Cover me in sunshine (Completed)

chapter 4

"Was the night sleep good?"

"He woke up a couple of times during the night because of his teeth and toilet, but in general, yes, Venice slept well."

"I'm talking about you."

"Uh…"

Coming downstairs to bring Venice's breakfast, Pete finds his young master with the same attributes of his morning as the day before: coffee and the book. Only today, instead of indifferent nods, Vegas raises his slightly narrowed gaze at him and in response to "good morning, Khun Vegas" asks a question.

"So what? I hope we didn't bother you too much?"

Pete doesn't even immediately realize who those "we" are and how they could "interfere" with his sleep. When he guesses, he shrugs:

"Khun Vegas. I've been with the baby all day. And at night I come to him. So the rest of the time I try to get enough sleep."

"Mhm. It's good. Sometimes I am very "loud"."

Why should I know that?

"Very valuable information," sounds not without sarcasm.

Which I will never need.

Vegas grins:

"I hope I didn't embarrass you?"

Pete clears his throat:

"It's all right, Khun Vegas."

"Okay. What are your plans for today?"

"Now he will have a meal and we'll play in the garden. And it would be necessary to decide something on the crib."

"I've already decided."

"Uh?"

"I ordered it online. You should like it."

Hmm... When did he do it? Between rides on his yesterday's stallion?

"Great."

Then Vegas remembers his habit. He nods, looking away.

"Have a nice day," Pete tilts his head, and then walks away towards the kitchen.

They take a constructor for a walk in the garden. Pete chose one so that the baby could not stuff the parts into his mouth and swallow them.

"Look, Venice, this will be the roof of our house, but first we will build…"

Pete catches sight of Vegas pulling his hair back and deftly saddling his red motorbike. He picks up the helmet and suddenly turns his head sharply, crossing his determined gaze with Pete's watching one. The latter immediately comes to his senses, jerks his shoulders as if shaking something off them, and continues to play with Venice.

Within a week, there are enough fingers on one hand to count how many times Vegas visited his brother or inquired about him. During those rare moments that they are together, Pete tries his best to show how smart Venice is and how he is already taking small steps around the room, even with support, how well he eats and slowly learns to hold a spoon.

"Actually, I can teach him to use the toilet soon instead of diapers."

Vegas purses his lips:

"Awesome. Well, I see you're not wasting your time."

And then he leaves. And Pete begins to suspect that these parishes are just to clear his conscience.

On Saturday morning, Pete is already standing next to Vegas holding his "book and coffee ritual."

"Is something wrong with the baby?"

"Venice is fine."

"Hmm. Have you run out of money on the card? I seem to have set up automatic balance replenishment once a week."

"No, no. That's all right, too."

"Then what?"

"Well, it's Saturday, right, you have a day off, haven't you?"

"Let's say," Vegas turns the page. "So?"

"The weather is wonderful. And it's not very hot. Venice and I are going to the beach. It will be useful for the baby to stay near the ocean."

"So?"

Pete rubs his lower lip with the tip of his tongue:

"It would be great if you went too. Venice misses you very much."

Pete hears Vegas' laughter reverberate in his nose, causing his wide nostrils to flare like a dragon blowing smoke:

"I'm sure you can do it without me."

"What does it have to do with me? It's about Venice," Pete insists.

"Another time."

"Khun Vegas. Two hours. That's all you have to do. So much? And the baby will be happy."

"Which one?" Vegas quips mockingly.

"What?.."

"What?"

Pete is already starting to get annoyed by these "so-called jokes". And gets confused what is not good. Taking care of a child requires a lot of concentration.

"Khun Vegas. I'm begging you. Please, just for bab... Venice's sake. And... I'll tell you what," Pete tries to speak more confidently, correctly placing accents: "Children generously share their happiness and their carelessness with us. You and him will stay there for half an hour, near the ocean, and you will be surprised how easy your soul starts feeling. Come with us, eh?"

Vegas shrugs his shoulders.

"Please… Khun Vegas?"

"Okay. If I agree today, will you stop clinging to me with such requests?"

Pete shrugs in response.

"I see. Then here's what Pete: I'm going to do it. But keep in mind," Vegas lifts his chin, as if he's not looking at Pete right now, but at the tops of the trees, "after that, you owe me."

Pete barely holds back a burst of indignation. But for the sake of the baby it is necessary.

"Come on," Vegas winks at him and closes the book, "I was kidding. So, when are we leaving?"

Pete exhales, still not understanding Vegas's line of behaviour:

"Give us half an hour."

Without waiting for a potential "joke in his back", Pete rushes to the stairs.