Chapter 9
By the time Namtan and Film reached their room, they were both thoroughly exhausted from the tiring experience of dinner with Namtan's friends and family.
Film was still somewhat proud of her apparently extensive knowledge of Namtan, cementing her place as her rightful best friend, as if there was any doubt to begin with.
Namtan, on the other hand, had been pleasantly intrigued and confused by Film's brief display of passionate enthusiasm, and credited it to nothing more than nerves. It's not like Film had to be jealous of Metawin. Namtan wasn't even interested in him.
Namtan, while fumbling with the keycard in the slit of the lock, decided to mildly press Film for information, since they'd mostly discussed the food (which was mainly Namtan's doing), on the way up.
"Namtan, may I help you?" Film asked softly, amusedly watching Namtan struggle.
She hadn't even had anything to drink, she just didn't have what Film called the "magic touch" when it came to inserting the keycard properly.
Namtan had later made a joke saying she'd show Film how magical her touch could be, earning herself a smack on the arm and an eye roll.
"Sure." Namtan mumbled dejectedly, handing Film the card. "Have at it."
Film chuckled, stepping forward, sliding the card through in one motion, becoming cheekier by the second as the small light blinked green and she held the door open for Namtan.
"Thanks." Namtan muttered teasingly, snatching the key from her as she made a beeline for the bedroom, eager to take her heels off.
"Namtan?" Film asked tentatively. "Are you changing, or-?"
"Film, please." Namtan rolled her eyes, stepping through the doorframe to grab Film's wrist, pulling her into the room. "We're not those awkward friends who have to avoid each other. I'll just take the bathroom."
Film nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat as she removed her own heels. She watched Namtan pick up a few pieces of clothing from the dresser she'd unpacked everything into earlier, and then march into the bathroom, closing the door slightly.
"So." Film paused for a moment, sliding the straps off her shoulders as she set about changing. "When you said a family reunion, I'll admit, this isn't what I pictured."
"You pictured my family? Gross." Namtan's teasing call echoed in the bathroom.
Film shook her head, well aware that Namtan couldn't see. "Namtan." She sighed. "You know what I mean."
"What? You pictured great aunts and uncles and just a bunch of wrinkly people in general, pinching my cheeks?" Namtan replied, laughing a little at the sight she'd conjured in her mind.
"Well, yes." Film admitted, pulling on her nightgown: a short black dress with a thin, breathable material, and a slit on the left leg. She hadn't considered how risqué it might have looked until the moment she saw herself in the mirror on the back of the bathroom door, where Namtan changed on the other side.
"Nope." Namtan's voice sounded muffled, and then came a grunt. "That's-Ugh, that's my family. They're- Uh- all friends, really. We're all just- Dammit! We're all close."
Film's brows furrowed in absolute confusion. "-Namtan?" She questioned.
Whatever Namtan was up to, it sounded... dirty.
Film immediately scolded herself for thinking that, and instead eyed the soft looking carpet, deciding that, if Namtan was taking as long as she was, she might have been able to slip in a few yoga poses.
"Sorry." Namtan heaved on the other side. "I almost suffocated trying to get this god forsaken dress off."
Film chuckled amusedly to herself. Namtan certainly wasn't the girlier one, after a long evening of socializing and heels, she knew Namtan got all wound up and flustered, until she changed into something baggy and lazy.
Film secretly adored it.
"Okay." Namtan sighed, pushing the door open. She froze, dropping the dress as she caught sight of Film, who'd been in the middle of a side stretch, her dress and leg slit rising tantalizingly up her side.
"Whoa." Namtan breathed, eyes fixated on Film's figure. She was pretty sure her mouth parted and she started drooling a little. Film Racha was such a goddess.
Film had stopped mid-stretch, freezing as she caught sight of Namtan's tight fitting tank top and roomy boy-shorts, her breathing suddenly labored. She tried to play it off like she had been at it longer, and she was merely fatigued.
"Yoga?" Namtan asked incredulously.
"Care to join?" Film teased, knowing Namtan abhorred any physical activity that wasn't one-hundred percent mandatory.
"Uh..." This time, Namtan's refusal came much more slowly than it normally would have. Film couldn't understand why, even though it was so obviously the advantage Namtan possessed, of seeing her figure in such a kind nightgown. "Mmm-Oh, no!" Namtan's brow furrowed and she pouted, shaking her head.
"That's my girl." Film chuckled, straightening as she turned to her other leg.
Namtan smiled numbly to herself as she yanked the mini-fridge open. Her girl. She liked that.
"So." Namtan began, delighted to find a chocolate bar towards the side of the fridge door. "You did well, tonight."
Film smiled in response, murmuring a quiet thank you. "I think Metawin doesn't like me." She added, unable to conceal her smirk of satisfaction.
Namtan rolled her eyes. "Metawin can leave, then. Namtan Tipnaree defends her girlfriends." She added with a faux triumphant voice.
Film watched her with a raised brow. "Girlfriends? As in plural? More than one?" She teased. "Namtan Tipnaree, are you telling me that I'm not the only one?" Film batted her eyelashes as she pulled herself into a crisscross seating position, stretching her arms out before her.
Namtan's pupils dilated uncontrollably when she saw Film's toned arms inching forward, fingers curling at the tips. She shoved a piece of chocolate into her mouth.
