Growing Together

Chapter 27

After an entire week of Pete staying over, Pete's father had brought the topic up during their family dinner. He insisted that they move into his house.

"After all, I'm away on business more often than not and the house is left empty. You, Pete, and In would be far more comfortable there." Nick had said before he was turning to his mother and telling her it might relieve some of her and Pete's worries. Especially, when they had the commodity of caretakers and cooks to take care of Kao's more basic needs.

Even his mother seemed to agree that perhaps that would be for the best. "Kao's bedroom is far too small to continue cramping both him and Pete, much less the baby," or so she had said back.

"The baby is going to need a lot of room, Kao, and you both will also need it," She said giving them both a gentle squeeze. They were both young and she was almost certain that a private space for them would do them both some good.

The only one who had seemed to disagree was his sister, Gift. "But if Kao moves, when will I get to see the baby?" She protested.

"We can always visit them, Gift," Mrs. Karn said with that gentle voice of her that had so easily convinced her.

Personally, Kao didn't like the idea. He didn't want to leave his home but when he looked at his mom's tired eyes and at Pete's dad he couldn't help but give in. Everyone had been so worried about him and having to leave him home alone during the day. Pete's dad must have also worried over Pete too...

But, he couldn't get used to it.

Living in Pete's house was uncomfortable. He couldn't get used to having Mrs. Lin following him and asking if he needed anything or if he was hungry. He couldn't get used to the quietness in the house without his sister bargain in the morning. He couldn't get used to Sun and Mork not visiting him as often. And he just couldn't get used to how much larger Pete's bed was or the way Pete seemed to be farther away from him. He couldn't help but miss the familiarity of his own room.

"Kao?" He suddenly heard Pete's voice breaking into the quiet of the night.

For some reason, he didn't want to answer him at all. He was frustrated with everything and it was really getting to him to the point he felt like crying. He didn't know why it all bothered him when he felt it shouldn't have—he was once used to all of those things before.

"Hey," Pete's voice had gotten softer as he carefully moved closer to Kao's side. He had extended his arm beneath the covers towards Kao's midsection, "Is In keeping you up?" He had asked gently stroking the swell of his belly.

"No..." Kao had simply said to bring his hand up to rub at his eyes.

"Then what's wrong?" Pete had asked getting a little more worried, "You've been tossing and turning all night." It was a little exaggerated but he had been pulling at the covers with every little movement and huffing like he was upset.

"You are too far away..." Kao had let out choking down a sob. He couldn't stop the tears rolling down his cheeks, the despair of that one statement had felt so heavy to even say out loud that he felt it deeper than it probably was.

Out of all the things he could have let out and complained about, the one thing he did say had Pete getting this stupid smile on his face. He had no idea that Kao would have said such a cute thing. He had been worried about In kicking him or perhaps contractions but it had been something like this.

"Why are you laughing? It's not funny..." Kao had complained further only turning back to his pillow to give Pete his back. He couldn't really be embarrassed at that moment when he felt like Pete was making fun of him and it had upset him to no end. He rubbed his face into it trying to silence the sniffles

"I'm not," Pete promised as he had scooted closer to Kao's side and let his arm naturally slide around his hip, "I was laughing at myself, I thought the space would be something you wanted. You haven't been able to sleep properly and I thought it was because I wasn't giving you the space you needed. I didn't think you'd miss me being close." He confessed pressing a kiss to his neck earning himself a small giggle from Kao.

"Is this better?" Pete had whispered trying his best to soothe those tears and that feeling Kao was suddenly overwhelmed with. He had never thought that something so small could have had him so distraught like this. He felt bad for even making him get to this point. All he could do to show that, was by gentle strokes to his belly and pressing his head against his.

"Hmm.." Kao had hummed finally feeling himself ease up a little. It didn't matter that he was at the edge of the bed at all, he was happy that he had the familiarity of Pete's warmth. But with that resolve, his stomach had rumbled disturbing the small moment. "Pete...I want pudding."

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A/N: I apologize that I haven't uploaded as often. I've been having a hard time finding my will to even approach my laptop ^^" But I hope you guys enjoy this small chapter. I will have more maybe in the following weeks. Maybe snippets of the other couples since I've seen people ask about certain couples.