Cover me in sunshine (Completed)

chapter 14

For the rest of the evening Pete is unusually absent-minded. He does the whole evening routine rather automatically than consciously. Fortunately, Venice, who has not fallen asleep before dinner, is now fast asleep. After standing over his crib for a few minutes, patting the light blanket and smiling at how tightly the baby hugs his beloved hedgehog, Pete sighs, turns on the night light and goes to his room.

It's almost eleven pm. Pete's not sleeping. He reflects on his own stupidity and credulity. And he also tries to drive away thoughts about how Vegas is spending time now — for sure.

The dull sound of footsteps in the hall. Pete freezes. They stop right under his door. Pete doesn't need to see who is standing there now — he feels the fragrance of his perfume seeping through the door. Vegas seems to feel doubts — to enter or stay behind the door?

So stand there now...

No knocking on the door. No attempts to open it. Obviously, after standing there for a while, Vegas goes to his room.

You're indeed... a turkey!

Pete decides that he will not stoop to dramatic performances. Once invited for common breakfasts — okay, you will have common breakfasts. But no one will make me sit and smile sweetly if I don't want to.

"How are you doing?" Vegas asks with a smile, while Pete stirs porridge in Venice's saucer.

"I'm okay, Khun Vegas."

"I can't tell it by your voice. What's up, Pete?"

"Never mind," Pete raises his eyebrows in perplexity, "it's all right. Indeed."

Vegas curls his lips and nods a couple of times.

After a few minutes, he makes a new attempt to get Pete to talk.

"And yet?"

"What?"

"Pete. I know you. Tell it like it is."

"What shall I tell you?"

Vegas is gritting his teeth. The spoon rattles loudly on the plate. And only Venice's babble keeps him from further manifestation of emotions. Getting up from the table, Vegas kisses the baby on the forehead and tries to cover Pete's hand with his own, but the latter reflexively pulls it away, looking at the floor.

"I see. We'll talk later."

Like there's something to talk about...

Until his return, Pete keeps himself busy with everything he can. Even when Venice is having a nap, he goes through the box with his toys, calls his grandmother, tries watching some videos, thoughtlessly swiping one after another on the phone screen… Nothing helps. He can't take his mind off sad thoughts.

Vegas doesn't get to dinner tonight again. He finds Pete in the nursery around ten, clinging tightly to the sides of the crib. Venice sleeps with the button of his nose buried in fluffy hedgehog's spikes.

"I'm sorry. It didn't work out with dinner again... I decided to get some fresh air after work. So many thoughts have accumulated in my head. I can't get them in order in any way."

Pete glances briefly in his direction, then looks back at sleeping Venice.

"Pete. What's going on? Maybe you're tired of everything? Do you need a few days-off? Just tell me. We'll cope with it somehow for a few days, and you, please, have rest and enjoy yourself."

Pete frowns.

"Khun Vegas. Venice has just fallen asleep."

"Okay, got it," Vegas puts his palms forward, "can we go to your room, if you don't mind?" he asks quietly.