Six Crimson Seeds (A VegasPete Persephone AU)

Chapter 14: A Phone Call

Pete's mind was comfortably numb by the time Kinn came back to Khun's room to tell them they were cleared to leave Olympus for the week. He said he had already told everyone else that would be coming, so Pete decided it was time to pack and get some rest. His room felt strange when he entered it, but he figured the events of the day were catching up to him. After he packed and showered, Pete lay in bed and pulled out the book Vegas had given him. He reached for the note he used as a bookmark and was startled to find it on a different page than he remembered. Macau often let himself into Pete's room, however, so Pete just figured Macau had hidden in there and gotten bored. He had no time to feel plagued by strange thoughts when he was going to be able to see his Yai after what felt like an eternity.

Pete put the book back, his mind too busy to focus on the words, and stared unseeing up at his ceiling. He was so lost in his thoughts he assumed he was hearing things when he heard the knock on his door. It was hesitant, careful. But when it came again, Pete knew he wasn't imagining things.

Pete wondered if Macau couldn't sleep. Maybe he was worried about traveling. Pete put on his softest smile to open the door, dropping it violently when he saw who was disturbing him at the late hour.

"Did I wake you up?"

"Wrong room."

Vegas frowned, stepping forward before Pete could close the door in his face. "No, it isn't."

"Porsche isn't here."

"Pete-"

Vegas wanted to argue, but he couldn't find the words. It was true that he had been flirting with Porsche a little, but it was only to get on his good side. Somewhere along the way, Vegas really found himself liking the guy. Not in a romantic way, but they did have a lot in common.

"What do you want, Vegas?"

After a moment, Vegas reached out and grabbed Pete's hand, rubbing his thumb across Pete's rough knuckles. Pete had the hands of a fighter, and Vegas loved them. Those hands could knock someone out, but those same hands could also hold him as if he were made of porcelain.

"Have you called your Yai to tell her we are coming?"

"You're coming too?"

Pete didn't sound upset, just surprised.

"Kinn said we all had to go."

"Khun only said that-"

"I'm still going, regardless," Vegas said quickly. "I want to see your home. Where you grew up."

Pete tilted his head. Vegas was speaking so sweetly that Pete almost forgot he was supposed to be mad at him.

"So is Yai expecting us?" Vegas tugged playfully on Pete's hand, smiling when Pete moved with him easily. Pete was melting, just a little.

"I can't call anyone. I don't have access to a phone."

Vegas smirked, tugging Pete's hand harder until Pete's chest was pressed against his own, with Pete's other hand bracing against the sharp jut of Vegas's clavicle.

He leaned closer as if he were about to kiss Pete again. To his delight, Pete's eyes fluttered and his lips parted in anticipation. As much as Vegas wanted to chase Pete into his room and kiss him, he wanted to do something nice for Pete more.

"I can fix that."

Pete looked puzzled but smiled as Vegas dragged him down the hallway. As they got closer to their destination, however, Pete began to get nervous. They were heading straight for Korn's office.