Chapter Text
Pete doesn’t dream that night, despite the bizarre news they received the night before. Maybe the blanket knows not to touch that subject and leave Pete alone for now, or maybe it has decided to use its powers to soothe Pete and let him sleep without disruption. Regardless, he is grateful. Pete doesn’t open his eyes until 8 am and he feels well-rested. He can sense that Vegas is awake and sitting up next to him. When he opens his eyes a little, he can see Macau is sitting next to Vegas on the other side of the bed. They are quiet despite both of them being awake, but there is a slight movement that Pete can feel that only stops for a minute or so before starting up again. Pete figures they are gaming, but then he hears the sound of a dog over a speaker. His curiosity gets the best of him and he forces himself to sit up too, only to find Vegas signing to a woman on the phone.
Despite Pete not being fluent in any other language, he does know some Thai Sign language. Not a lot, but enough to hold somewhat of a conversation and get the gist of things. His aunt often used it when she decided to go mute out of nowhere and Pete picked things up back when she lived with him and his parents, since Pete’s step-grandmother utilized it when Nin was young and didn’t speak until she was six years old, which is when she just started speaking in full sentences. And even until recently, Pete and the other guards often used different signs on missions where silence is key. But this isn’t TSL. Several signs are the same - or at least they seem to be - but it’s off. It isn’t until Pete gets a glimpse of the woman on the screen - a woman who looks youthful, but likely in her sixties - that he realizes that this is likely Vegas’s and Macau’s grandmother and they’re probably using American Sign Language. It doesn’t take long until Vegas realizes Pete is awake and pulls him closer until he’s in frame.
“Grandma, this is him,” Vegas voices and signs at the same time, “This is Pete, my boyfriend. Pete, this is Fern, my grandma.”
And while Pete feels put on the spot at the introduction (he would have at least made his hair presentable), he can’t help but feel a thrill at Vegas calling him that so proudly. But he also feels embarrassment on Vegas’s behalf, because Pete isn’t really the type of person anyone should be proud to have as a boyfriend, but he moves past that thought and waves hello.
“Does she know TSL or ASL?” Pete asks.
“She knows both,” Macau says, voicing and signing, “We can interpret for you-”
“ Hello, Khun Fern. It’s nice to meet you. How are you doing today? ” Pete signs, causing Vegas’s and Macau’s jaws to drop, “ I only know some sign and I know I'm signing the words in the wrong order, but I will try my best to understand and sign what I can.”
“Pete, what the fuck?” Vegas asks bluntly, all while Macau interprets for what Pete assumes is for Fern’s accessibility, “You said you didn’t know any other languages! Were you needing extra attention that day? You could have just asked for love and validation rather than putting yourself down the way that you did-”
“You’re going too fast, Hia,” Macau says, looking frustrated, “I can’t sign as fast as you and Thai to ASL is hard .”
“I’m not fluent in any other languages,” Pete says, glancing at Macau to make sure his speed is acceptable, “I know some Thai Sign Language because of my aunt. She used to sign when she didn’t feel like talking, so I had her teach me because she was almost fluent from studying it. We also use it on missions sometimes. I know enough to get by, but I wouldn’t even be considered proficient.”
“No,” Vegas says, pointing at him, “That was actually good. You signed well . Without any hesitations or having to think in between words.”
Pete lets out a sigh, “But I still don’t know-”
“You know a lot more of the language than most other people do.”
The words come from Macau’s laptop and Vegas and Pete turn to look at Fern. While she seems relatively fluent in Thai, there is the monotone accent that is often associated with the Deaf community, along with a slight American accent, likely due to having an American speech therapist. Pete could only assume that’s the reason, at least. He’s suddenly very interested in knowing, but he doesn’t know how he could ask something like that without coming off as ignorant or invasive.
“Thank you, Pete. I really appreciate the effort you put into learning it,” Fern says, signing as she speaks, “And no need to call me Khun. I was born and raised here, and my parents came to New York when they were children. It feels strange to associate myself with Thai honorifics and it feels too formal anyway, especially if you are special to my grandson and have been taking care of him like he and Macau say you have. That being said, I wish they told me sooner. I would have flown there in a heartbeat. You should have contacted me, Vegas.”
Vegas groans, “I was in a coma, Grandma-”
“You could have woken up for a second to let me know!” she snaps, even though Vegas literally couldn’t. She seems to realize that and turn to Macau, “And you! Don’t think just because you didn’t live with me and work for me that you are excused for not calling me either.”
Macau winces, “I was under a lot of stress, Grandma. Pa died-”
“Good.”
“I mean, yeah,” Macau agrees, “But it was still a lot! I’m sorry I didn’t let you know, but I didn’t know how to break news like that and I didn’t know anyone else who could tell you for me! If Khun or Kinn did it, something might not have been clear, since they only know some sign. I guess they could have told you through an interpreter, but then I would feel even worse for putting that burden on them and not telling you myself. It wasn’t a decision made lightly and I feel really bad over it-”
“I’m coming in.”
Vegas blinks, “Grandma, that isn’t necessary. I’m going to be out of the hospital in a few days and-”
“You’ll need a lot of care and support at home,” Fern tells him, “You said Pete’s probably going to start going to work again pretty soon? And Macau needs to get back to school. I’ll come in.”
“...What about the restaurant?” Vegas asks, seeming a strange combination of hopeful and nervous, going by his slightly off sync signing, “And Lucy?”
“The restaurant has never been better,” Fern says, shrugging, “I just opened another location in Chelsea. Do you know how hard that is for an independent business owner, let alone a Deaf one? But incorporating multiple languages into the services, along with being a badass chef, made both locations take off and they are doing wonderfully! And I have you to thank for that. You’re the one who made up the multilingual and inclusive menus before you left! You even invented one of the most popular dishes on the menu. People love it, Vegas. The Astoria location was popular for locals before you moved here for college, but after all you did to help me? People come to both restaurants from all over. I was able to hire a full team and I could just stop going in if I wanted to.”
“...Really?” Vegas asks, seeming flattered and proud, but unsure how to take the praise, “The restaurants are doing that well? One of my dishes is popular?”
Fern rolls her eyes, “All of your dishes are in demand, honey. You’re an excellent chef and know what ingredients compliment each other. But one of them gets more attention than almost anything else. One of mine has it beat. But the one you designed was mentioned in Time Out New York a couple of months ago. I emailed it to you. Never got a response. Now I know your father was controlling you and making you act reckless enough to end up in a coma.'
“Oh,” Vegas says quietly. Pete can see he is overwhelmed, so he reaches over to rub his leg a little.
