The Season of Camellias

CHAPTER 4

The young Dumont walked as quickly as he could to get away from his brothers. But as he was about to approach the small group of people gathered under the canopy, Saliou was suddenly nowhere in sight. He slowed his walking down as he looked around, trying to spot his boyfriend in the crowd. No sign of him.

There, though, was Milou, still busy entertaining his cousins over a bottle of wine. Slowly, Wren walked around to the side of the garden, where a stone walkway led to a gazebo in the middle of a small pond. He could only hope the older twin hadn't noticed him leave. He was desperate to have some time alone with Saliou.

With just a few pina coladas, Wren was already feeling tipsy. He cautiously watched his every step as he ambled along the stone walkway, careful not to trip or fall over.

Suddenly, he stopped, sticking his nose up in the air, sniffing about. He caught a whiff of an ever-familiar scent: a strong mix of jasmine, peach, and orange blossom. It was Saliou's scent, telling him he was somewhere nearby.

Over time, Wren figured that Saliou tends to give off a more powerful scent when he's nearing his heat. But while he could normally tolerate it, there were times he'd feel dizzy when he gets a whiff of his pheromones. Other times, he would feel all hot and bothered, even agitated.

This is one of those times. Whether or not it's aggravated by alcohol, he couldn't tell. He didn't care.

His body wanted Saliou.

He continued along the walkway but as he did, another strong scent tickled his nose. On the side of the gravel path were rows of thick shrubs, beautifully heavy with blossom, the branches laden with bright pink flowers. Wren smiled softly as he stopped once to pluck two tiny flowers, and then proceeded towards the gazebo where Saliou's scent was the strongest.

There he was sitting in the gazebo, phone to his ear, talking animatedly and gesturing with his hands. Wren walked slowly toward Saliou with his hands behind his back. He could hear bits of the one-sided conversation as he walked closer to the gazebo.

"... Yes. I'll make sure to turn in my CV next week, Ma'am," said Saliou, in a lively voice. "Yes, of course. You can expect me to be there an hour before schedule."

It wasn't until Wren was standing at the entrance to the gazebo, that Saliou finally noticed his presence. His gaze met Wren's, then he inclined his head and gestured for him to move closer.

Wren sat down next to him. He placed a hand on the other's knee, squeezing it lightly. "Definitely, Ma'am," Saliou said over the phone, trying to end the conversation as soon as possible. "Thank you so much. You won't be disappointed... Yes, Ma'am. I'll see you next month."

Finally, much to Wren's relief, Saliou hung up the phone. He heaved a deep sigh of satisfaction and looked up at Wren with bright eyes.

"Who was that?" Wren queried. 

Saliou's face lit up. "That was Ms. Newman from Skye International. I got accepted as an intern at my first-choice company!" he announced excitedly as he wrapped his arms around Wren's neck. "Please be happy for me!"

Wren took a deep breath – he smelled so sweet. His scent came strong and seemed almost overpowering to his mind. "That's great news, Sal. I'm so happy for you." Careful not to let Saliou see what he was holding, he slid his arms around his waist and kissed him.

Saliou was a little taken aback at how possessive and demanding Wren's kiss was. "I will... start... in three... three weeks..." he said between fiery kisses. "It's... probably time to... think about – Hold on, Wren."  Saliou broke away from the other's arms and leaned back. "Are you okay? I can smell alcohol on you... Are you drunk?"

Wren sucked in his lower lip. "Not really. Tipsy, yes." He paused before adding, "I was with Mason and Noah."

"Yes, I saw," Saliou replied coldly, raising an eyebrow. "Did they force you to drink again?"

Wren shook his head no. "I'm at a party that serves alcohol. Of course I'll want to have a drink or two."

"Or three," Saliou hastily corrected him. "Jeez, you. You know you have a low alcohol tolerance. You're red as a tomato."

Wren stared at Saliou languorously, taking in every detail of his face. For the time he was feeling a little crazy, past thought, past care, past everything save the unspeakable wonder of the person in front of him.

"I haven't had the opportunity to greet you a happy birthday," he said as he leaned over to nuzzle Saliou's neck.

"Mmm... thanks." Saliou was careful not to let out a giggle.

Wren kissed the side of his neck before raising his head back to look at the other solemnly. "Here, I have a little something for you." He took Saliou's hands and cupped them together; and when he opened them, setting on his palms were two stemless flowers.

Saliou took them and simply stated, "Wow, thank you!"

"Do you know what these are?"

Saliou scratched the side of his cheek, trying not to laugh. "Uhm, Mom's flowers?"

Wren rubbed the underside of his nose and chuckled. "Well, yes, and I hope she can forgive me for stealing some." And then he pushed his hands closer to Saliou. "But more precisely, they're camellias. It's the season of camellias, so they're in full bloom right now. Do you know what these flowers represent?"

Saliou stared down at the blossoms and shook his head ruefully. "I don't know. Tell me."

