Who: Sean and Kong What: Christmas gifts and personal discussion When: December 25th, 1919 Where: Kong’s Wagon, Carnival; Las Cruces, New Mexico. Rating: Low. Status: Complete.
It was Christmas. And to Sean, it felt different than the ones in the past while being a part of Zion Mystique. He felt more comfortable in his skin beyond that of being a spirit medium. Sean moved about the grounds - looking in on friends and the animals before returning to the wagon areas.
—
Christmas was more of a Western culture celebration; in China they had various holidays to celebrate but he found himself participating as much as he could in the newer traditions of the carnival. This would be his second Christmas holiday and he wanted to make it special. The air was abuzz with activity, anticipation for the up and coming celebration.
Sitting on the ground, Kong listened to the wind. His stick lay beside him on the flat surface. Around him the breeze would dance and sway, bringing him all sorts of information. And then came the familiar footfalls of his friend Sean which were unmistakable.
“My friend,” Kong greeted warmly, unable to conceal the smile across his face. Concentration broken, his chin would lift and his gaze would draw upward as if to behold the man approaching.
—
The spirits were talkative as they passed messages for loved ones to Sean. And he promised to write them down and send them along. With a couple of apples in hand, he smiled as he saw Kong sitting on the ground.
“Hello Kong,” Sean smiled as he approached. He looked down at the other man as he stopped beside him. “How are you?” The medium asked as he restrained himself from kneeling down to kiss his lover.
—-
Head would tilt slightly as he listened to the reply of greeting. He could feel Sean’s presence next to him, nearly towering over him. “I am much better now that you are here,” would come as the reply. Motion would be made to offer his friend the vacant space next to himself. “If you are not busy, please sit.” He would understand if Sean had other things to do.
There was never a moment he wasn’t glad to see the other man. Even on small occasions like this one the presence and communication was welcome.
—
Sean’s smile softened at the greeting and the motion. “I am never too busy to sit with you.” He knelt down and sat beside Kong. The two apples were placed on the ground in front of him.
“I brought you something.”
—
“You did?”
Kong rarely received anything from anyone. Often he was overlooked or forgotten about. The idea that Sean brought him something warmed him. He was touched by the gesture, curious to what Sean might have brought. “That is very thoughtful. Thank you.”
He was also glad that Sean was going to stay and sit with him. They could relocate soon, but being outside unburdened was rare and he wanted to cherish it.
“What did you bring?”
—
It seemed to Sean that Kong was one for nature and natural things. And there was that sense of living life as it came. This his choice of gift. “You’re quite welcome. I hope you like it.”
His usual gift-giving was from the spirits, but best to be present and unburdened. Sitting with Kong was a simple luxury he loved.
“I brought two honey crisp apples,” he replied as he picked up the apples and gently brought them near his lover’s nose.
—
“If you have brought it,” Kong began, smiling, “I think I will like it very much.” Sean didn’t have to bring him anything, he was happy enough just being in the other man’s presence. The temptation to lean closer to Sean was there but for now he ignored it. They were in public after all.
Honey crisp apples. The aroma was sweet. Hands would lift, fingers would touch at the skin of the apples. “What do they look like?” Never had he seen these types of apples before.
—
“Good,” Sean softly smiled. He felt like bringing Kong things, treating him and thanking him. That temptation was in him as well. Perhaps they could retire to one of their wagons later.
“They have a muted splash of crimson and golden yellow.” Sean replied.
—-
Accepting one of the apples he took his time to examine the skin. It was smooth to the touch, silky. Drawing the apple to his nose Kong would inhale the scent. Sweetness filled his senses. “I bet that it is beautiful.” Words were soft as he delighted in the simplest of pleasures.
He would never know the colors. He would never see those crimson and golden colors twisting into each other as if they’d belonged together.
—
Pulling the remaining apple back, Sean watched Kong and softly smiled at the simple happiness his friend was experiencing.
Sean wished Kong could see and he would give him a few minutes each day of his own sight if he could. “How was your day?” He whispered.
—
“It was good,” Kong confessed. “But I am always better when you are here.” The last words were murmured. Quiet so that no others would hear. It was the truth though.
He wished he could see, too, but there wasn’t any way that he knew of so he didn’t have hope for that. Just once to see Sean, even for a second.
—
Sean smiled, dimples deepening in his cheeks as he softly nodded and softly exhaled, “Good.”
He too wished Kong could see, even for just a moment. The spirit medium would give a year of his life for his friend and lover to see.
“I am better too with you,” he whispered and then asked, “Would are your plans for the rest of the day?”
---
Color would rise into his cheeks, he could feel it and his head would dip down so as to shield it from anyone else who may be nearby. But he didn’t look down for long. Chin would lift and his attention was on Sean again.
“That makes me happy,” he confessed. And then a shoulder would shrug, “I did not have plans. But now that you are here I have a gift for you in my wagon.” The apple would slip into a pocket in the loose clothes he wore, saved to be admired again later.
