Out

Don't.

"Oh God, no wonder it's mostly old people who stay here."

Nicodemus and Dmitri stood in the middle of the lobby trying to take it in. Salmon and mint coloured walls and pearlescent pink vases holding roses. Nicodemus tried his best not to laugh.
"What, you don't like it?"

"Oh, no, it's very...nice." Dmitri mused.

"You little liar. Nice fifteen years ago maybe. It even smells old."

"So, not what you had in mind when you booked it?"

"I mean, it could be so much worse." Nicodemus shrugged adjusting his grip on the carry-on bag holding the clothes they'd bought along the way.

Dmitri nodded "It really could."

"And at least you can see the ocean from our room."

"I like it."

"You... like it?"

"Mhm." Dmitri nodded looking around the room. It's....funky."

"Whatever makes you happy I suppose."

"Can we see the room now?" Dmitri asked eagerly, clasping his hands together.

"Yeah, I'll just check us in. There's even a restaurant in this hotel. We could eat there for dinner if you'd like." Nicodemus smiled, smoothing his hair back.

"You're such a good provider." Dmitri gushed, toying with a dusty old book laying on the lobby's coffee table as Nicodemus checked them in.

"The receptionist says they're having a party in the lobby at seven, you wanna go?"

"Party? What do you mean party? Like a frat party?"

"No, no of course not. Like a fancy gathering. Cheese platters and old people."

"Stupid question." Dmitri chuckled.

"No, no. Not stupid. We don't have to go if you don't want to go."

"No, it sounds nice. Do you think there'll be alcohol?" Dmitri asked as diplomatically as he could.

"Of course, it's a party. Probably something high class like good champagne. That cute pink coloured one."

"Nicodemus.."

"It'll be fine! I'm fine. I'll have a glass or two and that's it. Don't worry about me."

"Then don't make me worry about you." Dmitri stated firmly, following behind Nicodemus up the carpeted beige stairs to the elevator.

"I don't have anything to wear to the party." Nicodemus smiled, changing the subject.

"What, you don't like your clothes anymore?"

"Well, I have no fashion sense and all the old people will judge me. You know how to dress. My clothes are great when I'm with people my age, but you know older people. Prone to opinions." He laughed.

"Ah, so you want my expert fashion advice?"

"I want you to pick something out. I'll wear it. I don't care what it is."

"You're letting me dress you up?" Dmitri beamed as Nicodemus poked at the correct elevator button.

"More like I'm begging you to dress me up."

"Well, this is exciting! You're like my Barbie doll for the night."

"Don't make me regret this, Dmitri..."

"What? Why'd you say my name like that?"

"I was going to say your middle name but...your middle name, what is it?"