Six Crimson Seeds (A VegasPete Persephone AU)

Chapter 15: Yai

    By the time they arrived at the hotel, Pete was absolutely certain something was going on between Arm and Tay. As much as he wanted to get to the bottom of it, he could wait. He needed to see his Yai, to feel her arms wrapped around him.

    "Let's hurry and drop off our things. We have somewhere to be," Khun announced as he adjusted his diamond-encrusted sunglasses.

    Pete's eyes met Vegas's for the first time that day. As much as Pete wanted to deny it, he hated waking up that morning with Vegas gone. He knew it was necessary, but it immediately brought his doubts crashing in again. Had Vegas's kisses the night before been an elaborate dream? Had the daylight changed Vegas's mind? Pete's eyes softened as he realized Vegas was still lightly bruised. He wanted to heal him, but not with everyone watching. 

    Vegas looked away first, moving to help Macau with his bags as they went into the hotel to check-in. Kinn collected a large stack of keys from the startled-looking girl at the front desk. She looked almost too stunned to speak in the presence of so many good-looking young men. Pete could sympathize.

    Kinn started with the bodyguards, doubling them up in rooms since they would be taking shifts, before moving on to their main group. Everyone was given their own key, but when Pete approached, Kinn smiled warmly with only a single key in his hand.

    "I know we are here on official business, but I figured you would want to stay with your grandmother." When Pete hesitated, he continued, "But I can get you a room if you-"

    "No! Thank you, Kinn."

    Pete dropped his bags and threw his arms around Kinn, surprising everyone into silence. After a quick squeeze, Pete pulled away, feeling embarrassed as he bent down to collect his things again.

    Kinn's cheeks were lightly flushed as he stepped away to lead everyone up the stairs to their rooms.

    Vegas had been about to get closer to Pete, hoping their rooms were adjoining, when Pete suddenly hugged Kinn. The sight of Pete's arms wrapped around his cousin made his chest constrict. Vegas knew he had no right to feel jealous. But it was Kinn. The voice in the back of his mind reminded him acidly that Kinn used to have a crush on Pete. That Kinn probably still did. It didn't help that Kinn's eyes got soft as he blushed. The hug was faster than taking a breath, but the effects of it lingered.

    The worst part of it was the fact Vegas knew Kinn would be better suited for someone like Pete. Kinn was confident. He was capable. He could give Pete protection and everything he could ever want. He was sociable and popular. He was loyal. He could give Pete decades of happiness if he wanted it.

    Vegas, on the other hand, was entertaining the idea of getting close to Porsche, knowing it would hurt Pete's feelings. But he didn't want to. He had to. Vegas could almost justify it if making Kan happy would give Vegas more freedom and give him more time to be with Pete in the end. Near the end.

    They made their way up to their floor, and Vegas heard Macau groan when he realized his room and Chay's were adjoining. Pete giggled and Vegas almost jumped out of his skin. He hadn't realized how close Pete was to him.

    Kinn ordered the guards to check the rooms first, and once they were satisfied everyone rushed to drop their luggage. When the hallway was mostly cleared, Pete moved closer to Vegas.

    "Can I come in for a minute?"

    Vegas shrugged and held the door open for Pete to brush past him, which he did much closer than was strictly necessary. The motion drew the breath from Vegas's lungs as they locked eyes and Pete smiled.