From Frost to Flame

Chapter 17: Endless Possibilities

As everyone settled in, scanning the menu for choices, Kinn leaned towards Porsche, asking, "What do you feel like eating?"

Porsche grinned playfully, "Whatever you choose, baby." Kinn chuckled, ordering Garlic Pepper Chicken (Gai Pad Gratiem) and Phla Kung (Thai Prawn Salad) for them both. Porsche, unable to resist, quickly added, "And a chocolate shake!"

Across the table, Pete seemed lost in indecision, his eyes darting between options, uncertain. Just then, Vegas slid into the seat beside him, catching Kinn and Porsche's knowing looks. Kinn handed Vegas a menu, where he initially searched for something Western, but at Kinn's suggestion, he settled on Thai Pineapple Fried Rice.

As Vegas glanced over at Pete, he noticed his confusion. Without a word, Vegas gently rested his hand on the menu Pete was holding. Pete flinched slightly at the unexpected touch, The unexpected touch made Pete jolt slightly, eyes wide with surprise, and his gaze shooting up to Vegas, who was watching him closely.

Across the table, Porsche barely stifled a laugh, and Kinn shook his head, smiling knowingly. Pete looked up, meeting Vegas's gaze, feeling the warmth of his attention.

"What would you like to have Pete?" Vegas asked, his voice smooth but patient. Pete looked down shyly, hesitant. "I... I couldn't find anything I like," he murmured, settling on ordering just a strawberry shake instead.

Vegas observed him, a glint of amusement and understanding in his eyes. "Come on, there must be something," he coaxed.

Unable to contain himself, Porsche spoke up, "Pete likes spicy food, so he's probably searching for something with a bit of heat." Vegas raised his eyebrows, glancing back at Pete.

"So... you like spicy food?" Vegas asked, his tone warm and inviting.

Caught off guard, Pete could only nod, his eyes wide and innocent, shining with an endearing vulnerability. Vegas's gaze softened as he took in Pete's expression, a gentle smile touching his lips. "Tell me, Pete. What would you really like to have?" he asked, his voice soothing. "I'll make sure it's here for you."

Shyly, Pete looked down and, after a small pause, murmured, "Red curry with rice."

Vegas nodded, immediately calling someone to arrange for Pete's desired dish. When he finished the call, he looked up to find Pete watching him, the surprise and warmth in Pete's eyes unmistakable. For a brief moment, their gazes held, and Vegas couldn't help but smile back, feeling a quiet thrill as he watched Pete's cheeks warm with a shy, grateful smile.

Soon, the food arrived, filling the table with delicious aromas, including Pete's Red Curry with rice. Excited and hungry, Pete dug in with enthusiasm, savoring every bite. His focus was solely on the food, his chopsticks moving quickly as he enjoyed each mouthful with a look of pure delight.

Porsche chuckled, watching Pete's adorable eagerness. "Hey, Pete, slow down! You're gonna choke if you keep that pace."

Pete, grinning, replied confidently, "Don't worry, I won't-" He barely finished the sentence before he started coughing, caught off guard as a bit of rice went down the wrong way.

Porsche smirked, leaning back with a teasing look. "See? I warned you."

Vegas immediately sprang into action, grabbing a glass and filling it with water. He moved closer, holding the glass up to Pete's lips with one hand while gently patting his back with the other. "Drink slowly, Pete," he said softly, his hand steady and comforting against Pete's back. The unexpected touch sent a shiver through Pete, but it also felt surprisingly warm and reassuring.

Pete sipped the water, his cheeks slightly flushed as he took a deep breath. "I'm okay," he said with a shy smile, looking up at Vegas. "Thank you."

Vegas nodded, his gaze softening as he looked at him. "Just eat slowly, Pete. No rush."

Pete nodded, a little embarrassed but grateful, his eyes lingering on Vegas for a moment longer. A comfortable silence settled over the group as they returned to their food, but a subtle warmth remained, and Vegas couldn't help glancing at Pete from time to time, finding himself captivated by the quiet energy he brought to the table.

As the meal continued, there was an unspoken ease between them all, their shared laughter and easy smiles giving the lunch a relaxed and warm atmosphere.

As Kinn and Vegas prepared to say their goodbyes to Pete and Porsche, Kinn leaned in and shared a quick kiss with Porsche. The moment was sweet, filled with the affection that defined their relationship, and it made Pete's heart race a little as he observed.

Vegas caught the playful exchange between Kinn and Porsche, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. His eyes flicked to Pete for just a moment, a spark of something unreadable flashing between them before he quickly looked away, as if it had never happened.

Vegas raised an eyebrow, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "Seems like Kinn's stepping up his game. If there were an award for 'Boyfriend of the Year,' I think he'd be a shoo-in."

Kinn pulled back from Porsche, feigning dramatic offense, his eyes widening. "Hey, I'm just being authentically award-winning, okay? You should try it sometime!" He grinned at Porsche, his arm casually slinging around his waist. "Right, babe?"

Porsche rolled his eyes, but there was a playful glint in them as he leaned into Kinn's side. "Totally. But just don't forget that I'm the real star here. I should get a trophy for 'Best Supporting Partner.'"

Vegas chuckled, watching the two with an amused grin. The lighthearted teasing filled the air, creating a sense of warmth that made the whole scene feel like a carefree celebration of friendship. The laughter seemed to hang in the air, and Vegas felt a rare, easy comfort in it.

Kinn nudged Porsche with a wink. "Oh, don't worry, I'm preparing my speech for 'Best Partner in Crime.' It's going to be a tearjerker."

Vegas turned back to Pete, his tone softening, the playful mood still lingering. "Catch you later, Pete," he said with a casual wave, but there was an undeniable warmth behind his words. As he walked off with Kinn, his heart felt lighter, the moment a simple reminder of how easily connection could spark between people.

Kinn followed Vegas' lead, turning to Pete with a relaxed smile. "Take care, Pete," he added, the genuine warmth in his voice carrying through the moment.

Pete stood there for a beat, the lingering feeling of Vegas' gaze making his heart race. He glanced at Porsche, who was already heading toward the exit, a smirk playing on his lips. For some reason, Pete felt like something had shifted like the world had opened up just a little bit more.

With a final glance at the spot where Vegas had stood, Pete followed Porsche out the door, feeling like the possibilities ahead were endless.