And I Will Consume You

35

Pete woke up to an empty bed, as per usual, though this time, he wished Vegas had been there. He always made sure to give Pete the after-care he deserved before they went to bed, but sometimes Pete really did wish he could wake up in Vegas' arms more often. It only ever happened on an off weekend where Vegas could either sleep in a little longer or didn't have any work in the mornings at all, but during the week it didn't happen to be convinient to do so. Turning over in the wrinkled white bedsheets, Pete's fingers played with the fabric of Vegas' pillow, the light of the window blinding him, though he didn't seem to notice it at all. Instead he simply stared at the empty bed bedside him with a frown. He probably shouldnt have asked for it. He knew Vegas was having a difficult day, which was an extreme understatement, but still he decided to provoke him into having sex. Sure, it could have helped a little bit, but not much more than maybe cuddling would. Pete didnt like the thought of using Vegas, especially while he was struggling, but he also knew that there was no changing the past. Of course he enjoyed the night before, in fact he'd rate it one of the best sessions they'd had, but that didn't mean he couldnt somewhat regret it too. Looking back on their relationship, it hadn't been exactly idealistic until maybe a week or two ago, and yet Pete was still unhappy. He was still convinced Vegas didn't spend enough time with him, convinced that if Vegas quit this buisness, he'd be able to live a perfectly normal life and they wouldn't have to deal with shady buisness anymore ever again. Pete knew it was naive of him to think so selfishly, and to think that Vegas would give up his fortune, his legacy, and the family business for him, but it still seemed so rosey in his mind. Dreams aren't something you're meant to accomplish, rather they're what drive you to achive what brings you the most happiness. That was something that Pete's grandma had said a long time ago, and while it was a somewhat dull or negative way of thinking, it was true. Not everyone would get to achive their dreams, and it was foolish of someone entirely average to think they would, yet it was more common than pebbles on cobbled roads.

Vegas never really got the chance to have dreams. Not with his father around. And even without him around now, Pete doubted that there was much room for him there. Not to say that he didnt know Vegas loved him. Of course he knew that. It was just that he wasn't sure simply love would be enough in the long run. Pete shook his head, catching himself in his own bluff and knowing all too well what a worry wart he tended to be when left to his own devices. Vegas loved him and he loved Vegas. Thats all that mattered at the moment, and while they did have problems here and there both related and unrelated to their relationship, they'd get through it together. Venice was a prime example of that. They'd figure out a way to make it work. Finally shuffling to get out of bed, Pete threw the blacket off his his legs, standing up with a gentle groan. The sting in his lower back had to be the worst of recent times, but with a shower and a little bit of walking it should get better soon enough. Thats how it always was, unless the off occasion of Vegas being gentle came around, in which case he'd be completely fine the day after.

After taking a shower, drying off, and getting getting dressed, Pete found himself downstairs where, to his surprise, Venice sat on the floor, playing with one of his toys on the carpet. Breakfast was already prepared and waiting on the kitchen table, but Vegas was no where to be seen. "Hia is playing on the computer" Venice said blankly, noticing how Pete had been looking around. Just as he'd expected, he was working. A busy lifestyle for a busy man. That was probably how the two families stayed so rich- they never got a break to just breathe. Other than Tankhun, he did nothing but relax. Pete ruffled Venice's hair playfully, scrunching his nose before sitting down beside him to watch as the boy played on his own. "Have you eaten yet?" Venice shook his head, setting the toy airplane down and looking up at Pete. He had the exact same eyes as Vegas did, though much more innocent and bright. Like if Vegas had grown up entirely differently. If Vegas had grown up to be a normal kid, work a normal job, and have a normal family. "I wanted to wait for Papa to wake up he doesn't have to eat alone". Unable to contain his smile, Pete cooed a gentle thanks, ruffling the boys hair one more time before helping him up and to the table. "Does Hia write a lot?" The boy asked in reference to Vegas' work, to which Pete replied with a nod, taking a moment to finish chewing his food before responding. "Yes, he does work a lot." Pete agreed, but quickly going back as he noticed how Vegas had been adressed for this second time now. "Why do you call him Hia and me papa?" Venice blushed, his cheeks plump as he chewed his food thoroughly and swallowing it. "...Hia is scary"

Pete giggled to himself, finding Venice's bashfullness quite adorable. "He is scary, isnt he? Don't worry, Hia may look scary, but he is very kind. He's secretly a superhero you know. At night he goes out and defeats all the bad guys" Pete whispered, watching as the boys eyes grew wide, sparkling with excitement. "Really?!" Pete had no idea kids could be this cute. If this what having a child was like, he wouldnt mind being a papa at all. "Yes, but its a secret." He whispered, holding a finger to his lips as to say 'don't go and beat people up thinking you're a superhero'. Of course, just then Vegas came out of the room holding an empty coffee cup; something he almost dropped in utter shock as Venice came charging at him full force, tugging at the sleeve of his shirt urgently. "Hia- Hia! Are you really a superhero!? What kind of bad guys do you defeat? What's your power? Can I see it? I promise I wont tell!" Vegas stumbled back, taking a moment to collect himself as the surprise had caught him off guard in more ways than one. Looking over to Pete for a moment with a questioning look, Vegas responded as best he could looking down at the little boy.

"Yes, I am a super hero. I beat bad guys who try to hurt your Papa or your brother or Hia. My power is super-strength but it only works when there are bad guys around." Vegas glanced at Pete again nervously, not knowing if he said the right things or not and somewhat annoyed with the fact that there was a snot goblin clawing at his expensive designer button up. "Wow! That's so cool! I hope I get to see you fight off bad guys some day. Then I could tell everyone how cool my daddy is"

As much as Vegas dreaded having to take care of a child now and as much as he disliked the added responsibility, he had to admit at least to himself that Venice was adorable. The innocence of a child was something so sweet and pure he himself wished he'd embraced it as much as he should have before it was taken away from him. "Maybe, just maybe, you will"