Six Crimson Seeds (A VegasPete Persephone AU)

Chapter 26: The Longing Dance

    Kim stared at Pete on and off before he left that night. Only when no one was looking did he turn his eyes to Chay. Neither boy noticed, as Pete was generally too busy gazing at Vegas and Chay was busy shyly looking at Macau.

After Kim excused himself, Kinn also stood up from the table.

"We should get to the hotel."

Pete glanced at the clock on the wall and frowned. "I guess it is getting pretty late."

Macau smirked knowingly and said, "You can have your room back, Pete."

Pete forced a smile, not looking at Vegas, who had gotten up to go to the car. Porsche and Chay hurried upstairs while Pete stood to help clear the table. After a few minutes Vegas walked back in carrying a large bag.

Pete cocked his head to the side as Tay pulled him in for a hug, whispering, "Don't worry. He's staying here with Macau. We worked it out earlier. Porsche and Chay will share a room at the hotel."

"Thanks," Pete murmured, surprised. Pulling away, he grabbed Tay's shoulders and said, "Come back tomorrow. We need to catch up more. I miss Khun and Arm and Pol, too."

Tay smiled. "Definitely."

Pete helped Vegas change the sheets in the second bedroom while Macau helped Yai clean the rest up downstairs. Pete prattled on, hyperaware of the tension in the room. Vegas just listened with a soft smile.

When they finished making the bed, Pete clutched the dirty sheets to his chest as he looked around the room again. "I think you should be okay. Let me know if you need anything. Anything at all."

"Do you want help with the laundry?" Vegas offered, reaching out a hand.

"I got it." Pete smiled again. "There's towels in the bathroom. Help yourself."

Before he could answer, Pete rushed out the door to start the wash. Macau passed him on the stairs and Pete said, "The room is ready. Vegas is in the shower."

"Thanks." Macau took another step and turned around. "Pete?"

"Yeah?"

"Chay likes me back."

Pete broke into a wide grin. "I knew it!"

"Bullshit!" Macau snapped, laughing.

"Well, I heavily suspected it. You're a great guy, 'Cau. He's lucky to have you."

Macau's cheeks turned dark pink as he scratched the back of his head. "I feel like the lucky one."

"You're both great," Pete replied quietly. "I'm really happy for you."

"I'm happy for you, too."

Pete paused for a moment before he nodded. "Thanks. I'm glad he's back."

"Me too."

"Night, Macau."

"Goodnight, Pete."

Pete waited until Macau rounded the corner before finding Yai on the sofa.

"Everything alright?" she asked, turning the volume down.

"It's perfect," Pete said, sitting close so he could lean his head on her shoulder. "Thanks for letting my friends stay."

Yai pressed a kiss to the top of Pete's head. "Anything for you, baby."

Pete settled, watching television with Yai until his eyes started to close. As if she could sense it, Yai nudged him.

"Go on up to bed."