"That's why I said you should call your dad on his bluff and stay," she continues, "You were so upset to get on that plane with your father. I know you wanted to be with Macau, but I wish you would have stayed and we could have gotten Macau here for college. You getting this hurt would have never happened."
Pete has to wonder how much Vegas told her while he was asleep. Did he tell her everything? Did he tell her a lie or a half truth? Pete would have lied through his teeth to his grandmother if he were in Vegas's situation.
Vegas lets out a breath and puts his hands back up to sign, "There's nothing I can do about it now. But I'm done, Grandma. I'm out and it is because I want to be."
Fern watches her oldest grandson for a moment, then lets out a sigh and moves on.
“If you're concerned about Lucy, I’m sure she’d love to see you in person again,” she says, sounding more gentle as she stops signing briefly to pet the dog next to her before simcomming again, “You did pick her out for me. She missed you a lot when you moved back. I checked, and flying with a dog from the US to Thailand isn’t that complicated. I just need to look into the right airline to fly on. I’ve heard enough horror stories about pets dying on planes. I want to make sure there’s no chance of that happening. So while I figure that out and get a visa for a lengthier stay, you three should have enough time to settle into your new place. I miss you, honey. I hate that this happened to you. You need love and family right now. I want to be there. Okay?”
Vegas’s eyes fill with tears and he nods his head silently.
Fern makes a soft, concerned sound, “Don't cry. You have people around you who love you and you're getting one more. You're going to be okay. We'll make sure of it."
“Hia can’t help it,” Macau says as Pete rubs Vegas’s back, “He has a brain injury and it gets him emotional more easily. He’s happy you’re coming. We both are.”
Fern nods, then signs something to Macau that Pete only catches two words of, but enough to know it’s something sentimental and loving towards her grandson, enough to make him teary eyed too.
Fern then signs something that Pete doesn’t catch at all before she starts voicing again, “So how did you and Pete meet?”
“That’s a really loaded question,” Macau says under his breath, although it’s something that Fern obviously doesn’t catch.
But Vegas takes the opportunity to lean forward, “Hey, did you come to my second birthday party? You used to fly in for almost every birthday until Grandpa died."
“Oh yes,” Fern says, rolling her eyes, “Your grandfather loved to hold his financial privilege over my head and act like he was so selfless for flying his Deaf ex-wife in-”
“Grandma,” Vegas prompts, then waves his hand insistently in front of the laptop camera, “Second birthday? Did you go? I had it with another boy who was two years older than me. Do you remember?”
Fern thinks for a moment, then smiles and nods, “Yes. His name was Pete too! He was so sweet. He played with you so well and you followed him around everywhere, grinning and laughing in a way we never saw you do before.”
Vegas bites back a smile, then nods towards Pete, “That’s him.”
Fern looks surprised, “Oh? You kept in touch? That’s so sweet.”
“We…” Vegas starts, gesturing between the two of them, “We’ve entered each other’s lives a few times over the years in a few very different ways. But…now he’s here to stay.”
Vegas almost poses it like a question, as if Pete will deny it or get up and leave just to make a point. But instead, Pete looks at the camera and signs his answer.
“I’m here to stay.”
Fern smiles at that, and she seems so happy for Vegas. She seems relieved that he found someone right for him, plus touched over how they first met, even if they both don’t remember it.
“And to think,” Macau says with a sigh, signing along, “The two of you may have never met if Pa and Pete’s dad weren’t fucking behind their wives' backs.”
“Macau!” Vegas snaps.
“I think we still may have met,” Pete says, signing what he can despite still being disturbed by the revelation, “The way we met later on had nothing to do with our fathers having an…affair? Vegas, how do you sign that?”
Vegas shows him the sign in both Thai Sign Language and American Sign Language and Pete copies it. Vegas clears up any gaps and mistakes in what Pete just said very kindly. Fern doesn’t seem to be focusing on his lesson though, if she was even focused on it at all. In fact, she shows that she probably wasn’t with what she signs next.
“I knew it,” she says, shaking her head, “I knew there was something going on with Gun and that man! They snuck off when you two blew out the candles and Gun’s ascot was messed up when he came back! That was a clue, that messed up ascot. In fact, all of his ascots were a sign that he was fooling around with men!”
“Uh…Grandma?” Macau says hesitantly, “It’s not considered…politically…Hia, how do you sign politically? Thanks. It’s not politically correct to assume someone’s sexual orientation by their sense of fashion-”
Vegas cuts Macau off with his fit of giggles, causing Macau to look at his brother in exasperation.
“See?” Fern says, “My gay grandson agrees with me. He’s laughing. Well, it’s getting late here. I need to get to bed soon. I’m so glad you reached out and told me what was going on, but not happy about hearing about my stupid son-in-law’s extramarital affairs and what he's recently put you through. We're going to have to talk about this a lot more. You know that, right?"
"Yeah," Vegas says quietly, flicking his fist up and down, "I know."
Fern watches him for a second, then continues, "I’ll let you know when I have everything arranged for my flight. I love you both very much and can’t wait to see you. And Pete? Thank you for taking care of my boys.”
And then she logs off.
"See, Macau? That wasn't so bad," Vegas says gently.
"She's scary, Hia," Macau says, frowning, "Every time she came over, she told Pa off. People have died for less and she just kept doing it."
Vegas snorts at that, "Where do you think you and Ma got your spunk and stubbornness from?"
Macau's eyes become very childlike at that statement, "You think I'm like Ma?"
"You're a lot like her. You're definitely not like Pa," Vegas says, then fidgets with the blanket, "I'm probably more like Pa."
Macau immediately shakes his head, "You're not. You're caring and protective over the people you love like Ma was. Sensitive, in a good way. You just forgot for a bit, but you never forgot when it came to me."
Vegas tilts his head up and breathes through his nose, "Stop it, Macau."
Macau leans in, "It's so easy though. The littlest thing makes you feel so much-"
When Vegas shoves Macau and is actually successful knocking him off the bed, Macau is only outraged for three seconds before cheering over how strong Vegas is getting.
"You've tried to do that so many times with me and Kinn and this is the first time it worked!" He says excitedly, "Hia! You're going to be okay!"
And although Vegas is weirded out by Macau's reaction, Pete can't help but feel a jolt of excitement too. He is feeling so positive, that he forgets to call his dad and ignores calls from Si Se Ket when they appear on his caller ID later.
"How are you feeling?"
Vegas glances at his sleeping brother, "Why?"
Pete looks up from his book, "We're leaving tomorrow afternoon. I want to make sure you're feeling okay."
"...I think Macau will have a harder adjustment to leaving," Vegas says, "He's very possessive over that couch."
Pete smiles at that, "You're probably right. Maybe we should take it with us. Make it part of the living room decor.
