TRACKS

Rain

The household had fallen into a strange rhythm of silence, broken only by the sound of cutlery or the wind that crept through the open windows. Word of Sky and Phoenix’s wedding plans had reached everyone, but the only one yet to accept was Pete.

He sat in the study alone, staring at Venice’s photograph on the desk. His fingers tapped against the frame, jaw locked in quiet defiance.

Vegas entered quietly, closing the door behind him. His eyes softened at the sight of his husband, but his voice carried firmness with steady steps he went engulfing the other in a warm hug whispering

Vegas: hun… it’s not a betrayal........ whatever everyone had decide is not betrayal were just trying to patch the broken pieces.... It’s life moving forward.

The other scoffed moving out of his husband's embrace

Pete : Life? Venice’s life stopped and now you want to dance and celebrate under the same roof where my son’s ashes still breathe.....why am I even telling you this

Vegas stepped closer, resting a hand on Pete’s shoulder.

Vegas : And if it were Venice, would you stop him? Would you take away his right to marry, to smile, because someone else was mourning?

Pete’s lips trembled. He knew fighting wouldn't solve anything so he left leaving his husband alone while Vegas regretted his choice of words
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That night, Tankhun came into Pete’s room uninvited, a strange calmness on his face despite the storm he always carried.

Tankhun: You know… I used to think happiness was stolen from me. That because of what happened in my past, I had no right to smile. But then I realized… if I deny others their joy, I’m no better than the ones who hurt me.”

Pete’s breath hitched, his defenses crumbling at Tankhun’s words.

Pete : But it feels like letting go of Venice… like forgetting him.

Tankhun sat on the edge of the bed, his hand gently covering Pete’s.

Tankhun: No. Accepting Sky and Phoenix’s wedding doesn’t erase Venice. It just means you’re strong enough to let love continue living in this house. Which is what I know my nephew would have wanted .....bestie you deserve all the understanding but plzz for the sake of sky's unborn baby and the families wellbeing let everyone find happiness .......and let yourself heal aswell

Pete moved more into the other's embrace not speaking a word only letting himself be vulnerable
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The next morning, Pete walked into the dining hall where the family sat waiting in heavy silence. His eyes were tired, his steps slow. He looked at Phoenix and Sky, then at the photograph of Venice hanging on the wall.

For a long moment, he said nothing. Then finally, he exhaled.

Pete : Fine… let the wedding happen. But do it with respect. Venice’s memory stays alive in this house, no matter what.

Gasps of relief filled the room. Phoenix bowed his head deeply, Sky’s eyes filling with tears. Vegas reached for Pete’s hand under the table, squeezing it.

Pete turned his face away, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall.

Pete: Ven… forgive me… I’m trying.

He walked out from there with Khun following behind him

When they got to a secluded place the other brought Pete in a tight embrace while Pete broke down totally
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The next day came as sky went to visit his best friend thinking it as best that the other know of what was happening he walked to see his best friend Rain sat on the edge of his bed, fingers resting lightly over his bump, tracing small circles as if he could soothe the storm inside his heart. His body looked frail, but his back was straight, his chin raised, determined to hold himself together.