False accusations

Throughout the entire night, Niran was restless. Even with Bap's efforts to put him to sleep, he still tossed and turned. He hated being on the fence like this, indecisive about big decisions. The jaded side of him wanted to believe they were lying to him, and that this was all a setup of some sort, but the wholesome side of him wanted to believe his family genuinely missed him and wanted him to come home.

What should he do? He kind of didn't want to leave Haiti, especially since it was one of the countries he didn't have a bounty in, but he also felt like a small part of him would regret it if he didn't go. What if he was all in his head and they really did miss him?

He was always the outcast in his family. They saw the potential in him and tried their hardest to control him the more he wanted to be free. Of course, because of that, he had a phase where he acted out when he became an adult, using his smarts to his advantage and dating rich older men to save the money he racked up from them. It ended up working out in the long run when his parents cut him off from their wealth; he had something to fall back on.

He was nowhere near innocent. He had his fair share of regrets. He had a past he too wanted to make up for, and he felt like going back home would dredge up all of those harsh memories.

His siblings were always envious of him, but he couldn't help that he was smarter than they were! He didn't ask to be born this way! And even though they were accepting of who he was now, it took a long time for them to get there.

His eyes shot open, unable to feign sleep any longer. Times like these, he'd throw himself into his research, but he hadn't had the time to even set up his workspace lately. Did he pack any good books? When was the last time he had some free time to even think about a good story?

Baptiste felt movement next to him and woke up to a restless Niran. He was probably worrying himself about what to do, and since he didn't have anything to distract his mind, he was going crazy. "Bua," he said, voice thick with sleep. He reached over and rubbed his back. "Can't sleep?"

"I didn't mean to wake you," Niran said softly, leaning in for a sleepy kiss. "My mind won't let me get any rest."

"Are you fretting over what your sister said?" Bap yawned with a stretch, reaching over to check his phone. It was around three in the morning. He knew just how to get him to sleep. "Want some tea?"

"That sounds nice," Niran trailed off, twirling a lock of hair in thought. "…I just feel like…"

Baptiste rolled out of bed and threw on a robe, off to make Niran's favorite nighttime tea while he worked through his thoughts.

"I feel unsettled, and I'm not sure if it's because I want to go or if I don't," Niran explained. He was sure it was deeper than that, but he just couldn't put his finger on it.

Bap had his own reasons for feeling unsettled. Did it even cross his mind that this could possibly be a setup? Why would they contact him out of the blue? What would happen if he showed up? Would he immediately be taken away?

Was he just being paranoid?

What if they finally came to their senses and truly wanted to make amends? Niran was a brilliant scientist, with so much knowledge and care and love to give the world, why on earth would they want to keep him from achieving greatness?

Whatever the reason, he'd support whichever decision he made. If he chose to stay and continue what they were doing there, that was fine. If he decided to go visit them, that was fine too. He'd be right there along the way, ready to rescue him if he needed to.

"Dàalíng, please," Niran sprawled out on the bed, the thin sheet draped across his body lazily. "I can't make the decision myself. You must do it for me."

"I can't tell you what to do in this situation, Bua," as much as he'd really like to.

"Come on," Niran rolled onto his side, he knew Bap was opinionated about things like this! "We've been together for how long, and you still walk on eggshells around me? I love the brutally honest side of you."

"Well," Bap chuckled. "If you want me to be honest, I think they're setting you up. I mean, why else would they reach out after so long? It can mean nothing good."

"It crossed my mind," Niran said with a sigh. "But what reason would they have for doing it? They have nothing to gain. They don't need the money." But if he was honest, if there was anyone he missed, it was his little brother, Narong. He was quiet and stayed to himself, and they generally got along… well, for the time Niran was around, anyway. Once they sent him away early in his teens, their relationship faded away.

To be expected, he supposed, but it was still sad, nonetheless.

Baptiste brought his tea to the bed, passing it to him. "But there's something more, isn't there?"

"It'd be nice to see my little brother," Niran blew on his tea before taking a sip. It was perfect, as usual. "Although, I don't know how he'd take to me since it's been so long since I've seen him."

"You guys got along, right?" Bap asked, crawling back into bed and getting comfortable.