Vegas looks like he'd rather flatline on the spot, but then perks up slightly, "We should redecorate though. The decor now is nice, but very minimal. There are a few things of my mother's I want to keep, but the rest was just put in there by one of Pa's interior designers. It wouldn't match either of us. You should pick some furniture and paint swabs out "
"You are going to trust me with the decor?" Pete asks, scoffing, "I have literally never decorated any of the places I lived in. I don't know how to make things look good. I'm already worried enough about looking the part once I start this job-"
Vegas purses his lips and sits up, "I swear, if this is about you feeling like you aren't hot enough-"
"It's not that," Pete says, which is mostly truthful, "It's just…the dress code with the minor family has always been more flexible. But Red always looked really classy and handsome and charismatic-"
"Oh, so you were in love with him," Vegas says, rolling his eyes, "Figures. All of our guards were-"
"I have never been in love with the head minor family bodyguard," Pete tells him, even though he shouldn't have to, "But if all of your guards were in awe of him, then that's all the more reason for a makeover. There will be a lot of comparisons going on. I need to focus on a new work wardrobe and haircut-"
Vegas shakes his head stubbornly, "You're perfect-"
"I look too young," Pete insists, getting up to look in the mirror, "I need to go to someone who knows what they're doing and look hot. Sophisticated. I would need to, even if I wasn't taking this job. I'm your partner as well. You might want to keep that quiet from the employees at the compound-"
"We're telling everyone, Pete," Vegas says, his voice hard, "You're mine."
Pete breathes in, then looks at the mirror, "Then I want to make some changes to my appearance."
A silence passes between them and Pete can't tell how Vegas is feeling about his announcement. He doesn't seem too happy or enthused by it. Pete had been expecting that. But then Vegas lets out a sigh and meets Pete's eyes.
"Fine," Vegas says, clenching his jaw, "But I really don't want you getting any unnecessary plastic surgery. You don't need any work done, just a fucking confidence boost, apparently. And if a different hairstyle and some higher end clothes help you get that, then I can accept it. I was going to get you some nice clothes anyway. Not because I don't like your clothes, but because you're my partner and I want you to have nice things. I want you to feel nice too."
Pete smiles at that and comes back to the bed to kiss Vegas's lips. Vegas puts a hand on the back of Pete's head and holds him there before leading him down until Pete is hovering over him.
"I love you," Pete whispers as soon as the kiss ends. Vegas stares into his eyes and strokes his face.
"I love you too," Vegas says, but sounds sad. That doesn't make sense to Pete until he continues, "I just wish you loved yourself."
Pete shrugs, because what can he say to that. He could point out that Vegas struggles with self-love as well, but it feels a little underhanded to say that. Instead, he kisses Vegas once more before coming up with an answer.
"We'll both work on it," he says. That must be the right thing to say, because Vegas nods in agreement.
"We'll work on it."
Vegas's medications are a little daunting once they are listed and in a bag.
Painkillers, dietary supplements, probiotics, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety sedatives. They are nothing compared to what he was once on and in time, most of the medications will be phased out, but it does make it clear that Vegas won't be fully healed once he's home. They had known that - especially with the wheelchair and forearm crutches leaving with them. Those end up being more upsetting for Vegas to see than the medications.
"I'm not using them," Vegas says stubbornly, now dressed in a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt, waiting on his made bed to sign the discharge papers, "I'm walking out of here."
"Hia, let us wheel you out," Macau says, pleading, "Kim is waiting out front in his car, but it's still a far walk. I'm sure you will be able to walk with either of these things in a few months. You can probably get around the apartment without them now. Just not farther distances. Not yet."
Vegas looks away and he's clearly bothered by his brother's words, but he doesn't fight him on it. He's probably embarrassed, but rational enough to know that falling down and re-injuring himself is not worth it.
"Hey, you'll get there," Pete says, sitting next to him, "Your physical therapist is coming over three times a week to work with you. I'm not starting work for at least another month, so I'll work with you the days she doesn't come in. This place has a pool too, right?"
"Oh, it's nice," Macau says, "There are two pools. One big one by the gym for the building, but we are the only ones with access to the rooftop pool."
"Then we'll have somewhere to build up your strength," Pete says, "And the whole time, you can work with me on my English and laugh at how bad at I am at it-"
"I wouldn't do that," Vegas says seriously, "That would be extremely unprofessional, even if you were just someone who hired me to help you-"
"P'Pete, you triggered teenage Hia," Macau says, snorting, "He took his language tutoring services very seriously."
Pete opens his mouth to answer, but the door swings open before he can. Only, it isn't Vegas's doctor. It's…
Porchay?
"Um…" Chay starts, looking at them nervously, "Kim and I were waiting out front and…and Khun Korn pulled up. He called to pay your bill a couple days ago and was notified of your discharge when he was talking to the insurance people. You should probably sue them for violating your medical privacy or something. Anyway, he wants to offer you a ride and a place to stay as you continue to heal. I said I had to go to the bathroom because I wanted to make sure you knew."
"...What?" Macau says, his face going pale, "He can't…He's not…P'Pete, what should we do?"
Pete can't answer. He can't answer because he doesn't know what to do. After everything they have found out, he doesn't want Korn close to Vegas or Macau. He may have spared Vegas's life to seem like he's a loving and compassionate uncle, but he's not. He not only knew about Vegas being pimped out to clients, he helped arrange it. He kidnapped Porsche's mother and faked her death. He may have arranged for both his wife and his brother's wife to be killed. He is dangerous and his appearance is clearly a way to show performative compassion all while making sure they know he's still in charge.
"Follow my lead. He needs to know we aren't a threat, so that's what we'll show him."
The words come from Vegas and he gets to his feet shakily, then carefully walks over to the wheelchair and sits down.
"Hia, what are you going to do?" Macau asks, but the doctor walks in and steps around Chay to go over the papers with them before Vegas can answer.
Pete pushes Vegas to the elevator and once they reach the first floor, they walk until the are at the sliding glass doors. They see Korn standing at the driver's side of Kim's car, just chatting as Kim keeps his expression stoic behind a dark pair of sunglasses. Pete recognizes the guard to the right. Win. A compound guard, who apparently got a promotion to serve Korn during outings. Pete has never been close to Win, but he knows that he's pretty well liked and obedient.
And then there is the other guard. Arm.
He doesn't look thrilled and he's stiff and quiet when they come outside, although Pete and Macau are stiff and quiet too. Pete guesses Arm's presence with Korn means he and Tankhun finally gave Kinn an answer. And it probably also means that something huge will eventually go down-
"Uncle Korn!"