—
Sean’s hands stayed in his lap, holding the other apple even as he wanted to gently grasp Kong’s shoulder. They both had to be careful. His smile softened and he sighed.
“I am glad.” He shifted a little as he sat there. “Oh? A gift?” Sean asked, not saying anything else as to not bring too much attention.
---
“Mm,” came the reply. He had a gift for Sean, one he held dear to his heart as it came from his home. “When you are ready, of course.” He didn’t want to impose. There was still nothing solid between them, what if Sean got bored with him?
“It is nothing, of course,” he added humbly, lowering his head.
—
Sean had been in Kong’s wagon and saw how sparsely it was furnished. If his friend had a gift, it must have been something important. Keeping his anticipation and humility to himself for now, he shook his head. “I am ready when you are.” Sean was always fascinated by his friend. There was something about him that he could not do without.
“I doubt that,” he replied and breathed, reaching over to touch Kong’s chin.
---
As his chin was taken Kong would lift his head and follow those fingers to peer at Sean. “Let is go then,” he breathed. It hurt to pull away but he did. Out here he wouldn’t subject anyone to speculation.
Stick was taken up. Kong moved to stand and took a moment to brush himself free from dust before he turned and headed toward the wagons.
—
“All right,” Sean whispered and pulled away as Kong did. Sometimes he just couldn’t resist.
Slowly he stood after his friend and kept the other apple in hand. Then the medium followed a few steps behind his friend.
---
Steps would be light as he made his way toward his wagon; they would pass Sean’s own along the way but finally he would ascend the couple of steps and slide into the small space.
A seat would be taken as his new walking stick was set aside. The gift would be slipped from an alcove and offered to Sean.
—
Sean watched Kong with the new walking stick - not having seen it that close he thought. It was beautiful. Carefully he climbed the steps behind Kong and entered his friend’s wagon.
Setting his apple down, Sean stopped as he watched Kong retrieve the gift and offer it to him. “Kong, you shouldn’t have...really.” He breathed as he stepped over and carefully took the gift. Then Sean sat down with it and carefully looked at one of the cups.
---
The tea set was a source of pride for Kong and being able to give it to someone special amplified that feeling. “I am proud and honored to give this to you.” Each cup, saucer, and the pot itself was traditional Chinese craftsmanship, handmade and painted. “It has been in my family for generations.”
Precious few things had made it here from his home. “I hope that you like it.”
—
He could almost feel the age and care taken when these were made. How did Kong manage to bring these from his homeland without a chip or a crack? Sean was so touched by his friend’s gesture that he took a few moments to gather his words.
“Kong,” Sean breathed, “I like it.” Slowly he stood and placed the set but for one of the cups before stepping over to the other man. “I am quite honored, Kong.” Holding the cup close to his chest, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Kong’s lips.
---
Very carefully those cups, saucers, teapot were transported. Wrapped delicately and with pride, they lasted through the duration of his travels. Now they would stay here permanently with Sean. His friend would carry a piece of himself always, which was the point behind the gift itself. Kong knew Sean would care for the tea set.
“I am glad,” he breathed, relieved. The kiss would be returned and he felt true happiness. “It makes me happy that you like them.”
—
“I am humbled by such a precious gift,” Sean whispered. It was such a personal gift. He would treasure and protect each piece of the set.
Nodding, he sighed. “I feel I do not know what to give you in return for this holiday. Forgive me?” Sean gently reached up to lightly stroke Kong’s left cheek.
---
He was glad for those soft words. Sean confirmed what Kong had suspected, that the set was in good hands. “You do not have to get me anything,” he assured his friend. “Your kindness and friendship is more than I could ever ask for.”
Leaning into Sean’s touch, a hand would fall to settle upon one of his friend’s knees.
—
Sean had grown more and more humbled and gracious for Kong’s friendship. He nodded and smiled. “And you shall always have them.”
Brushing his cheek again Kong’s, Sean breathed and grinned. “I am thankful for you, Kong.”
---
He was comforted by those words. The assurance and confidence washed over him. Sean was a good man, he deserved nothing less and Kong hoped that his friend would find that peace and comfort in someone special.
“I am thankful for you, as well.” The words were quiet but thrilled, murmured gently to keep the moment between them.
—
Sean thought of only the present and Kong. His worry of finding someone who would find peace, comfort, or even love with someone special was asleep in the back of his mind.
He gently slipped his fingers into Kong’s hair as they sat there. This peace and calm being with the other man was freeing. Sometimes it could be quite lonesome.
---
Leaning into Sean’s touch, Kong shifted a bit closer. There wasn’t much distance between them left to be closed but he found himself yearning to be nearer still. Never would he grow tired of those fingers, that touch. When he was alone he found himself selfishly craving it.
The hand on Sean’s knee brushed gently across the flat of his friends leg slowly, polite.
