leg.
“What are you doing, you idiot?!” Kanfah rushed to his side and scolded him, helping him lie back down and adjusting his pillows, careful not to jostle him too much. 
Jirapok weakly glared at him, “You didn’t tell me you’d bring your mom to meet me.” His voice was slightly strangled, “I wasn’t prepared.” He added and he hit Kanfah’s arm lightly, wincing again when it pulled on a fresh wound on his rib.
“Stay still or I’m calling Lydia to give you the sedative.” Kanfah gently held him by the shoulder and made him lie back down once more.
Jirapok pouted but complied, still looking nervous as he briefly glanced at Lara who was still close to the door. Kanfah gave him another pointed look and Jirapok started to protest again.

Lara watched the two bicker for another minute before she chose to sit in the chair by the bed. 
“It’s very nice to finally meet you, Jirapok.” She said with a warm smile. 
The two stopped their bickering and the cop looked at her with wide eyes and flushed cheeks. “It's very nice to meet you too, khun.” He looked down at himself in the hospital bed and added, “sorry about the way we’re meeting though.”
Kanfah sighed and sat on the mattress where there was enough space for him. He avoided his mother’s warm gaze and focused on checking one of the bandages on Jirapok’s shoulder.
“I’m also sorry about everything else.” Jirapok said, sounding smaller. 
Kanfah and Lara frowned.
Jirapok looked at Lara for a second before lowering his gaze, “I’m sorry about what happened last night because of my stupidity.” 
Kanfah huffed, “At least you’re aware of it.” 
Lara couldn’t help but feel moved by the apology, “Let’s not talk about that.” She said gently, “My son was only protecting you. And I’m glad that you’re okay.”
Jirapok’s eyes widened again and he turned to look at Kanfah, with something close to wonder in his eyes, “Did you tell your mom about me before today?” 
Kanfah averted his gaze and glanced at his mom, silently asking her not to say anything. 
Lara felt tempted to tell the cop about her son’s many complaints about him during the past few weeks, but she could sense that Kanfah wouldn’t like that, instead she said, “He may have mentioned you once or twice.” 
Jirapok’s smile widened, “Fah, you told your mom about me.” His voice shook with emotion. He reached to stroke Kanfah’s cheek tenderly. 
Lara watched as her son tried to resist the gentle touch but she could also see his firm grip on Jirapok’s other hand. Kanfah hummed in response and Jirapok’s smile grew even wider. 
“Now, you need to sleep.” Kanfah reminded him. “Mom, here’s the button in case you need to call Lydia.” 
Lara nodded. She noticed a plaid in the corner of the room and got up to get it. She hesitated before covering her son and the cop, her touch lingering on Kanfah’s shoulder. “You two get some rest. I’ll be there in case you need anything.”
“Thank you khun.” Jirapok smiled sleepily at her. 
“Thank you mom.” Kanfah also offered her a grateful smile before his attention was back on Jirapok who was finally starting to doze off. 
Lara returned to the chair and watched her son shyly press a kiss to Jirapok’s cheek before he settled in more comfortably, his eyes closing almost instantly. And despite all the worry she still felt about everything that had happened, her heart was at peace as she saw her son move closer to Jirapok and wrap his arm protectively around him. No matter what was between the two men, she’d be there when Kanfah was ready to tell her more. For now, she was content to notice how her son’s face looked relaxed as he quickly fell into deep slumber. 

For the next couple of hours, Lara half read the new book she had to draw new illustrations for, and half watched her son and the cop sleeping deeply. They’d remained in that same position since they’d fallen asleep. Lara couldn’t bring herself to look away for too long so she hadn’t made much progress on her work. She was a little startled when the door opened and Meen entered the room.
“Oh, sorry khun, I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
Lara smiled at her, “It’s alright nong Meen.” 
The young intern walked closer to the bed and checked Jirapok’s vitals. When she was done, she asked, “Has he been sleeping long?” 
Lara nodded, "around two hours I’d say. I didn’t check the time when they fell asleep.” 
Meen chuckled lightly, “I’m surprised Kanfah agreed to lie down with him.” 
“Really?” Lara looked at the young intern curiously, “It didn’t take much asking from Jirapok for my boy to agree.” 
“Maybe he’s starting to stop being in denial.” Meen said, sounding fond and amused at the same time.
Lara felt a peek of curiosity, “Has Kanfah said anything?” 
Meen shook her head, “You know your son, he’s not much for sharing.” 
Lara hummed in approval. 
“But over the past month, Handsome has tagged along more often than not when Kanfah came to the hospital. And well, overtime, we saw that they were getting closer.” She paused, her gaze lingering on the two sleeping men, Kanfah’s arm still wrapped around Jirapok, fingers curled in the cop’s shirtsleeve. 
Lara smiled, “Even from the times he mentioned Jirapok, I could sense that my boy cared about him.” She also looked at the two men. “And today, I have no more doubts about how much that’s true.” 
Meen nodded, “Truthfully, I didn’t expect to see this”, she gestured at the bed, “but it’s a good thing.”
“I agree.” 
Meen checked her watch and headed to the door, “I need to check on other patients, just call Lydia as soon as Handsome wakes up.”
Lara chuckled, “It’s funny how you all call him that.”
Meen let out a soft laughter, “Well, we all noticed how much it annoys Kanfah so we couldn’t resist.”
Lara giggled in response to that. 
“But it was Lydia who called him that the first day she met him. And with how good looking he is, it stuck.” 
Lara nodded again. 
Before Meen left, she said, “Thank you for the iced tea drinks.” 
“My pleasure.”

After the intern left, Lara tried to focus back on the book and her sketch. But only ten minutes later, a knock could be heard. She set her sketch book aside and quietly walked to the door, glancing over her shoulder before opening it. 
The young man on the other side frowned when he saw her, “Oh sorry khun, did I get the room wrong?” He checked the number and then his expression grew even more confused, “No, this should be Jirapok Saetae’s room. Who are you?” He narrowed his eyes at her distrustfully.
Lara stepped back. The man looked vaguely familiar and when she saw the badge around his neck, she remembered seeing him earlier when she’d arrived. Before she could answer his question, she felt a hand on her shoulder.
“What do you want, Pramote?” Kanfah asked, sounding annoyed. 
“We need to talk, knife boy.” 
Lara narrowed her eyes at the nickname.
“I told you to stop calling me that.” Kanfah mildly glared at Pramote.
“Why not? It’s a cool nickname.” 
“Whatever, just go in the next room, I’ll join you soon.” 
Pramote opened his mouth to protest but then his gaze paused on Lara who was looking at the exchange between the two men. 
“Fine, but don’t be long.” 
“Sure.” Kanfah closed the door on him and turned to his mom. “Sorry about him, he’s quite annoying.”
Lara chuckled, “Sounds like you don’t get along well.”
Kanfah huffed, “yeah, no, I only tolerate him because Jirapok asked for him last night.” 
Lara smiled but made no comment. 
“I should go. Pramote probably needs to update me on things. Can you stay here and watch over Jirapok?”
“Of course, sweetheart.” 
Kanfah grimaced and she patted his cheek softly, her thumb hovering just above the dimple. 
“Thank you mom.” 

