Chapter Text
----
Porsche
Porsche is excited for today.
His little baby is turning eighteen! Even with his brother complex, yes, Porsche is aware he had one, he still anticipated the time that his little brother will be of legal age. It also means that Chay is closer to his university years and will fulfill his dreams.
Porsché had been Porsche's baby the day he was born. With both parents present, he promised that he will protect and love his little treasure no matter what. Without their parents, Porsche thrives really hard and gives his all for Chay. Chay only had him, and Porsche never plans to leave him.
At 12 years old, after Uncle used all the money that was supposed to be for them, Porsche realized that he needed to start working to provide for Chay. That is also the time he became aware of how cruel the world is for the likes of him. He works every odd job he sees because that's the only one that will accept an underage like him.
However, with all his efforts coupled with Uncle increasing debts, he felt like he failed as a brother whenever Chay needed to sleep without having dinner, when Chay went to school without a money allowance, when he discovered Chay was scared to death after a debt collector decided to pay a visit.
Porsche didn't care about himself but it's a different story whenever it's Chay.
Porsché, a smart, brave, passionate, loving, talented, and caring kid, proposed the idea of wanting to work too in order to help with their finances. But Porsche declines every single time.
All he wants for his little brother is to have a normal life, or as normal as he can give him, be happy, have good grades, enter a good university, and follow his dream. He thanks Chay for the thought of wanting to help but all Porsche needs from him is him being happy.
Changes happen when you least expect them to. Like when Porsche thought that he can't have his simple dream of mixing drinks but then Yok offered to train him and later become one of the best bartenders around. Or like when he thought about not entering university but his friends show him about an athletic scholarship that will pay off anything. Or like when he helps a random sketchy rich old man in the back of Hum Bar in exchange for 50 thousand baht, or an expensive watch in this matter, then the same man comes back with a job offer he can't decline.
The idea of entering a dangerous job for Porsché's safety, education, for their parents' house, and for the debts to go away didn't scare him. What scares Porsche is the thought of leaving Porsché behind. That his little treasure will be all by himself.
Alone and afraid.
He knows that Chay may get mad at him for doing this but Porsche doesn't really have a say in this matter.
He and Kinn enter an agreement about his work contract. The clause that promises to ensure Chay's safety and that they will provide for him if something happens to Porsche, leaves all his hesitation behind. As long as Chay's future is as bright as his personality, Porsche can do everything.
Porsche enters the compound and meets a bunch of people. First is Big and Ken, both look grumpy and definitely didn't like his guts. Pete, his roommate who dances half-naked, all smiling and supporting. P'Chan, the oldest amongst them, is strict and direct to the point. And had patience longer than anyone. Pol and Arm, a funny duo of bodyguards, sometimes triple with Pete, are the most relaxed ones.
Korn was all welcoming and smiling, but Porsche never liked him. He lives and fights in the street and develops a gut feeling of who not to trust after the first meeting. Porsche is thankful not needing to face him more than necessary. Kinn, the asshole who made sure to do anything to employ him. Who usually gets on his nerves. A bastard from all angles. Khun, the craziest person inside the compound, who Porsche likes immediately.
They are different from Porsche's usual crowd, yet after fully accepting his fate, he started to like them for who they truly are. There's also the fact that they silently and attentively listen to him whenever he shares a Chay story or ten. Porsche can see that they are doubting some part of his story but they needed to see Chay for themselves before fully confirming it.
Pete, bless his heart, lessened Porsche's worry when he offered to look for Chay during his day off. Arm and Pol told him that that is a rare case, that Pete always prefers to sleep in his quarters or visit Khun Kim. Pete visited Chay and Porsche waited in anticipation the whole day. When his friend returned, Pete told him everything he needed to know about Porsché.
Surprisingly, it was then followed by Big. That worries Porsche, Big doesn't like him but he really needs to know anything about Chay. When the night falls, he badly wants to hug Big after the food is given to him. He's also thankful to Big for bringing Chay to some clothes shopping.
It's like a domino after that, Arm, Ken, and Pol follow right after. They visit Chay, spend time with him, bring Porsche stories and updates he needs to know, and reassure him that his little brother is doing good.