Pete is ripped out of his thoughts by the sound of Vegas's voice. He sounds delighted and excited, enough to even make Korn do a double take.
"I missed you!" Vegas says, childlike and sincere as he bats Pete's hands off the back of his wheelchair to wheel closer to the car before holding his hand out, "What are you doing here?"
Korn studies Vegas for a moment, his eyes more calculating and evaluating than Pete has ever seen them, before they become soft as he takes Vegas's outstretched hand, "I just wanted to make sure you got back safe and settled in. I'm taking care of you and Macau now. Remember?"
It's clearly a test and maybe even a taunt, vaguely referring to the words he said to Vegas the night he put a bullet in Gun's head. Pete is genuinely worried that whatever act Vegas is putting up now is going to crumble.
But somehow, he doesn't even flinch.
"Thank you," he says sincerely, then holds Korn's hand to his face, "Pa wasn't nice to me. You're being so nice to me. Pa would have yelled at me and hit me for getting hurt. You are helping. And Pete is REALLY helping. I love him. I want you to meet him. Pete, meet my uncle."
Pete blinks, then forces himself to smile as he comes to the back Vegas's chair again.
"Khun Korn already knows me, Vegas," Pete says, rubbing Vegas's shoulder, "I worked for him and-"
"Now you're with me," Vegas says, nodding his head, as if it's coming back to him, "Right, right. I forgot for a second. Pete is my boyfriend, Uncle Korn. I love him."
Korn smiles at that, "I'm sure Pete will take good care of you and Macau. I was going to offer you three a place to stay at our compound, but I know Porsche would also like to welcome you to stay at the minor family compound. It's your choice."
Vegas shakes his head and holds Pete's hand on his shoulder, "We are moving into an apartment nearby. Fresh start. I don't think I want to be around all that. I want to focus on cooking and helping P'Pete learn English and more sign language. My grandma is coming in to see me! She's coming to take care of me once Pete starts work next month. She's bringing her dog too. I'm excited."
"Ah," Korn says, then Pete could swear that he smirks, "Well, that sounds nice, Vegas. I am glad you have people there for you during this…vulnerable time."
Vegas nods, then holds his arms out and waits. Korn stares down at him, awkwardly bends down and hugs his nephew, then lets go.
"I want to drive him," Kim says to his father, "I'm trying to…make amends. Or something. With Porsche being the minor family head and Pete accepting the head guard position, we thought it was best to give Vegas another chance. Besides, Chay and I are together and Chay and Macau are just the best of friends-"
"Ugh, stop being jealous because I brought him his homework," Chay groans, then comes over to the car, "As soon as we get them settled, Macau and I are playing Animal Crossing WITHOUT you!"
"Do you want to play videogames with us, Uncle Korn?" Vegas asks hopefully, "We can get you set up with a Nintendo account! You can buy Animal Crossing and we can visit your island to give you crops-"
"Another time," Korn says, then beckons Arm and Win with his hand, "I'll check in with Porsche after a while to see how your progress is coming along. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything. Understand?"
"I love you," Vegas says instead of an answer.
So Pete just rolls Vegas closer to the car and smiles, "We'll keep in touch. Thank you, Khun Korn."
Korn begins to walk away, but then stops next to Macau, "It was nice to see you too, Macau. I hope you aren't too overwhelmed with…this. It will be nice to get back to school and away from the responsibilities, won't it?"
Macau doesn't say a word. He just shrugs his shoulders and stares at his uncle until the man grins at the lack of response and walks back to his car with Win and Arm. Pete doesn't miss the glance Arm gives him before they are in their own vehicle and driving away.
"I stayed in the car so Korn wouldn't bug it," Kim says, a tension in his voice, "Pa was able to text me and let me know that his visit was a last minute decision."
"We're really going to need to talk about your mental health and trauma making you call your brother's boyfriend Pa," Chay mutters, but gets in the front seat next to his boyfriend, all while Pete helps his own into the back, someone who was so talkative just now and is not saying anything at all.
Pete doesn't risk asking him what the hell that was. He's going to wait until they are safe in their new home. The others seem to feel the same way. The ride is absolutely silent as they get on the highway, at least until Macau breaks it explosively.
"What the fuck, Hia?!" he shouts, leaning past Pete to try to get a better look at his brother, who has been looking out the window and away from them, "Why did you play nice with him?! Why would you put on some Oscar worthy performance and act like…"
Macau trails off at the sound of soft, heartbreaking cries. When Pete immediately grabs Vegas's hand, he feels it shaking.
Vegas had been extremely brave, all while feeling traumatized and terrified by seeing the man who murdered his father and took so much from him over the years.
"You're okay," Pete rasps, pulling Vegas closer, only to frown when Vegas's breathing gets more erratic, "Macau just wasn't expecting that. You got Korn off our asses. You got his guard down."
"I had to play along too," Kim says, his worried gaze appearing in the rearview mirror, "You did even better than I did. I wish he was fucking dead. I can't wait until he is."
"I'm sorry, Hia," Macau chokes out. He shifts the travel fish tank in his lap and turns in his seat to put his hand on his brother's back, "I didn't mean to yell. I really didn't. I just…I hate him. I hate what he and Pa did to you before and the shit he's put us through since. You shouldn't have to play nice with him or pretend to be harmless at all, even if it is to keep us safe."
Vegas doesn't have anything to say to that. Pete won't even try to make him and lets him hide his face in the crook of his elbow while he holds him. He does that until they get to their building.
And he can already tell it's a nice building. He hates Korn even more for tainting their move in day.
"We're here," Pete says, scratching Vegas's back gently as Kim, Chay, and Macau get out to unload the car, "You want the chair or do you want to try the crutches?"
Slowly, Vegas lifts himself out of Pete's arms and rubs at his eyes, "I'll try the crutches."
Pete nods, still holding Vegas's hand, "You need a minute?"
Vegas looks around warily, then finally shakes his head, "I want to get inside. I…fuck, I think I'm turning into how Khun used to be."
Pete tilts his head, "What do you mean?"
"I mean…" Vegas starts, then swallows thickly, "I mean that I felt fucking panicky at the thought of going outside when we were leaving."