Oh, wonderful, an aphrodisiac.
Just what she needed.
"Orm likes you." Namtan mumbled, but before Film could make any snide remarks regarding the valuable secrets she'd learned earlier, Namtan threw a hand up. "And shut up."
Film merely smiled in response, eyes failing to miss the way Namtan sucked a little chocolate off the tips of her fingers.
Suddenly, Film wanted chocolate.
"Hey!" Namtan asked suddenly, eyes widening.
Film looked alarmed, mirroring her expression as she stood, smoothing out her dress. "What is it?"
"What did my mom say to you?" Namtan asked, scrambling to the edge of the bed, closest to where Film was standing.
Film looked relaxed, then, as she realized it wasn't an emergency. "Oh." She took a breath. "Nothing, really."
She decided against telling Namtan about the bit where Lana called her fragile and a wild soul, incompatible with Film's need for order and consistency. Film didn't want to believe it herself.
Namtan rolled her eyes. "What, did she swear you into secrecy?"
"She grilled me." Film shrugged nonchalantly, as if it wasn't one of the more intimidating things she'd ever done. "She ordered me a scotch, asked about us."
Namtan pouted. "Tell me." She sighed. "She's done this and I want to know what her secrets are, she scares everyone away."
Film smiled. "I'm still here, aren't I?"
Namtan got onto her knees, leaning forward, wobbling slightly. Like she'd predicted, Film's hands were out in seconds, preventing her from falling.
"Can I bribe you?" Namtan asked with a playful grin. "I saw the way you've been eyeing this chocolate."
"Bribe?" Film scoffed. "Please, I was just working out, I-"
"I noticed." Namtan blurted out, immediately reddening and covering her mouth.
Film glanced away, cheeks rosy.
"Film, come on." Namtan groaned, waving the chocolate in front of her face, "A bite for an answer."
Film cocked a brow. "That is an enticing offer." She decided. "Move over."
"Yes Racha." Namtan laughed, moving aside so that Film could sit beside her. Namtan yanked the covers over them for good measure, though they stayed upright against the pillows.
"So, what questions did she ask?" Namtan inquired innocently.
"When we met, how we met..." Film shrugged. "Typical parent questions, I suppose."
Namtan nodded, breaking off a piece of chocolate and handing it to her.
Film put it in her mouth, cursing herself for being so weak, yet savoring each and every second of the sweet flavor.
"Oh, she was trying to figure out how long we've been sleeping together. If, at all." Namtan nodded suddenly, causing Film to choke on her chocolate altogether. "Whoa, easy there tiger." Namtan laughed lightly, patting Film's back, as if it did anything.
"She what?" Film croaked after a moment. "If I'd known, I wouldn't have been so headstrong, I-"
"Filmmmm.” Namtan turned to face her, shaking her head. "It's fine. You're good. She's just trying to get a feel for you."
Film nodded slowly. "Is there a reason why she pushes you towards Metawin?"
Namtan nodded in response. "Well, I think she thinks it's the safe route. She worries about me having big dreams and getting my heart broken." She shrugged. "I mean, I know she doesn't approve of my art career."
Film frowned. "What makes you say that?"
"You can tell. She's always telling me to go back, finish business school."
"But you abhorred business school." Film mumbled to herself, missing Namtan's smile when she recited the fact.
"Right." Namtan nodded. "Thankfully, there's dad for that department. With whom, by the way, I've set up a little talk with."
Film's heart hammered slightly. "For me?" She asked softly.
"Yeah." Namtan nodded. "You two can get lunch tomorrow while I catch up with my mom or Orm and Lingling. Just meet me whenever. And don't worry. He's nothing like my mom."
Film nodded slowly. "I-thank you, Namtan."
Namtan smiled back. "Cheer up. Your business is going to be fantastic, and this nightmare will be over soon."
Film wanted to tell her it wasn't a nightmare. That she was actually enjoying her time with Namtan, and even her interestingly weird friends. She hadn't felt like this in years. Tonight, with Metawin, she'd proven that she was worthy of a spot in their presence.
It was oddly satisfying, and Film wanted more of it.
"Namtan?" Film asked, glancing at Namtan's inquisitive wide gaze. "May I ask you something?"
"Best friends typically don't have to ask." Namtan replied amusedly.
Film was always so polite, so formal, it was endearing.
"Was today too much?" Film's voice sounded unsure.
"With Metawin?" Namtan asked, brow furrowed. "Of course not."
"Really?" Film looked perplexed. "I think I might have misread the signs. I understood that he was interested in you, and so I took the liberty of defe-"
"-Film." Namtan cut in. "You're fine. It was funny. Everyone thought so. Plus, you made us look convincing."
Film nodded slowly. "Alright."
"Plus..." Namtan glanced up into her brown eyes. "The kiss?"
Film's heart was erratically pumping as she struggled to maintain a calm demeanor.
"Nice touch." Namtan offered. "I was a bit surprised."
"Sorry." Film winced. She hadn't meant to-
"Pleasantly surprised." Namtan responded, and then suddenly, her mind flew to the way Film ever so gently sucked the icing off her bottom lip with those luscious lips in the brief kiss, and heat flooded south from where it had pooled in her stomach. "Oh, hey! TV..." Namtan glanced at the blank TV screen mounted on the wall, directly across from their view. "Shall we browse?" She wiggled her eyebrows and Film caved, hard.