From that day, the whole three months that Porsche can't come home, they always spend their day off with Chay.
They had no idea how grateful Porsche is to them.
Inside the compound, he and Kinn face ups and downs. One moment they are close and as sweet as honey. Next moment they are at each other's throats. But after a bad argument between them, where Khun made Kinn grovel on his feet, they talked and decided to have more talks in the future.
He visited Chay and watched him perform at a school event, P'Chan brings Chay to the compound and they sleep together at Porsche and Pete's shared quarter, then Khun, Vegas, and Tae also make their way to look after Porsche's baby.
Lying to Chay has always been wrong and it always led to something dangerous.
Something Porsche always forgets whenever he tries to protect Chay from the harshness of reality. Tawan happens and Porsche almost loses his baby brother. He's so mad at Kinn and everything, especially himself, at that time.
They mend the things that are broken and thought they can get five seconds of peace. But Kan attacked them with his people while Vegas relocated the kids. Kan died at the hand of his own brother. Pete resigned. P'Chan is in critical condition. And Vegas is comatose. Venice comes into their life. Korn died six months after Kan.
Everything's so fuck up.
And all of that in a span of months. Not even a year.
This time however is different. Without controlling and manipulative people in their lives, they had the freedom to be themselves. To do something else.
With that, Porsche is quite confident about having a day off without prior notice.
He made a promise to Chay that they will be visiting a beach for his eighteenth birthday. And Porsche can do that promise right now.
"Hi, baby brother! Ready?" Porsche greeted after opening Chay's door.
"Hia! I'm not a baby! You just greet me with a happy eighteenth birthday earlier!" Chay with a frown. But the glint of happiness in his eyes failed him.
"Aww, Chay. You don't understand, even when you turn 50 you're still younger than me. That made you my forever baby!" Porsche replied smugly, ruffling his baby brother's hair.
"That's not true, Hia. One day you and P'Kinn will love the idea of having your own kid. Like P'Vegas and P'Pete having baby Vee. And that's fine, Hia." Chay said, beaming.
That can fool anyone but Porsche. Chay has always been an insecure kid even though Porsche assured him that he's perfect. He knows Chay is afraid of being forgotten if Porsche had his own family. But Porsche will never do that to him.
"You're still my baby by then, Chay. Do you think they will call you baby uncle? or uncle baby?" Porsche replied thoughtfully.
"Hia! That's the worst!" Chay rants and wrestles Porsche to bed.
Porsche lets him have the upper hand for some time while laughing. He holds Chay's waist and starts tickling him until Chay laughs so hard.
"Alright, what are the rules for our trip?" Porsche asks after they fix themselves.
"No phones, no distractions, no work, no school, just us. And have so much fun!" Chay exclaimed excitedly.
"Consider it done." Porsche grins.
Since it's only a day trip to Pattaya they didn't need to bring many things. They only packed their bags with sunscreen, towels, and snacks suitable for a day at the beach. And cash. They travel happily. It's not only Chay's first time but it's Porsche's as well. He never knew they could travel without thinking about anything financially related.
This milestone for his little brother is also a milestone for Porsche. They have been through a lot for years and Porsche's greatest achievement so far is raising Chay. He wanted to make this an unforgettable celebration for the two of them.
The vibrant atmosphere of Pattaya welcomed them as they walk through the sandy shores. The weather is perfect with clear blue skies and
a gentle breeze set.
This is perfect.
Chay deserves this.
As the two of them found a spot on the beach, Porsche couldn't help but reminisce about their journey together. From the moment they lost their parents, Porsche had been doing his best to be a guiding light in Chay's life. He had taken on the roles of both a brother, friend, and parental figure, providing love, care, support, and everything Chay needs.
Porsche looked at Chay and saw the strong, confident young man he had become. He knew it was time to let go a little, to watch Chay spread his wings and embrace the world. It will be hard for him but he didn't want to hinder his little brother's growth.
"Thank you so much, Hia. For everything. I wouldn't be who I am today without you. I wouldn't be here without you guiding and loving me. You're the best thing that happened to me." Chay said sincerely.
