To the end

26

A chance to heal

The sun's first rays filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft golden glow across the room. The air was warm, heavy with the aftermath of tangled breaths and whispered promises.

Kim lay on his side, his fingers gently tracing invisible patterns over Vegas's bare shoulder. The quiet was peaceful for once, not laden with tension or unsaid words. For a long time, neither of them spoke. There was no need. Their bodies had already communicated everything their hearts felt.

Vegas stirred slightly, his eyes fluttering open to meet Kim's gaze. A sleepy, vulnerable softness lingered there, a side of him rarely seen by anyone else. Kim's lips curled into a faint smile.

"Morning," Kim murmured, his thumb brushing against Vegas's cheek.

Vegas closed his eyes briefly, leaning into the touch. "Morning," he replied, voice rough and low. He swallowed, glancing away for a moment before softly adding, "I almost forgot what peace felt like."

Kim's smile faded, his fingers halting. "Then we'll make sure you never forget again," he promised.

Vegas turned back to him, eyes filled with something close to hope. He nodded, pulling Kim closer, their foreheads touching. For the first time in a long while, the future didn't seem like a distant dream.

The scent of sizzling bacon and fresh eggs filled the kitchen as Kim focused on the stovetop, the soft hum of the morning wrapping around him. He moved with an ease that came from routine, the quiet warmth of the mansion finally beginning to feel like home again.

His phone buzzed on the counter. Kim wiped his hands and checked the screen: a video call from the kids. He hesitated for a moment, his eyes glancing toward the hallway where Vegas was still sleeping. Taking a deep breath, he accepted the call.

Venice and Leiah's faces filled the screen, their sleepy eyes and tousled hair making Kim smile softly. "Good morning, you two."

"Morning, Papa!" they chorused, though Venice's voice held a note of distraction.

"What are you doing?" Venice asked, his eyes scanning the kitchen.

"Making breakfast," Kim replied, his tone gentle. "Why don't you two say hi to Vegas? He's here with me."

Venice's expression tightened, his lips pressing into a thin line. "I have to go. I have... stuff to do." Without waiting for a response, he ended his part of the call, leaving Leiah still on the screen.

Kim's heart clenched, but he kept his face neutral. He knew this wouldn't be easy.

Leiah shifted uncomfortably, her eyes flickering away from the screen before she finally spoke. "Good morning... Dad."

Her voice was hesitant, the word fragile, like it might break if she thought about it too hard.

Vegas appeared in the doorway just then, his hair tousled, eyes still clouded with sleep. He paused when he saw Leiah's face on the screen, his breath catching in his throat. For a moment, he didn't know what to say, but the simple, tentative greeting wrapped around his heart, melting away a fraction of the cold that had settled there for so long.

"Good morning, Leiah," he said, his voice soft and steady, though his hands trembled slightly at his sides.

A small smile tugged at the corner of Leiah's lips. She looked down, shy, but didn't hang up. The silence between them was fragile, but it held the weight of possibility-of something new being rebuilt.

Kim watched the exchange, his chest tight with hope. He leaned over, squeezing Vegas's shoulder. "You're doing great."

Vegas nodded, his eyes glistening. He didn't say anything, but the look he gave Kim said it all: Thank you.

Kim smiled, his heart finally feeling a little lighter.

After the call ended, Kim took a moment to collect himself. The atmosphere in the room felt both heavy and hopeful, and he couldn't shake the weight of the kids' mixed reactions. Still, he knew this was only the beginning, and the path to healing would take time. He needed to be patient, but that didn't make the ache in his chest any easier.

Turning back to the stove, Kim continued to work, focusing on the task of breakfast as a way to center himself. The sizzling sounds of the food provided a steady rhythm, the scent of bacon and eggs filling the kitchen.

Vegas His eyes softened as he observed Kim, noting how the man moved with ease, the way his presence seemed to bring life to the mansion. Vegas felt a deep sense of gratitude but also confusion. So much had changed, and so much had been lost.

Kim caught his gaze and smiled gently. "You hungry?" he asked, his voice warm and inviting.

Vegas nodded, though his mind was still heavy with the earlier conversation. He wanted to say something, but words seemed inadequate. Instead, he simply stepped forward, pulling out a chair and sitting down at the table.

Kim quickly plated the food, setting the dishes down in front of Vegas before taking his own seat across from him. The silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable—just quiet. But as Kim began to eat, he noticed the way Vegas’s eyes lingered on him, as if trying to find something, anything, to latch onto.

"How do you feel?" Kim asked, his voice softer than usual.

Vegas hesitated, then exhaled, looking down at his plate. "I don't know," he admitted. "Confused, maybe... but... better. I feel like I'm finally home. It's just... hard."

Kim reached across the table, brushing his fingers lightly over Vegas's hand, offering silent reassurance. "It's okay," he said quietly. "You don't need to have everything figured out right now. Just take it one day at a time. I'm here, Vegas. I’m not going anywhere."

Vegas swallowed hard, his eyes stinging with emotion. For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to truly believe those words.

"I’m sorry," Vegas whispered, barely audible. "I should’ve been stronger. I should’ve..."

Kim squeezed his hand gently, stopping him. "No, don’t apologize. You’ve been through so much. We both have. But now, we’re together. And that’s what matters."

The words hung in the air, as though they were a promise neither of them could break. Kim felt his heart swell, but there was still a lingering ache—a shadow of all the things that had been left unsaid, all the times they’d been apart.

They finished their breakfast in relative silence, the quiet hum of their conversation the only sound in the room. Once the dishes were cleared away, Kim stood, moving to the counter and reaching for a towel to clean the last of the mess.

Vegas stayed seated for a moment longer, his thoughts spinning. He looked at the engagement ring on his finger, the gold band glistening in the morning light. His eyes softened, a tear escaping from the corner of his eye.

"I’m sorry," he whispered again, this time to the ring.

Kim turned, catching sight of the tear. He walked over to Vegas and crouched down in front of him, lifting his chin gently.

Vegas’s eyes locked with Kim’s, and for a moment, the world outside disappeared. It was just the two of them, finally at peace with each other.

And then, without thinking, Kim leaned forward, pressing his lips softly against Vegas's. The kiss was slow, gentle, but filled with all the things they hadn’t said yet.

When they pulled apart, Kim gave him a small, tender smile. "We’re going to get through this, Vegas. Together."

Vegas nodded, his eyes glistening with the promise of new beginnings. He didn’t have all the answers, but with Kim by his side, he finally felt like he could face whatever came next.

"I love you," Vegas whispered.

"I love you too," Kim replied, his voice thick with emotion.

And in that moment, with the world outside still and quiet, they knew—no matter what came their way, they would face it together.