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It was a sunny Monday when the alarm clock went off in Macau's room. The bed was untidy, but empty and its owner was nowhere to be found. Walking around the house, it was easy to see the once stern place had become lighter. There were flowers among the darkness and toys in unimaginable places. Sounds could be heard coming from one of the rooms and there was Vegas getting dressed for another day of work. A delicious smell of coffee was coming from downstairs and there was Pete setting the table for breakfast. The wind was gently blowing through the window and then there was Venice, sleeping soundly under the vigilance of Macau, who had fallen asleep on the couch minutes before the little rascal last night.

At first, Macau was hurt by the sole existence of Venice. Since his stepmother's pregnancy announcement, he felt like the little affection his father had for him was being taken away. He would have never imagined, not even in his craziest dreams, how fast his life would change for the better with the presence of this little creature. Unlike Vegas, he had warmed up to Venice fast, almost as soon as Pete. Some might say it was exactly because of Pete. Macau also felt he should never let go of their sun, so he abided by Pete's wish. Having Pete in their lives was like living in a warm summer day, with beautiful clear skies. You just knew the future would be brighter, even in the face of the greatest storms. Macau was certain Vegas thought that way too and he would still catch himself looking at his brother's new expressions. A brother he didn't know he had, a brother he didn't know he needed. Don't get him wrong, he knew Vegas adored him, but he saw first hand years of pain dissipate from Vegas' eyes. The air of the minor house got easier to breathe and along with sun rays, hope also entered their lives.

When the food aroma reached Macau's nose, he woke up. He would always wake up in a bad mood, but that day he had slept well and felt energized. It was true that he hated school and that if he could he would definitely stay home and sleep more. Still, he got up and went for a quick shower. While he was getting dressed, he got himself thinking about how all of his clothes were well arranged and all his materials were neatly organized. That had never ever happened before in his life. He smiled because that must've been how having a mother felt like, or a decent father... He realized yet again how good it was to have a Pete in his life. In the past, he would leave his things all over the place. He had to admit he would even use the same uniform more than once without washing it. He knew that was a bad idea, but nobody cared for him, not even himself. Only Vegas truly loved and protected him. Vegas, however, didn't have enough time for him, he had his own demons to fight. Macau had to learn the hard way to take care of himself and he was not very good at that.

Macau felt lonely most of the time. He had "friends" at school, but no one he could really trust. Everyone knew he was rich, had power and privileges. He had no one who truly understood how messed up his family was or that he could confide about his worries and feelings. He didn't want to be a burden to his brother or clash with his father even more. He learned how to conceal his emotions too. If you asked him, there was nothing he was really interested in. No favorite movie, series, food or ice cream flavor. Life was so bland he would often find himself contemplating things... Asking himself what was his purpose in this world and many other "Why" questions. He was tired of everything. At some point, rage was living rent free in his mind and heart. He was just going with the flow. The night Vegas was almost gone, it all intensified and got too heavy. Life was pitch black. No emotion dominated him. Despair, fear and pain were fighting over his thoughts. His heart was crushed. Pete's promise that everything would be alright was the only thing giving him any hope. If Pete weren't there to hold his hand, or doctor Top to listen to him, he might have lost himself. Now, that is all in the past. Now, life is in technicolor. Macau often thinks he must have done at least one good thing in life to have his miracle granted. He has absolutely no idea of what it was though. He was getting dressed and when he looked at himself in the mirror he felt so happy his chest could burst. Was that happiness even real? Could he say for the first time ever that house felt like a...?

Macau heard a knock on the door and it was Pete, who said his morning greetings and announced breakfast was served. He was going to school earlier that day. One reason was getting to ride with Vegas, something Macau liked a lot, and the other was a math test. He had to check Chay's notes, they were inseparable now. Macau really appreciated Chay's friendship, he had helped him a lot with school and gave him support when Vegas was hospitalized. He deemed Kim equally lucky and stupid for playing so hard to get in the relationship with his best friend. Porsche worked with Vegas and would frequently drop by their school to pick up Chay and take them to eat something or go shopping with his cousin Kinn's credit card. Those memories always made Macau laugh hard. Anyone who knew the past rifts between the families and what they had been through wouldn't believe how friendly they were now.

Macau finished getting dressed and went downstairs. He sat at the table and was eating his rice while Vegas and Pete were bickering again. He was as amused as always, thinking of places to hide from embarrassment. Vegas burned something Pete had asked him to keep an eye on when he went upstairs to get Venice. They were arguing ferociously, but Macau knew the drill. In 5 minutes they would be all over each other. He smiled when Vegas checked on him and asked about the test. Pete also wanted to know if he had slept well while trying to feed Venice, who was making a mess and throwing food at Vegas. At last, Macau felt people paid attention to him. Every morning, they would have a peaceful breakfast. Sometimes Khun would stop by to disturb them, Venice would cry nonstop, Porsche would be there to steal some food, Vegas would be in such a berserk mood Pete would have no choice but to hit him... On second thought, Macau decided peaceful was not really the right word to describe them. Fun, he corrected himself. Every morning, they would have a fun breakfast or have fun during breakfast. He laughed at his words and took another mouthful, unaware that he finally had everything he ever wanted. Three loud reasons to live his best gangsta life and a home.