Lara returned to Jirapok’s bedside and noticed the plaid wasn’t fully covering him anymore. She adjusted it for him. Her gaze lingered on his sleeping face. She gently brushed his sweaty hair from his forehead and made sure to avoid the yellowish bruise around his left eyebrow. Meen’s words resonated in her head and she had to agree, the cop truly deserved his nickname. Despite all the bruises on his face and the pale cheeks, he still looked quite good looking. As she looked down, she caught a different kind of bruise on Jirapok’s neck, just below his right ear. There was no doubt that this one was a hickey. She pressed her lips together to suppress a knowing smile. Unless there was someone else in the cop’s life, which she highly doubted because of the way Jirapok had looked at her son earlier, this could mean that Kanfah and him were at least already having some kind of physical relationship together. 

Kanfah returned with Pramote around twenty minutes later. Lara noticed that her son’s shoulder seemed more relaxed than before he’d left. Pramote offered a respectful wai to her which she returned with a small smile. 
“See, I told you he was still asleep.” Kanfah gestured at the bed. 
Pramote huffed, “True, I would have heard him call for you if he’d woken up without you by his side.” His tone was teasing but Lara could also detect a hint of dislike in the way the cop said that. 
“You’re exaggerating.” Kanfah said, eyes narrowed. 
“Am I really?” Pramote huffed, “I should have filmed him this morning when he was asking for you so loudly he woke up all the patients in the opposite corridor.”
“Shut up.”
Pramote chuckled. “At least he’s finally resting. The nurse will be happy with that.” He looked at Kanfah, “I guess you’re not that bad, knife boy.”
“Could you stop calling my son like that?” Lara stood up and narrowed her eyes.
Pramote backed away and Kanfah chuckled. “Sorry khun, I didn’t mean offense by it.” He said apologetically.
“Sure you didn’t, asshole.” 
“Kanfah, no need to insult him either.” Lara gave a pointed look to her son. 
“Fine.” Kanfah didn’t seem pleased. 
Pramote stood a little awkwardly, glancing between the bed and the door, “I should go see Akkim and Erik about what we’ve just discussed.”
Kanfah gave him a curt nod. 
“You’ll text me when he wakes up?” Pramote asked, his gaze lingering on JIrapok’s sleeping form, worry swirling in his eyes.
Kanfah hummed. 
“Okay, thanks.” Pramote turned to give Lara another wai, “It was nice to meet you khun.”
She faintly smiled at him.

As soon as the door was closed, Kanfah let out a slight frustrated groan, “Ugh, I can’t believe I’m forced to work with this a…”, he didn’t finish his sentence when Lara gave him another look.
“It seems to me he’s only worried about his partner.” She wasn’t sure either how she felt about the other cop but she’d seen the way Pramote had looked at Jirapok just before leaving.
“I guess he hasn’t been totally useless since this whole mess started.” Kanfah conceded. “I just really don’t like him.” 
Lara chuckled lightly. “Well if you tolerate him, it’s already a good start. 
Kanfah didn’t reply and returned to Jirapok’s bedside. He brought another chair close and sat down, laying one of his hands near Jirapok’s. Lara noticed the worry creasing his brows and she walked closer, resting a comforting hand on his shoulder.
“Nong Meen checked his vitals earlier, he’s stable.” She said in a soft tone. 
Kanfah nodded and gently placed his hand above Jirapok’s. “You can go now, mom. I’m going to stay until he wakes up, then I’ll go home.”
“It’s okay if you’d rather stay here tonight, sweetheart.”
Kanfah huffed, “I can’t let him get used to sleeping next to me.” 
Lara suppressed her knowing smile, ‘Keep telling yourself that’, she thought to herself, echoing Lydia's words from earlier. “I’m going to see if there’s anything to eat in the breakroom.”
“Yoki said that khun Kayla would bring lasagnas, if there’s still some left, can you bring us a plate?”
“Sure, sweetheart.” She bent down and kissed his head. “And if not, I’ll go buy something for you and Jirapok.” 
“Thanks mom.” Kanfah replied but his attention was fully on the sleeping cop. He was now gently stroking the back of his hand. 
Lara smiled and left the room, closing the door quietly behind her. 

Lara found Lydia, Kayla, Nathee and Meen in the breakroom. She’d also walked past Yoki in the corridor on the way there; he’d told her he had an errand to do.  
“Oh hello Lara.” Kayla greeted her with a warm smile, she started to get up but Lara gestured at the older woman to stay seated. 
“Is Handsome awake?” Lydia asked. 
Lara shook her head, “Not yet. He was still deeply asleep when I left them.”
Lydia nodded, “He’ll probably be out for the rest of the evening.”
“Come join us, there's still plenty of food.” Kayla pulled a free chair next to her. 
“I was going to bring two plates for my boy and Jirapok first.” 
Kayla gave her a large tupperware box with enough for two. “You can bring this to them.”
“Kanfah knows where the microwave is in the other breakroom near Jirapok's room.” Lydia added. 
“Thank you for them.” Lara smiled as she accepted the box. 
“No worries. You know I love your boy and it seems he’s quite fond of nong Jirapok too.” Kayla said with a smile.
“Hush khun, Kanfah may hear you and rush here to protest.” Nathee chuckled around a mouthful of lasagna. 
Everyone in the room laughed. 
Lara hummed, “Well, maybe not. He wasn’t that averse to showing his affection for Jirapok earlier when I was in the room.”
“True, and the way he was holding him when I came to check Handsome’s vital earlier was quite surprising too.” Meen added. 
“Sheesh, I bet you he’ll still deny everything once Handsome is back on his feet.” Nathee said confidently.
“I’m not betting when I know I’ll for sure lose money.” Meen shook her head, amused. 
“Well, if you all keep teasing him about it, I’m not sure it’ll make him want to stop being in denial.” she playfully scolded them.
“You’re taking all the fun away, khun.” Nathee pouted at Lara. 
“Just give my boy time.” She paused and thought to herself that maybe she should say the same thing to Jirapok once she gets the chance to talk with him. 
“Of course, khun.” Lydia said, “honestly, I’m just glad he found someone who makes him smile so much.”
“And who annoys him to no end too.” Nathee added with a chuckle. 
“That too.” Lara agreed, “At least my boy won’t be bored.” She held up the tupperware box, “I should bring this to them. Save me a plate for when I come back, please?” 
“Sure, there’s plenty left, don’t worry dear.” Kayla smiled up at her. 