—
Sean craved affection, touch from someone he liked and felt comfortable with. Kong’s shifting closer brought him happiness. His thumb stroked his friend’s cheekbone.
A soft exhale escaped his lips at Kong’s hand brush across his leg. Carefully, he moved to set the cup securely and gently on a shelf. Then Sean slipped his free hand along Kong’s hip as he ran his fingers along his scalp.
---
He’d forgotten about the cup. Thankfully one of them was thinking clearly enough so as not to harm one of the heirlooms. Color would flood into cheeks as the clink of the cup upon a flat surface reached his acute hearing.
And then he found himself more enveloped in that embrace he craved. His arms would lift and wind around Sean, drawing the man close.
—
Now without a worry about the gift, Sean smiled as Kong’s arms came around him. He edged closer to his friend, he captured the other man’s lips with his own. Each touch was wanted, craved.
Living in these moments and believing only the two of them and Kong’s wagon was peaceful to Sean.
---
Lips would meet lips. Kong emitted a soft groan of delight. Sean knew how to lure him in. He was hooked. A moment or two and he broke the kiss to take a breath. “Sean,” he breathed, happily.
—
Sean let out a brief moan in return. He was unaware just how well he could lure Kong in, only knowing to bestow affection in kind. “Yes?” he breathed in response as his hand moved to brace Kong’s back.
---
“I think I am falling in love with you,” he confessed. Finally he could admit honestly that he had real feelings for Sean. Every part of Sean he loved and adored. If his friend could find love in a blind man without judgement he knew that he could also return those feelings.
—
Dumbfounded at Kong’s confession, Sean breathed as his heart fluttered in his chest. The words settled and he smiled. He had held his tongue every time he wanted to say ‘I love you’ to the other man since the first time. They needed to learn more about one another and Sean was patient. Gently, he rested his forehead against Kong’s. “I hope I have been true to you.” Sean whispered.
---
“You always will be,” he assured his friend. “You are the sun in my dark world. What I can remember of it, anyway.” The bright spot in eternal darkness was Sean. It had taken him a little while to realize it but now that it was clear he couldn’t deny it.
The touch of Sean’s forehead upon his own was satisfying.
—
“Good,” he replied. Then he blinked and his lower lip trembled as he listened to Kong. “I...am grateful to be your sun. You are my peace and calm. A beautiful and wonderful constant.” Sean whispered. The acceptance and peacefulness Kong had and still bestowed upon him was something he could not resist.
Closing his eyes, Sean held Kong close.
---
“I cannot remember much more than a bright spot. Or how blue the sky was when the sun was high, but you..” he breathed, offering a grin, “you are warm and full. You are my sun.” And to the opposite of being a calm and peace he was happy.
Leaning into that embrace he held Sean as well. He felt more complete here with those arms around him.
—
Sean smiled. He felt so humbled to be thought of someone’s sun. He was a constant to someone than a beacon to be talked through like the spirits that often returned to him over the years to send messages to their loved ones. “Then I will always be.” He whispered.
When they were close, he felt more like himself - complete and true. It was a sense of balance.
---
Relief washed over him. Sean was like life in a vibrant forest when a deep fog settled over the land. “I would hope so.” He couldn’t help but be in good spirits. Always.
—
Sean smiled and brushed his nose against Kong’s. “You know that first breeze filled with the smell of rain before the raindrops fall?” He asked.
—
Of course he knew that sensation. Kong would nod to let Sean know that he did, that he understood and waited to hear the rest of what his friend was saying.
Rain could be so calming and refreshing, but also dangerous and unpredictable.
—
Hovering this close to Kong made Sean so happy. He breathed and nodded in return.
He did not know Kong to be dangerous, unpredictable, or even angry. “It makes me think of you.” Sean whispered.
—-
That confession had his heart fluttering. So sweet was this man who wanted nothing in return for his kindness, yet Kong wished to give him anything. Everything. He felt indebted without knowing why. “That is sweet of you to say.”
Leaning forward, he caught Sean’s mouth again and delivered a flurry of sweet kisses.
—
Sean was content sitting with Kong. Sometimes he could be too giving. But he gave even after being hurt in the past. The chance was worth the risk. “It is the truth.”
He smiled against Kong’s kisses and returned them. Then Sean parted his lips to capture Kong’s lower lip. There was that bit of hurried fire. But he relished in the simplicity.
---
He could’ve kissed Sean for days. Another soft flurry of affection and Kong severed the connection gently. A breath was taken, one of satisfaction and mirth. “I am sorry,” he began, emitting a soft laugh. “I cannot help myself when you are around. There is an energy around you that makes me feel good.”
With a bright smile Kong would lean against Sean, basking in the closeness.
—
He could have kissed and held Kong for days as well. His fingers gently kneaded in the other man’s hair as he kissed him back. Then he grinned. “No, no need to be sorry.” Then Sean smiled brighter and opened his eyes at the laugh. “Likewise, likewise.”