"Fine." Film threw her head back in a silent little laugh. She was used to reading in the evening to calm her nerves about business, and Namtan knew that. Sometimes, she even wore glasses on the bridge of her nose, which Namtan promptly laughed at. Little did Film know that Namtan then secretly fantasized about Film's glasses and rolled up sleeves for the next week and a half. "Browse away."
Namtan grabbed the remote from her side of the nightstand, switching the TV on. "I wonder what's on."
The first channel was a news channel that Film listened to regularly. Her brown gaze lit up when she heard them talk about politics, but Namtan just glanced at her, making a face.
"Seriously? Politics gets you all hot and bothered?" Namtan teased.
Film blushed at the lewdness of the comment, rolling her eyes. "I enjoy being informed."
Namtan chuckled. "Well, with me, you're going to be very ignorant, thank you very much." She changed the channel.
Film pondered her words. Ignorance? That sounded about right. She felt almost blissful, after all.
"Oh, Grey's Anatomy!" Namtan clasped her hands together in adoration.
It was Film's turn to use her vetoing powers. "Namtan, no." She glanced at Namtan, then disdainfully at the screen. "It is a universal truth that House MD was the superior hospital drama."
Namtan rolled her eyes. "No one gets laid on House."
Film snatched the remote from her hands, smirking at Namtan's whine of protest.
And then the torture continued.
"Soap operas?"
"No."
"Spy drama?"
"No."
"Namtan, we're running out of options."
"Disney channel!"
"Namtan, no."
"Wait! Go back!"
Film tapped the button, returning to the previous channel she'd breezed right through. "Discovery channel? That's fair."
"It's shark week." Namtan grinned. "Who doesn't love a little danger?"
"I think they're docile, for the most part." Film responded, watching as Namtan slid further under the covers, resting her head on Film's chest as she leaned her entire body against Film's.
Film's heart was pounding, and she praying Namtan couldn't hear it.
On the screen, a shark was, as the narrator pointed out, stalking another shark, lurking in the shadows, jagged teeth visible through the murky waters. The narrator explained that the other shark was encroaching on the main shark's territory, and it felt threatened, getting ready to strike to defend itself.
"Reminds me of your mom." Film muttered, earning a bark of laughter from Namtan, who shook heavily against her, burrowing herself deeper into Film's warmth.
*
Lookmhee and Sonya were both fully, unfortunately, sober upon their return to their shared room, something which neither woman had come to accept.
It was already a bit unkempt, with Lookmhee's laptop and electronics spilled everywhere in the living room, while Sonya's various collections of what Lookmhee dubbed "badass stud clothing" were draped across every surface, in their haste to get ready.
Lookmhee and Sonya had both been absolutely ecstatic regarding Film's earlier semi-confrontation with Metawin, ending with her surprisingly sexual little kiss with Namtan.
"I honestly wasn't expecting that." Lookmhee muttered with a grin as she shut the door behind them.
"Really? She was losing it. You could see the vein about to burst in her forehead." Sonya smirked, exaggerating greatly like usual.
"You know, it's weird, because...Win isn't even into Namtan like that. I think." Lookmhee shrugged, glancing behind her at Sonya, who'd leaned against the counter with her arms crossed.
"It's really frustrating that those two idiots can't tell how badly they're in love." Sonya murmured, rubbing her temples.
"Yeah." Lookmhee growled, trying to reach her dress zipper on the back of her dress, clearly without much success. "Or at least how badly they want to fuck. Did you see the way Film licked her-Fuck! This is so hard!" Lookmhee had her tongue poking out in focus, and she missed Sonya's adoring gaze. "Unzip this damn thing, would you?"
Sonya smirked, stepping forward, eyeing Lookmhee's dress zipper with a dark look in her eyes. "What's the matter? Can't reach?"
"Obviously not." Lookmhee snorted. "Aren't you supposed to be some genius? That's a bit of a stupid question."
Sonya was the perfect match for Lookmhee's snark.
"Why, Ten usually unzip these for you?" Sonya drawled, fingers wrapping around the zip as she softly tugged down, her hands then following the expanse of Lookmhee's bare exposed back, watching as the other girl got chills.
"Shit." Lookmhee mumbled, whipping around, glad that the straps were still holding the dress in place. "And no." She added defensively. "...Faye did."
Sonya froze at that. "Did?" She repeated unsurely.
"We're not having this conversation. What is this, desperate housewives of LA?" Lookmhee scoffed, stepping into the bedroom to change.
Sonya chuckled at Lookmhee's antics and headed for the couch, putting her legs up on the coffee table as she switched the TV on.
In a few moments, Lookmhee came back out in a tight tank top and shorts, hair in an easygoing ponytail. "You can have the room."
"I'm in my room." Sonya replied, glancing at the shows available. "Oh, look at that. Ten's on TV." She muttered, jerking her head towards a Great White that filled the screen, titled in the corner: Shark Week.
Lookmhee smirked. "You're so jealous."
Sonya rolled her eyes. "Of what exactly, Racha?"
"Ten and I have a history." Lookmhee pressed, glancing at Sonya. "You don't like that."