"They symbolize faithfulness. Destiny," answered Wren as he placed his hands over Saliou's and gently closed his fingers around the other's palms. "My destiny is in your hands, Saliou Matisse."

His heart threatened to stop. For a moment he thought Saliou might not respond at all. Perhaps it wasn't the right setting for it. Yet he felt it with all his heart, and perhaps the alcohol and the veil of the evening have given him the courage to articulate his thoughts.

Saliou started to blush. He dropped his gaze as he crinkled his nose. "You're such a hopeless romantic, Wren Dumont." Once again, he pulled Wren to him and kissed him deeply, forcing the other's body back in a slight bend. Instinctively, Wren placed his arms around Saliou's waist and pulled him up into an intimate embrace.

"...Sal, don't you still believe we're a Fated Pair?" Wren asked before pulling Saliou into another heated kiss. "I know you've been a skeptic but... don't you believe in what we share? Look here, I'm the only one who recognizes your scent. Isn't that enough proof?"

Saliou felt him place his left hand under his shirt, slowly sliding across his bare skin. He closed his eyes and let out a sharp breath. "I don't know, Wren... It still sounds very much like a propaganda to me. But... does it even matter whether or not we're a Fated Pair?" He opened his eyes and stared right back at Wren. "One thing I'm sure of is that my feelings for you are real."

For now, Wren had no choice but to settle with his answer. It was more than enough. He continued kissing Saliou, his lips trailing down the other's jaw. His hand wandered further down Saliou's body.

"Wren, no..." Saliou reached down and stopped his hand before it reached the hollow of his spine.

Saliou's voice broke Wren from the trance. "I – I'm sorry. I didn't mean to," he muttered contritely.

For a moment it was quiet, and Wren stared blankly at Saliou, watching him as he tucked his shirt back into his pants. Later on the silence was broken when Saliou cleared his throat and said, "I'll be moving out with Milou to a studio apartment in Glapshire next month. It's much closer to where I'll be working."

"Glapshire? That's in the next state, isn't it?" Wren replied quickly, sounding relieved by the change in subject.

Saliou nodded. "It's just a bus ride away."

Wren rested his chin on Saliou's shoulder and whispered in his ear. "Good news for us, then. I can go and visit you any time without having to worry about anyone suddenly barging in on us."

"Hmm, why's that?" Saliou's forehead crinkled. "What are you planning to do, Mr. Dumont?"

Wren wasn't sure if the other was riding on his suggestive remark or was quite simply oblivious to it. He chortled as he shook his head faintly. "I'm looking forward to a fun housewarming party," he said, putting an end to that part of their conversation.

And then, another silence. Saliou kept staring at the rippling reflections in the pond, while Wren followed his gaze.

"How did you know I was here, anyway?" Saliou asked, keeping his gaze on the pond.

"Like I said, I traced your scent," Wren answered in a smooth tone.

Saliou slowly shifted his eyes to look at Wren. "Really...? Is it coming off too strong?"

"Mm-hmm... I guess your next cycle's drawing close."

Saliou sighed as he leaned to the side, his head coming to rest on Wren's shoulder.

"Sal?" Wren whispered.

"I'm... I'm worried it might clash with my internship," Saliou responded quietly.

Wren tipped Saliou's chin up so he could look in his eyes. "Hey, you'll be fine," he said, as if dismissing Saliou's concerns as foolish. "Just take the suppressants on time, and there won't be any problem. You'll see. You'll do great." He wanted to kiss Saliou again, but he wasn't giving off the right signal anymore. He settled for a tight embrace, rocking the other in his arms. "Look at you. You're one step closer to your dream now..."

The young couple stayed locked in each other's arms for a moment. Then Wren drew back. He inhaled and met Saliou's gaze, his blue-gray eyes resolute. "Where else are we going from here, Sal? Soon enough the idea of marriage will come up. Right?"

For a few seconds they just sat there, looking at each other. The question genuinely surprised Saliou, like he hadn't even thought about it. He swallowed hard and cleared his throat. "Are you perhaps... already planning to get married? Like, soon? I – I mean, I'm not saying I don't want to marry you. It's just that..." His voice trailed off.

Wren took his hands in his and tugged gently. "I wish I could marry you right here, right now. But I know you're not ready for such a big commitment. At least not yet. I know it's not at the top of your priorities right now, and I understand that. But you know what's a more immediate concern?" He gazed up at Saliou through hooded eyes. "I'm sorry to put the pressure on you this time but, it's about time we tell Milou about us."

This time, it was no longer a question nor a suggestion. It was a plea for action.

"How many years has it been, Sal? We've kept him in the dark too long. Far too long. We can't keep going like this."

Saliou lowered his head and bit his lips. "Aren't we... fine like this?"

Hearing the other's words, Wren felt flooded with disappointment, tinged with frustration. "No, it's not fine like this. Please allow me to love you freely. Allow me to show everyone you're mine." He let out a deep sigh as he leaned his forehead against Saliou's. "I've started to look at Milou like some rival for your affection. And I hate that I'm feeling this way."

