D&B5

19

Day and Brick joined the others. Phai prepared life jackets for both the kids. Even though Salmon could swim, they were cautious about it. Some parts of the waterfall were deep, while others were shallow. Day's whole group planned to go down and play in the waterfall together. They weren't too worried about their belongings at the tent, as they brought their valuables in their backpacks and carried them to the waterfall. Salmon and Ingfa seemed quite excited.

"Take it slow, going down the steps, Salmon. Don’t play around while going down. You might fall," Brick warned his nephew.

"Remind yourself too, Brick," Day joked. Brick turned and glared at his lover.

"I’m not that clumsy," Brick replied before leading everyone down to play in the third level of the waterfall, their usual spot. Only two people were playing there.

"Uncle Day, can I jump in right away?" Salmon asked immediately.

"Yes, just take it easy. Don’t jump, and don’t bother the other big kids," Day instructed. Salmon and Ingfa then went down to play, with Phai and Bank watching over them. Belle also invited Nick and Brick to join them.

"I remember this place. I used to follow my wife here," Neil said to Day, jokingly. Pom, hearing this, raised an eyebrow slightly. Day then briefly explained that previously, he and Brick didn’t understand each other, so Brick escaped to this place, prompting Day to chase after him and make things right.

"A-ha, I see. That’s why you said it was a place of memories," Pom teased playfully before joining the kids in the water. Neil also used his phone to take pictures of everyone playing in the water.

"Day, come play with us. Don’t just sit there looking handsome," Brick teased his lover. Day chuckled softly in his throat before slowly wading into the water and swimming towards Brick with surprising speed. Brick couldn’t escape in time, Day grabbed his waist and pulled him into a hug.

"Neil, stop taking pictures and come get a hug too," Nick joked, teasing Day and Brick.

"Oh, you’re jealous," Brick retorted playfully, making Nick’s eyes widen and point at him.

"You dare talk back now? Alright, alright. Salmon, Ingfa, come splash water at Uncle Day and Uncle Brick," Nick recruited his allies immediately. The two little ones swam towards them and started splashing water at Day and Brick. Brick laughed, turning away from the water that Nick was flinging at him. He put his arms around Day’s neck. Day mirrored him by putting his arms around Brick’s waist. Day nudged Brick’s head to rest against his strong shoulder, then turned his back to face the incoming water.

"Want me to do that too?" Phai teased Bank, making Bank blush.

"No, I’m too shy." Bank replied.

"Bank’s saying Brick isn’t shy, huh?" Belle asked playfully and laughed. Then Nick, Salmon, and Ingfa got tired of splashing water at Day and Brick.

"I’m getting annoyed," Nick grumbled before swimming over to Neil, who had finally joined them in the water and hugged him. Neil shook his head, chuckling at his lover’s jealousy. But it was all playful jealousy, nothing serious. Pom and Belle turned to face each other.

"Let’s go jump off the waterfall, P'Belle. We’re the only ones without a partner if you don't count the kids," Pom suggested. Belle laughed.

"That’s right. Let’s go. Maybe a handsome man will see my beautiful jump and fall in love," Belle joked, laughing. They then climbed onto a rock to jump off the waterfall, followed by Nick and Neil. Meanwhile, Day and Brick swam about, but still kept an eye on the kids. Brick reached out to touch Day’s face and brushed his hair back, which was wet from the splashing.