"Ah," Pete says, "Well, you had just been told Korn was outside. You were understandably panicked. Macau and I were nervous too. And you haven't been outside much, other than for some walks during physical therapy. It's a huge change, Vegas. You're adjusting. It's expected. Maybe…Maybe we can call some of the therapist references your doctor gave you. He said he thought it might help you, especially right now-"
"Not if I can't talk about most of the shit I've gone through and done," Vegas says bitterly, but then looks at him, "I used to talk to the school counselors. Never about what Pa made me do for clients, but about my mom. About…a suicide attempt. Pa caught me before I got a chance to do anything and he…he actually cared. He cried and got me to put down the knife and it actually became a good moment. But I told my counselor and she called him in to meet with both of us. She said he needed to get me a therapist outside of school, but wanted to keep talking to me, then said Pa, Macau, and I should have family therapy to come to terms with Ma's death. I thought he was considering it. He pulled me out of school for the day, we got lunch together, and we watched a movie before cooking dinner together. Then, he slammed my head against the cabinet and screamed at me for talking about anything in my life, even though it wasn't about the business at all. I was just talking about Ma and how I was feeling. But I wasn't allowed to even talk about that."
Pete feels tears spring to his eyes, then brings Vegas's face forward to kiss him softly, "He's not here to hold you back anymore, Vegas. You can get better, and if there's a chance a therapist could help, then we'll figure it out. I'll talk to Porsche and see if we can get someone on the payroll. I know Kinn wanted to for Tankhun. Honestly, several of your family members and a lot of employees could benefit with a therapeutic team being on staff. We'll figure something out."
"Hm," is all Vegas says, then opens the car door. But it isn't a no, and Pete is grateful for that. He's also grateful that Tankhun is outside waiting for them.
"Pol and I rushed over here for a stakeout once we heard Pa was going to the hospital to offer you a ride," he says, then holds his arms out, much like how Vegas held them out for Korn, "Well? Come here. Let me comfort you."
Vegas takes the crutches from Pete and makes his way over, then lets his older cousin take his weight. Pete can't hear what Tankhun is whispering to Vegas, but it must be meaningful enough to make Vegas drop his crutches so he can return the embrace tightly until they gradually pull apart.
"Kim told me what a brilliant actor you were and that he's going to hire you for one of his music videos once you're all better," Tankhun says, smiling yet looking more tired than Pete has ever seen him, "That you appeased Pa with some eccentricity and likely took a page out of my book. Good job."
"It's probably what he wanted out of me when we were kidnapped," Vegas says with a shrug, then looks around, "Where's Pol?"
Tankhun lets out a sigh, then nods over towards the parking garage on the side of the building, "Next to the garage by the dumpster. There is a lone feral kitten over there, scared as can be. He's trying to give the poor little thing some food. We had groceries delivered for you guys. They just arrived a few minutes before you arrived. They are in the lobby and being kept safe by your doorman. But Pol stole a can of fish to try to lure the feisty and terrified baby out-"
"I'm going to go help him," Vegas says, then holds onto Tankhun as he picks the crutches back up to walk towards the garage. Despite Pete's nervousness over Vegas crutching around to rescue a feral kitten right after being discharged from the hospital, he makes a note that animals in need are a good distraction.
"Can you guys go on and get all the stuff upstairs and set up the fish tank?" Pete asks, already walking away to keep Vegas in his line of sight, "Macau, you have a key, right?"
"Are we getting a cat, P'Pete?" Macau asks hopefully, but confirms he is able to get into the penthouse. Pete currently doesn't have an answer for his question though and just walks away to follow Vegas, only to rush over when Vegas plops down next to Pol on the ground by the dumpster. Since he's already down there, Pete sits down next to him.
"It's nervous," Pol says, frowning as he scratches at the ground, "But one of your neighbors said they think this kitten was abandoned since they've seen it alone the last few days. I thought I could get it to come out so we could take it to a cat café. My friend from the theater is opening one soon. She saved up and bought a place, so if no one here wants-"
"Here kitty," Vegas says softly, rubbing his fingers together, "Come here, baby, no one is going to hurt you. It's okay."
And within thirty seconds, a small, black kitten nervously ventures out. It sniffs around as it comes closer and closer to Vegas, then hesitantly sniffs his fingers. When Vegas slowly opens his hand, the kitten moves around until bumping its head beneath it. It then shockingly walks onto Vegas's legs and curls up in his lap.
"Shit, look how fast they warmed up to you!" Pol says, looking impressed, "Looks like you have a cat, Vegas!"
"I've never had a cat," Vegas says, staring down at the feline as he strokes the baby's fur before looking at Pete, "Can we get a cat?"
Pete stares at Vegas's hopeful eyes, then looks down at the kitten, who is looking in his…general direction. The eyes look off and cloudy.
"Vegas, I think they're blind," Pete says quietly.
"That's okay," Vegas says, the kitten's disability clearly not mattering to him, "I have a deaf grandma. If I have a blind cat, it will even things up."
"That…" Pete starts, then squints at Vegas, "Vegas, that literally doesn't make sense-"
"Kim or Pol would be willing to go out and get stuff," Vegas says, clearly set on this, "And we'll schedule an appointment for the vet. There is one only a few blocks away from here. We can take her together."
"Or him," Pete points out, "We don't know."
"I'm getting girl vibes," Vegas says, watching the now affectionate cat fondly, "But it doesn't matter either way. Especially if you don't want to keep her-"
"I didn't say that," Pete says, rolling his eyes, "If you really want to keep this kitten, we can. I just…I don't want you to get attached and she ends up having some serious illness that's makes her blind and it gives her a short life-"
"If that's the case, then she deserves to spend those days feeling safe and loved," Vegas interrupts, all while Pol nods along in agreement solemnly, "But hopefully that isn't the case at all."
"Hopefully," Pete says, then slowly reaches over to pet the kitten. She flinches at first, but then begins to purr.
"See? She likes you," Vegas says, seeming satisfied as he gently lifts the kitten and puts her in Pete's lap, "You're going to have to carry her inside. Pol, help me."
When they go inside, Vegas greets the doorman and introduces Pete as his partner, Pol as his friend, and although he doesn't have a name for the kitten, he introduces her as their pet regardless. The security in the building is tight, and Pete can only suspect that it will only get tighter now that they're living here. The elevator requires a special code to get in and another special code to go to their floor. The penthouse takes up two floors, which means it's huge for an apartment. Pete hasn't even seen the place yet and he isn't sure he's cut out to live here. He lived at the compound, but he was a guard, not a head of household.
But he pushes the thoughts out of his head and focuses on petting the kitten soothingly until the door opens and Vegas opens the front door.
With his fingerprint.
Pete probably sounded stupid when he asked Macau if he had a key.
"I'll get yours programmed after dinner," Vegas says, then opens the door and leads the way inside.
The place is beautiful. There are huge windows in the living room that display a beautiful view of Lumphini Park and the surrounding buildings. The furniture is sleek and high end and a large flat screen television is mounted on the wall, while a spacey dining area is on the right side of the room. Chay and Macau have already taken the television over to game on a big screen, which is clearly more immersive than on their Switch screens since they don't even notice the three of them walk in until Vegas makes his way to the couch and sits down.
