READ ME:

This is the last special chapter. I translated this final chapter myself because it was missing. 

I used a translation app, so the translation will not be 100% accurate. I corrected the sentences, grammar and words, and received help from people who can read Thai.

I'm neither Thai or a native English speaker, so excuse me if my grammar or sentences are way off sometimes. I really tried my hardest to bring this chapter to you and I hope you enjoy reading it!!

I LOVE READING COMMENTS SO PLEASE COMMENT WHILE READING :D

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VEGAS POV

6 months later

For the past few days, I felt very uneasy with Pete's strange behavior. He walked back and forth in the bedroom, his hands rubbing his head, holding his temples, as if he was about to go crazy. Whenever I asked him a question he wouldn't answer, just shake his head and say there's nothing. It's like there's something he's worried about that he can't tell me. Honestly, I'm quite worried, because Pete is everything to me in my life, and he's been acting a little strange.

"Pete, what's wrong?" I saw Pete sitting still, one arm holding Venice while the other hand was stuffing a bottle of milk into his mouth. The kid looked at Pete with wide eyes like he wanted to ask him a question, as if he was wondering like me what's going on with him!

"Nothing," Pete quickly replied and shook his head. His eyes glanced at Venice and he smiled at him.

We've been together for several months now, Venice will soon be able to talk. I'm still not used to Pete focusing all his attention on that boy alone! I envy the kid, very envious! Because out of twenty-four hours, Pete gave twenty hours to Venice, two hours was spent sleeping, one hour bathing and playing games with him and the rest of the time was mine! I begged him to hire a nanny, but he didn't want it. He said he wants to raise Venice with his own hands. Sometimes, he'd follow me to help at the company and agree to leave Venice at the main family's house so they could babysit him, but they're idiots. Have you seen the future of Venice! He's not likely to grow up with the quality you intended.

"Vegas, give the dinosaur doll to Venice." Pete walked to the other side of the bed and I let out a heavy sigh. This room that used to be orderly, was now scattered with children's toys and plush dolls, and the black, gray and blue theme was now transformed into a colorful Alice in Wonderland theme.

"Let him go and pick it up, he's grown up." I said, leaving with frustration. But in the end, I lost to the pressure of Pete's eyes and went to pick up the silly green dinosaur doll to give to Venice, who immediately grabbed it.

"Very good. I think you can stay with Venice now." I was a bit puzzled by Pete's sparkling eyes. When Venice saw me walking to grab another doll, he looked delighted. What! I can stay with him anytime!

"What are you talking about Pete?" 

"Well, tomorrow I'm going back to my hometown Chumphon and I'm not taking Venice with me," Pete smiled at me dryly.

That was another thing I was confused about. He often said he didn't want me to go home with him. The other day, Pete's grandmother called because she wanted to see his face. Since the misunderstanding with the funeral and him rising from the dead, they still haven't had the chance to meet each other. When I heard that, I wanted to pay homage to Grandma, because everything that happened was my fault. I wanted to go and ask for her forgiveness or talk with her for once. I still felt guilty in my heart, but it had gone down a bit.

"Venice doesn't have to go with you, but I must go with you," I said with a serious look on my face. Pete was acting suspicious, like he was keeping secrets from me. Or was he hiding someone at his house? Don't let me find out! Someone will surely die!

"And who will stay with Venice? Macau went to Dhamma camp for five days. The day he comes home would be the same day we come back from Chumphon. Only you can stay with Venice." Pete put Venice on the ground, because he was squirming in his lap to grab the toys on the floor.

"I can stay because this is my house. But can he stay?" I pointed at Venice who was holding two toy cars in his hands.

"You can stay here, right...Venice, Venice?" Pete asked Venice, who turned to smile at Pete brightly, and then laughed as he held up his hand to try share the toy with him. "Pete will not be here, can Venice stay with Vegas?" Pete asked the child with eyes full of hope. Venice seemed to understand what Pete said. He smiled before turning to look at me and with gloomy eyes and....

"AAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!!!" He cried  through the house.

"Well, that's his answer." I said, shaking my head. Come on, what was Pete thinking? That Venice would be able to stay with me? He can't even come near me without opening his mouth to cry. Forget it.

