Looking under rocks (2, final)

After a shower, Pae took off his towel and wandered around in his underpants. He can do this without feeling shy because we have all known each other a long time and are friends.

I am excused from the need to wander around in a state of near undress, as I am older, and not worth looking at anyway. Before the wardrobe mirror, Pae flexed his arm muscles and asked me if they were big enough.

Pae and boyfriend Maiyuu had decided to go dancing.

They took turns before the vanity mirror, applying make-up to their faces, gel to their hair.

After squirting themselves lavishly with scent, it was time to go. Pae borrowed Maiyuu's chains and other accessories. They hung these in a loop from their belt (the street-kid look), or around their neck.

They did not ask me to go, as they know I am too old for the disco scene. At the door, I gave both boys a kiss.

Pae's jealous boyfriend in Chon Buri can rest easy. Being with young Pae was fun, but I enjoy seeing them together as a couple much more.

One time, Beer and Pae travelled from Chon Buri to spend the night together at our place. The next morning, Pae was attending a naval graduation ceremony in Bangkok.

Beer helped his boyfriend get ready for his big day. Pae had to wear a white naval uniform, which took 15 minutes to put on.

Beer rolled up his scarf, and helped him pull on his tunic.

When they were finished, Pae gave his older boyfriend a wai. I have never forgotten that moment - it was like Beer, the teacher, preparing a student for the outside world.

Maiyuu took pictures on Beer's camera of the pair posing together.

I took Pae outside alone. I felt honoured to accompany him, his smart white uniform gleaming in the sun.

At the entrance to the condo, we waited for a taxi.

Pae gave me a wai, which I returned. As I said goodbye, I wiped away tears of pride.

Silly jealous moments aside, Beer and Pae should know by now how much they mean to each other. As boyfriends, they are more than mere friends, of course. Nor is their relationship merely about sex.

They share happy times and suffering alike, which help bind them together. Prospective admirers can offer but a flush of momentary excitement. They rarely last the distance.

Beer and Pae argue often, but that's par for the course, and they are used to it.

Meanwhile, I have a prototype question for the next boy who takes an interest in me, and decides he would make a better candidate as boyfriend than long-suffering Maiyuu.

'So, you like me, do you? How do you feel about accompanying me to the airport at 5am tomorrow, as my boyfriend is prepared to do?'

'Er...'