TRACKS

the announcement

The clinking of cutlery on porcelain, the occasional sound of water being poured, the scraping of a chair when someone shifted uncomfortably—these had become the only sounds echoing around the Therapanyukul dining room.

Vegas sat at the head of the table, his face unreadable as always. Pete sat beside him, barely touching the food on his plate. Across from them, Porsche pushed the food around with his spoon, pretending not to notice how stifling the air had become.

Tankhun sat further down, his eyes downcast, picking half-heartedly at his meal. While Babe and Porchay sat on either side looking quote the same as Tankhun

It was Phoenix who finally broke the silence.

Vegas: Pete

He called at his wife who seemed lost but quickly got cut as he looked at him

Vegas: after much thinking I and the rest have come to a decision.....looking at the situation at hand I believe it's best that we start phoenix and Babes wedding preparations......seeing as last time we couldn't complete them

The words seemed to hang midair. Forks stopped halfway to mouths. Porchay froze, his eyes flickering instantly toward Pete.

Pete’s hands clenched around his cutlery.

Pete: wait .......what .......what again.....

Kinn:Yes we're to set a date. In a few weeks. I thought maybe .......it could help ......you know  bring some light back into this house.

The silence that followed was sharp enough to cut skin.

Pete let out a bitter laugh, low and hollow.

Pete: Light? You think a wedding will bring me light

Vegas: Pete....

Pete: Do you all take me for a fool? My son hasn’t even been in the ground for two weeks, and you’re already talking about flowers and music and celebration

Babe flinched at the harshness, while Khun looked away knowing best how the other would react

Vegas: It’s not about forgetting Venice. It’s about....

Pete: Don’t you dare say his name like you understand! You think love is ribbons and dancing and kisses at an altar? My son is dead. Dead! And you’re sitting here talking about someone else’s happily-ever-after like it will cure the hole in my chest.

Porsche leaned forward, his voice calm but firm.

Porsche : Pete, no one is asking you to forget. But drowning in sorrow won’t bring Venice back either. We need something anything that reminds us life hasn’t ended.

Pete’s eyes burned as he glared at him.

Pete: Life ended for me the moment they carried my boy in that coffin. Don’t you dare sit there, Porsche  with your husband beside you, your family intact, and tell me how to heal.

Porsche shifted uncomfortably at the other's hush reply

Tankhun: Petey… sky is seven months pregnant. We're trying to give this  child a home, a promise of stability. Don’t punish him because of your grief. This isn’t about forgetting Venice it’s about standing with those still here and helping each other heal

Pete’s chest heaved, his knuckles white where he gripped the edge of the table. His eyes darted around the room looking at everyone carefully not blinking once

Pete:And what if I don’t want to heal what if I don't want anyone's pity

Vegas reached across the table, placing his hand lightly on Pete’s arm as if asking the other to understand