"Relatively, I mean, he's a bit younger than I am, so there wasn't much overlap in what we had in common, but there was no hostility between us like Nin and I."

Baptiste did walk on eggshells around him, and he honestly didn't know why. He knew he could be one hundred percent himself around him, so what was the hesitation? "I think you should go."

Niran whipped his head to the side, frosty hair swinging with his movement. That was definitely not the response he was expecting! He raised a brow in question.

"Heh, I know, cher. Not what you were expecting, but…" he rubbed his leg reassuringly. "It's sounding like you need the closure."

"Closure?"

"I think," Baptiste rolled over to face him, propping himself up with an elbow. "You'll end up regretting it if you don't go."

Niran thought for a moment, he was right. Because he had the slightest thought it could be a real invitation, he knew it would eventually eat away at him if he didn't at least go and see for himself. At least, he'd get to see his brother and show Bap around.

But he was worried.

He was a wanted man, and the bounty was hefty. The last thing he wanted to do was put him in danger. He hated dragging people into his drama, which was another reason why he kept to himself for so long.

He hadn't even realized he'd polished off his tea, he was so deep in thought. He put the empty mug on the nightstand and attached himself to Bap, snuggling into his chest. "I just worry about pulling you into unnecessary trouble, thī̀rạk. I know if I go, you'll follow me even if I ask you to stay, and I wouldn't forgive myself if you got hurt because of me."

"I love that you worry about me, amour," Bap wrapped his arms around him. "But I think I'll be alright. If push comes to shove, I can protect the both of us."

"Then… would you hate me if I said I wanted to go?"

"I could never hate you, mon cher," he squeezed him protectively. "I had a feeling you'd end up going. You've always been a sucker for family stuff."

It was true, he always got choked up when Bap talked about his childhood or when he had younger patients to care for. It was always a desire of his to have a family of his own, but that was before he had to live his life on the run.

"I'll be there for you for mental support. I have a feeling you'll need it," Bap chuckled. "And when the time comes, I'll rescue you from the madness. I won't let anything bad happen to you."


Before they left for Thailand, Niran wanted to finish his work in Haiti, which Baptiste agreed to. They both had a handful of patients they were keeping an eye on and they wanted to make sure they were okay before leaving for a while.

Baptiste offered to give Doctor Ziegler a call to see if she'd be willing to take their place temporarily, but Niran wasn't a fan of passing his work off to others, and he didn't want to inconvenience her. She was always off doing something for the world, so it was best to let her be. So, for the time being, they continued their original plans, helping out the citizens in different cities for a few more weeks.

On the plus side, Niran was excited to travel back to his homeland again. He missed the food, the sights, the people. Since he'd never conducted research there, he'd also been wanting to pick samples of the local plants to see how it would affect his biolight. He'd manifested his creation while in India, at the godforsaken Vishkar Architect Academy, and it was from there that he fled and hadn't been home since.

He was also excited to show Bap around. He wanted to show him where it all began… but he just couldn't shake the bad feeling he had brewing in the pit of his stomach. He was secretly glad he wouldn't be going alone.

Now that he mentioned it, he needed to let his sister know he decided to visit, so he'd ducked off to give her a call, his stomach churning as the line trilled. Was he making a huge mistake?

"S̄wạs̄dī," she answered in Thai.

He really detested her smug voice. He sighed. "S̄wạs̄dī, phī̀ s̄āw," he answered in Thai but continued in English just to bother her. "I've decided to come visit you guys."

"Ŵāw, I didn't think you'd actually call back," she said with a scoff. "And you're actually coming home? Incredible."

"You say it like it was my choice to leave," Niran huffed.

"Well…" she hesitated. "Anyway, when are you coming?"

"We're just about finished with what we're doing here, so…" Niran dipped his toes in the small pond he was standing in front of. "Thinking of heading out tomorrow morning."

"We?" Nin snorted. "I should have known you wouldn't be coming alone. What's his name?"

"Why do you have to assume it's a guy?" Niran didn't like labels when it came to his sexuality, but if he had to please society, he'd identify as pansexual. He didn't discriminate; he loved everyone.

"N̂xng chāy. Seriously? Give me a break." Nin breathed heavily. "Now don't be silly. What's his name?"

