Six Crimson Seeds (A VegasPete Persephone AU)

Chapter 44: Fear is Holding Me Down (But I Want to Hold You)

A/N: There is a slightly stressful situation involving children in this chapter, but don't worry. They are fine.

After a week, Tay took Chay with him back to the city. Porsche missed his brother and Chay didn't want to be a distraction when Macau needed to focus on spending time with Vegas. Tay hadn't wanted to leave them alone, but Vegas assured him that he could take care of them. Besides, Tay missed his boyfriend, too.

    "I'll miss you," Chay said before getting in the car.

    "I'll miss you more," Macau replied, kissing him as Pete lightly teased them.

    Over the next several weeks, the three of them spent every moment together they could. Some days, Vegas and Macau hung out while Pete worked on finishing the rest of his assignments so he could graduate. Other days, Vegas would sit and watch Pete and Macau spar with Pete's old equipment. In the evenings, the three of them ate together and usually watched a movie or played a board game. Pete laughed at how competitive Macau was.

    When it was time for bed, Macau, who had moved into Yai's old room to give more space between them, gave them a knowing look. Pete feigned ignorance even though his skin tingled with just the thought of Vegas touching him.

    Some nights, they went for a midnight swim like they used to. Some nights, as they made love, Pete reached out, drowning in pleasure and the sinking feeling he felt from Vegas. Vegas touched him, looked at him, and kissed him like he was trying to memorize every little detail. It was beginning to tickle that sense of unease Pete had felt. He knew Vegas would be leaving again at the equinox, but why did it feel like Vegas didn't intend on coming back? Pete wasn't going to give up on him.

    Pete tried to push the feeling aside to focus on the present like he had asked Vegas to do. There were still days that Pete sat in his room, usually in Vegas's arms, and cried, missing Yai painfully, but overall he was ridiculously happy.

    On the solstice, Pete was pleasantly surprised when everyone showed up for his birthday. Vegas had found out from the old calendar still on the fridge and had called Olympus to tell Tankhun, knowing he would handle the rest. Vegas had remembered how excited to throw a party Pete had been for him, so he wanted one last chance to return the favor. That day, Vegas couldn't stop smiling. Everyone had brought gifts and lavished Pete with attention. It was clear that they were missing him.

    They left to catch the ferry and Macau and Vegas sent Pete up to shower for bed so they could clean up. They didn't want him to lift a finger on his special day.

    "You were in a really good mood today," Macau said.

    "Of course," Vegas replied easily. "Pete was happy. And it's nice to see that he'll be taken care of after I'm gone."

    Vegas heard Pete singing off-key in the shower and laughed.

    "Vegas?" Macau said, sounding worried.

    Vegas turned to him, wondering what had upset his little brother on such a happy day. It took him a moment to realize his earlier laugh had turned into tears. His shoulders shook as Macau rushed toward him, pulling Vegas into a tight embrace.

    Vegas closed his eyes, clutching at the back of Macau's shirt as he bawled. "It hurts so much," Vegas cried as Macau shushed him. "I'm trying to be strong. I don't want him to even suspect anything, but sometimes it's so hard. I just want him to be happy like this every day. He deserves to be so loved. Both of you do."

    Macau sniffled as he said, "And so do you. We all love you, Vegas. Even...even after you go, we won't stop loving you. Ever. I promise."

    They heard the shower turn off and Vegas pulled away, wiping his face as he said, "Tell Pete I went for a walk. I'll be back in a few minutes."