"Is that what you think?" Sonya sneered. "Nice try, Sherlock. I just don't like him."
"Whatever." Lookmhee's smirk never faded. "Now get off my bed."
Sonya glanced down at the couch, eyes sparkling with recognition. "Your bed? Oh no, yours is in there." She jerked her head towards the bedroom.
"Ha. Funny." Lookmhee rolled her eyes. "Move."
"Seriously Lookmhee, I'm not screwing around." Sonya folded her arms. "Go."
Lookmhee plopped herself down beside Sonya, there arms brushing slightly. "No." She smirked.
Sonya matched her smirk with an intensive gaze of her own. "You want to try and sit through this? I guarantee you, you'll wake up in that bed by morning."
"Is that threat, or a promise?" Lookmhee teased.
"Neither. You're going to fall asleep here, and I'm going to claim this couch as my own." Sonya decided comfortably, confidence radiating in her voice.
"You're not even changed." Lookmhee scoffed. "You have to get clothes from your bag in the bedroom at some point."
"I'll just sleep in my bra." Sonya smirked.
"You really wanna challenge me, Sonya?" Lookmhee sneered.
"Yes." Sonya grinned.
"Fine."
"Fine."
"Good."
"Great."
"Change the goddamn channel. I hate sharks."
*
When Film woke up, she had no recollection of how she'd managed to end up entangled in Namtan's embrace, with the TV off and long forgotten.
She blinked hazily as she took in her surroundings, especially aware of just how numb her right arm was, crushed by the sleeping form of Namtan Tipnaree, hair splayed across Film's chest, breathing slow and even.
Film felt her heart rate quicken all over again. She'd made sure, once Namtan had fallen asleep, that they were on vastly different sides of the bed. But now? Namtan was climbing her like she was goddamn Mount Everest, her legs tangled with Namtan's.
She watched the rays of light pour in through the window she had uncharacteristically forgotten to close, bathing Namtan in a golden light, adding an angelic layer to her already beautiful appearance.
Film took in a silent breath. "Namtan?" She whispered, wincing as Namtan rolled ever so slightly, the familiar pang of "pins and needles" shooting up Film's arm, which was now thoroughly numb and asleep.
Namtan didn't budge, and Film bit her lip, not wanting to wake her up.
Film moved slightly, ever gentle in order to keep Namtan from stirring, glancing at the illuminated LED clock beside her nightstand. 6:03 AM. Film winced, knowing that it was her internal clock that, despite their late evening, caused her to get up for work.
Film glanced down at Namtan, sucking in a breath as she tried to slide her hand from under Namtan, sorry to have disturbed her at all.
"Mmm." Namtan grumbled incoherently, a silent frown forming on her lips.
Film froze, unsure if Namtan was fully awake or not. She felt Namtan's hand slide up her taut stomach, her eyes remaining closed.
"Namtan?" Film whispered, feeling pain shoot up in her cramped arm, chills engulfing her body from Namtan's touch. There was no way this could end well.
"Stay." Namtan huffed, burrowing back into Film's side, as if it weren't awkward at all.
As if they were dating.
"Namtan, I have to go-"
"No." Namtan grumbled. "Too early. Too cold."
Film smiled softly at that, knowing that Namtan was now fully coherent. "I'm going to go for a run, okay?"
"You're insane, Racha." Namtan grumbled, rolling off Film, her fingertips accidentally grazing Film's inner thigh as she did.
Film shot out of the bed like someone had lit a flame beneath her.
"I'll be back." She murmured, grabbing her clothes from the drawer as she slipped into the bathroom, careful not to disturb Namtan, who went back to sleep as easily as a hibernating bear.
*
Film would never admit that running was a source of sweet solace for her just because it felt good to run away.
Film tried not to think about it that way.
Instead she tried to focus on the pristine beaches before her, the way the palm trees swayed in the beginnings of a sunny, gilded day. She tried to enjoy the breeze that carried little strands of hair over her shoulder, or the tan she was getting from wearing nothing more than a sports bra and tights.
She tried to act like she wasn't terrified.
Because on some intimate level, Film knew she was. She was never one for familial affairs, what with her incessant bouncing around from house to house and family to family in her early childhood.
She had no one but herself. She'd learned to be her own best friend, to take care of herself and rely on herself only, because everyone else was a disappointment.
And then Namtan strolled into her life, with a bright smile and a warm gaze that told tales of rebellion and indulgence, and the simplest pleasures of life.
And Film tried to convince herself that it was because Namtan was one of her first, and only friends, that she felt such immensely strong feelings that washed over her and left her hazy.
She tried to convince herself that she only got chills when Namtan touched her because she hadn't been touched often in her lifetime. She lied and told herself that her heart hammered when she looked at Namtan because she felt happiness and that was "what best friends do, right?"
And she certainly didn't want to think about how the taste of Namtan's lips in hers made her knees buckle, and Namtan's soft whines of pleasure, her whimpers, begging for Film to just take control and-
She certainly hadn't been thinking about that.
And that wasn't the only issue with Namtan.
Her "family" was threatening, in the best way possible. They were so sweet, and accepting, save for two individuals Film didn't care to name. They welcomed her like she'd been married to Namtan for decades, and she'd never wanted to belong to a niche more in her lifetime.