Niran sighed, unable to keep from talking about his ebony knight. "Bap."

"Short and sweet, huh? What's it short for?"

That's right. Nin was nosy. "Baptiste. Happy?"

"Hmph. Seems I'll just have to wait and meet him for myself."

"I guess so," Niran said coolly. He just wanted this conversation to be over.

"Look, Niran. I know we've had our differences, but we've grown since then. Let's be adults about this."

He knew what she was saying. She wanted him to be cordial, which he guessed he could do since she was putting in the effort. "You're right, sawrîi."

"It's okay, N̂xng chāy. I know this is all new for you—for me, too. It'll take some time, but we have to start somewhere, right? Anyway, send me a message when you've landed and I'll tell you where we can meet up."

Niran rolled his eyes. "Getting a feel for Bap before letting me show him off, hm?"

Nin laughed her high-pitched laugh that always grated his nerves. "We can't have a repeat of that day, am I right? But seriously, I wanted you to take a breather before coming home to the madness that is mom and dad."

"That's… actually nice of you," Niran was about to go on a rant until he realized a breather was exactly what he'd need when he got back. He didn't know if he was ready for all the invasive questions and catching up he'd have to do!

"Yeah, so rest up. You've got a long flight," she said before hanging up.

Did she know where he was?


"Are you sure I should leave my research?" Niran was back in their home on the outskirts of Port-de-Paix, sitting on the floor, surrounded by clothes. It was nice being back home with Bap, and now that he was finally there, he didn't want to leave!

He wished he could turn back time and tell her he chose not to go. He was spending too much time worrying about what to pack!

Baptiste was a light packer; all he needed was his gear, and he figured anything else he needed, he could buy in Thailand. But it was always fun watching his lotus get all worked up about what to bring.

During his service for the Coalition, he made some good, lifelong connections, and even better connections while working for Talon. He had a buddy with a private jet that could get them to Thailand and back, which was great for Niran having to travel discreetly. They just had to get down to Port-au-Prince and leave from there.

He leaned against the door frame and watched Niran move around their room, throwing clothes into his suitcases haphazardly. He wasn't seriously considering taking his work with him, was he? "Bua, the last thing you want is to have your life's work stolen from you."

"I get it," Niran sighed, he was always so paranoid. It was for good reason, but it wasn't helping the pit in his stomach! His eyes drifted over to his golden glove; an upgraded version of his original. Should he take it with him?

"I see you looking at your glove, and as much as I'd like for you to bring it for protection…" Baptiste slipped past him and over to the golden glove he kept on the wall above their dresser, carefully lifting it off the pegs. It was such a masterpiece, capable of life and death, but he couldn't risk bringing this either. "This can't fall into the wrong hands."

Niran couldn't say he wasn't bummed, he so badly wanted to conduct his research with the earth from his homeland, but the risk was too great. He supposed he could bring back a trunk full of samples, but it wasn't the same. "Putting it in the safe?"

"It's the safest place," Bap went into Niran's study, secretly his favorite room in their house. It was always so welcoming and just the right temperature, and he could feel the life blossoming around him. It was like walking into a miniature greenhouse. "Thank goodness for advanced technology."

He found the safe and kneeled in front of it, placing the glove in it along with the rest of his research. He had a few pieces of advanced gear that he was glad he kept from Talon in times like these. He reactivated the invisibility cloak after locking it and left the room. "Done packing?"

"I don't think I can fit anything else in these," he gestured to the suitcases at the foot of the bed before plopping down on the mattress. Staring at the ceiling, he let out a loud sigh.

"Let's get some rest, Bua," Baptiste shed his clothing and crawled into bed next to him. "We've got a long ride to the city in the morning, and an even longer journey to Thailand."


"Having second thoughts?" It was a five-hour drive to the airstrip they were leaving from, and Niran spent the entire time in his thoughts. It wasn't bad, per se, but he usually had so much to say!

Niran was too caught up in his head to even hear Bap speaking to him. It would be a lie if he wasn't nervous about the whole thing, especially with the possibility of Nin knowing where he was. The last thing he wanted was to ruin his and Bap's life in Haiti. That was… if this whole thing was a setup.

