Hey guys, here is the much awaited update! I know I'm taking a long time to update (every story) but there is a point in our lives when destroying is easier than creating. I'm at such a point.

An off track info- Did you guys see that I've updated the Epilogue of Rhapsody Of Our Hearts? Due to some persistent wattpad bug problem many readers are not getting my updates. I hope this one does not face such a problem. It is really disheartening.

And finally I'd like to thank each of you for being so amazing these past months! Never asking me for update, dropping messages to enquire after my health, giving me courage constantly....I have been blessed with the most wonderful readers in the world!❤ Thank you. And I'm sorry for not replying most of the comments. I was not in my right mind to communicate.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the read!

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Chapter-10

Something shifted after that day, something changed. Nothing drastic but Johnny was attuned enough to the dynamics of their relationship to caught on the changes. It was more like relaxing a taut muscle.

Timmy’s walls lowered a bit more and he began to initiate things on his own. For example, one day Johnny got a casual invitation to join one of Timmy’s and Lili’s translation sessions. This was the first time Lili’s subject was broached between them after that fateful day.

“If you have nothing important to do, you can join us,” Timmy had said in a tone so casual that the effort showed, “I’m sure she would like a second opinion.”

Johnny had blinked and refrained himself from pointing out what kind of “opinion” he could have given in a translation project. He was not going to look a gift horse in the mouth! So, his answer was a simple, “Count me in!”

And thus it became a tradition of some sort for Johnny to join them from then on.

They were returning from one of these meetings; after dropping Lili in front of the national library, Johnny was on his way to Timmy’s apartment.

“Man, must I catch every single signal tonight? I’m starving, goddamnit!”  He thwacked the steering wheel with his right hand as the traffic lights glared a red eye at him.

Timmy was leaning against the closed window, headphones on. This was another change in his friend Johnny had observed lately. Timmy did not feel the need to keep up appearance for politeness’s sake in front of him.

Johnny wanted to thwack his head too. He got cranky when hungry. He decided for a not-so-gentle punch on Timmy’s bicep.

“Owww!” Timmy shrieked at the sudden blow, earbuds falling off his ears, “What did you do that for?”

“I’m hungry! Why are you relaxing?”

“What do you want me to do? Rub your tummy?”

Johnny perked up at the prospect. “Would you?” He asked hopefully.

Timmy, the git, did not deign him with an answer and was about to put the headphones on again when Johnny poked at his rib.

“I’m hungry,” he whined.

“Will you please stop poking?!” Voice exasperated, Timmy’s blank eyes stared at his left, towards Johnny’s hand.

Must be because of the empty stomach, a mumbled “sorry” tumbled out of his mouth.

A moment passed.

“I have some leftovers in my fridge, if you don’t mind Italian.”

Johnny stared at Timmy’s side profile, momentarily forgetting the road ahead because of the surprise those words had brought to him.

Did Timmy just voluntarily invite Johnny to his home? To feed him?

“I- I would love to!”

If Johnny’s voice sounded dazed, Timmy did not comment on it.

XOXOXOX

“Did you cook this?” Johnny peered over Timmy’s shoulder as his friend took out the food containers.

“Why, are you afraid of food poisoning eating something cooked by a blind man?”

It was teasing remark without any actual bite but was that a hesitation that caught Johnny’s ear?

“I’m more afraid of you getting singed while puttering around hot ovens and whatnot.” Well, Johnny did not really mean to be this honest but seeing the undiluted surprise on Timmy’s face it was worth it.

“These are take away leftovers. I can’t cook much. A sandwich here, an omelette there- that’s the extent of my cooking skill.”

Nodding thoughtfully, Johnny said, “Yeah, it’s kinda impossible to cook when you have no idea if an item needs more seasoning or not.”

“Oh, I’m sure there are people who can cook like a professional despite their blindness but I’m not one of them.”

“Meh, I’m not sure if I like the idea of you wielding a butcher’s knife. I’m likely gonna be the first victim. Better stick to the piano keys, yeah?”

“I can always whack you with one of the piano legs.”

“Oh please,” Johnny rolled his eyes as he set the table, “You are too fond of that bloody thing to cut one of its limbs.”

Timmy stopped and though for a moment then shrugged, “True.”

While eating in a companionable silence, the utter domesticity of the situation dawned on Johnny like a blazing Sun. They had been friends for several months now; they had shared countless meals, had bickered constantly but never before it felt this cozy. Almost like a.......like a couple.