That was troubling, because she'd never really belonged anywhere before.
She'd never had a family, friends to tease her and ask about who she liked, caring parents who interrogated her significant others at every turn.
She feared that she was actually enjoying herself.
She feared that Namtan was all she had, and god, she adored every second with her best friend.
When the seagulls squawked ahead, and Film truly opened her eyes, she found that she was almost back to the hotel, dripping after what was, at least, an hour and a half of jogging throughout the resort and down the stretch of golden coast that Los Angeles had to offer.
She had never felt at home there, before.
But she did with Namtan.
She beat her legs against the pavement faster, willing her back to the hotel entrance, and eventually to the room she shared with her best friend, willing away her feelings and her desires to be revisited again in her dreams and idle thoughts.
Namtan didn't deserve that.
"Film." Namtan panted. "Please, I want you to f..."
Film glanced up from between Namtan's thighs, grinning mischievously as Namtan gasped for air, watching as Film licked her soft, pillow-like lips, dripping with-
The blaring of Namtan's 7:30 AM wake-up call was not much better than Film's rude awakening only an hour and a half prior.
Namtan had risen next to Film's empty spot, and she thanked every god and deity she had ever heard of that Film wasn't there because she swore, she was grinding down on a pillow between her legs.
That pillow had been cast as the star of her dreams that morning, and it had been playing the part of Film Rachanun, who'd had her head tipped between Namtan's thighs with her husky low tone and intoxicating voice.
Namtan shot out of bed, not bothering to fully close the door behind her as she all but leapt into the shower with her clothes on, allowing the freezing water to scold her.
Namtan had never enjoyed cold showers, but nothing was more relieving at the moment.
Water and designer hotel soaps didn't seem to wash away the guilt she was feeling. That was Film Racha. Her nerd. Her best friend. She just tarnished a completely good mental relationship with those mental images.
Okay, but it wasn't Namtan's fault. It wasn't as if she'd intended for it to happen. Hell, it could have been any old brunette.
Except she'd woken up whimpering Film's name.
Namtan scrubbed furiously at herself, a sort of repentance for having experienced those sickly delightful thoughts about the beauty that was her best friend. The one she was supposed to be fake-dating. The one she needed to get her father to sign a check for.
"Jesus, Namtan." Namtan muttered to herself, shutting off the water as she reached for her towel. "Get it together."
She stepped out of the shower, body alive with goosebumps from both the cold and the residual effects of her thoughts. She wrapped the luxuriously soft towel around herself loosely, stepping forward to get a glance of herself in the mirror.
Unfortunately, that was when Film had chosen to come in from her run, thinking the open door meant Namtan was decent. She'd bumped smack into a completely startled Namtan, who'd then dropped her towel, causing both the girls to gape.
Film's eyes tried desperately not to roam the expanse of Namtan's goddess-like figure, her cheeks getting redder and redder by the second.
Namtan, at a loss for words, immediately bent over to pick up her dropped towel, unaware that Film was bending over to do it herself, ever the apologetic gentlewoman.
Instead, they ended up smacking foreheads, sending Film careening backwards and Namtan into a heap on the floor, where she meekly covered herself with her towel before even acknowledging the pain that was now shooting through her forehead.
"Fuck!" Namtan muttered, though it was mostly a reaction of embarrassment. "I'm sorry, I-"
"Namtan, I..." Film swallowed audibly, feline gaze focusing on anything but Namtan. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to-but you-"
Film was cut off by the sound of Namtan's husky laughter. She nervously dragged her gaze up, visibly heaving a sigh of relief when she realized Namtan was now covered, laughing hysterically on the bathroom floor, a beautiful mess of wet hair and dripping eyelashes.
Film's breath caught in her throat as she realized she might have seen the most beautiful view in the world, far greater than the pacifying oceans and soft ripples of the waves on the horizon she'd seen just that morning.
Film's cheeks were burning as her eyes slowly rose up to meet Namtan's gaze, vibrant with the effects of her laughter.
Film let out a quiet huff and a chuckle, and Namtan swore it was music to her ears.
"Sorry." Film mumbled one last time, watching as Namtan waved it off.
"Don't be. I just got scared. Didn't realize you'd be back." Namtan replied, still shaken from her laughing fit.
"I went for a run." Film huffed, standing shakily.
Namtan's eyes froze on Film's toned stomach, and for a moment, she forgot how to reply. "Uh, um..." She mumbled, then she snapped out of it. "You would." She rolled her eyes. "Heat depriver." She accused childishly.
Film smiled at that. "Sorry. Habits." She murmured.
Namtan nodded, blankly staring at Film's offered hand.
"Namtan?" Film asked, slightly confused. "Do you want to get up?"
Namtan blinked, cheeks turning crimson all over again. "I uh maybe it's better if you..."
Film nodded. "Uh. Right." She smoothed out her tights, turning away. "I'll wait for you to come out before using the shower."
Namtan nodded back, licking her lips awkwardly. "Okay!" She answered a bit enthusiastically. "I'll stop by Lookmhee and Sonya's room and you can meet me there. We're all getting breakfast and my dad said he has a surprise planned, so..." She rolled her eyes.
"Right." Film cleared her throat, hiding her smile. This was her opportunity to really appeal to Keith.
