D&B5

Epilogue - END

"Have you packed everything?" Non asked, as Nick and Neil were leaving Phuket for Bangkok that day. Neil and Nick had spent two days in Phuket, along with Kun and Petch. Neil had already apologized to Petch for the earlier misunderstanding.

"Yes, I have. Aren't you coming back with us, P'Non?" Nick asked.

"I'll stay for another two days, then I'll follow," Non replied with a smile, walking them to their car. After a brief farewell, Neil took Nick to the airport, returned the rental car, and they went to wait for their flight.

"Did she call today?" Nick asked his lover. While Neil was with Nick in Phuket, Pam had called every day, though only twice each day - not frequently - but Neil hadn't answered. She'd also texted about wanting to discuss the car, but Neil hadn't replied.

"She called while you were showering, but I didn't answer," Neil replied.

"She's so persistent. Do you still think she's not serious? Calling every day... she must be very anxious," Nick said, sounding annoyed.

"It's just like Day said - if I don't answer, Pam will reveal herself. He was right," Neil said.

"Are you going to clear this up right away when you get back?" Nick asked.

"Tomorrow. Let her stew for another day," Neil replied, smiling.

"How are we going to get her to come? Are we going to call her?" Nick asked.

"Pam keeps calling the garage to ask if I've contacted them. So I told Nutcha that if Pam calls again, to say I'll be at the shop tomorrow afternoon. Then she'll come herself," Neil explained, revealing his plan.

"And Mom? Are you going to tell her?" Nick asked about his lover's mother.

"My mother knows already. I'll ask her tomorrow if she wants to come along," Neil said. Nick nodded. They relaxed and waited until it was time to board their flight.

"You're back, Nick?" Neil's mother greeted them as Neil and Nick arrived home. Nick immediately hugged his lover's mother.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I know I worried you," Nick said, realizing that Neil's mother must have been just as anxious as Neil about his sudden disappearance.

"It's alright, dear. I understand. It's Neil who suddenly became so clueless," Neil's mother said, fully siding with Nick.

"Hey, why are you blaming me? You should be scolding him for suddenly running away, making me so stressed!" Neil playfully retorted with a smile. Nick playfully nudged Neil's nose.

"Come inside first. Have you eaten yet?" Neil's mother asked, noting it was already four in the afternoon.

"Not yet, Mom, but I'm going to call Day and Brick to come over for dinner," Nick replied. He wanted to talk to Brick upon his return.

"Then I'll order some food. What would you like?" Neil's mother asked solicitously. Nick listed his preferences, while Neil called Day and Brick to come to the house. Nick took his bag upstairs, changed his clothes, and came back down to find Day and Brick already sitting in the living room.

"Hey man," Nick greeted Brick. Brick approached Nick before immediately pulling Nick's ear.

"Ow, ow! What the hell, Brick?" Nick yelped, though it wasn't particularly painful. Brick quickly released his ear.

"It's you, you damn friend!" Brick said simply, glaring at his friend with displeasure. Nick, realizing Brick was upset, quickly hugged him.

"I'm sorry," Nick said.

"Sorry for what?" Brick asked.

"Sorry for going off without telling you beforehand," Nick replied. He knew his friend was hurt and worried because they usually confided in each other.