"We have a kitten," Vegas says, which has Macau immediately pausing his game and looking around.
"Where?" he asks with excitement, his face lighting up as his gaze zeroes in on Pete, "P'Pete! Bring them over!"
"Are the fish in a safe place?" Pete asks, bringing the kitten to the couch. He sits down next to Macau and lets him coo over the bundle in his arms.
"I put them in the master bedroom. Kim is setting the tank up," Macaus says, "They'll be safe from any cats that enter the family. Is it a boy or a girl?"
"I was waiting to check until more trust developed between us," Pete says, then hesitantly lifts the kitten up. When there are no signs of struggle, Pete lifts the tail to check. He had done it enough with the cats that his grandma had while he was growing up and knows enough to see that Vegas was right.
"Girl," he announces, which bafflingly has Vegas looking smug.
"Cecilia, then," Vegas says, nodding towards her, "That's her name. It means blind, because she clearly is."
"What is it with you and Tankhun naming your pets western names?" Pete asks, then pauses, "Like Ella and Wren! But I only met Wren. I helped you bury Ella by your mother's grave after I held you while you cried. Then we got frozen yogurt! Not ice cream. We had a sleepover with Tankhun after and I did your makeup to watch a horror movie because Tankhun demands we wear makeup any time a horror movie is put on. We played with a Ouija Board. Tankhun had ordered me to design one. Kim and Tankhun messed with Tawan and scared him. We slept on the fold out couch together!"
"And?" Vegas asks, causing Pete to feel stumped.
"And…" Pete says, then shrugs helplessly, "I don't know, but I remembered a lot just now!"
"We woke up cuddling, Pete! And we didn't stop right away after we woke up! We didn't say anything or do anything, but we both knew the other was awake!" Vegas says, groaning. Cecilia lets out a high pitched meow and walks over Pete's, Macau's, and Chay's legs, continuing to cry until making it to Vegas, only calming when she sniffs him and he picks her up and holds her against his chest.
"I remembered a lot of it," Pete mumbles, feeling a pang of guilt when their new kitten glares slightly to the left of him.
"You did a good job, P'Pete," Macau says as Kim walks back into the room, "Don't worry about uncovering more forgotten memories for now. Let me give you a tour! Chay will get us past this level. He's better at this game than I am. Hia, Khun is in the kitchen prepping some food to cook for dinner. You should make sure he does it right. Pol, make sure my brother gets there okay. It's behind those French doors, behind the dining room. If you open them up, it will make the whole place feel so much bigger."
"I think that's a good idea," Pol says agreeably, "And I'll go out and get some things for Cecilia right after. Come on, Vegas. Let's go make sure your cousin doesn't burn down the place."
Chay is happy to watch Cecilia once Vegas hands her to him. Kim is just happy to have a seat open up next to Chay.
The tour is revealing. Vegas had clearly underplayed the size of the penthouse, with it taking up half of the nineteenth floor and the entirety of the top floor. The roof itself is beautiful and beyond what Pete expected, with it's nice sized pool, garden terrace, and picnic tables and lounge chairs. When they go back down to the top floor, the master bedroom is absolutely beautiful and has smart glass to control how much light is let in. The room is big enough to have a living area and two walk-in closets. It has a bathroom attached with a large walk-in shower with a waterfall showerhead and a huge, sunken in, jacuzzi tub. When Pete sees the other three bedrooms, they aren't as magnificent, but they still impress him with their size and all of them have their personal bathrooms that are better than what Pete's experienced. The bathrooms attached to the major family guards' suites had been nice, but nothing like this.
"There is a fifth bedroom room that's a little smaller, but empty," Macau says, opening the door to reveal it, "It was decorated at one point. Ma set this place up so we could be a family. Sometimes it didn't always feel that way at the compound. Pa tended to be nicer when we were here, maybe because the building was technically Ma's. This room was a nursery for our sister."
"Sister?" Pete asks, frowning.
Macau shrugs and looks at the empty room, "She died four months after she was born. She was born really sick, so it was expected, but Ma and Hia took it hard. I don't really remember her well. Hia doesn't like to talk about her, but he loved her a lot. I guess her death caused a fight. Ma eventually wanted to try again for a baby and Pa refused, saying she produced…messed up kids. Because Hia has autism and I have epilepsy, but mine was caused by a brain infection brought on by a virus I had as a toddler, so that didn't even make sense. Whatever. But Brooklyn dying was the last straw for him. One of the only fights I remember Hia starting with him was after Ma died. Pa didn't have her buried with Brooklyn. But we had no control over that. The body…I guess it was burned beyond recognition. Uncle Korn took care of the arrangements. Pa barely looked at her and threw up, so he was upset. But he never…he never got revenge for her. He was too focused on the woman he was seeing behind her back."
That's…a lot to take in. Pete never realized how much trauma an empty room could bring out.
"Do you still have epilepsy?" Pete asks, because it's the easiest thing to tackle right now.
"...I guess?" Macau says, sounding unsure, but then smiles, "I haven't had a seizure since a few days before my sixteenth birthday. This is the longest I've gone without one. I'm good about taking my meds. If I make it to eighteen without one, I can get my driver's license, my motorcycle license too. I was always so pissed off about that. All my friends got their motorcycle license at fifteen, but I couldn't and Hia and Pa wouldn't lie for me. I have to go two full years without one before I'm eligible, but it isn't like I tell my doctor every time I have one. But Hia does. It's bullshit. So if I have a seizure in front of you, you can't EVER tell Hia."
Pete blinks, "Uh, Macau? I can't promise that. I would need to tell him if that happened. Sorry."
Macau huffs and slams the door to the empty room, then pouts the whole time as he shows him the personal theater, exercise room, and offices. When he takes him into the kitchen, he parts ways with him with a scowl.
"What's wrong with him?" Tankhun asks, standing next to a sitting Vegas in front of the stove.
"He is upset because I wouldn't agree to keeping any potential future seizures from Vegas," Pete says, only to rush forward when Vegas quickly stands up.
"Did he have one?" Vegas asks, stumbling as he walks forward, which causes Pete to hold onto his arm.
"He didn't have one," Pete says gently, "He just told me some stuff upstairs and he said that he just needs to make it two years without a seizure so he can get his license, then got paranoid and tried to tell me I couldn't tell you if I witnessed one before his birthday."
Vegas glares and walks towards the slid open French doors, "He's fucking telling me if that happens, Macau!"
"Shut up!"
Vegas looks like he's fuming and walks over to the island counter to grab his crutches, "Oh, you-"
"Vegas, let it go," Pete says, redirecting Vegas back over to the chair by the stove, "He's an angry teenager."