*
"Guys?" Namtan peered into Sonya and Lookmhee's hotel room, which was opened by a slit. The room was dark, and the curtains were closed.
"Mhee?" Namtan called out softly.
Was that... snoring?
Namtan pushed the heavy door open, praying she wouldn't find Lookmhee and Sonya in some compromisingly sexual position. Biting her lip, she glanced around, eyes widening when she found them both asleep on the couch.
Sonya had her head down, like she'd fallen asleep from exhaustion. Lookmhee, on the other hand, was sprawled over her, fully clothed, her neck uncomfortably cramped as she frowned in her sleep.
It seemed that neither girl was prepared for the slumber that overtook them.
"Mhee." Namtan whispered sharply, trying not to startle the girl. "Lookmhee!"
"Shut the fuck up." Sonya groaned, blinking as she clutched her neck in agony. "Wait." She froze, eyeing Namtan, who was looking at her with shock. "Tipnaree? What the hell?"
Her eyes fell to Lookmhee, who was still fast asleep on her side of the couch, liable to have one hell of a neck ache.
Namtan came over to Lookmhee's side, smirking. "Come on Lookmhee, we have to go."
"I don't wanna go to school." Lookmhee mumbled, throwing a dull hand in Namtan's way.
"Sonya will be there." Namtan smirked when Lookmhee stiffened at that, eyes shooting open as she licked her lips, her face furrowing in pain and confusion as her hand shot to her neck.
"What the hell?" Film blinked, arms folded, amusedly standing in the doorway, wearing a summer dress and her bathing suit under, like Namtan had instructed, via her father's orders.
"What is this, a goddamn party?" Sonya grumbled, rubbing her temples.
"You know, Sonya." Film smirked, coming to sit beside her. "There are these unbelievably useful items called beds...."
"Oh, piss off, Film." Sonya pushed her, barely moving the brunette who quirked a brow curiously.
"Seriously though." Namtan smiled as she helped Lookmhee sit up, who'd still been blinking the haze out of her vision. "What happened to you two?"
"We were..." Lookmhee cleared her throat, her voice particularly husky, which did not go unnoticed by Sonya. "Arguing over who should take the bed." She admitted the last part sheepishly.
"So.. you both took the couch?" Film murmured, smirking. "Something tells me your logic is a bit, flawed."
"Yeah yeah, Mrs. Georgetown Business graduate." Lookmhee snapped. "What would you have done?"
"Hey!" Namtan defended Film with a smirk. "We shared a bed and we survived."
"You two finally slept together?" Sonya's eyes widened as she smirked.
"What? Sonya, no, don't be so lewd-" Film cleared her throat, blushing once more.
Namtan was in mental hysteria just thinking of that dream.
"You're right." Sonya clicked her tongue, rising with a great sigh. "You sure as hell haven't been getting laid. You're as stiff as a board." She grinned, clasping her hands together, ignoring Film's shocked gaping.
"Who wants breakfast?"
*
"A boating trip." Namtan grumbled as she followed the entirety of their group to the docks, shaking her head. "A goddamn boating trip? Why? Pools are a thing, you know." She had yanked Film's arm and dragged her to the back of the group.
Metawin had maintained a friendly, respectful distance since their last encounter, and Film couldn't help the proud little glowing smirk she'd donned.
Damn straight.
Film had been more than patient. Keith had been so busy arranging their little boating excursion that he hadn't had time to do more than give Film a quick good-morning kiss on the cheek, just as Lana did, but that was all.
Namtan promised Film that she'd get some prime time with her father, if she had anything to do with it.
But for now, Namtan was simply fuming at the idea of a boating outing with the group and her parents, and Film couldn't seem to grasp why.
"You're particularly irritable." Film observed quietly, watching as Namtan's blonde hair waved in the breeze.
"It's LA, we don't need a boat." Namtan rolled her eyes.
"What's bothering you, Namtan?" Film asked softly, in that tone of voice she had, that was so serious and caring all at once, the one that made Namtan swoon. "Is it what happened between Metawin and me?"
Namtan shook her head profusely. "Oh, god, no." Namtan promised quickly. "It's just, I hate swimming." She admitted somewhat bashfully.
Film cracked a small smile. "Really?" She asked quietly.
Namtan's cheeks reddened and she rolled her eyes. "Yes, really."
"But you know how?" Film clarified.
"Of course, Film." Namtan mumbled, tugging her arm for good measure. "Why is this so funny to you?"
Film chuckled, and Namtan's heart fluttered a little. "I used to be a lifeguard, in one of my old towns."
Namtan's jaw dropped and she tried not to think of Film in a red one-piece, watching from her perch, diving into the water majestically. She obviously failed at that. "Seriously? This isn't a lie? Like when I told you I was in my high school chess club?"
"Seriously." Film nodded. "I enjoyed the community center and the pools. It was a good escape from home." She shrugged and before Namtan could do anything more than give her hand an apologetic squeeze, the group had stopped, facing a decently sized white boat, with two stories and a broad deck.
"What the actual fuck." Lookmhee muttered from beside Sonya, right in front of Namtan and Film. "Your dad has a boat?"
"That's a yacht, moron." Sonya rolled her eyes.
Film's heart stopped beating. If Keith and Lana were these kinds of high rollers, they'd have no issues bankrolling her startup company, right?