However, if it wasn't, he was in the clear.

But why was she trying to scope him out? Goodness, he makes one mistake and they crucify him for it for life. Bap was the best one out of them all by a long shot! They shouldn't have anything negative to say this time around. He hoped.

It wasn't until they got to the airstrip that he finally snapped out of it. He looked at the private jet a few yards ahead of him in surprise. "Wow. Fancier than I expected."

"What, you thought it was going to be some cargo plane or something?" Bap poked, grabbing the bags out of the trunk. "I told you I had some connections."

Connections indeed, Niran thought to himself as he got settled on the plane. If he were honest, he was kind of dreading this long trip at first, but knowing he'd be traveling in comfort surely changed things. It wasn't anything too lavish, with a couple of decently sized couches and plush leather chairs, but it was definitely comfortable. Comfortable enough for him to make a mental note to ask Bap to keep this connection handy whenever they went places.

He slid into one of the leather chairs with a book, needing something to distract himself from his invasive thoughts. It was going to be a long flight— at least a day's travel! —with a couple of stops to refuel in between. Before they left their house that morning, Bap went over their itinerary. They had about eight hours from Freetown to Sierra Leone, a little over ten hours to Mumbai, and maybe five hours to Chiang Mai from there.

"We'll be taking off in a few," Bap came back to find Niran in his head again. He wanted to distract him, but how? He sat in the seat across from him, nudging a barely covered foot with his own.

"Hm? Second thoughts? I guess for a second…" Niran trailed off as he realized Bap asked him that question earlier. Goodness, how long had he been distracted?

"I asked you that a while ago," Baptiste chuckled, buckling his seat belt. "Tell me, amour. What's on your mind? You tell your sister we're on our way?"

"Not yet," Niran sighed, gazing through the window as the airplane began to move. "I'm waiting until we get there and settled."

"What's the plan?" Bap got comfortable in his seat, smirking as a dainty foot trailed up and down his shin.

"We get to Chiang Mai and rest, then I tell my sister we've arrived," Niran waved his hand around carelessly. "After that, she said she was going to send me the address of the meet-up spot, preferably a restaurant."

"Oh, I thought we were getting straight to the point. A meet and greet?" Bap was curious why his family wanted him to meet them at a restaurant instead of what used to be his home.

"Sort of. My sister wants to meet you first before inviting you over."

That wasn't what he was expecting, but he supposed it made sense; he was a stranger to them. And it eased him a bit knowing they wouldn't be staying with them for the duration of their visit. He wouldn't be able to rest if they did! "Oh, do I hear a story behind that?"

"Nothing too crazy, just an insane ex of mine." Niran didn't like talking about his previous rendezvous since they were mostly a cry for help in his… depressed era. "Nothing you want to hear about, I'm sure."

"Okontrè, mezanmi," Bap noticed he didn't speak much about that part of his past, and he had to say, he was very curious. "I want to know all about it."

"Ah," Niran looked away shyly. He hated it, but he really loved that about him. How he was so involved and interested in anything he had to say. He took in the familiar feeling of travel as the plane took off, he hadn't been able to fly in a while, so it was nice. He wasn't too fond of the reason for his travels, but nice, nonetheless. "There's not much to say except the fact that I was dating some older drunkard, I didn't know of his true nature at the time!"

"Did he show up drunk and cause a scene, or something along those lines?" Niran dating someone as unstable as a drunkard? He couldn't see it!

"Well…" Niran grinned, he hit the nail on the head. "It was Nin's birthday, and they invited me to the celebration and allowed a plus one. Of course, I thought I was dating someone much more sophisticated at the time, but apparently not."

"This was while you were in India, right?"

"Yeah, this was before I had to keep a low profile," Niran sighed, reminiscing about the money he had access to what felt like eons ago. "Even still, they flew us in on a private jet and paid for all of our accommodations. All we had to do was show up to her birthday dinner. Ruined wasn't even the word for it."

"Zut alors," Bap snickered. "I'll spare you from reliving the entire thing. Just know, you won't have to deal with any foolishness on my end."

"I'm aware of that, thī̀rạk, and I'm hoping Nin sees that too. Ever since then, they assume anyone I have in my life is crazy or bottom-of-the-barrel."

