D&B5

Neil&Nick Extra 2

"Pam, serve some chu chi pla tu (a Thai fish curry) for Neil," Aunt Nang said as they ate lunch.  The young woman, Pam, sat opposite Neil, while Nick sat between Neil's mother and Neil.

"Um," Pam hesitated slightly.

"It's alright, I can serve myself," Neil said, before serving himself and then Nick some chu chi pla tu. Nick smiled and accepted it.  Nick turned to Neil's mother and offered to serve her, but she declined.

"No, dear. Nick, eat. Don't worry about me," Neil's mother replied. Nick ate quietly, while Neil continuously served him food.

"You two should eat yourselves, too. You're serving Nick so much, you won't have anything left!" Aunt Nang said, ostensibly concerned for Neil but with a subtle jab at Nick.

"That's right, P'Neil. I know you want to pamper me, but we're not home, you know," Nick said with a smile, deliberately teasing the two aunts.

"What a lovely brotherly bond. I'm an only child, and I wish I had siblings, too," Pam commented.

"He's not my brother; Nick is my boyfriend," Neil replied, causing Pam to slightly falter.

"Oh, I apologize," Pam said normally.

"Speaking of which, Neil, you're opening a room at the resort, right? Are there any rooms available now, Pam?" Aunt Nang changed the subject.

"Yes, P'Neil. How many rooms will you be opening?" Pam asked.

"Just one. Nick and I will stay there, and my mother will stay here," Neil replied.

"Okay, I'll contact the staff to reserve a room for you," Pam said, taking out her phone to book a room for Neil and Nick.

"All set. Shall we go check out the room after we finish eating?  I can take you there, and you can put your things away," she asked.

"Sure," Neil replied.  They finished their meal.

"Nick, would you like to go home, dear?" His mother asked, retrieving her bag from the car, concerned that Nick might feel uncomfortable around Neil's relatives.

"It's alright, Mom. Let's go back together tomorrow. I'm fine," Nick replied with a smile.

"Then why don't you rest at the room first, and come see me later in the evening?" Neil's mother said with a smile. Neil and Nick agreed, before getting into the car and driving to the nearby resort where Pam was waiting at the lobby. Neil and Nick brought their luggage inside. The resort consisted of individual houses along the canal.

"I'll take you to your room," Pam said, leading Neil and Nick to their accommodation.  She explained resort activities and information in a professional manner, like she would to any customer.

"If you need anything, just let the staff know," Pam said before excusing herself. She didn't show any extra interest in Neil.

"Ugh," Nick sighed, collapsing onto the bed.

"What's wrong?" Neil asked, smiling.

"Don't you really know?" Nick asked back.

"My aunts?" Neil asked.

"Yeah, even if they didn't say anything directly, I could tell they didn't really like me," Nick said wearily.

"Don't worry about them; we're leaving tomorrow," Neil reassured him. Nick looked at Neil silently.

"What are you fantasizing about again, shorty?" Neil asked.

"Nothing.  Where's my phone?" Nick couldn't find his phone, so Neil helped look for it.