Creating Memories

Chapter Twenty Three

Vegas stirred in his sleep, reaching out to the other side of the bed, expecting to feel Pete beside him. But his hand met empty sheets. Confused, he opened his eyes, scanning the room. Pete wasn't there. There was no trace of him, no sign that he had even slept there, yet Vegas knew he hadn't been dreaming. Pete had gone to bed with him last night, along with the kids, because it was the weekend, and they are staying to spend time with Rome.

Vegas sighed, sitting up in bed. He grabbed the shirt he'd thrown on the love chair the previous night and pulled it on before heading out to check on the kids. He went straight to Venice and Seoul's room, but found it empty as well. A sense of unease crept over him. Where could they be?

Just then, a helper passed by, greeting him with a warm, "Good morning, Khun Vegas."

"Morning," Vegas replied, his voice still thick with sleep. "Do you know where Pete and the kids are?"

The helper smiled. "They're in the open kitchen, Khun, with Khun Macau, Khun Cherry, and young Master Rome. Khun Pete and Khun Cherry are making breakfast."

Vegas blinked, processing the information, then nodded in thanks before dismissing the helper. He headed towards the kitchen, curiosity and anticipation growing with each step.

When Vegas arrived, he was greeted by the sight of his family gathered around the kitchen table, enjoying their breakfast. Cherry was feeding Rome, while Macau and Venice watched Seoul attempt to use a spoon to eat her food. Pete was standing by the stove, cooking something that smelled delicious.

Vegas felt a wave of warmth and joy wash over him. This was his family. Pete, Venice, Seoul—and even his brother, Macau, along with Cherry and little Rome. It was everything he had ever wanted.

Seoul was the first to notice Vegas. "Dada!" she called out, her small voice filled with excitement.

All eyes turned towards Vegas. "Good morning, everyone," he greeted with a smile.

Macau waved a hand in acknowledgment. "Morning, Hia."

Cherry looked up from feeding Rome and offered, "Would you like me to make you some coffee, P'Vegas?"

Vegas shook his head. "No, thanks. I'll do it myself."

Venice, his eyes bright, chimed in, "Dada, Papa made pancakes! They're delicious!"

Vegas chuckled and walked towards Pete, who was flipping another pancake on the stove. He slipped his arms around Pete's waist from behind, pulling him close. "Good morning," he murmured, pressing a kiss to Pete's shoulder.

Pete leaned back into the embrace, smiling. "Good morning. How do you like your pancakes?"

"I'll eat anything you feed me," Vegas teased, his voice low and affectionate.

Pete chuckled softly. "Maple syrup?"

"Yes, and extra butter," Vegas replied, holding him tighter.

Pete glanced over his shoulder with a playful smile. "All right, but you need to let go of me so I can finish cooking."

Vegas, stubborn as ever, shook his head. "Nope."

Macau, who had been watching the exchange with mild amusement, couldn't resist. "If I have to witness this every day, I might start understanding why P'Khun gags whenever you two are like this."

Vegas shot him a look. "Fuck off, Macau."

A tiny voice piped up from the table. "What does 'fuck off' mean?" Venice asks.

Vegas stiffened, realizing his mistake. Pete turned around in his arms, eyes narrowing slightly. "Look what you've done," he said, more amused than angry. "You better explain that."