"So," Bap rubbed his chin in thought. "She's scoping me out, mwen wè." That could be a good thing or a bad thing. She could very well just be trying to see who he was as a person, but there could also be malicious intent behind it. But in all honesty, what was there for him to worry about? She had nothing on him!

"I'm sure you'd prefer it to be the other way around," Niran smiled in an attempt to hide the nerves that only festered in the pit of his stomach.

"Don't worry, I'll figure her and the rest of your family out on my own. I'm pretty good at reading people."

Baptiste could only offer his presence as his lotus tried to distract himself with a book of botanical studies he was certain to have memorized by now. A few hours in, and he even tried putting on headphones and listening to what he assumed was an audiobook of the same category, but was still unsuccessful in his goal to relax. It only made him feel bad because he knew how badly he wanted to bring his research, and denying him his work on his biolight was like… starving him to death, or something!

"Bua," he nudged his foot, getting his attention. "You need a better distraction than that."

Niran looked through the window, nothing but a vast blue sea beneath them. How long had he zoned out listening to his book? He wasn't even paying attention to what was being said! Not that it really mattered; he'd listened to this more times than he could count, and it served as a good placeholder for his actual studies. But Bap was too good at reading his emotions, even when he thought he was hiding them well. He glanced up at him, taking out his earpiece.

He was right. This wasn't working. And now, his chocolate-skinned knight was standing in front of him with his hand extended and a look on his face. Yeah, that would be a good distraction, wouldn't it? He took his hand and stood, following him to the couch.

"Vini la," Bap sat down, staring up at his handsome Niran lovingly. He kissed his hands before reaching up to bring his face down to his. "Ou bèl."

"Me?" Niran said in between kisses. "Beautiful? But you're the best-looking person I know."

"You give me too much credit," Bap hummed as Niran slid down to his knees, nestled between his legs. He tilted his head to the side, just loving the view. He knew he'd be all over it once he initiated it!

"Best looking, and gifted," Niran purred, working an already hard Bap out of his pants. He inhaled sharply as he sprang free, all but licking his lips. When it came to his Caribbean lover, he was no prude; he could bring out the wild side of him with a snap of his fingers. He couldn't count how many times they'd ducked off for a quickie after a friendly skirmish.

But head on a plane was new. This was hot.

Bap stared down at him under lidded eyes, lacing his fingers through frosty hair. Truly a sight to behold and the best at his craft, he groaned deeply as Niran wasted no time taking his length into his mouth in its entirety. He ate him alive, bobbing up and down his shaft while delicate hands slid up his shirt.

"O cheri," Bap let his head fall back on the couch, a hand cupping Niran's chin and the other tangled in his hair, guiding him just how he liked it. He definitely had to return the favor for this amazing work he was doing.

Niran, on the other hand, was in his own little slice of heaven. The way his thickness throbbed in his mouth, ready to explode made him reach down and free himself. He usually didn't mind just being on the pleasing end, but this time, he was hoping to get lucky. He was so worked up!

He gripped it, paying special attention to the head and swirling his tongue around the tip before taking it all the way again. He stroked himself, humming as if he was enjoying the tastiest treat and he locked eyes with Bap, who looked like he was holding back.

Baptiste didn't anticipate getting as into it as he was, and when he looked up at him with that sexy look in his eyes, he wanted to be buried deep inside of him. He pulled him up gently, biting his lip when he saw him hard and ready to go. Without a second thought, he gripped tight cheeks and brought him onto his lap, returning the favor as he intended.

Niran was pretty generous in size, and Bap always thought he had a pretty… well, everything about him was pretty. From the way he moaned softly as he sucked him off, to the way he held onto his shoulders when he began to prep him with a few fingers. He was nearly ready.

"Dàalíng, please," Niran clutched a set of wide shoulders, lost in the energy and ready to be taken. And his pleas were soon answered when he was suddenly invaded in the most pleasurable way.

Bap held him and kissed his neck while he rode him, he knew this was the distraction he needed to get his mind off things and loosen him up. Now, if he could only keep him this docile…


It took a little over a day to finally get to Chiang Mai, but what they didn't account for was the time difference! They'd spent so long in Haiti accustomed to Eastern Daylight Time, the eleven-hour difference was really difficult to manage! They landed around five in the morning, and Bap was extremely thankful that Niran called their hotel ahead of time to let them know they may have an early check-in.