Ten smirked. "Nice model, Mr. K."
Metawin and Orm were already shoving each other to get on, while Aira and Lana had already boarded, looking effortlessly like the privileged parents they were.
"This-" Keith turned around to Film, putting a hand on her shoulder, "Is my pride and joy." He grinned like he had when Namtan was born, and Namtan rolled her eyes.
"It's.. very impressive, sir." Film offered unsurely, trying not to snap at Namtan, Sonya, and Lookmhee, who'd begun to snicker at her lame responses.
"I call her the Dropship." Keith grinned, motioning to the name painted in royal blue on the side of railing. "And I want you to be my co-captain, Film. What do you say?"
Film couldn't help the smile that formed on her lips. She felt more like Keith's daughter than she did a business partner, and it felt oddly refreshing. Film wasn't used to having someone so much older treat her like she was anything more than an object, or an employee, or a business partner. There was something warm in Keith's smile, and his eyes, and Film knew that was where Namtan got it from.
Film chanced a glance at Namtan, who offered her a wink of support, and allowed Lookmhee and Sonya to usher her on board.
"C'mon, kiddo." Keith grinned. "Not a bad view from my seat. I'll show you the ropes, we can chat a little gossip about Namtan..." He said that last part loud enough for Namtan to hear, and he watched as she stuck out her tongue, glancing back at Film with a smile.
Keith shook his head. These two were so madly in love.
*
"And that's how Namtan broke her arm skiing." Keith finished, clinking his glass of water with Film's in a salute as they both fell into quiet laughter, everyone else on the front deck while they sat at the perch, pleasantly anchored in what Film could only describe as the middle of nowhere.
Keith seemed to know exactly where they were.
Film's eyes swept the deck for Namtan.
First they found Lingling and Orm, with Metawin eyeing Lingling like the older protective brother he was, happily chatting with Lana and Aira. Film smiled. Lingling was, at least in some way, in the same predicament as she was. She felt bonded to her by that, besides the fact that she genuinely seemed like her type of person.
Her wandering gaze found Namtan talking to Jackson by the boat's edge on one side, while Ten sat with Lookmhee and Sonya on the other, flipping his hair and discussing how eco-friendly his family company was becoming.
Lookmhee looked like she could have been interested.
Sonya looked as if she wanted to murder him with her glance alone.
Film's eyes settled on Namtan, and she ignored the little somersaults her heart did. Her hair was blowing in the gentle breeze, and she'd stripped her sundress for her bikini underneath, which made Film think of unholy things, particularly in her father's presence.
Film had apparently been smiling at Namtan, because Keith let out a little chuckle.
"So, you like my daughter, huh?" Keith quipped.
"Yes, sir." Film responded instantly.
Well, they were best friends.
"I could've gleaned that much from the way you look at her." Keith offered, smiling at Film warmly.
"Sir, my intentions with her are-" Film's valiant offer was never completed.
Keith put up a hand. "Whoa, easy there. I'm not Lana. I know a good person when I see one, kid." He smiled, putting a comforting hand on Film's shoulder.
And Film wanted to cry, because for the first time in a long time, she felt at home.
"You know, I looked into your business." Keith started back up again, and Film turned to face him, eyes slightly wide. "That's a good set up you have there."
Film nodded slowly, blushing at the praise from such a successful man himself. "Thank you-" She nodded. "But, it's.."
"I heard your major investors pulled out." Keith nodded, carefully watching Film's expression, which remained stoic, though a little disappointment clouded her gaze.
"They did. Though I am keeping things afloat, it's very difficult to manage when you have next to no funds for growth." Film responded, and her voice didn't sound needy, or wanting. Rather, it was full of promise and opportunity.
Keith nodded, rubbing his chin. "You and I. Let's strike a deal."
Film's eyes widened, but she listened intently, mouth dry, heart racing wildly.
"I will write check after check to get you going, Film. Whatever it takes." Keith began, his confidence washing over Film in waves. "But, I have something that's not an easy task, in return."
Keith and Film turned when they heard a splash, and Film watched as Jackson and Namtan appeared to be wrestling or roughhousing in the water, while the others cheered on.
Film's look of concern was wiped away by Keith's dismissive hand wave. "Happens all the time, with those two. Namtan thinks she can take Jackson, and he never holds back." He shrugged with a chuckle. "Kids."
Film let out a smile, eyes locking with his. "Alright, if you're sure. You were saying, Mr. Tipnaree?"
"Keith." He reminded softly, a smile on his features. Film mirrored his look, feeling right at home for such a vital business transaction. "And, hear me out. I know I'm asking a lot but God, I've never seen Namtan this happy. Not since I told her I'd fund her art career until she could handle it all on her own."
Film's heart practically stopped altogether.
Oh, no.
"I just.. Love is a powerful thing, Film." Keith sighed happily. "I'm happy for you two."
Film opened her mouth to speak. Nothing came out.
"Listen, I know you might not be there in your relationship yet, and I won't make assumptions. But, a father has his instincts." Keith smiled, tapping his forehead lightly to illustrate his point. "My offer is this: You take care of Namtan, Film. When her mother and I aren't there. Take care of her, be there for her, support her dreams... be happy together." He pressed on. "I know that we just met you, but Namtan's been talking about you for ages, before you were even dating." He chuckled, watching Film gape. "She's never been so dedicated, before. She talks about you like she talks about her art."