When she gently opened the door, she found Kanfah reading the book she’d left behind. His focus didn’t seem on the pages though, his gaze drifting to the sleeping cop several times. He didn’t even notice her until she put the tupperware box on the small table near the bed. 
“Lydia said to warm it up in the other breakroom.”
Kanfah nodded. “Thank you mom.”
“She also said that Jirapok might stay asleep for the rest of the evening. 
Kanfah nodded again, “I figured.” He got up to get the box with lasagna. “I’ll just go take care of that. You can leave when I return.”
“You sure you don’t want me to stay?”
Kanfah shook his head, “It’s okay, I’ll go home as soon as Pramote comes back. He said he would keep watch during the night.” 
Lara noticed that her son didn’t seem very pleased by that. 
“I’m sure if you want to stay the night, Jirapok wouldn’t mind having you by his side.”
“I told you, I can’t let him get used to that.” 
“Are you sure, sweetheart?”
Kanfah averted his gaze. “I’m hungry, just stay until I come back.”
Lara chuckled, “Okay.” 
Kanfah walked out. She sighed. Why was it so hard for her son to admit he wanted to stay by Jirapok’s side? And she was persuaded that Kanfah wouldn’t sleep well if he went home either. And her boy still needed rest. The bags under his eyes hadn’t lessened after his nap earlier. She suspected that he’d also been thinking about everything that had happened. She felt powerless to help with taking away his dark thoughts but she was grateful that being with Jirapok seemed to bring him some comfort. Her boy had seemed more rested and relaxed after sleeping with Jirapok in his arms.
She was startled out of her train of thoughts when the man on the bed started to move. His eyes slowly fluttered open and his first reflex was to pat the empty space next to him, making a displeased sound when he couldn't find Kanfah there anymore. Lara couldn’t help being endeared by that.
“Fah?” He whispered, his voice cracking. 
She moved closer and held out a glass of water, guiding the straw to his dry lips. Jirapok blinked several times as he looked up at her. 
“Where is he?” He asked, his tone almost pleading. 
Lara’s expression softened and she pushed the straw closer again, “You need to drink. Kanfah just went to heat up your food, he’ll be back soon”, she said to reassure him.
Jirapok’s features relaxed instantly and he agreed to take a few sips of water. She watched him carefully, noticing how weakly he was moving as he tried to sit up. She set the glass aside to help him with the pillows and he gave her a small grateful smile. She then brought the glass back.
“A little more please.” She said softly.

After a few minutes, she set the glass back on the bedside table. “I’ll call Lydia.”
“I feel fine, no need to bother the nurse.” Jirapok said, still sounding weak. 
“Call Lydia, mom.” Kanfah said from the threshold. He was carrying a tray with two plates of steaming lasagna. 
“Fah, there’s no need.” Jirapok protested but his mouth snapped shut when Kanfah gave him a slightly displeased look. “Fine.” He reached for the button and pressed it himself.
Kanfah smiled in response and walked closer with the tray. 
Jirapok eyed the food with some interest, “Will you feed me, Fah?” He completed the request with an adorable pout and Lara looked at her son, curious to see if he could resist something so adorable. 
Kanfah let out a long sigh but it seemed it was only for show. Lara could clearly see the deep dimples in his cheeks.
“Damn, you’re so demanding when you’re injured.” He walked to the chair near the bed. “Don’t get used to it.” He added but his tone was playful. 
Lara covered Kanfah’s plate to keep it warm while her son adjusted the bed so Jirapok would be in a better position to eat. She watched the two, warmth filling her heart when she saw how her son was trying to suppress his smiles each time Jirapok did something cute with his face. Oh, her boy didn’t just care about the cop, if she had to guess, she’d say Kanfah was falling in love slowly but steadily. As for Jirapok, he seemed to be already past being in love with her boy. And from what Lara had seen, he wasn’t shy to show it to Kanfah. She even suspected that he might have told him already. 

Jirapok was nearly done with his plate when Lydia arrived to check on him. Kanfah moved away, ignoring Jirapok’s grip on his hand and going to get his plate so he could also eat. 
“How are you feeling, Handsome?” 
Jirapok grinned, tomato sauce all around his lips, “Fine. I slept like a baby thanks to my Fah.”
Lydia mimicked a shudder and Lara chuckled. 
“Stop sounding so whipped.” Kanfah muttered around a mouthful. 
“Only telling the truth.” Jirapok shrugged and then winced because the move pulled on his bruise on his left side. 
“Careful.” Lydia lightly scolded him and Kanfah sent him a mild glare.
“Sorry.” Jirapok smiled sheepishly. “But I think I won’t need sedatives if Fah stays with me tonight too.” 
Kanfah nearly choked on his food. Lara walked closer and patted him on the back soothingly. He thanked her and drank some water. Then he looked at Jirapok, “And why should I stay? You slept fine when I was gone too.” 
Jirapok pouted and his eyes grew wide and shiny. 
Lydia silently counted on her hand, looking between the two men and Lara. 
Less than thirty seconds later, Kanfah let out a fake long suffering sigh, “Fine. But after that, I’m going back home.”
“That was faster than expected.” Lydia whispered to herself. Only Lara seemed to have heard her and she had to suppress a giggle.
Jirapok nodded and smiled at Kanfah, “Okay, and when I’m better I can stay with you too, right?”
“You could stay with us at home. It’s a little small but I’m sure we can welcome you.” Lara offered kindly before Kanfah could answer.
Her son looked at her with something close to shock in his eyes. 
“Actually, with everything that happened, I definitely can’t return to my studio.” Jirapok added in a slightly resigned tone. 
“Pramote said that Erik owns safe houses and condos all over the city.” Kanfah turned to his mom, “I told you I don’t want you involved. If Jirapok stays with us, it might put you in danger too.”
Lara wanted to protest but she nodded when she saw the pleading in her son’s eyes. 
“But I don’t want to stay alone in one of the safe places.” 
“Well, Pramote could keep you company too, Handsome.” Lydia suggested.
“He can’t just slack off on work though. They don’t suspect him yet so he should act as if he’s not aware of what happened.” Jirapok said and then looked at Kanfah, “If the safe place is big enough for two, how about you stay there with me, Fah?”
Lara felt torn, she’d rather have her son with her or she’d worry constantly about him. But she also suspected that Kanfah might keep his distance anyway, to keep her safe. She’d feel better knowing he wasn’t alone though.
“I’ll think about it.” Kanfah eventually said. 
“There'll be plenty of time for that. You’re not being discharged yet, Handsome.” Lydia reminded him. 
The cop nodded and looked at Kanfah again, “You’ll visit often, right Fah?”
“I’m also busy. My job, remember?” 
Lara wanted to point out that Kanfah could take his laptop and files to work from the hospital but Jirapok was quicker. 
“You don’t really go to your office that much anymore lately. You mostly worked from the motel room and my place the past months.” Jirapok grinned. 
Kanfah narrowed his eyes, walked to the bed and reached for a tissue on the bedside table to wipe the sauce from the cop’s lips, pressing on his mouth to shut him up.
Lara exchanged a look with Lydia who looked just as surprised by the scene. She also wondered why Jirapok mentioned a motel room. Her son had his own condo. Maybe it was a place where the two of them went to work together. Lara knew that her son didn’t allow many people in his personal space so she doubted that Jirapok had actually been to his place yet, despite how close they seemed already. 
“Look, there are many details to deal with about the lieutenant and working on a good cover up for his disappearance so that Pramote won’t also be suspected. He’s your partner after all, they’ll definitely keep an eye on him too.”
“Are you saying you’d rather work on protecting my partner than spend time with me?” Jirapok sounded completely unconvinced.
Kanfah couldn’t suppress a chuckle, “I guess not.”
“So? You’ll come then?” 
Lara only saw her son’s face from the side but the smirk was unmistakable. Suddenly she felt like she should leave the room, a different kind of tension building between the two men. 
Kanfah lightly hit Jirapok on the chest, making him gasp and being dramatic about it, “You need to rest. None of that for a while.” 
Jirapok pursed his lips disappointedly. 
Lydia tugged on Lara’s sleeve, “Maybe we should leave them.” 
Lara couldn’t tear her gaze away though. Her son’s face was mere inches from Jirapoks and she could see the cop’s eyes locked on Kanfah’s lips. 
“Yeah, okay, I’m starving actually.” Lara followed the nurse to the door. “Sweetheart, please call me to keep me updated.”
Kanfah’s cheeks were a little red when he looked at her and nodded. 
“Bye Khun, it was nice to meet you.” Jirapok waved at her with a large grin. 
Lara smiled back, her expression warm, “Likewise, Jirapok. I hope to see you again soon.” 
“Yeah same.” He answered, his smile turning softer. 