Niran made reservations at the Shangri-La right in the heart of Chiang Mai, which was surprising to Baptiste, given how high the bounty was in his hometown. But his lovely lotus lived without fear, perhaps? And it wasn't as if he had it halfway planned out; he only made the reservation so Bap could check in for them. He'd literally been prepping him for this moment, teaching him Thai bit by bit just in case they ever decided to visit. And it was really coming in handy!

"So where are we meeting her?" Baptiste emerged from the bathroom with a white towel draped loosely around his hips after a hot, well-needed bath. He was stiff from the flight, and the water relaxed his muscles.

"She wants to meet us at a restaurant called Jarid for breakfast," Niran said, fussing with his hair in the vanity mirror. "It's strange when my body thinks it's dinnertime." He looked over at Bap, who looked good enough to eat, as usual. "You don't mind, do you? If so, I can just tell her we can meet for lunch."

"No, no, it's fine," Baptiste dug through his bag, looking for something suitable to wear to meet his boyfriend's sister. "I'm sure she picked breakfast time to account for our jet lag. It was nice of her."

"She offered to wait a day and let us rest, but I figured you'd want to get the first part of the visit done and over with," Niran spritzed himself with a lavender-scented spray. Cologne? Perfume? Whatever it was, he curated it from some Haitian plants and it was Bap's favorite scent. "I can show you around afterward if you're up for it."

Honestly, Baptiste didn't know how he'd feel after this "meet and greet". He might decide to take Niran back home to Haiti after the fact depending on how it went. To be frank, it was a good thing they were meeting up with her first.


"Yes, màa máa, I'm at the restaurant waiting for them right now." A brown-haired woman dressed casually in a black tee shirt and a deep, multicolored sarong that tied in a knot at her waist and black flats, sat in wait for her brother and his partner. She wanted to get there early so she could check them out as best she could before initiating a conversation, and it seemed Mother had the same idea.

"I'm early, but you know our Niran, he's just as punctual," Nin answered in Thai. "They should be here any minute, so I'll call you back. Okay." Nin put her phone away at just the perfect time; her estranged brother walked in wearing a navy blue chong kben and a baggy white shirt that was tucked neatly away.

It was refreshing to know he still wore his traditional attire, and he looked well. Healthy. And tailing behind him like some nervous bodyguard she assumed was the man named Baptiste, who had on khaki Bermuda shorts and a loose black polo—looking just like a tourist. She rolled her eyes with a silent scoff. This was going to be interesting.

"Nxng chāy! It's so good to see you!" Nin put on her best face as she stood and gave Niran a hug. Gosh, he was so tall! "It's been such a long time!" She motioned at the table before claiming her seat again. "Sit, sit," she said in English.

Niran was more tense than he'd ever been! Thank goodness he had Bap with him, or he wouldn't know how to compose himself! He couldn't tell if she was faking it or not, but the friendly façade she was putting on was kind of annoying. They sat down across from her as she sipped her water. "It truly has been a while." He gestured at Bap in introduction. "This is my dashing man, Bap, and Bap, this is my older sister Nin."

"Nice to meet you," Bap extended a hand, and she shook it. "The name is short for Baptiste. Jean-Baptiste Augustin."

"How was the flight?" Nin asked, the question directed more toward Baptiste. He was the one she was the most curious about. "I pray it wasn't too grueling."

"It wasn't bad at all, thanks for asking," Baptiste replied confidently, taking Niran's hand under the table. "I've got some connections here and there, so the trip was smooth."

"Glad to hear. Assuming it took a little over a day to get here, the jet lag must be bad," Nin scolded herself internally for saying more than she should have.

"It's an adjustment," Baptiste looked past her slip-up, only because of the possibility of Niran telling her where they were coming from. How else could she have known how long it took to get there? "But we're managing."

"Good," she said as the waiter came by to take their order. She watched the two of them interact, studying them silently. It appeared her little Niran taught his partner some Thai and was helping him order. How cute. How long had they been together? "So," she began as the waiter walked away. "I can't help but notice how close you two are."

