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Pete was tired. He and Macau had been sitting in the waiting room, waiting for Vegas to get out of surgery for what felt like an eternity. He had forced himself to stop watching the arms of the clock tick over and taken to pacing back and forth across the room until Macau had gently taken him by the arm and guided him to a seat. Pete had felt guilty, he knew the younger boy was probably just as nervous as he was, if not more. He was seriously impressed with the boy’s composure throughout the entire ordeal, sure that he wasn’t holding up nearly as well. Macau finally fell asleep in his seat, and Pete had covered him with a blanket before returning to the marathon he was walking across the room. Finally, the in surgery light went dark, and one of the nurses pushed through the doors. Removing her mask, she looked to Pete who was staring at her expectantly. He looked wretched, his hands wringing and dark circles under his eyes.
“The operation was a success. He should wake up in a few hours, although you probably won’t be able to talk with him much for a little while. He’s still going to be a little loopy from the anaesthesia.”
His whole body relaxed with a sigh.
“He’s going to be okay? Oh thank god.” He almost tripped over himself running to Macau’s side, gently shaking him awake.
“Macau, Vegas is out of surgery. He’s okay. We can see him shortly.” Pete made his best effort to smile through his exhaustion. Macau said nothing, he just threw his arms around Pete, burying his face in his shoulder. Only then did he finally allow himself to cry.
~~~~
Macau and Pete both sat waiting by Vegas’ bedside. Pete was holding Vegas' hand, his head resting on the bed, dozing. He snapped awake as Macau excitedly patted him on the arm.
“Hey, he’s waking up!”
Pete looked up to see Vegas slowly roll his head to the side, eyes half lidded facing him. Pete smiled a real, honest smile for the first time in he didn’t even know how long. Vegas slowly turned his lips upwards in a toothy, lopsided grin.
“Wow. You’re really pretty.” He slurred. Pete’s face turned beet red and Macau burst into fits of laughter. Pete opened and closed his mouth three times before any words actually came out.
“Hey you, M-Macau is here too. We were really worried about you for a while there.”
Vegas stared slack jawed at Pete’s lips for a minute before he turned to face Macau. “Macau? Heeey, it’s my cute little brother!” He grinned again, turning his eyes to little half moons, then stretched his neck to pull his head as far forward as he could manage.
“Who’s the hottie?” He whispered, and Macau stifled another laugh, raising his eyebrows mockingly at Pete, who was making his best attempt to melt into the chair he was seated on.
“Vegas, that’s Pete.” He replied gently. His tone was one that you would use if speaking to a toddler. Vegas mouthed the name, silently rolling it over his tongue and staring at Pete, his eyes glittering. Macau finally let the laughter overtake him again, and pulled his phone from his pocket. “I’m so playing this at your wedding.” Pete’s face turned yet another shade brighter and Vegas’ jaw hung slack, his mouth agape.
“Macau!” Pete exclaimed. The younger boy just snickered at his embarrassment, and started filming the pair. Vegas blinked at Pete, his face a complete picture of awe and wonder. He reached out and touched his fingertips to Pete’s forehead.
“Pete.” He whispered, testing the name. “Are you even real?” He traced his fingers down the length of Pete’s nose, finally tapping his index finger on the tip. “Boop!” He grinned again, evidently very pleased with himself. Pete couldn’t help the giggle that escaped from his mouth. “Do you know you’re beautiful?” Vegas continued rambling. “No, of course you know, just look at you.” His face suddenly fell. “Why are you here with me? You’re way too gorgeous to be single. Your boyfriend will be jealous.” His brow scrunched in disappointment.
“Bro, you’re his boyfriend.” Macau waggled his eyebrows at Pete who began to protest.
“I- But- We haven’t even-” Pete stumbled over his words. Vegas was wide eyed in disbelief.
“Really? You’re mine? But how?” He gazed at Pete in utter reverence.
Pete took Vegas’ hand with both of his and held it tenderly, grazing his knuckles with the pad of his thumb. “Yeah.” He finally gave in, smiling shyly. “We’ll talk about it later, but yes, I’m all yours.” Vegas beamed at him.
A nurse entered the room, and she smiled at the happy trio.
“Mr Vegas, good to see you awake!.” She went about checking his tubes and dressings and IV.
“Did you know that’s my boyfriend?” Vegas asked the nurse excitedly, his eyes sparkling with childlike wonder. “Look how beautiful he is.”
The nurse chuckled. “Why yes, he’s barely left your side the whole time you’ve been here. You’re very lucky.” She turned to Pete, handing him a bottle of water and a box of fruit juice. “Try to get him to drink something. This should wear off in a little while. Don’t be concerned if he falls asleep again.” Pete nodded, and she left.
“Ok Vegas, you heard the nice lady, you need to drink something.” He popped the straw through the top of the juicebox and offered it to him.
“Can I drink you?” Vegas asked, a sly grin on his face. “Cause you’re a tall glass of water.”
Pete nearly choked, his voice came out broken and flustered. “Just drink this first!”
“Only if you promise to go on a date with me. Boyfriend.” Vegas tried to wink but just ended up blinking and flopped his head back on the pillow.
“Oh my god..” Pete sighed and held the straw up to his lips. Vegas finally took it into his mouth and took a long sip, the whole time staring at Pete’s face, as if he were trying to memorise every individual feature. Pete took the juice back and set it down on the bedside table. Vegas swallowed, licked his lips and then made the best attempt he could in his still drug addled state at a seductive expression.
“Can I put something in your mouth now?”
Pete jumped and had to catch himself on the edge of the bed to prevent himself falling off his seat entirely while Macau once again burst into fits of laughter.
“Oh man, I can’t wait for everyone to see this.” Macau cackled. Pete made a face and turned away, trying to hide the renewed blush on his cheeks. He stole a glance back at Vegas. His eyelids looked heavy now, almost entirely hiding his dark eyes. With what appeared to be great effort, he groped his hand around the edge of the bed, searching for Pete’s. Pete took his hand, lacing their fingers together. A new expression drew across his face as he slowly began to slip back into unconsciousness. He seemed calm. Pete smiled, a soft smile that reflected through his eyes as he suddenly found himself unable to tear his gaze away from Vegas’ unusually peaceful looking face.
“You’re so pretty. I am lucky.” Vegas sighed in contentment and closed his eyes fully. “Please don’t leave me.”
“Of course not.” Pete whispered, eyes locked on Vegas’ face as his breathing became slow and regular as he succumbed to his exhaustion. “I’ll be right here when you wake up.” He never even noticed Macau quietly standing up and leaving the room. He stayed there, at his once-captor’s bedside. Holding his hand and waiting.