Growing Together

Chapter 13

I know this has been a chapter I've kept from posting in a while, but I had to figure out what I wanted Pete's Dad to say for future chapters. Of course, I think keeping him the same as the drama was important but there is something I wasn't sure whether to reveal with him now or in a later chapter. So It took longer than normal. Anyways, I hope you like this short chapter!

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"Pete?" Pete's father said as he leaned forward.

They both had been seated in silence for a while, waiting for the other to talk. The father, wanting to give his son the opportunity to explain without it feeling too much like an interrogation, while the son was hoping his father would tell him just what exactly he had heard so he can muster the courage to talk about it.

His palms were sweating even after he had wiped them off on his pants, but hearing his father call his name had him letting out a gush of air. "I don't even know how to start this dad..." He said as he ran his hand through his hair. This was just not an easy thing to say, but he had to do it. It wasn't like they could keep hiding this fact forever. "This is just a lot harder than talking to Mrs. Karn," He said under his breath.

Nick had only smiled a little as he reached out to pat his son's knee, "Take your time to gather your words, hm? I'll listen to anything you have to say." He said in an attempt to ease his son from becoming more of a nervous wreck than he already was.

Pete had no idea how to even tell his dad, when the situation had been so different from when he had told Mrs. Karn. He was worried about disappointing his dad, but even with how much he feared that, Kao was already this far along. It wasn't like he could hide a son from his own dad, not when he wanted to be there for his son and Kao. He had to tell his dad one way or another, he thought as he let out a small sigh.

"Ah..." Pete said suddenly remembering about the picture that P' Sun had given him. He had pulled out his wallet from his back pocket and carefully slipped the picture from its slot. His hand was shaking a little as he held it out towards his own dad. "I...I'm really sorry for not telling you sooner dad..." Pete said opening his mouth to try and explain himself, but his father had only reached out to stop him.

"There is no need to apologize to me, too. I heard you sincerely apologize to Kao already," His father said giving him a gentle smile. He was sure the two had their reasons for being so quiet about it. "I heard how excited you are about this. I just hope that you take proper responsibility, because a baby is a lot of work."

His father's words had Pete grinning from ear to ear, "I know, dad, but I'll do everything I can to be a good dad like you to my son."

"I know you will, son," Nick said with a smile as he patted his son's knee, "You should go get some proper rest if you are going to see Kao tomorrow."

Pete couldn't help letting his smile widen even more at the reminder of his meeting with Kao tomorrow. "Thanks dad. I'll make sure to bring Kao home soon," He said before heading up the stairs feeling much lighter now that he had that weight off his shoulders. How could he have so worried? However, before his mind could wonder more he subconsciously touched his pockets. He had rushed back downstairs just to find his dad still lingering in the living room looking down at the picture he had handed him earlier.

He felt a little sheepish as he asked for his picture back from his own dad, but he really didn't want to have it missing from his wallet. It was a surprising treasure that Sun had given him.

A smile had spread onto his father's face he looked at his son acting so different. "You forgot this," His father said with a soft smile as he had reached the photo back to his son. Which had surprisingly gotten him a hug from his overly joyous son.

"Thanks, dad," Pete had said with a goofy grin. He had pulled away and bidding his father a goodnight before he was rushing back upstairs to sleep. It was hard to fall asleep, when he was looking forward to finally seeing Kao.