Of course, this was the whole purpose of the visit. Niran sighed, he guessed they were getting right into it. He already knew there was nothing he could do to change the… judgment that was surely already brewing in her head. "Yes, we've been together for," he glanced at Bap for confirmation. "Two years now?"

"Almost three," Bap nodded. "Aiming for a lifetime."

"Dàalíng," Niran swooned with a blush. He always said the right thing at the right time. And judging by the look on Nin's face, he'd earned some brownie points!

"And you, Niran? Are you also aiming for a lifetime?" She asked as their waiter came back with their drinks. She didn't want to admit it, but it seemed like he picked a good one this time around.

"Of course," Niran squeezed his hand, looking over at him with a smile. "I can't imagine my life without him now."

It was small, but valuable information. She wanted to know more. "Where are you from?"

"Haiti," Baptiste had a suspicion she already had the answers to the questions she was asking, but what choice did he have but to play along? He could at least be a little vague. "Born and raised. Hoping to get a clinic up and running within the upcoming months."

"Is that where you guys are living currently?"

Before Bap could respond, Niran spoke up first. "Yes, we've been there a little over a year. He's helping me spread the joy of my biolight! Nin, the work we're doing, it's amazing!"

Nin listened to him beam about his presumably not-so-lavish lifestyle in Haiti, and she saw how in love they were. The way he looked at her brother was something out of a romance novel! They were honestly super cute. It was a shame. "Then I take it your studies are going well also?"

"Phī̀ s̄āw, you won't believe it," Niran said with stars in his eyes. "I've unintentionally created another lotus blossom!"

Bap nudged him under the table, why did he tell her that?! He knew he was excited to talk about his work, but they didn't even know yet if she was faking it or not! "Bua, I doubt she wants to get into the depths of your work…"

"Nonsense!" Nin grinned at Niran before sending a quick, icy glance in Baptiste's direction. "I want to know all about what my long-lost brother has been up to!"

Niran unintentionally ignored Bap trying to get his attention under the table, completely absorbed in talk of his work like always. "It was right when I asked Bap out a few years ago, I was working on my blossom, trying to come up with a relaxing agent when I accidentally created a separate blossom. I'm not quite sure how I did it, but since then, I've been trying to figure out exactly how to do it again."

"You didn't record or watch the physical changes?" Nin asked, somewhat interested.

"Well… it was actually on the day I asked him out, so it must have happened during our date," Niran agreed he should have set up a camera or something in his Venetian study, but to be fair, he didn't think something like that would happen! "I came back to show him my work and it mutated!"

He looked over at Bap, who was looking at him with a raised brow, probably wondering how much more he was going to talk about his work. It was classified, you know. "But enough about me, tell me what's new with you and everyone else," Niran said with a wave of his hand, trying to play off the fact that he was bursting at the seams mere seconds ago.

She knew as long as that guy was next to him, Niran wouldn't give up any more information. So, for now, she'd move on. She had everything she needed, anyway. "Oh, you know, same old, same old. In a few days, we'll hold a celebration for bpâa Chamrat for her birthday."

"Ah, that's right," Niran took a sip of his tea. "Then did Auntie request me specifically? Is that why you reached out?" Niran was just about as close to his aunt as he was to his parents, so he found it equally hard to believe that she asked to see him.

"Actually, no. I just thought it'd be nice to include you in the next family event," Nin tossed her hair to the side. "Of course, Baptiste is welcome."

"Oh, did he pass your test?" Niran sneered, not meaning to let out his… meaner side. Bap nudged him again and he immediately realized how he sounded. "Sorry."

"Don't worry about it," Nin smiled sweetly as their food came to the table. "I understand if you're a bit jaded with how I've been toward you and your… partners."

Niran didn't like how she paused when she said that. What was that supposed to mean?

"But to answer your question, yes, he did," Nin said, using her spoon to sip her broth. "I like you two together. This one has his head on straight, unlike the last one."

"Well… thank you," Niran felt a small bit of relief when she said that. The rest of the breakfast went about as smoothly as he thought it would. They engaged in small talk, mostly Nin asking about his well-being and trying to get more information out of Bap, but he was quiet most of the time. He assumed it was just to not reveal anything that didn't need to be. He was always so cautious.

