Page 74 of In Darkness and Dank

“I bet he’s eager to get out of that lab and get away from Browning and Hutte for a little bit.” Kittisak laughed. “They can be pretty intense. The last time I talked to them, Hutte was screaming at Browning for using one of his test tubes, and Browning accused Hutte of stealing his lunch.”

“Well, I am delighted to meet them all.”

“All?”

“Oh yes! Browning and Hutte are coming with us too.”

“Wow.” Kittisak blinked. “The whole gang will be here!”

“Yes, sweetie. Oh, oops. I think that was supposed to be a surprise…”

“It’s okay, I promise I will act so very surprised.”

“Thank you, sweetie. Well, you go enjoy your lunch! I need to start packing.”

Kittisak laughed. “I thought you just told me you don’t leave until Friday?”

“I have to start now! I don’t know what I might need in the rainforest.” She huffed. “Don’t you worry about my packing. Go worry about your cooking and culinary aspirations.”

“Yes, Mother. I love you.”

“I love you too. Tell Shu hello for us! We can’t wait to meet him!”

Shu poked his head up above the water by Kittisak’s feet, peering up at Kittisak.

“I will!” Kittisak said, still speaking to his mother as he waved at Shu. “I know he’s excited to meet you too.”

Shu growled and then ducked back under the water.

“Bye, sweetie!” his mother said.

“Bye, Mom!” Kittisak hung up, letting out a long sigh. He set the phone down as he scanned the water for Shu. “Hey, I’m off the phone now. You can stop hiding.”

Shu burst out of the water in the middle of the pool, turning and then flipping before diving back down. It was amazing how much air he could get, and he looked absolutely stunning as he came back up for another graceful twirl.

Kittisak waited for Shu to come back up so he could clap. “Very impressive, Shu the Showoff,” he teased. “I think that’s the highest you’ve gone yet.”

Shu only let his head peek out as he swam over to Kittisak. “Not showoff. Just good.”

“Same thing.”

Shu snorted, and he tilted his head, his eyes flicking over Kittisak. He was definitely up to something, asking innocently, “Kitty off phone now?”

“Yeah, I just told you I was. If you hadn’t been so busy showing off, you’d—agh!” Kittisak yelped as Shu grabbed his foot and pulled him into the pool. He splashed in clumsily, laughing and sputtering on some water. Shu was there to grab him, holding him tight and keeping his head up. “Oh, you jerk!”

“Made sure phone was not in water this time.” Shu smirked. “I learn.”

“Yes, thank you.” Kittisak wiped his hair back from his face. “What was with all the growling, huh? Still nervous about meeting my parents?”

“Yes.” Shu pouted. “What if they don’t like me?”

“They are going to love you,” Kittisak promised, cradling the side of Shu’s face. “You’re amazing, baby.”

“Hmm.” Shu still didn’t seem convinced. “How long they stay?”

Kittisak hesitated. “You know, she didn’t actually say. But she did mention packing a week early, so… probably forever?”

Shu grunted.

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