A/N: ⚠️There is mentions of SA so please read with caution.⚠️
Khem has never felt so alive until now. Hong allowed him to remain as the lead male dancer, and he finally had his title. He no longer needed to steal to survive. He didn’t have to take odd jobs for some scraps of food. He was finally a dancer.
Khem smiled internally as he finished up his dance, and the patrons applauded him. He felt respected, not the man who was forced to be a whore to gain their approval. He went backstage to remove the costumes as it felt a little restrictive. He took a deep breath before he felt a hand on his shoulder, surprising him before he turned around and saw Chatra.
“Chat.” Khem said with a smile. “What are you doing here?” He asked when he realized that Chat was 2 weeks earlier than when he said he’d visit.
“Hong wanted to have a meeting.” Chat responded. “We finished up a few minutes ago. I got to watch your dance. You did very well.” He said, making Khem smile softly.
“I would have done better is you were drumming for me.” He said while stretching his back and arms that were sightly sore.
“You’ve done well without me.” Chay said, walking forward. “Need some help.” He asked behind Khem.
“I’m almost done.” Khem said while he finished getting dressed. “I’m sure the cat misses you. Let’s go feed him.” Khem said, making Chat smile as he followed behind Khem to were the white cat lounged under the moonlight.
“Hello there.” Chat said with a smile, making the cat’s ears perk up at the familiar voice, making the cat meow.
“I wish he was excited to see me like he is to see you.” Khem said before grabbing the cat gently making the cat meow.
“I wish the same.” Chat said, confusing Khem, but he just handed him the cat.
The two remained quiet playing with the cat before he fell asleep with his head resting next to Chatra’s leg.
“How have you been?” Khem asked softly, not wanting to wake the cat.
“Working is exhausting.” Chat responded while stroking the cat’s fur. “I spend most of my day as a consultant, after that I just avoid the women of the palace.” He said, making Khem chuckle.
“Oh, have any caught your interest?” Khem asked jokingly.
“No. I avoid them because I already have my eyes set on one person.” Chat said, making Khem surprised.
“Oh.” Khem said softly. He didn’t know why he felt sort of a dull ache in his chest at the words but ignored it. “Are they beautiful?” He asked, making Khem smile softly.
“Yes. Yes they are.” He said softly while placing his hand on Khem's shoulder making him surprised before he leaned forward making Khems eyes widen in shock before he turned his head to the side. “Khem.” Chat said when he saw Khem pull away. “I’m sorry I.” Khem lifted his hand to stop him.
“I..” Khem could feel tears build up in his eyes but he didn’t let himself cry. “I told you that people only see my body.” Khem said, making Chat shake his head.
“Khem . I promise you that I actually care about you, not your body.” Chat said but Khem shook his head.
“It’s not that.” He said while taking a deep breath. “I just. I can’t be with you.” He said, making Chat’s eyes turn sad. “I can’t be with you without feeling what they did to me.” He finished making Chat’s eyes look confused. “You know how I was upset when I saw that man try to use one of the escorts without her consent?” He asked softly, making Chat nod. “It was because I didn’t want what happened to me, to happen to her.” He said, making Chat’s eyes widen in realization. “I… I don’t think I can be like that… with you. Or anyone for a long time.” He said making Chat hold his hand softly.