Film felt her body go numb, heart hammering in her chest, eyes unable to focus.
What the hell was happening?
Namtan's father thought that they were in love.
Oh, no.
"So, what do you say, kid?" Keith smiled, extending his hand out.
Film froze. She thought a million thoughts at once, but before her mind could formulate a reaction, she heard a loud yell from the deck. Both whipping around, they saw Lookmhee and Ten perched over the edge, watching Jackson with looks of shock.
"Jackson, you idiot, that was too hard!" Lookmhee yelled. "I don't see Namtan!"
Metawin and Orm both calmly glanced up, as if this were some common occurrences. Lingling, cocked a brow, making a motion to stand up to help Namtan, but Orm put a hand on her arm, muttering, "Give it a sec."
Jackson glanced around him hurriedly, but Film was on the deck in seconds, tearing her top layer of clothing off, diving off the railing and into the water, where Namtan was clearly under.
"Holy shit." Ten grinned. "Baywatch, anyone?"
"Shut it, Ten." Metawin reproached as he watched the events unfold.
Film reached Namtan relatively easily, pulling the girl up without much effort, as she was light in the water, and not deep at all.
Namtan came up, choking up a little water, her hair swept behind her by Film, who was holding her with great concern, getting a good look at her face.
"Namtan?" She asked, relief flooding her chest when she saw that Namtan was perfectly fine. "Are you hurt?"
"Hey." Namtan croaked with a smile. "No, Babi, I'm fine."
Film heaved a great sigh of relief, slowly kicking towards the steps of the folding ladder that hung into the water, gently pushing Namtan up. Namtan sat onto the deck, hugging her knees into a tight ball while Film climbed up, reaching for a towel hanging off the side.
Without thinking, she wrapped Namtan in it, wrapping her arms around her from behind as she offered her a smile.
Keith, arms folded from his view on the upper deck, nodded once in approval, likely a mental note about Film's priorities.
"I didn't need saving." Namtan murmured, but the smile on her lips was undeniable.
"I know." Film responded with a smile. "Instinct, I suppose."
Namtan leaned back into her warm embrace, amused at how unaffected her family was at the ordeal, so used to Namtan and Jackson's antics.
"You okay?" Jackson asked from his spot in the water.
"I'm fine, but you hit like a girl." Namtan smirked, and Film rolled her eyes at Namtan's perseverance.
"Honey are you alright?" Lana called from her spot with Aira, lifting her sunglasses questioningly, seemingly allowing Film to be the one to care for her.
It was a test, of sorts. Everyone is watching to see how the new girlfriend handled Namtan's adventurous side.
Film was completely oblivious, the family, Keith's offer, everything but Namtan long forgotten.
Namtan turned, planting a soft kiss on Film's jaw, causing her to freeze up, her heart likely on the verge of imploding. "Thank you." She murmured against Film's now salty skin, arms moving from the towel to Film's neck as she pulled her against her lips, capturing them with her own.
Film's hands tightened around her as she leaned into Namtan's kiss hungrily, unable to get enough of Namtan's sweet taste against the saltiness of the water that coated them, her world shattering around her with every breath Namtan took.
Film's lips quivered against Namtan's, all the pent up want and raw need in her body, as well as all her fears and trepidation spilling out in wordless breaths, and Namtan took the time to stop and gently place a kiss on Film's forehead, calming her, as if she knew the turmoil in Film's heart.
"You okay, love?" Namtan murmured, and it was obvious that no one could hear the words exchanged between them.
Love. Film swooned a little.
She didn't have to say that. But of course, Namtan always took precautions.
"Yes, Namtan." Film hummed against her lips. "As long as you are."
The words rang with subtle honesty.
Namtan smiled, pressing her forehead against Film's. She watched the way little droplets of water clung to Film's lashes, accentuating her already flawless face. "A lifeguard, huh?" She chuckled. "Do you always kiss everyone you save?"
Film knew that one kiss was enough. That they'd done their part in convincing everyone. Her heart was aching and hammering and her lungs burned, her lips were swollen.
But it wasn't enough for her. And the need to taste Namtan took over; Film found her rationale jumping off the edge of the railing itself, and she was overtaken by her emotions.
"Just the cute ones." Film mumbled, wasting no time tangling herself back with Namtan's lips, thrills shooting through her when Namtan let out the tiniest whimper of pleasure, as Film placed the smallest of bites to her bottom lip. Namtan's whimpers and moans always did something to Film as she let out a soft growl.
They'd seemingly forgotten their surroundings, like any young love-struck couple, and lost themselves in each other.
"Get a room, right guys?" Ten smirked, eyes turning back to Lookmhee.
Sonya stood up, not bothering to disguise her noise of disgust. "I think I'll jump in, now. And never come back up." She muttered, eyeing Lookmhee with a look of disapproval.
"You know Lookmhee, I think you'd look pretty hot in a biki-" Ten never finished, because Sonya's foot had sent him flying over the edge, right onto Jackson, who growled, "Dude, what the fuck?!"
Lookmhee eyed Sonya, gaping, a grin finding its way to her features.
"Oh, shit." Sonya shrugged nonchalantly. "My foot slipped."