When they were in the corridor, Lydia couldn’t suppress her giggle any longer. “I think you were right. Maybe Kanfah will soon stop being in denial and finally accept his feelings for Handsome.”
“We’ll see. For now I’m just grateful that they found each other.”
“Me too.” Lydia sighed, her expression turning a little serious. “I know your boy puts others before himself at all times. Work also has such a big place in his life and he barely lets himself enjoy things or be close to someone special.”
“Yeah.” Lara agreed. “Even when he was younger, he didn’t really care about looking for a relationship. One day when I asked him about it, do you know what he said to me?”
Lydia shook her head.
“There are so many assholes, why would I even want to date one?”
Lydia chuckled, “He’s not wrong though.” 
Lara couldn’t disagree. “And after helping a few people break free from abusive relationships since college, I can’t blame him for thinking that.”
“Yeah, and he still sees similar patterns a lot in his line of work now too.” 
The two women sighed.
“But Handsome seems like he’s a good one.” Lydia said.
Lara smiled, “Yeah, I believe he is.” 

When Lara and Lydia arrived at the main breakroom, Kayla was playing a game of cards with Yoki and Pramote. The cop smiled nervously when he saw Lara and then his cheeks turned a light pink when his gaze briefly fell on Lydia before he focused back on his cards. Lara didn’t pay it much mind, her stomach growling when Meen brought her a plate filled with a large portion of lasagna freshly reheated. 

After she was done eating, her phone lit up with a text from Kanfah: I’m going to stay the night with Jirapok. I’ll come home for lunch tomorrow.
She smiled and typed a response: Okay sweet dreams then. I’ll have your favorite dish ready for you, sweetheart.
“Come join us, Lara.” Kayla invited her as she was dealing cards for a new game. 
Lara cleaned her plate and then joined the table, sitting next to Yoki who asked her to team up with him.  
On the table, her phone lit up with another message: Thank you, mom. 

_ _ _

It was around half past one the next day when Kanfah came back home, begging his mom to let him shower first before they could have lunch together. Lara couldn't help but notice he was smiling and looked quite relaxed. Her mind and heart felt immediately more at ease at the sight. 

Later, Kanfah helped her set the table and he hummed appreciatively at the delicious smell coming from the large pot. 
“I think you might have made a little too much, mom.” He said playfully as he brought the large pot to the table and she set the plates and the rice dish.
She shrugged, “You can bring some leftovers for Jirapok.” 
Kanfah slightly narrowed his eyes but he was still smiling. 
“How is he?” Lara asked as they sat down to eat. 
Kanfah’s mouth was already filled to the brim and he didn’t answer right away. Lara waited, her heart filled with warmth seeing her son enjoy his favorite dish just as much as he used to as a kid. Kanfah reached for his glass and drank a few sips of water before wiping his mouth. 
“He’s okay. Lydia still has to monitor his bullet wound to make sure there’s no risk of infection though. But apart from that, she said he’s healing well. Rest did him good too.”
“Then I’m glad you stayed with him last night.” Lara commented with a smile. 
“Yeah, might have been better for the other patients in the corridors too, or he’d have kept them from sleeping with his loud whining.”
“Ah yeah, you couldn't risk that.” Lara chuckled. 
Kanfah ignored the hint of teasing in her tone and focused back on emptying his plate. He then got himself a second generous serving. Lara suspected that he was keeping his mouth busy so she wouldn’t ask too many questions about Jirapok, but she was a patient woman, she could wait until dessert. 