"Yes, Vegas. Let him be sassy. He's settling in and feeling like a kid again. And besides! I need you in here instructing me!" Tankhun says pointing at the pot, "What do I do?"
Vegas grabs a spoon and tastes it, "We just need to add a few spices and let it simmer. We'll add the sautèed seafood after fifteen minutes and let it cook for five more."
Tankhun nods, "We'll have to save some for Arm. He probably won't be done with his shift until 5, but he said he would come by after."
Pete sits down at one of the island stools, "How are you handling that?"
Tankhun pauses in his task, then hands Vegas the spoon and gestures for him to take over, "I was part of the decision making, but I still have an urge to give Kinn the cold shoulder regardless."
"Is Arm…enjoying the new job?" Pete asks, already knowing the answer to that.
"It's only been a few days, but he already hates being around him," Tankhun mutters, then lets out a sigh, "Not that Pa did anything wrong to him or in front of him. Yet. He just has a deep-seated hatred for him because of everything he's done. And who can blame him after what he went through? I'm sure a huge part of him wants to…take care of things and just be done with it. But that would be dangerous, even if he is successful. He won't do it without my say, anyway. He will take Kim's wants into account and maybe Kinn's too, but the decision on what to do comes down to me, if Arm is the one who ends up having to…well. It isn't a topic I want to talk about right now."
That's…heavy. Pete doesn't know how he would approach that potential responsibility at all, although Arm is apparently very much a ride or die for his boyfriend, so maybe the decision isn't as hard for him. Although, the prospect of calling for his father's head seems to be a difficult decision for Tankhun.
"Do you want to move in here?" Vegas asks quietly, "To get away from all of that?"
Tankhun lets out a breath, "I want to. But Arm can't. It would be way too suspicious. Pa knows Arm is dedicated to me as a guard and a friend. He knows that Arm spends his free time with me and Pol. I think he actually respects him because of that, how loyal he is. He would probably be safe because of that. But if Pa finds something out, I need to be nearby to protect Arm. I don't want to move out without him. So this…situation…will need to be resolved before any big moves are made."
Vegas seems disappointed, but understanding. He doesn't argue with Tankhun about it and respects his decision to delay his move out plans. Before Pete can ask if Tankhun's other plans for his future are being put on hold, he elaborates.
"I'm still getting my certification in a couple of weeks," Tankhun says, "I'm not inviting Pa to the ceremony or luncheon, but you all are free to attend. I figured focusing on a career may help me get my mind off things, at least while I'm not investigating. But even that may be put on hold. Kim isn't renewing his lease so he can be closer to Chay, and Chay doesn't really want to live in the compound with Pa, after everything he's heard. He wants to be close to his mother, but it's hard for him. He's a brave kid, but he also has a strong amount of self-preservation. They are trying to look nearby for a place, especially with Chay taking a gap year and Kim waiting to complete college until next year. They might be interested if any suitable units are available."
Vegas nods, "There are a few two bedrooms. There is one across the hall from the unit I want to give you and Arm when you want it. They can take it."
"But won't that be suspicious?" Pete asks, "Kim moving into Vegas's building?"
Tankhun rolls his eyes, "Kim has always been aloof and quietly rebellious without actually making Pa suspicious. He'll probably find it charming more than anything. We could probably spin it in a way that makes sense to Pa too, maybe Kim and Chay are taking on the responsibility of helping Vegas while you're at work and Macau is at school."
"...You should have someone here. At least for the first couple of months," Pete says to Vegas slowly, "It might be a good idea for it to be the two of them. Would you be okay with that?"
"Would Kinn and Porsche be okay with that?" Vegas asks, snorting, "I'm surprised Porsche is okay to with the idea of Chay and Kim moving in together at all, especially with the two of them literally just getting back together a week ago."
"He…" Tankhun starts, "Has mixed feelings. He thinks they are way too young and are rushing into everything, but he knows Chay isn't very comfortable in either compound. The only time he is even a little comfortable is if he's with me, Arm, and Pol or he's with both Kinn and Porsche, but everyone's responsibilities are being switched around so it's hard. Porsche actually…respects Kim's reasoning of getting Chay out of the compound, but still in a nearby apartment. As for Kinn, he wants Kim and Chay nearby in a secure location but not around Pa, especially…Especially with some things we recently found evidence of."
Vegas stares at him, "What is it?"
"...It's probably something we could have just taken your word for," Tankhun says, looking sad, "But Kinn needed something concrete. Not having physical evidence was making him anxious. But Arm hacked into some old correspondence emails between Pa and a prominent client you closed deals with. He sent your picture and the implications were vague, but clear."
Pete immediately goes over to move closer to Vegas, in case the topic is especially triggering. He figures that it is. But unexpectedly, Vegas is able to respond with an even tone.
"You could have asked me," Vegas says, "Uncle Korn was often at the dinners we had beforehand. He set a lot of it up. I'm sure Pa did too, but I think Uncle Korn came up with it."
Tankhun blinks his eyes rapidly, "I'm so sorry, Vegas. Like I said before, I wish we would have caught on or you felt comfortable enough to tell us."
Vegas breathes out, "I almost told you once. You could tell I was upset, but must have thought it was something at school or problems with Pa. I almost told Kinn too. He texted me on my mom's death anniversary to tell me he was thinking of me and invited me over. It was the same day Pete brought flowers to my mom's grave on your behalf. He hadn't arrived yet, and I texted this long text, telling him he didn't give a shit about me, asking him why I had to sleep with people to close deals when he didn't and why no one cared. I basically threatened to kill myself by my mom's headstone. But then Pete happened to visit and I erased it, then eventually felt good enough to come over."
The answer clearly doesn't make Tankhun feel better though, since his eyes fill with tears, "Damn it, Vegas. You…You should have sent it. You should have gotten those feelings out-"
"They turned out to be unfair," Vegas interjects quietly, "You guys didn't know and the text was cruel and claimed that you did-"
"But that kind of text would have helped clear things up for all of us," Tankhun chokes out, "Kinn would have dropped everything to go to the cemetery to help you. I would have stopped holding things against you that weren't your fault. We would have hid both you and Macau to keep you safe. I don't know how, but we would have done everything to try."
Vegas stares at his cousin sadly and doesn't seem to know what to say. He ends up letting the subject go at the sound of high pitched meowing entering the kitchen as Cecilia makes her way inside, only running into the island once.
"She probably wants to comfort one of you," Pete says, picking her up.
Tankhun sniffles and goes back to the stove to check the pot, "You go on, Vegas. It's fine. I'll bond with my new first cousin, once removed after we finish eating."