Porsche's eyes welled up with tears of both joy and pride, what Chay didn't know is he was the reason why Porsche is still alive. Why Porsche is thriving. Why Porsche is always doing its best.
Chay is unmistakably his light.
The day was spent full of laughter, conversations about everything they went through, and looking around the area. Taking pictures with the DSLR Camera that Chay borrowed from Vegas.
They also built sandcastles, played beach volleyball, and even took a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the beach, it's Porsche's dream to take Chay into this kind of place.
As the sun began to set, casting its golden glow across the horizon, Porsche surprised Chay with a small gift. It was a beautiful locket containing a picture of the two of them, a precious token to remind Chay of Porsche's love for him. Tears welled up in Chay's eyes as he held the locket close to his heart, grateful for being a receiver of such unconditional love.
"Hia, Is it okay if I stop for a year?" Chay asks, they are done reminiscing and now want to glimpse at what they can have in the future.
"Is something wrong? I thought you passed the entrance exam with Kim's help." Porsche asks curiously.
"I did. But after what happened recently, I realized I want to do something that will help you." Chay start.
"Chay, you need to follow your dream..."
"It's always been my dream to help you, Porsche. Music is something that I love but I can still make music without a degree. However, If I take a course in medicine, I can help everyone in the compound. I'll be your personal doctor!" Chay explains giddily.
This melts Porsche's heart. It's so wrong of him to stop Chay from wanting to help him. His little brother shows him that he is not alone in this.
Chay got his back!
They spend the remaining hours sitting at the beach and watching the sunset together. Chay may be of legal age now but Porsche will continue to guide Chay on the path of life, ensuring that his little brother never felt alone, and will forever cherish every moment they shared together.
When the sun finally set and the darkness engulfed the surrounding, Porsche, and Chay decided that it was about time to go home. They had their fun and they should rest before continuing their day tomorrow.
The two of them are so tired to notice that the car they are riding is quite unusual. Porsche gives the address to their house. It's a two-hour drive from there so when Chay rests his head on Porsche's shoulder to take a nap, Porsche takes a nap as well.
It's a relaxing drive home and Porsche didn't even notice the driver fond look at them.
Porsche wakes up when someone taps his shoulder and plans to apologize to the driver when the outside of the car caught his attention.
They are not home.
They are inside the compound.
He looks back to the driver and finally sees Big grinning at him.
"You have some explaining to do, Porsche. But not now. Can you wake up Chay? Everyone is waiting." Big said silently.
Porsche nods, speechless, and wakes up his little brother. Chay, confused, follows Porsche inside the compound who is also following Big.
The moment the double doors are wide open, party poppers fly everywhere. Shouts of 'Happy Birthday, Chay' greeted them with excitement.
It is then Porsche sees everyone gathering around with cake and food prepared for Porsché's celebration. They sing him a happy birthday, make him make a wish, blow the candle, and finally give him gifts and hugs.
Porsché certainly appreciates everyone's thoughtful gifts for him. He thanks them nonstop for everything.
Porsche watches this and feels his tear dropping silently, Chay deserves all of this. Porsche is forever thankful to them.
He's happy to have this big family now. They are no longer alone.
---
Bonus Part.
P'Chan: "So, you and Chay had a plan to celebrate his eighteen birthday at the beach since he was 16, correct?"
Porsche: "Yes, Phi..."
Vegas: "And you forgot to mention that when we are, starting, in the middle of, and at the end of, planning for Chay's surprise party?"
Big: "Let's not skip the fact that Porsche forgot that we had a surprise plan even though he's part of the planning team."
Porsche:" I can explain?"
Kinn: "He also left their phone in their house and didn't notify everyone where they were going."
Porsche: "Kinn, you're supposed to help me..."
Pete: "That worries everyone but luckily Arm manages to track them immediately."
Khun: "That's horrible, Porsche!"
Arm, Pol, Ken, Nop, Anon: "Unacceptable."
Porsche: "I'm sorry!!! But at least Chay had fun and the surprise still happens at night?"
Macau: "You excluded me from a fun trip, Phi."
Kim: "This is a betrayal of brotherhood."