When she brewed some coffee for them and set the homemade apple tart on the table, Kanfah gave her another bright smile. 
“If I didn’t know any better I’d think you’d want something from me.” He said in a teasing tone. 
Lara smiled, “Just made your favorites because I want to make you feel better.” She admitted.
His gaze softened, “I’m fine, mom, don’t worry.”
“What about…”, she couldn’t finish her sentence but Kanfah knew what she meant without her having to say it.
“Everything is going as planned. As much as I dislike Pramote, I’m grateful for his connections with Erik. And even if Nathee offered to help too, I didn’t want him involved further than he already is.”
“I’m glad to hear that. And what about what Jirapok suggested?”
Kanfah gave her a curious look.
“You know, about you living with him at the safe house?”
He sighed and averted his gaze, “I haven’t given much thought to it yet.” 
Lara frowned, “I don’t believe you.” 
He looked up at her and she knew she’d been right. He let out another sigh, “Okay that’s a lie, I have thought about it. A lot.” He paused and started to idly play with the spoon, twirling it between his fingers. “The more I think about it and the less I think I should do that.”
“What do you mean?” She reached for his hand and he dropped the spoon, accepting her hold. 
“I think I need to be careful. The other cop saw my face that night and it won’t be hard for them to figure out that I know where Jirapok is hiding.” Lara squeezed his hand, waiting for him to continue. “If they somehow manage to track me down and I lead them to the safe house…”
Lara felt her heart pang painfully in her chest. “You’re worried they’d hurt him again.”
Kanfah nodded. “You didn’t hear him scream that night after they shot him and beat him up… I… it still resonates in my head… I can’t… it can’t…”
Lara stood up and walked around the table so she could hug her son. He returned it, holding tight as she pressed kisses to his head and rubbed his back soothingly. 
“He’s okay now, sweetheart.” She said softly. 
He nodded, face still pressed to her chest and then pulled back, straightening up in the chair and trying to regain his composure. Lara could see how shiny his eyes still were. She gave him another comforting pat on the back before returning to her chair. Then she reached for his hand again. 
“Mom, I think…” Kanfah paused and then shook his head, correcting himself, “No, I know that I love him.”
Lara’s eyes widened and her mouth fell open on a silent gasp. 
Kanfah looked up at her, eyes filled with unshed tears. “I can’t… if he gets hurt again, I…”
“Hey, it’s okay, he’s safe now.” 
“For how long?” Kanfah asked and Lara could feel the fear in his voice, it made her heart clench painfully. “If this goes as high up as I suspect, it’s going to be hard to stay under the radar.”
“How about having Jirapok stay with someone he knows and trusts? Maybe some relatives?” Lara suggested.
Kanfah shook his head, “He doesn’t have anyone.”
Her eyes widened.
“His parents died when he was 8. There were no relatives alive left and he had to go through foster care until he was 18.”
Lara felt sadness fill her at the thought of the young man going through so much and having no one there for him. Her gaze lingered on Kanfah and her heart shattered at the thought of what if her boy had been all alone like that too.  
“I don’t want him to be alone, of course I don’t want that. It’s just that…”
“You’re scared.” She finished for him and squeezed his hand. 
Kanfah nodded. 
“But you know what?” Lara said softly, trying to sound lighter. Kanfah looked up at her expectantly. “I think you’re more clever than them and you have other people with connections helping you and Jirapok.”
Kanfah didn’t look convinced. “I doubt that’ll be enough. A few nights before Jirapok got caught I saw who went to the station for what looked like a secret meeting.”
Lara frowned, “Who?”
Kanfah shook his head, “No, I can’t tell you, mom. The less you know the better.”
“But I could help you. I used to be a reporter, I told you about it, don’t you remember.”
Kanfah paled, “No, you can’t go anywhere near this mom, you have to promise me, please.” He pleaded. 
Lara opened her mouth to protest but Kanfah’s grip on her hand almost became painful. 
“You already know too much. Actually it might be best for you to go out of town for a few weeks.” 
“What? No, I’m not leaving. Do you have any idea how worried I’ll be?” She protested.
Kanfah didn’t budge, “Mom, if they find out about who I am, they’ll target you, no matter if you know anything or not.” He sounded desperate.
Lara clenched her teeth. 
“Actually, Sybil is taking the kids from the orphanage on a trip to the beach for the rest of the month, you could go with them.” He offered, looking at her pleadingly.
Lara still felt like arguing but Kanfah’s hold on her hand showed how genuinely scared he was. She slowly nodded, “I haven’t seen the beach in a while”, she said weakly.
Kanfah stood up and this time he was the one to hug her. “Thank you, mom.”
“But you have to promise to call me everyday.” She let out a sob.
He tightened his hold and nodded, “I promise.”
“And please, don’t stay alone either. I know you’re worried it’s not safe, but I’ll feel better knowing the two of you are there for each other.” 
Kanfah chuckled wetly, “You’ve only met him once.” 
She pulled back to look at her son, “anyone my son loves, I will love them too.” She gently wiped the wetness on his cheeks.
Kanfah gave her a small smile. 
“By the way, have you told him yet?”
“Huh?”
Lara lightly hit him on the arm, “Have you told Jirapok that you love him?”
Kanfah lowered his head, averted his gaze and shook his head. 
“Why not?” Lara held his chin and made him look at her. 
“I don’t know.” He shrugged.
“Don’t you want him to know?” Lara frowned, “I’m sure he already told you how he feels, am I wrong?” 
Kanfah pressed his lips together then nodded.
“So?”
“He told me a couple of days before…”, he paused, “before it happened.”
Lara nodded to show him she understood what he meant. 
“And at the time, I wasn’t sure if I felt the same way.” He admitted.
Lara reached for his hand and squeezed it reassuringly. 
“But when I saw the gun on his head, I…”
“Oh sweetheart”, her heart squeezed painfully. 
Kanfah let out a shuddered breath. “But I haven’t really had a chance to tell him yet. He’s been in and out of it, I didn’t think it was a good time.”
Lara smiled, “I’m sure he’d disagree.”
“Probably.”
“You can tell him later when you return to the hospital.” She encouraged him.
“That is if we’re not constantly interrupted by either Lydia, Pramote or even Yoki.” Kanfah sounded slightly frustrated.
Lara chuckled, “why? What would they interrupt?” She raised one eyebrow curiously.
“No idea what you mean.” Kanfah said but his cheeks were getting flushed. 
Lara couldn’t suppress the beginning of a smirk, “I saw the hickey”, she shrugged. 
Kanfah’s eyes widened, “mom!” 
She giggled and patted his red cheek, “Oh please, it was gigantic, I’m sure everyone saw it.” 
“Stop talking, please.” 
Her smile grew more playful, “I think you should wait for that kind of activity as long as he’s not discharged though. Not sure Lydia would approve.”
Kanfah got up from the table and took the empty plates to the sink, ignoring her. 
“I suppose a little hand action wouldn’t hurt though. Would even be a good way to get him to sleep more easily, what do you think?”
“Please. stop. talking.” He kept his back turned to her and started washing the dishes. 
Lara giggled but she stopped teasing her son. And despite everything else, it felt good to see him relaxed and smiling again. Staying away for a while would be so hard on her but she was also scared that if Kanfah worried about her safety on top of Jirapok’s it might be too distracting for him and cause him to be less careful about himself as well. 

When Kanfah was done with the dishes, she walked closer to him and wrapped one arm around his shoulder in a side hug, “Before I leave with Sybil and the kids, will you do something for me, sweetheart?” She asked softly, rubbing his arm up and down.
Kanfah slightly turned his head to look at her before saying, “What is it?”
Lara smiled warmly and adjusted a stray strand on his forehead, “Please let me visit Jirapok again the hospital.”
He huffed, “Of course you can come.”
Lara chuckled lightly, “You didn’t let me finish.” She patted his arm. 
Kanfah made a strange face and Lara wondered if he guessed what she’d ask. He gestured at her to just say it.
“I’d like to visit again and this time you can introduce Jirapok as your boyfriend.”
Kanfah opened his mouth to protest but she shook her head and reached up to stroke his cheek tenderly. “Sweetheart, you have to stop yourself from being happy.”
He still didn’t look convinced, “I’m not unhappy, mom”, he said softly.
“I know that.” She gently patted his cheek and smiled at him, “but you could also open your heart to someone special.” She encouraged him. “And I believe this someone is Jirapok.” 
“I…”
“I also think that with what you have to face, it’ll be better if you are together. You can rely on each other. And your heart will feel more at ease if you’re with him rather than wonder how he’s doing all the time.” 
“I can’t bear the thought of being the reason he could get hurt again, mom.” He said in a whisper. 
Lara nodded and leaned up to press a soft kiss to his temple. “Do you think he doesn’t feel the same? He’s probably just as scared that you’d get hurt.” 
Kanfah let out a shuddered sigh, “I know. I just…”
“Sweetheart, trust in him and in yourself. I have faith that you’ll both be okay.”
He gave her a weak smile.
“Trust me, it’ll be better if you’re together to face this.” She tried to convince him again. 
He sighed but no protest fell from his lips this time. His posture relaxed a little and he hugged her, his arms wrapping tightly around her. She patted his back and stroked up and down, trying to reassure and comfort him. 