It's probably not a conversation the cousins will stop having any time soon. There is a lot of confusion, trauma, misunderstandings, and hurt that needs to be let out. But it's enough for today.
Pol arrives back at the apartment building and is rung up right before dinner is ready. They give her flea medicine, set up a litter box on the first floor and in the bathroom attached to the master bedroom on the second, since Vegas wants to keep her nearby for the first week or so. She catches onto using the litter box immediately and seems to appreciate the scratching post and certain toys once she senses them. They keep her content enough to stay occupied while eating dinner, which ends up being delicious. It's the best paella Pete has ever had, although he doesn't remember ever having it before. When he tells Vegas that, he confirms that he never ate paella with Pete the year they were friends.
"I figured you'd be a bad judge if Khun and I cooked a Thai dish," Vegas says, smirking, "Your need for spice when it comes to it is unmatched. If I made it to cater to you, everyone else would be miserable."
Pete grumbles, "I could have put some aside and added it for myself."
Arm arrives about an hour after they eat, looking happy to see Tankhun but genuinely pissy about his day. They don't get much out of him, just that he's sorry about Korn's sudden disappearance and that he hates chess.
Pete will try to talk to him when he's in a better mood. Even Pol seems to know not to ask Arm too many questions right now. He seems to feel better once he gets food in his stomach.
When everyone leaves, it's late. They stayed late under the guise of partying at a bar. Vegas even offers them places to crash, but Pete is happy that they didn't take him up on the offer. Vegas might be too, since he has Pete up against the wall of their new bedroom as soon as they get ready for bed and put Cecilia in the bathroom.
"Aren't you tired after today?" Pete asks, but exposes his neck once Vegas begins kissing it, "You have to be-"
"I'm not," Vegas says, then pulls Pete in for a proper kiss. While sexual intercourse was pointedly not recommended by Vegas's doctor for another few weeks, they are able to be safe while navigating other ways to make each other feel good, even while being "vanilla".
"I don't see how this is vanilla," Pete says, once Vegas ties a blindfold around him and straddles his waist.
"Pete, I literally had a secret sex room," Vegas says, letting out a laugh, "Minor sensory deprivation is vanilla in comparison."
Pete gulps, "Is that what you need? A literal sex room to get off?"
The silence feels longer when he can't see. The fact he can't evaluate Vegas's facial expressions is frustrating. But when Vegas starts running his hands up and down Pete's chest, it's almost soothing.
"No," he says quietly, "I don't need it. I just need you."
And then Vegas starts grinding against him until he's coming with a moan.
They eventually let Cecilia back in, but only after they are too tired to do anything else. Despite the delay, Cecilia seems grateful and takes the spot above Pete's head, which is probably for the best. The weighted blanket is likely too heavy for her.
Pete finds himself in a simple apartment that he's never seen before. He sits at a kitchen table across from Vegas's mother as two cups of tea appear in front of them.
"Why is the blanket disguising itself as a table cloth?" Milan asks, glancing down at the gray duvet covered table.
"...I don't know," Pete says, feeling no choice but to play along, "I think it likes to mess with my dreams and fuck with me."
"This is my dream, Pete," Milan says, then meets his eyes, "That's your name, right? Pete?"
"Yes," Pete says slowly, "And it's my dream."
Milan lets out a scoff, "You're having a dream about my windowless and inescapable apartment? If you were Dao, I may believe you, but have you ever lived here?"
Pete looks around, "No. I haven't. But I don't recognize half the places I dream up. It's probably a mixture of places I've been to-"
"And it looks exactly like the place I've woken up in every morning for the last ten years," Milan says bluntly.
"...Okay," Pete says, reaching for the mug on the table, "Whatever. You can think that if you want. This is my dream and my boyfriend's mother is dead-"
"Ah, so Korn faked my death."
Pete's hand stills on the mug and he meets her eyes, "What do you mean?"
Milan stares at him, "You really think he only faked Nampueng's?"
"He…" Pete starts, "He faked his own. But that was to lure Gun into starting an attack."
"Did my dear husband fall for it?" Milan sneers, "How did he fare?"
Pete shakes his head, "He didn't make it. I saw his body. Gun's dead."
Conflicting emotions flicker through Milan's expression before she becomes resolved, "And my boys?"
Pete breathes in, "They're safe. Vegas was hurt, but we're living in the penthouse now and he's continuing to heal. Macau is going back to school in a few days. They both don't want anything to do with the business."
Milan's eyes fill with tears and she nods, "Good. I never wanted them anywhere near it. I…I should have focused on them. I don't regret trying to find out what happened to Dao, but…"
Pete leans forward, "Her boys are safe too. I don't know if this is just a dream or your spirit is reaching out because it can't move on, but I'm telling you, they are all safe. I hope that brings you peace."
He expects for Milan to cry or smile and disappear in some bright, white light, but it never happens. Instead, she throws her mug of tea against the wall and gives Pete a hard look.
"I'm not dead, Pete," she hisses, "I am STUCK. And I am guessing this weird blanket that's obsessed with my son is bringing us together so you can find me. I don't know where I am and I don't know how you can help, but figure it out. I am sick of trying and failing to get back to my kids. All I want to do is be with them again and murder Korn-"
Milan cuts herself off and sharply inhales, "Did you hear that?"
"...Huh?" Pete asks helplessly.
"Breakfast," Milan says, "It must be Soar. He always comes too damn early."
And then she's gone and Pete feels himself thrusted out of the room and woken up by high pitched growling.
Pete lets out a gasp as he wakes up and turns his head to find Cecilia growling by his head. Vegas is still fast asleep, the nighttime med dosages and activities clearly catching up with him. When he looks at Cecilia again, he frowns when she seems to be looking past him and at the end of the bed. He doesn't know what she would be seeing. She doesn't seem able to see much at all, so he's truly curious as he follows her gaze and looks forward.
The blanket levitating a foot above them and glowing is definitely not what he pictured. When Pete scrambles and lets out a sound of shock, it drops back on top of them.
"Pete?" Vegas slurs out, barely opening his eyes as he lifts his head, "What was that? I felt something fall on me."
Pete breathes in and out and tries to stay calm, "I don't know. Go back to sleep."
Vegas nods agreeably and puts his head back down, "Okay. You don't know?"
"I don't know."
And Vegas seems to accept that as he immediately closes his eyes again. But Pete can't. He knows what he saw, but he doesn't know what it means. Maybe Vegas's desire to have his mother back is rubbing off on Pete. Maybe it really was just a dream.
But the conversation felt so real. He remembers it vividly and there was nothing strange about it, other than her claim of being alive.
So yeah, Pete is at a loss when it comes to interpreting what is going on.
But he's going to get to the bottom of it and figure it out.