"Ok, be quiet...ohhh." Pete got up from the bed and walked straight to Venice to hold him and console him. That kid knows the job. As soon as Pete held him, he stopped crying and hiccupped, trying to get pity scores. Demanding my wife's attention until the very end. "So can Venice stay with Tankhun instead of Vegas? Would you like that?" When he heard that name, Venice acted like the whole word had collapsed again, with a face that couldn't believe his mother would ask him that.

"UUuuugggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" He cried out again.

"Even louder," I said jokingly.

"Oh, don't cry....be quiet...Oh, what's wrong?" Pete still thought he could go without Venice. And he probably wouldn't let me follow him.

"What secrets do you have hidden in Ban Bueng? You don't want me or the child to follow you to your hometown, what's going on? Don't tell me you have another child and wife on your island?" I said what was on my mind. Since I started living together with Pete, I felt that I fell in love with him more and more every day, loved him more than before, loved him until I couldn't imagine how I would live without him in this life. I want everything important. Call him for everything. I think a lot like this.

(Note: Ban Bueng is the district where Pete's hometown Chumphon is located)

"No! Yes!!! Let's all go. Let's all go to my house, shall we? Let's all go out." Pete suddenly picked up his stuff and walked into the bathroom while carrying Venice with such anger that it left me feeling confused.

"What's his problem?" I looked after him and shook my head. Okay, what's Pete up to?

[ The next day ]

We drove by car to Chomphon, Pete had booked a hotel for one night there and from there we took a boat to the island. Since yesterday, Pete rarely talked to me. Not because he was angry, but because he was thinking in his head, I don't know. Sometimes, he talked to himself. As soon as I walked over to him to listen closely, he walked away.

We were on a private boat and Pete was walking around in circles while holding Venice in his arms. I didn't know if Venice was dizzy because of seasickness or because Pete kept walking around back and forth.

"Are you okay?" I asked worriedly and looked at Venice, who seemed lethargic and close to passing out.

"Not okay!" Pete replied hurriedly.

"Come sit down! Venice looks so dizzy, he's gonna pass out. Is he just sleepy or is he seasick?" I moved Pete next to me, who held Venice in his arms while lying on his side and he occasionally looked at me.

"Sigh." Pete let out a deep sigh.

"If you have something to say, just say it." I was completely uncomfortable with this situation. I already knew that what stressed Pete out and bothered him mentally the past few days must be the same reason he didn't want me to come home with him.

"Vegas, do you love me?" Pete suddenly blurted out, which surprised me quite a bit.

"I do."

"Do you love me a lot?" The question sounded more heart-breaking than the waves of the sea pouring non-stop.

"Very, very much." I emphasized the words.

"What can stop you from loving me?"

"Nothing," I said as I thought. Even though I still didn't understand anything.

"Okay...can you promise me that no matter what happens on the island, you'll still love me a lot?"

"Pete, it's better to say it." Pete then said to Venice like he was trying to convince him of something. His face turned outside the boat, looking at the waves and the wind, as if he was trying to gather his courage.

"Come on! What will happen, will happen Pete!" He talked to himself again and sighed every ten minutes. Pete's actions made me think, he affects how I feel about everything. Even now, he wouldn't say any more, and I also didn't ask for answers. But I looked at every gesture, every action he made with concern.

"What's that?" I was staring at the sea and the sky, empty and blank, when my eyes suddenly fell upon a large rock that had a large white slogan with a handwritten message in beautiful letters saying "Welcome, Pete Phongsakorn." I read it out loud, then quickly turned to look at Pete, who turned pale and unable to calm down again.

"So what!"

"We're almost there," the driver of the boat shouted. The closer we got, the more Pete looked like he wanted to die. He wiped his sweat profusely, even though the sea breeze that hit his face was cool and made the chaos in my heart calm down.

"Heey!!!!! Pete!!" The closer to the shore, the louder and louder the drums, music, and cheering crowd sounded. I leaned over the railing of the ship to take a closer look.

"I told them not to make it too grand!" 

"Welcome back to the Island, handsome Nong Pete, to the embrace of Grandma Jie and Grandpa Ta." I read a large message on the shore, which dozens of people were holding and waving. The length was about ten meters, and the letters were very prominent.

Da-dum. Da-dum. Da-dum. Da-dum. The drumbeats sounded relentlessly. The closer the boat got to the shore, the louder the voices of the villagers became. I was beginning to understand the complete story. I took our bags, smiled and turned to stroke Pete's head, who didn't dare to face me.