When they pulled back, Kanfah gave her a genuine smile and leaned down to kiss her forehead, “Okay mom, I’ll try.

_ _ _

Almost a week later, Lara was busy preparing her suitcase for the trip with Sybil and the kids in a few days. She was in the middle of debating adding another bathing suit when her phone lit up with an incoming text. She walked to the end of the bed and read the message, her heart started to race and her smile grew. It was from Kanfah and he was inviting her for dinner with him and Jirapok. She couldn’t stop smiling as she re-read the text. 
Mom, if you’re done packing, we’d like to invite you to have dinner with us.
She didn’t miss the fact that her boy had included Jirapok in writing the text to invite her. She typed a quick reply: I’m almost done. I’d love to have dinner with the two of you. She paused her typing and remembered something, she added: I can bring the chocolate cake I baked this morning. Anything else you need?
To her surprise the three dots already appeared and the reply came much faster than she was used to when texting with her son. 
I love chocolate cake! 😍😋 No it’s fine, Fah is cooking, but please bring the cake 😋🙏🏽
Lara giggled as she read what was obviously Jirapok’s answer, Kanfah very rarely used emojis. She was a bit surprised that her son allowed the cop to use his phone but he might be too busy cooking to even notice. 
She chuckled to herself and typed : Okay, I’ll bring the cake, thank you for the invitation, see you both later.
Another text quickly arrived : Thank you!! 🤩🥰😍
Another giggle fell from her lips, she was already growing fonder of Jirapok. He hadn’t been awake long the first time she’d seen him, barely allowing her to get to know him. She was looking forward to seeing him again and even more to observing how he interacted with her son. 

She was pulled out of imagining it when the phone rang in her hand; it was Sybil.
“Hello khun, is everything alright with packing?” Lara chuckled when she heard the older woman sigh on the other end.
“Bless Cara and her organising sheets of  half the boys would forget to pack underwears.”
Lara laughed, “That bad?”
“You don’t know the half of it.” Sybil let out another tired sigh. “How about you? Are you done? Will you accept helping an old lady?”
“Please, you’re only 48, that’s hardly old.” Lara said, amused. “I could stop by tomorrow morning.” She offered.
“Are you busy today?”
Lara couldn’t suppress the smile as she hummed.
“Hot date?” Sybil teased her.
Lara snorted loudly, “Hell no, you know I’m not looking.”
“A damn shame with how beautiful you are.” Sybil said playfully, “So, what is keeping you busy then?”
“Kanfah invited me to dinner with his not yet official boyfriend, well they’re probably together already but he hasn’t told me yet.”
Sybil gasped on the other end, “Oh did the cop finally make a move?” 
“You know about Jirapok?”
Sybil hummed, “Your boy may have mentioned him quite a few times each time he stopped by. And the way he smiled while saying the cop was so annoying, it was so obvious how Kanfah felt about him. I know the signs.” She chuckled.
“These boys, always thinking they can fool us.” Lara laughed lightly. 
Sybil also laughed, “So true.” She paused, her tone turning serious, “I’m glad for them though. I don’t know everything that happened but Yoki told me about Jirapok getting shot and that Kanfah had barely left his bedside the following days.”
“Yeah, my boy was truly worried but I think Jirapok is feeling much better now.”
Some loud shouting could be heard on Sybil’s end. The older woman let out a tired and resigned sigh, “Guess I should see why Parker is yelling about missing t-shirts before he starts yet another fight with Pepper and Joe.”
“Good luck with that.” Lara chuckled. 
“Thank you. And you keep me updated about the dinner with your boy and Jirapok, alright?”
“Sure. I’ll see you tomorrow, I’ll tell you all about it then.”
“Can’t wait.” Two boys were now in a screaming match right outside Sybil’s room. “Okay, I really have to go now. Say hi to Kanfah and Jirapok from me.”
“Will do, bye khun.”
Lara hung up and dropped the phone at the end of her bed, surveying what still needed to be packed. Apart from her daily toiletry bag, everything was already in the suitcase. She decided to take a shower and picked a nice outfit for dinner later. She chose her flowy white blouse, one she knew Kanfah particularly liked on her. She paired it with simple dark blue jeans and she’d add some accessories to complete the look later. It wasn’t every day that she got to meet her son’s boyfriend after all.

Around two hours later, she walked towards the backdoor of the clandestine hospital. As she neared the door, Yoki arrived and quickly caught up with her, offering to take the two large bags she’d brought from Kayla’s shop. 
“Damn you can feed an army with all this, khun.” The young man teased. 
“Kanfah told me that everyone has been doing crazy hours the past days so I thought ‘comfort food’”, she pointed at the two large bags.
“You truly are the best.” Yoki grinned at her. He also eyed the large tupperware box in her hands, “Is that the chocolate cake that P’Jirapok couldn’t shut up about?”
Lara giggled, “He told you?” 
“Please, khun, he told everyone in the hospital. I think the other patients are getting tired of his smitten ass.” 
“Hoy, langage young man.” She lightly scolded him. 
“Sorry, but if you’d been hearing him for days talk about P’Kanfah, you’d agree with me.”
Lara giggled.
“But it’s really so funny to see P’Kanfah act as if he’s so annoyed but we all see his red cheeks.” 
“Don’t let him hear you, nong.” She giggled again.
Yoki just grinned in response, “Still, I prefer that atmosphere compared to before. P’Kanfah needs to smile more, we always tell him so  with P’Lydia but he prefers scowling.”
“Oh, don’t I know it.” Lara laughed. “Okay, after you dropped these bags could you show me where the other break room is? Kanfah said that’s where we’re going to have dinner.”
“Sure thing, khun. But can you save me a piece of the cake, na?” 
“Of course, sweet boy.” She smiled warmly. 