Was it because the setting was Timmy’s home? Was it because Johnny never really shared a dinner in such a comfortable silence? Or was it because.......

He was falling?

He looked at Timmy- who had his head bent towards the plate, eating with a mathematical precision- and felt a sudden flutter inside his abdomen.

Was it a freefall? Or had he...

...already fallen?

Johnny did not stay the night, did not even nag for it, even though Timmy had hinted he would not mind. He regretted to let go such a grand opportunity but not enough to change his mind.

His car was parked on the opposite side of the road from where Timmy’s apartment window was visible, and he looked back, as he did every time, but stopped short with his hand on the door.

Timmy stood at the window, face tilted down as if looking back at Johnny. He had never done this before. This last look back was kind of Johnny’s ritual but he had neither spoken about it to the other man nor had he seen Timmy ever coming to the window. There was no point.

But seeing him standing there, knowing that he would not be able to get a single glimpse yet he must have wanted to, a knife twisted deep inside Johnny.

“Goooood niiiiiight!” Cupping his hand around his mouth he shouted with all his might. It boomed into the silence of the night.

A hand was lifted and pressed against the glass of the window and a resulting smile spit across Johnny. With another glance, another smile he got inside his car and drove away.

So, this was how it felt to be fallen...

...in love.

XOXOXOX

When Johnny invited Timmy to his flat, he did not think Timmy would agree but had dearly hoped he would. His wish was granted.

Wanting to cash on his luck while it lasted, Johnny decided to make it as close to a date as he could manage without being obvious to Timmy. Considering the man’s temperament, he might close off again.

“Then.....how about we have dinner at my place this Saturday?” Johnny had asked, eyes pinned on the wafer stick that he swirled around his sundae. They were in an ice cream parlour, soothing Timmy’s sweet cravings.

“Yeah, all right. Staying home would be a good change, I guess.”

Thank heaven Johnny’s mouth was empty or he would have sprayed its content all over. But he must not draw attention to his surprise because by the look of it, Timmy did not think it was a big deal and Johnny wanted to keep it that way.

“Yeah, yeah, that’d be good,” nodding with agreement, voice carefully careless, Johnny went on, “Then, I’ll pick you up at seven?”

Timmy was about to lick a spoonful of ice cream but halted, “Why?”

There was a droplet of cream on Timmy’s upper lip which a pink tongue tip licked off a moment later. Johnny sat fascinated by the sight.

“Uh, Johnny?”

Jolting out of his reverie, Johnny saw Timmy’s eyes fleeting across uncertainly.

“Yes, um...I- well, to take you to my flat, of course. You haven’t been there before, have you?”

Timmy put down his spoon and Johnny finally took his eyes away from his lips, knowing a lecture was coming.

“You do realize that I have been navigating through this city years before we met, right?”

“That was before but I’m here now and I’m-“

“And you are not going to treat me like some invalid because I will not let you,” Timmy finished his line. Though there was no real heat but the iron resolve was prominent.

Johnny scowled. Why must this git always pee on his parade? “Suit yourself. See if I come to your rescue if you get lost and wander around like a headless chicken.”

Shoulders shaking in a soundless laughter, Timmy said, “What makes you think that I’d call you if I’m in trouble? You are not my Knight in Shining Armour,” and crunched on his wafer stick.

Johnny snatched the ice cream bowl away from him but returned almost immediately when the git started to pat around the small table in confusion, smile vanishing quickly.

Urgh! He could not be a jerk even for a minute to this infuriatingly adorable creature!

XOXOXOX

This was the worst idea ever.

Johnny smoothened his crisp white button down shirt for the umpteenth time as he swept his eyes all over the flat. Everything looked in place but he still could not shrug off the feeling that something was not right. He felt panicky, restless.

He had held numerous indoor parties in this flat, had brought home many dates. His upstart of a brother hired a professional interior decorator to furnish this flat before Johnny moved in. And though he despised everything about his brother, even he could not deny the fact that it was a designer’s dream.

But today, that hearth rug did not feel quite classy enough; those curtains seemed a bit too heavy. The chairs surrounding the dining table looked downright uncomfortable. It was like seeing his flat through a new pair of eyes and he suddenly did not like it much.

One might argue what was the point of such anxiety when it would not make a difference to Timmy. But Johnny refused to treat his best friend with anything but perfection. He might not be able to see, might trust Johnny literally blindly but Johnny refused to prove him blind.

And where the hell that moron was? Why was he taking such a long time to arrive?

