the tides, part 6

Note : The following is an original story by the author. While he believes in the idea of intertextuality, he is also a firm believer of the concept of intellectual property, and will invoke his rights under the Copyright Law to the full extent, should his story be subjected to acts of plagiarism.
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In the end, the light from their bedside lamp could not compete. It grew paler with each passing moment, as the warm glow of tangled hearts and limbs slowly lit up the room, throwing frenzied shadows along the walls. The old airconditioner nearly broke down with the rising heat, and the green curtains turned yellow with envy. In the aftermath, their once-pristine sheets lay crumpled at the foot of the bed, drenched in sweat. Clem’s head remained buried, deep in Theo’s chest; his ears still throbbed in unison with Theo’s heartbeat, when he heard him ask—

“Why did you say hi?”

“Huh?”

Clem looked up, struggling to see Theo’s face through sweaty eyebrows, as his eyes still stung from the sweat. He just closed them and listened to Theo’s voice, as it went on—

“At the party, when we first met. Why did you say hi?”

Clem knew at once. It wasn’t a question that demanded answers. It was a question asked in dreamy tones, in a voice that only Theo can deliver, in a perfect mix of wonder and innocence. They have played at it for as long as he could remember, and this would be the time when they would lie side by side, facing each other, to look into each other’s eyes—

“Oh, that question again?” A teasing look would erupt upon Clem’s eyes, cascading like dazzling fireworks in a cloudless night sky.

“I just needed to be sure”.

“To be sure of what?”

“That you did not confuse me with someone else, hehe.” At this point, Theo’s hands would already be running through Clem’s hair, picking up a bunch of strands to twirl delicately through his fingers, ever delighting with their silken smoothness.

“Why would I take you for somebody else? Did I look like I confused you with somebody else that night?”

“No, I just...”

“Shh... no need to talk, then.”

Fevered kisses in lamplight.

“But you’re a matinee idol, and I’m just one of the regular guys”.

“Who says you’re regular? You’re the most special person in my life”.