Lara quickly said hi to Meen and Nathee who were resting in the break room. They thanked her with tired smiles when they saw all the baked goods she’d got for them from Kayla’s shop. She then followed Yoki to the second floor.
“It’s the last door on the right.” Yoki said. “I’m sorry, I have to head out, I’m supposed to meet up with the new kid from school.”
Lara nodded. “Okay, thank you.”
“Don’t forget to save me some cake, na khub khun.” He gave her his cutest smile.
“I promise. Good luck with the new kid.”
Yoki’s cheeks flushed a little and she raised her eyebrows curiously. Before she could say anything else, he dashed down the stairs. Maybe she’d ask him some other time. Shaking her head fondly, she walked down the corridor and, as she neared the room Yoki had indicated, she heard voices getting louder. She paused near the door, discreetly peeking inside. Kanfah’s back was turned, busy at the stove. She saw Jirapok sitting at the table and looking at her son with the worst case of the hearteyes she’d ever seen in her entire life. She stayed there, hidden from view, curious to see how they acted around each other when they were alone. 
“Fah, you sure you don’t want my help? I can cook too, you know.” Jirapok said sweetly. 
Kanfah huffed and turned around, his entire focus on the cop that he didn’t notice Lara by the door.
“No, I don’t need you to drop anything else, you clumsy idiot.” Despite the insult, the tone was so fond it filled Lara’s heart with warmth. She had to muffle her chuckle when Jirapok responded with an affronted pout.
“That was just one time.” 
Kanfah pressed his lips together, “You’re still limping a lot and Lydia said you can’t push yourself too hard.” The tone turned caring. He stepped closer and stroked Jirapok’s head before leaning in for a quick peck. “Just stay at the table. It’s okay, I’ll let you cook some other time we invite my mom, deal?” 
Jirapok’s eyes widened and filled with love as he nodded with a gigantic smile. “Deal, faen.” 
Kanfah shook his head and pretended not to be affected but Lara could see how deep his dimples were digging in his rosy cheeks. She didn’t muffle her chuckle this time, deciding she should let them know she’d arrived.
Kanfah gasped when he saw her and dropped the spoon in his hand, making Jirapok giggle, bending down to grab the spoon and handing it to him with a bright grin.
“Who did you say was clumsy again?” He said, still visibly unaware that Lara was here. 
“Shut up.” Kanfah hit him lightly on the shoulder.
Jirapok gaped, “Is that how you speak to your faen?”
Kanfah narrowed his eyes at him and pointed at Lara still standing by the door. Her smile was so wide her cheeks were hurting.
Jirapok’s eyes widened and he tried to get up to give her a wai but Kanfah’s grip on his shoulder was strong and he remained seated. 
“Hello khun.” Jirapok smiled sheepishly at her. “Have you been here long?”
She giggled and walked closer, putting the large tupperware box on the counter before joining them at the table. “Long enough.” She said with a cheeky smile.
Kanfah let out a sigh, “Guess I don’t need to say it then.”
“Say what?” She tilted her head and looked at her son expectantly.
“You’ve heard it already.” Kanfah shrugged and turned around to return to the stove but Jirapok caught him by the wrist and pulled him back. Then he turned to look up at Lara.
“What does Fah need to tell you, khun?” 
She almost melted with how adorable the cop looked with his big shiny boba eyes and bright smile. 
Lara looked at Kanfah, “Yes dear son of mine, what do you need to tell me?” 
Kanfah narrowed his eyes again and let out a long sigh just for show. Jirapok looked between the son and the mom expectantly. 
“Mom.”
“Yes dear?” She smiled at him encouragingly.
Kanfah looked down at Jirapok and gently reached to hold his hand, “This is Jirapok, my boyfriend.” He tried to contain his smile as he said it but failed miserably. 
Lara beamed at him, pride shining in her eyes, “I’m very happy to meet him”, she said in a warm tone.
Between them, Jirapok looked up at Kanfah with wonder, eyes shiny with emotion, “Fah, this is the first time you said it.” His voice was a little shaky. 
Lara’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Please, Fah, faen, say it again. I want to hear it.” Jirapok looked up at him with shiny puppy pleading eyes.
“I wouldn’t mind hearing it again too.” Lara said with a wide smile. 
Jirapok turned to look up at her, “Khun, we’ve been officially together for three days but he didn’t call me his boyfriend once until now.”
“Shut up and let me go, I need to return to the stove or our food will be burnt.” Kanfah tried to free his hand but Jirapok’s grip was too strong.
“Not letting you go before you say it again, faen.” 
“Say what, huh?” Kanfah leaned down, their noses merely an inch apart. 
Lara wondered if they’d briefly forgotten she was still in the room. 
“Fah, who am I to you?” Jirapok asked sweetly, still giving him the puppy eyes. 
Kanfah smirked and moved closer, lips almost brushing Jirapok’s, “A pain in my ass.” He whispered but it was loud enough for Lara to catch it. 
Jirapok’s smile suddenly turned cheeky, “Nope, that’s you who’s a pain in my ass, faen.” 
Lara snorted while Kanfah walked back to the stove, finally able to free his hand. 
Jirapok seemed to remember Lara was there and his expression was sheepish as he said, “Sorry, khun.” 
She giggled and walked to sit next to him. “No need to say sorry.” 
Jirapok looked a little shy when she reached for his hand to squeeze it softly.
“And I’m very happy that you're my son’s boyfriend.” She added with a warm smile. 
Jirapok beamed at her. He leaned closer and whispered, “Will you help me get him to say it again, na khub?” 
Lara was hit by the full power of the puppy eyes and she had honestly no clue how her son could resist. She nodded with a smile, making Jirapok beam again. 
“What are you two conspiring about?” Kanfah turned around when he heard them both giggle. 
“Nothing, faen.” Jirapok smiled up innocently at him. 
“Sure.” He turned around and focused back on cooking but Lara could see the rosy tint was still very visible on her son’s cheeks. 