He checked his watch. Eighteen minutes till seven. He thought of calling but decided against it. What if Timmy was about to get out of the taxi and had an accident in order to pick up the call?

Wait! What if the taxi driver kidnapped Timmy?!

Fucking hell! He was turning into his grandma!

Johnny gave a full body shudder. Honestly! Timmy was not a child and, as the man pointed out very eloquently, was accustomed with the roads and transportations. And Johnny had already informed the entrance security to let him directly come in. So, there would not be any problem.

Hopefully.

But what if...

No, absolutely not.

While he was warring with his own head, the bell rang.

Johnny wiped his clammy palms over his denim jeans, exhaled a tense breath and opened the door.

XOXOXOX

Timmy wore a long sleeved shirt, untucked; its fuchsia colour highlighting his porcelain complexion even more. The trousers were plain black ones. His walking stick in one hand, a white cardboard box on the other. And he wore his clear glasses.

Johnny’s cheek hurt from the force of his smile.

“Welcome to my humble abode!” He stated dramatically and opened the door wide. Timmy took a hesitant step forward and Johnny put a hand in between of his shoulder blades, reassuring of his presence.

Johnny opened his mouth to give a description of the layout but Timmy spoke before him, extending the white packet, “Here.”

“What is it?”

“Apple pie.”

Months ago, Johnny had told him he liked apple pie.

“You didn’t have to.” Even though heart soaring like a kite, Johnny tried to act like a proper host, the box clutched tight in his grip.

“I know.”

And that was that. Johnny looked at Timmy a moment longer, who had his face turned ahead, carefully folding his stick.

The hand between Timmy’s shoulder blades slid a bit further down.

“There is a narrow hallway in front of you. It turns left and opens into the living area.....”

XOXOXOX

“It’s....huge, your home. I can’t imagine staying in such a big flat or I’ll be bumping into things constantly.” It was not a reaction Johnny had anticipated but there was no judgement in Timmy’s remark. He simply stated what he felt and it made Johnny happy knowing that Timmy did not feel the need to put on a mask in front of him.

“Yeah, well, I did not choose it. Blame it on my brother.”

Timmy gave a hearty laugh, eyes crinkling at the corners, “Why do I feel you keep a scoreboard on you and your brother?”

“Because I do,” Johnny replied with utmost seriousness then broke into a grin. “And based on it, I’m winning this year. I’ve been a very good boy,” he whispered too close to Timmy’s ear.

Timmy almost jumped, reflexively leaning away but his waist hit the chest of drawers behind him and something toppled. Timmy hastily caught it before it could fall.

“Is this a photo frame?” He asked while setting it right.

“Yeah,” a small smile crept in his face without his notice, eyes on the picture, “It’s me with my grandparents.”

Timmy’s face was tilted down, as if looking at the frame which he had taken in his hand again. Johnny watched as pale fingers swiped over the glass surface of the frame, halting, tentative. Wide, unseeing eyes blinking in eager concentration.

Timmy was trying to feel the photo......trying to see it.

As though someone had hit him on the solar plexus, Johnny’s reeled back, even if he did not move an inch physically.

He wrapped his hand around the smaller and paler one and put Timmy’s index finger over the figure on the left, “Here’s my grandpa. Handsome dude, thinning hair, easy smile, wearing a sweater with a comfy trouser.” Next he put the finger over the figure on their right, “Here’s my grandma. My favourite girl in the world. Pretty little thing, plump, short hair, open smile, wearing an ankle length dress.” Finally he dragged their hands on the figure in the middle, “And here is the most handsome man in the world. Face is a perfect geometric circle, eyes two black slits, open mouthed laugh, most of the teeth missing. Hair standing out like pins. Wearing a jumper and a pair of knee length shorts.”

Finishing, Johnny glanced at Timmy and his breath caught in his throat. There was so much want in that face; a desperation that he had never witnessed in Timmy.

He was still moving his fingers over the picture but his eyes were closed.

“I wish....I....”

Johnny held his breath. He could assume what might be at the end of that sentence but wanted to hear it, needed to hear it.

A heartbeat. Two. Three.

Then Timmy opened his eyes and the shutter fell over his expression.

The moment was lost. The spell was broken.

Disappointed and a bit hurt for no reason at all, Johnny stepped away from Timmy’s personal space and cleared his throat.

Timmy mirrored the gesture and tried for a toothy smile which turned awkward, “I bet you had a good childhood.”