Keeping his eyes downcast, Saliou muttered, "But if Milou finds out, he'll hate me..."

An involuntary grunt made its way to Wren's throat. "Think about how I feel about this situation, babe. I don't like it. I don't like it one bit. You won't want it to come to a point where he'll find out only when we're already engaged. That's absurd. Pure betrayal."

There was silence. Saliou wasn't sure how to respond and was fearful that, if he got it wrong, Wren would be even more disappointed.

"Milou isn't a kid anymore. It's about time he faced reality. Hell, he walks around all the time in such a cushioned-up life. It's no wonder he doesn't do anything like a real grownup. You've spoiled him too much." His hands cupped Saliou's face. "You have to let him know, Sal. Let him know right now."

"Save your breath."

Wren and Saliou turned their heads around in surprise. When they saw who it was, their hearts immediately turned cold.

It was Milou, standing by the entryway with a wine bottle in hand; indignation and contempt written all over his face.

"Is that how you've seen me as this whole time?" Milou's eyes shot toward Wren's face. "A nuisance? Someone who's getting in the way of your love?"

"M-Milou, listen here..." Saliou said shakily. He stood up, cautiously approaching his brother.

Milou gripped the wine bottle even more tightly, trying to control his temper. "How long have you been keeping this from me?" he asked between gritted teeth.

Wren stood up and pulled Saliou aside. "Six years," he replied resolutely. "We've been going out for six years."

At first Milou looked shocked, but soon enough a mocking smirk appeared on his face. "So you mean to tell me," he said getting in Wren's face, "that you two had me completely duped for six years?" His eyes were filled with pain and resentment. "Great. Really f*****g great!"

Before Milou could turn and walk away, Wren grabbed his arm and brought him to a halt. "You can't be like this, Milou. You're being unfair."

"I'm being unfair?" The older twin scoffed. "Do you know how long you two have made me look like the biggest fool? Do you know what you've put me through?"

"What we've put you through...?" Saliou interjected. "Give me a break, Milou. We didn't do anything wrong."

"Like you didn't do anything wrong when you decided to keep me in the dark for years?!" asked Milou through bitter tears. "How could you betray me like this? You know I love Wren, for God's sake!"

"This is exactly what your brother's afraid of," Wren cut in. "Don't displace your anger on him, Milou. Go ahead and be angry with me."

Sniffling, Milou wiped his nose with the back of his hand. "How could I...? All this time, you know I love you. But you've just been playing with my feelings!"

"I did not," Wren opposed. "I made it as obvious to you as possible." He made a dramatic pause, before continuing, "You know I love you, Milou. I really do. But that love is different from the one I feel for Saliou. I love you as a friend, a brother. But to me Saliou is something more than that."

Milou kept crying, hiccupping as he tried to catch his breath. "I guess... I guess I knew all this time." He looked up at the other with a pained expression, a torrent of tears flowing from his bloodshot eyes. "I just... refused to see it. I wanted you... all to myself."

Wren approached Milou and placed his hands on his shoulders. "I'm sorry, Milou, I can't return your feelings. Someday, you'll understand. So please... can't you just be happy for us?"

"Wren Dumont, you're asking too much of me. I can't do that right now," Milou responded with utter bitterness. Then he said, voice gentle, almost pleading: "Why can't you love me the same way you love Saliou? Why can't you just love the both of us?" He was bawling uncontrollably. Wren reached out a hand to comfort him but he quickly pulled away.

Saliou tagged after his brother as he turned to walk away. "Milou, wait!" He caught up with him in the middle of the stone pathway, catching hold of his arm. "Please," he said breathlessly, "don't leave like this. Tell me what to do. Tell me how to make things better. Let's fix this." His eyes were pleading, begging even.

Milou's lips twisted in bitter resignation. Slowly he turned to his brother and said, "Sometimes I wish you don't exist."

Saliou did not expect his own brother to cause him pain as deep as this. With just a few words, his heart was shattered. "Stop it. You're breaking my heart," he said, voice trembling. He refused to let go of Milou's hand. "You're just saying that because you're angry."

"Yes, I am!" Milou yelled as he yanked his hand away. "I could care less if you're heartbroken! That makes the two of us!"

Silence fell between them, broken only by stifled sobs.

Finally Milou said, "But I guess we have no choice. I'm stuck with you, and you're stuck with me. We'll just have to live through it." He then raised the wine bottle to his lips, took a final big swig, then pushed it over to Saliou. "Well, what else can I say? You won this time. Congratulations."

Once again, he turned to walk away.

"No..." Saliou fell to his knees and began to sob. He was so devastated, he could hardly think or breathe.

Wren walked towards him, watched him with a saddened expression. The sight of Saliou on his knees as Milou walked away tore his heart. He'd seen the other cry before, but it was nothing compared to the agony he was feeling now.