While they waited for Kanfah to be done with cooking, Lara and Jirapok got to know each other better. 
“Really, he complained that much about me, khun?” Jirapok sounded a little whiny and she couldn’t help but giggle. Her cheeks were starting to ache from all the laughing and smiling she’d done while chatting with the cop. 
“But it was really cute and I could tell there was no heat behind the words he used to talk about you.” 
Jirapok smiled, “I still can’t believe he talked about me with you.” He glanced to the stove where Kanfah was still so focused on his task. “He wasn’t exactly warm with me at the start.” Jirapok admitted, sounding a little sad as he recalled that time.
“Oh don’t pout, you silly boy, and you know what?” 
Jirapok shook his head.
Lara smiled, “My boy only allows those he cares about to still be in his life. So, even though he complained quite a lot about you, he still agreed to see you and spend time with you.” She said in a soft reassuring tone. 
Jirapok’s eyes started to glisten.
She scooted her chair closer and patted his cheek tenderly. “And I’m afraid he’ll keep saying you’re annoying him.”
“As long as he also tells me he loves me from time to time, I can handle it.”
Lara giggled, “I’m sure he will.”
Jirapok suddenly turned to where Kanfah was now turning off the rice cooker, his eyes glinting with mischief, “Fah, do I annoy you?”
Kanfah whipped around and smirked, “so much.”
Jirapok grinned, “And do you also love me?” 
Kanfah gaped, gazing towards his mom to silently ask what this was about.
“Fah, please answer your faen, na?”
Kanfah looked at him strangely, “Are you done asking stupid questions?” He plated the rice and brought it to the table, then returned to get the curry dish. He glanced between his mom and the cop, “I’m really not sure it’s a good thing that you two get along.”
“Oh stop it, you love that I’m almost bestie with your mom already.”
Kanfah narrowed his eyes but the dimples in his cheeks betrayed him.   
“Yes, isn’t good that I enjoy chatting with your boyfriend.” Lara smiled at her son.
“Whatever, dinner’s ready.”
“Oh looks yummy!” Lara looked at the Japanese curry dish. 
“It’s my favorite. My faen is so good to me.” Jirapok said and Lara wondered if it was possible each time for the cop to sound even more in love as the moment before.
“Well, you requested it.” Kanfah shrugged and started serving his mom first. 
“And you made it because you love me, right?”
“Will you stop breathing if I don’t say it every minute?” Kanfah smiled, his gaze softening despite his words.
Jirapok nodded and started to hold back his breath. Kanfah hit him on the arm and giggled loudly.
Lara’s heart filled with warmth at the sound. She hadn’t heard her son giggle like that in so long. She was about to say something but clamped her mouth shut when she saw Kanfah touch Jirapok’s lips with his fingers to part them to allow air in. 
“I love you, you idiot, now can you stop being silly for the rest of this dinner, so we can all enjoy our food?”
Jirapok nodded. “I love you too, Fah.
“Let’s dig in.” Kanfah said, still smiling wide, lowering his head and avoiding looking at his mom. 
“Food’s so delicious, Fah.” Jirapok hummed appreciatively. “I’m the luckiest to have a cute faen who can also cook so well. He added around a mouthful. 
Kanfah’s eyes were slightly narrowed but Lara could see it was just for show. She was very aware that her son didn’t particularly like being called cute. But, he didn’t say anything and just focused on eating, his lips still forming a smile as he chewed on his food quietly. 

The rest of dinner was filled with more stories told by Jirapok around mouthfuls with Kanfah completing each time Jirapok forgot some details. Lara’s belly was full with the delicious food her son had lovingly cooked for his boyfriend and her heart was soaring with joy at seeing them act so carefree and in love. 
“Wait? Who’s Sybil?” Jirapok asked after Lara, to Kanfah’s annoyance, had mentioned that her son had also complained about the cop to the older lady. She couldn’t suppress a giggle when she saw the way Jirapok’s expression morphed and he looked at Kanfah with wide eyes and a pout.
“Why are you giving me that look for, idiot?” Kanfah chuckled.
Jirapok grabbed his forearm and shook it lightly, “Who’s Sybil? Do you have a girlfriend I don’t know about?”
Lara nearly choked on her wine. Kanfah snorted and Jirapok looked between the two expectantly, still pouting. 
“Didn’t you listen to the rest of what my mom said?” Kanfah shook his head, slightly exasperated.
“About what?” Jirapok asked, his pout turning into a sheepish smile.
Lara chuckled.
“Oh, you truly are an idiot.”
Jirapok’s pout returned, “You haven’t told me about her yet.” He protested. “I know about Lydia, Meen and khun Kayla but you never mentioned a Sybil before.”
Kanfah and Lara shared a look, both amused. 
“Okay, so the woman you’re jealous of is just a friend.” 
Jirapok muttered, “I’m not jealous.”
Kanfah raised one eyebrow but made no comment. Lara just enjoyed the exchange, taking another sip of wine.
“As I was saying, she’s a friend. And if you’d listened to what mom said earlier, you’d also know that she manages an orphanage on her own after her asshole husband died.”
“Did you really say that, khun?” Jirapok turned to ask Lara.
“Well, I did mention Sybil being tired of dealing with the boys who didn’t know how to pack a suitcase properly.”
Jirapok’s eyes widened and suddenly his expression turned sheepish again. “Oh.”
Kanfah chuckled.
“Sorry.” Jirapok averted his gaze, “My attention wasn’t really on the conversation earlier.” He admitted. 
Lara titled her head to the side while Kanfah smirked.
“I…” Jirapok paused, looking up at his boyfriend, “It’s just my faen is so cute when he eats, I got distracted.” 
Lara giggled loudly when Kanfah made a grimace, his cheeks a burning red. 
“Shut up.” 
“What? It’s true.” Jirapok beamed and gently held Kanfah’s full cheeks but her son quickly leaned back. Jirapok’s smile didn’t fade, “And your dimples also show up and then vanish, it’s the cutest thing. You really can’t blame me for paying more attention to my cute faen”, he poked one dimple, managing to avoid Kanfah’s weak hand swat.
“I’ll pretend not to be offended that you weren’t listening to me.” Lara said in a teasing tone. 
Jirapok turned to look at her with an apologetic smile.
“I can’t believe you thought Sybil was my girlfriend. She could be my mom.” Kanfah said, still a bit exasperated by his boyfriend’s silliness.
“It’s just you were both saying her name a lot earlier, I got confused.”
“It’s okay, you were distracted watching my cute boy, I’ll allow it.” Lara teased him.
“Mom!”
“You’re right khun, he’s the cutest.” 
Lara giggled while Kanfah freed his arm from Jirapok and got up to clear the dishes. 
“Faen, come back!” Jirapok whined. 
Lara leaned across the table to whisper, “He doesn’t really like being called cute.” She winked at him.
Jirapok beamed, “I’ll make him like it, you’ll see.”
She giggled again when Kanfah muttered something incoherent, his back turned to them. 

When it was time for dessert, Jirapok thanked her many times for the chocolate cake. “I’m so spoiled tonight by my faen and by his mom too.”
“Well that was a coincidence, I didn’t tell her that you like chocolate cake.” Kanfah chuckled.
Jirapok shook his head, “Not coincidence, destiny.” 
Lara giggled.
“My boyfriend is so silly.” Kanfah said to himself, his tone fond.
Jirapok’s eyes filled with wonder, “You said it again.” 
“You heard wrong.” Kanfah smirked and stole a piece of cake from Jirapok’s plate.
“No he didn’t, I heard it too.” Lara chuckled.
“Mom!” 
Jirapok beamed at her. “You’re the best, khun.” 
She leaned closer and smiled widely, “I think you should call me ‘mom’.”
Jirapok and Kanfah’s eyes widened at the same time. 
Lara felt unsure if she’d said something wrong, it’d just felt natural for her.
“Okay… mom.” Jirapok’s voice wavered and his eyes were really shiny. 
Kanfah looked at her and gave her his softest yet brightest smile. 
And at the sight of such happiness from her son and his precious person, her heart felt much lighter knowing they’d have each other to face whatever was to come.