“Yeah...I did...” Johnny rubbed the back of his neck and avoided looking at Timmy, “Shall we eat now? The foods are getting-“

“Yeah, absolutely. I’m famished.”

“Yeah, good, yeah.”

XOXOXOX

“I never took you for someone who could cook and cook this deliciously!” Timmy spoke in between taking bites of the pie. The dinner went smoothly and it was dessert time.

Not many knew about it but Johnny enjoyed cooking. It was one of his stress relievers, actually, and the years of practice had made his culinary skills quite impressive. But even with that high standard, he must admit that today he had outdone himself. It was an eight course meal!

Well, tonight was special. He was going for the kill and by the way Timmy almost scrapped his plate, that mission was accomplished.

“Only surprise or shock will await you for underestimating me,” Johnny replied with a mock haughty sniff and took a large bite of the pie. Mmmmm.

Not rising to the bait for once, Timmy just chuckled softly, eyes on the salt shaker, “It’s....good to know this completely different side of you.”

Johnny’s heart gave a loud thud. Maybe because of its rarity, maybe because Timmy had spoken those words with such an honest and surprised face, they made Johnny’s cheeks and ears warm.

Holy shit! Was he blushing like a virgin now?

Johnny did the only thing he always did when he could not process his emotions: he reverted back to flirting. Dipping his voice a few octaves, he almost purred, “Why, Mr. Xu, are you impressed?”

Timmy’s head shot up at the tone of his voice and Johnny realized that he was lost in some deep thought momentarily. But Timmy, being the epitome of composure that he was, checked himself within a blink of an eye and smirked, “Why, Mr. Huang, were you trying to impress?”

“I might have.”

“Then, I might be.”

“Do I get a reward?”

“Was it a game?”

They were still teasing, still playful but at those words, Johnny suddenly did not want to play anymore. He wanted it, whatever it was between them- a tangible feeling tied by the gossamer thread- to be real.

He bit his lip and shook his head, unnoticed by his companion, and answered, “No, it was not. It was never a game.”

Timmy’s eyes lifted further up and they almost stared into Johnny’s own.

Both of them seemed to hold their breaths.

Then Timmy’s face closed off, lips pursed into a tight line as his lowered his head and the sweet taste inside Johnny’s mouth soured.

XOXOXOX

Thankfully, Timmy did not make a fuss when Johnny offered to drop him off.

“Do you want to come in?” Timmy asked once he was out of the car in front of his building. They both knew it was a perfunctory question, hence the decline of the offer was equally expected.

“Hey, listen,” Johnny started when Timmy was about to turn away, “This Wednesday is the foundation day of our company and they tend to make a big deal out of it. And there is this grand fireworks show every year...” he trailed off lamely, suddenly aware of how awkward and childish it sounded.

But when Timmy continued to look questioningly, he thought he should finish the sentence.

“Wanna come with me?”

Two slow blinks and Timmy broke into a soft laugh.

“You know, it really astounds me how often it seems to skip your mind that I cannot see,” Timmy said, shaking his head.

Embarrassment, hot and uncomfortable, filled Johnny and he hurried to protest, “It never-“ but was cut short.

“Johnny,” Timmy’s voice dripped of patience and a kind of understanding that usually adults used in case of treating a child. Johnny hated it. “You know I do not like parties, especially those where-“

“I won’t take you to the party. We’ll just find a quiet spot at the rooftop and enjoy the-“

“But I would not be able to. I don’t know how fireworks look like, Johnny. I don’t even know how fire looks like.”

What could Johnny say to that? He wanted to scream at the unfairness of the situation, wanted to shake Timmy then hug him to himself, wanted to tell him that he....that he...

“I’m sorry,” he said instead.

And wanted to scream again when Timmy gave him the considerate smile that was reserved for all the numerous occasions where the world excluded him from its beauty, from its happenings. Made him an outcast.

“Please, don’t be. You don’t have anything  to apologize for,” he rested his right hand on the ledge of the window, “I know you want to share the good things with me, want to make me happy.....and that... that’s what makes me happiest.....to know that you care.”

“I do, I care.” The words reflected the steely conviction his felt within.

“I know.”

XOXOXOX

As the darkened image of Timmy’s apartment grew smaller and smaller on his rear-view mirror, Johnny’s jaw muscle tightened to a resoluteness.

“I don’t know how fireworks look like...”

“We will see the fireworks together,” he murmured to the wind.

[][][][]

How do you think Johnny would make him see? Any thoughts?😶