Akio's POV:

"You can't do this to me at my age, child!" Looking up at a dramatic GG in front of me, I cock my head to the side and raise my eyebrows at her, "What?"

Pointing to heaps of books in front of me she grins, "I am assuming your studying at this hour," turning to stare at the clock on wall, it was nearing midnight, she turns back to face me "and not reading po*n!"

At her insinuation I start laughing out loudly and shake my head, "Only you can think of such things at your age, GG. No, I am not being naughty for a change."

Patting my back she pulls a chair next to mine and peering onto my laptop screen, she reads the title of my thesis. "What is this child?"

Proudly presenting my work I boast, "If this thesis gets selected, then in next few months I will get an offer from Yale Law School. This is basically an understanding of society and a study to make environment safe and secure for children in LGBTQ community."

"Wow. This seems interesting."

"Yes, it is. I wish no child to have a past like mine and if they do, then an analysis to open Governments eyes to the plight of young ones in their own homes. A place which is supposed to a paradise but in reality it is far closer to hell. Maybe not hell, that seems a far more tolerant place."

"Child."

"Hm?"

Kissing the side of my head, GG gives me a warm hug, "I am so proud of you."

"GG?"

"Hm?"

"Won't you ask me to snap out of my dream and seek reality?"

"Why would I ask you to do that child?" Her question makes me smile sadly. "GG, for a soul whose life's bleek, is hallucinating of future so far. I am not even sure if I'd be alive until then -" she cuts me off with a hug and I sink into her warmth.

"Akio, you're a brave child my darling. What you've been through don't take that lightly. I have seen you fighting against all odds. Even if you're not going to sur..." GG's throat closes up, "Your work will. There will be someone to appreciate your thoughts and with me here, why do you have to worry? I will make sure your good postulation gets recognition."

"Thank you, GG." With a small grin I clean my nose on her shoulders and she pushes me away, "Ew!"

"What? You keep calling me child! Aren't kids supposed to behave that way?" I pout as she continues to wipe the spot with tissues and then throws them at me. Shocked, I stare at her and this time it is her turn to laugh.

"Bt the way, that kid, Sizhui?" With a grin she nudges my arm with her elbow, "Sweet. Good choice. He seems to have a positive impact on you."

"How did you figure out we're together?" Shouldn't have asked this question. GG knows everything.

"The way you look at Sizhui, it reminds me of Zhan and Bo. If they're in same room, you can catch one obvious soul looking at another oblivious one."

I laugh and agree with her choice of words.

"GG, do I really look at Sizhui with that much adoration?"

"Yes you do, and to be honest he isn't any less subtle."

"How does he look at me?" Oh I wanted to know.

"Like you're the star to whom he prays every night." At her emotive words my breath hitches. "He treasures you, child, and that is a fact. You can always learn about a person from how they look at their loved ones. Why do you think I approved of Seiji and my Aria's relationship? He revered her. Respected her. For him, she was his reason for existence.

"This was one thing I noticed about Zhan too. For him, there was no one other than your brother. Zhan is quiet. Always has been. Most of his life he has had no friends and family consisted only of his aunt and uncle. Seiji barged into his life and atleast then he had someone to talk with."

"I learnt the meaning of cherishing your partner from Zhan Zhan. My brother has always been an oblivious one and I agree with your statement. For him, earning money and my treatment has been of utmost importance. Why do you think I insisted on staying here with Zhan Zhan? With a hope that they grow closer. I have noticed a certain twinkle in Zhan Zhan's eyes, GG. For him, my brother is everything. BooBoo..." I pause to gather my thoughts, "He isn't in love yet, but in process of raising in love with Zhan Zhan, and I hope to see them being together before I leave this world."

"What about Sizhui?" Her enquiry pains my heart and I look outside the window, "I am scared. Fate made me fall in love at such a time when I don't even have a strong heart to fight back. Sizhui deserves a person who is strong enough to stay with him. What is the use of being with me when I myself ain't sure of my future, GG? How can I promise him a lifetime of happiness when my heart knows those are just empty promises? There have been various instances when we have had this conversation. He keeps insisting that we will be together."

"You don't believe him?" She questions and I turn back to peer into her eyes, "GG, I am ready to believe anything he says if it gives me a chance to stay with him. Many would say that this isn't love, that we haven't spent much time with eachother, but this heart is sure that he is my soulmate. It's just heart wrenching to know that at such a stage of life I found him. What if we can't be together? Isn't that me just leading him on and giving him false hope?"

"Akio, do you know what a soulmate is?" At her inquiry I shake my head.

"Soulmates need not always be lovers, child. One can find a soulmate inside anyone." Her words shock me.

"Did you find your soulmate after grandpa?"

"I did."

"Inside who?"

Her answer is simple, "Inside you all."

"Us?"

"Yes. You all complete me just as he did."

GG's words sink in as she continues, "I also found my Aria inside Oreo. Child, this old soul hopes and prays that you and Sizhui should live a long and happy life together. They say if one's heart is pure, the universe in its own magical way will get two souls together. Maybe under different circumstances and situations, but you both will be bound. Have faith. Believe your heart. It isn't as weak as you think."

"GG, you think we'll be happy? You think I can make him happy? You're aware of my past. I am not a saint."

"Sh, all that does not matter. No one is a saint. The universe knows I ain't one." With a mock seriousness she whispers, "I have had my share of partners too. How do you think I met your grandpa? He was a one night stand!"

At her words I choke out a laughter, "What?"

"Yup. I was pregnant with Aria before my marriage. Imagine the scandal. Ahem." With a glint of humour she grins, "I won't lie. After your grandpa, I have had many partners again, but this does not mean my love for him has diminished or his value in my life is lost. Nope. He holds a special place and I am eagerly waiting to join him. Not now of course. I need to sleep around more."

Oh my...

With a pat she stands to leave, "Child. Just go and sleep with Sizhui, well figuratively, but if you're doing him in reality, then better use protection. We don't want him to catch anything from you!"

"GG!!!" I yell as she laughs and walks out of my room. Shaking my head at her audacity, I close my laptop and head back to my room but just when my feet crosses the threshold, my vision fades and a burn courses through my body.

Pain.

So painful.

Slowly walking towards the bathroom I switch on the lights to find blood seeping from my nose.

Fuck.

No.

Not now.

My ears perk up at the knock on my door and hear Sizhui's voice.

Quickly splashing water and drinking from the tap, I calm my heart and proceed to open the door for him.

"Hey!" His warm eyes soothes my ache. His eyes trail over my face and I pray to appear alright. "What's wrong?" He questions and I inwardly shiver.

"Nothing. Just exhausted from writing my thesis."

"Oh! Well then meet you tomorrow morning Akio. Good night." He's about to take a step back when I catch hold of his wrist and whisper, "Can you sleep here tonight?"

Cupping my cheeks he kisses my forehead, "Of course." Threading our fingers together, we slip into the covers and taking him in my arms, I pray to be by his side forever.