"Here we go....let's go down." I grabbed Pete's hand so he could stand up. The loud rumbling of the drums and crowd was so intense that Venice also began to slowly wake up. "I told you, you didn't have to come." Pete yelled due to the noise, looking like he was about to cry.

"I don't see anything," I said, patting his shoulders to console him.

"Quickly come down, little Pete! Sigh! Grandma missed you with her whole heart! Whose child are you carrying?" An elderly woman dressed in a beautiful dress waded through the water, approaching Pete with joy. "Oh my!! Grandma's beloved grandson has arrived! I thought he was already dead or forgot his house number! It's so nice to see him come again!"

(Note: The islanders speak the Southern language/dialect with Pete. Each sentence that was spoken in dialect was written twice in the novel, once in Southern language and once in standard Thai. But I translated all sentences that are spoken in the Southern language only once and wrote them in italics.)

Venice looked at everything in panic, but he didn't cry from shock at all.

"Grandma! Didn't I tell you not to make it too grand. What are these signs?" Pete spoke back in the Southern language, looking at the gathered crowd in despair.

"It's a year since you came back to the Island, so I had to give a big welcome ceremony worthy of Grandma's handsome grandson!"

I couldn't understand everything, but I understood this woman was Pete's grandmother. I'm surprised! I thought his grandmother would be like any regular old woman, but she looked agile, strong, and sassy with her hair up and face full of make-up. She also wore a golden necklace on her neck, the kind that if the sun shines on it, the reflection would hurt one's eyes.

"Hello," I tried to smile broadly to greet grandmother Jui. I knew her name because it was written on one of the signs.

"Who did you bring along? Come ashore first! Let's help each other carry all the things, quickly!" Grandma Jui waved her hand and called some people from the crowd to come help us carry our stuff.

"What!? What are you doing?" As soon as we reached the shore, Pete's uncles and aunts came toward us and hung an orchid garland around Pete's neck. Some people put an orchid garland around my neck as well [1].

I could only smile dryly, Pete standing in front of me.

"You didn't have to do any of this."

"Hey, why are you holding someone's child? Hey, he's so cute!! Don't tell me you made a woman pregnant?" Grandma pulled Venice into her arms. He didn't open his mouth to cry but remained stiff, mouth turned slightly downwards as he kept staring at Pete woefully.

"Uhh, the child, the child!" Pete began to panic, "He's my friend's son."

Pete gave me a remorseful look.

"Oh! And who is this? How handsome! Pete, is he your friend?" Grandma brought her face closer, examining my body from head to toe. Seriously, I started to understand why Venice was so tense.

"Uhm!! Hey!! What's all of this, Grandma?" Pete tried to change the subject.

I didn't feel upset by his words. If Pete had told her that Venice was his son, it would shock the whole island for sure.

"All of this was arranged in a hurry, you only told me a few days ago you're coming home so I didn't have a lot of time to prepare."

I looked around the splendor of the island. To be honest, I expected that this would be a quiet place, and wanted to take the opportunity of visiting the island with Pete to rest. But it's nothing like that. The beach is full of tents, there is a small stage with musical instruments, decorated with paper flowers and rainbow colored paper ornaments, dangling majestically. I also saw multicolored light bulbs tied to poles and trees. This place was probably even more crowded at night.

"Are you a celebrity on this island?" I whispered softly to Pete. I actually wanted to make fun of him, but when I saw his face he looked like he was about to cry, so I pitied him.

"I'm sorry, Vegas." Pete made a guilty face.

"I thought you were a big politician visiting the island."

"Let's go and bring the stuff to the house, then sit down and eat dinner together." Grandma Jie carried Venice with her and ordered the villagers around with her finger. Venice looked at Pete, with the eyes of someone crying out for help, but who cannot speak.

"Is this child your son? Did you get married?"

"I said the child is my friend's son. Let's go already. Grandpa is probably collecting coconuts, let's just go home quickly to see him!!" Pete walked unsteadily and didn't dare to look at me. As for me, I must admit I wasn't doing well, but I didn't hate it. All of this was new to me, I never experienced something like this before.

