Six Crimson Seeds (A VegasPete Persephone AU)

Chapter 34: King and Lionheart

"And as the world comes to an end

I'll be here to hold your hand

'Cause you're my king and I'm your lionheart"

- King and Lionheart, Of Monsters and Men

Pete fell asleep in the car, breathing hotly against Vegas's neck where they tangled together. A bump in the road had him jolting awake, bumping his face against Vegas's sharp jawline. They both hissed in pain a little before Pete kissed Vegas's jaw in apology.

    "We're almost back," Kinn said from the driver's seat. Pete and Vegas hadn't even noticed them stopping the car to get gas, they were both so deeply asleep.

    Vegas stretched a little, looking out the window as he pulled Pete closer to him again. Pete went willingly, looking out the other window.

    "What's going on with this weather?" Pete mumbled. "I've never seen anything like it before."

    "It's probably something to do with the fact that I'm back."

    Pete had a million questions, but he was too scared to hear the answers yet. Instead, he just tightened his hold around Vegas's waist. Vegas reached a hand up to stroke Pete's hair, which had stiffened slightly from the blood. That didn't stop Vegas from kissing his crown and pressing his nose to Pete's scalp to smell him through the gore.

    "Just rest," Vegas said, "I'll wake you up when we get there."

    Pete didn't want to sleep more. He wanted to stay awake with Vegas, but he closed his eyes regardless, leaving it up to fate. Vegas hummed the same song he sometimes did when they were alone, and Pete found himself caught up in the familiar tune as the heavy rain battered the car around them. For a moment, it was like the two of them were in their own little bubble.

    Pete ended up dozing off again, but Vegas kept his word and gently shook him awake when the car stopped.

    Macau and Chay came barreling out of Olympus, quickly becoming drenched as they rushed toward the car. Tay and Arm were on their heels, followed by Khun, Pol, and Time. Kim brought up the rear, his eyes wide as he looked at Vegas.

    Macau was crying as Pete pulled him in for a tight hug with Vegas taking his other side.

    "Pete!" Macau wailed, "I'm so sorry!"

    "It's okay," Pete yelled to be heard over the downpour. "I'm okay."

    Chay held onto Porsche, almost knocking him off his feet now that they were almost the same height.

    Together, the group hurried inside. The rest of the compound seemed no less chaotic, with guards rushing around to board up windows and carry supplies.

    "Pa thought you two were responsible for this weather," Kim said, nodding to Kinn and Porsche when they all locked themselves in Khun's main room. "He thought maybe..."

    Kim let the thought trail off as he looked at Pete. "Anyways, we need to fix this before the whole country gets wiped off the map."

    "I think it's my fault," Vegas announced. "I'm not sure how I got back, but I'm not supposed to be." He turned to face Pete, a pleading look on his face as he quietly said, "Not that I would do anything differently. I would do anything for you."

    "I know," Pete whispered, giving him a weak smile. "Thank you."

    Macau stepped out, holding Pete's hand as he asked Vegas, "What do you mean you don't remember how you got back?"