"This tea is running through me," Niran mumbled to himself after a while. "I think I need to go to the little boy's room, excuse me." He excused himself before walking off to the restroom, temporarily free of the tense air at the table.

Nin watched her brother walk off and thought it the perfect opportunity to get to know this Jean-Baptiste a little more. "So sorry to call you guys out right after you got in. I hope you were able to rest a little bit beforehand."

"We got a little sleep on the plane," Baptiste responded coolly. He wasn't there to make friends with her. He could tell a mile away she was as phony as they came.

"Niran tells me you guys are staying at the Shangri-La in town. How do you like it?" She asked, polishing off her dish.

Bap shrugged, he really couldn't help himself. He was only being cordial for Niran.

"Gosh, you really hate me, don't you?" Nin put an elbow on the table and rested her chin in her palm, a smirk playing on her lips. "Wonder what lies he's told you about me."

"Cut the crap," Baptiste finally spat. He knew her true colors would emerge eventually. "I know you just invited him back here to set him up. And you call yourself his family."

Nin's mouth dropped, she couldn't believe this lowlife had the nerve to accuse her of perfidy! "Such big talk for someone who waited for their boyfriend to leave to talk crap. To his sister."

"Let me tell you something," Baptiste leaned in, lowering his voice a notch or two. "Niran is too smart to be held back by people like you. And if he gets swept up in the whole idea of 'family', I'll put a stop to it myself."

The set on this one! Did he know who he was speaking to with such contempt? She mimicked him, leaning in and speaking quietly. "Let me tell you something. With one call, I can uproot your entire life and turn it into shambles, so I'd watch your mouth. You don't know anything about this family to speak so recklessly."

Baptiste sucked his teeth. In one ear and out the other. "So you're saying this is all legit?" All he cared about was protecting Niran.

"Not that I have to explain myself to you," Nin rolled her eyes, she was kind of stuck. He seemed like the type that would take Niran away if he felt like he needed to, and she couldn't let that happen. "But yes, this is legitimate. I thought it would be nice for our Auntie to have a celebration with all of our family members."

She glanced at the corner of the restaurant, seeing Niran headed back to the table. "And I'd put on my best face for our dear Niran if you don't want him to find out what you just accused me of."

And there went the eggshells again. Niran wasn't ignorant of Bap's feelings about the Pruksamanees, but he wasn't sure how he'd feel if he found out what he'd just done. At the end of the day, this was his family, and it was the very reason he was there.

She was right, he needed to put on his best poker face until he could find more proof. They were supposedly holding a birthday celebration, anyway. They wouldn't ruin that by bringing drama into the family…

Would they?

"Did I miss anything good?" Niran sat back down and immediately noticed the change in atmosphere. He looked between Nin and Bap. Why… did he seem agitated? He always clenched his jaw when he was upset, and he kept telling him he needed to wear a mouth guard but he never listened. "I'll take the silence as a no."

"Nothing important, just gabbing." Nin looked at Baptiste from over her glass of water. "Right?"

"…yeah." Baptiste couldn't fake it even if he tried. Maybe it wasn't a good idea he tagged along.

"Dàalíng, are you tired?" Niran asked, taking Bap's hand. "We should go back and get some rest, no?"

"No worries, I need to head back, I'll give you a ring when it's time to drop by," Nin smirked. Niran always had a good sense of awareness. Perhaps calling it a day was a good idea. "You guys go, I'll handle the bill."

Baptiste stood, but instead of heading out, he dug some Baht out of his wallet and left it on the table. He didn't care if it was considered rude or whatever. He wasn't letting her pay for him. "Thanks but, I got it this time." Either that, or she could leave the cash on the table.

Nin leaned back in her chair with her arms crossed, watching the two of them leave the restaurant. She should have known things weren't going to go smoothly. She pulled out her phone and tapped the screen. "Màa máa, you were right," she spoke in Thai. "Yeah, they just left."

She looked at her nails as her mother spoke on the other end of the line. "Yeah. I've gotten all the information I need."

It was such a shame. In another life, they could have been friends.