We didn't have to walk very long from the shore to reach Pete's house. Pete's house was very big, like the house of a celebrity. His house was more grandiose than any other house in the neighborhood. I almost forgot he used to be the chief bodyguard of the eldest son of the main family. His salary should have been enough to send money home and take care of his grandparents so they could live a happy and comfortable life. Pete's house is a white building with a blue roof, one-story high but was grand in width. There was an area around the fence where various flowers were planted. A long table was placed outside with fish, shrimps and various other seafood. As for the other houses, some were wooden, some were cement, but they didn't take up space or were lavishly decorated like Pete's house

"Come here! Your grandson has finally arrived! Where did you go?! Did you go climb a coconut tree? You can get coconuts from the market! You're old enough to end up in a coffin!"

Grandma Jie's voice was loud, and she complained non-stop to Pete about grandpa, about the bags, about everything. I usually don't show much sympathy to Venice, but today I pitied him. I'm sorry, When we're at home there is no shouting, we live together in peace, so this whole situation is quite shocking.

"Come, come, come," Pete couldn't bear the sight of Venice suffering any longer, so he took Venice from grandma to hold him like before. Venice looked relieved and immediately jumped into Pete's arms.

"Very cute. So is your friend here the child's father?"

"Um," Pete turned to look at me and nodded.

"And the child's mother didn't come?"

Pete made a confused face, before his eyes fell on the back of the house. Grandpa walked over with two coconuts and straws in both hands.

"Hello grandpa, I brought a lot of things." Pete smiled, and looked at Venice with affection. And before Grandpa could open his mouth to say something, Grandma Jie started speaking again.

"Hey, Pete brought his friend and his friend's son with him, and he is very handsome," Grandma Jie pointed at me and I hurriedly raised my hand to greet grandpa.

"Your friend's son is very cute." Pete's eyes smiled as grandpa patted Venice's shoulder twice. Grandpa then went to grab a machete and sat down to open the coconut, smiling. Pete's eyes looked calm and I could understand why, because grandma Jie who had been rambling all this time seemed to have nothing left to say anymore.

"It's late in the evening, we will have a good time and have dinner later. Go take a shower and get ready." Grandma pushed me and Pete into a bedroom and put the bags on the chair in the room. Finally, it was over.

"The green curry is ready!!! Will you come take a look at it?" Someone's voice shouted from outside.

"Wait a minute, I'll go and see myself!!!" Grandma Jui walked out of the room, and as soon as we heard the closing sound of the door, Pete and I sighed together. I sat down at the foot of the bed, along with Pete, who put Venice beside him.

(Note: I didn't really understand who was yelling, or what they were yelling about, but it was something about green curry that made Grandma leave the room)

Nobody talked and the two of us and Venice sat motionless. Grandma Jui did something good, Venice was very tired and calm. Usually, he'd be crawling all over the bed or the floor, but now there was not any movement left in him.

"I'm sorry, are you OK?" Pete lowered the air conditioner temperature and I hoped the cold air would ease the confusion in my heart.

"I'm okay," I said in a flat tone, looking straight ahead to the walls until I couldn't focus.

"Patient!! Be patient, Venice!! This is just the beginning! After this, it's the real thing!!" Pete walked over to me to sit on my lap and embraced me with his arms around my neck. I tucked my head into his chest firmly. "Only two days, only two days."

"Don't think too much." I wrapped my arms around Pete's waist and held him tightly. Venice was slumped on the bed and close to falling asleep.

Creaaak. The sound of the door startled Pete, he jumped off my lap, barely in time, and grandma Jui showed up with a smile and continued talking again.

"I forgot to ask! Will you sleep together in this room, or should grandma prepare the living room for your friend?"

"We can sleep together."

"Or will Pete sleep with me, and give this room to your friend and his son?"

"It's alright, you can leave now." Pete pushed grandma Jui out of the room, and this time he securely locked the door and we both let out another sigh of relief.

"Can't we go down to eat later in the evening?" I lay down on the bed from exhaustion.

"Sorry, but if we don't go, grandma will just come up to bother us until we go." The three of us lay side by side on the bed, physically and mentally tired.

We were able to rest our eyes for almost two hours. Pete woke up to prepare milk for Venice, bathe him and change his clothes, before going to the war zone. Loud noise was already blasting from outside, which started one hour ago. I took a long time to leave this room.

"This welcome party is even bigger than a highschool graduation party." I teased Pete as we walked along the shore in mourning.

"We have to hold on. Venice must stay strong."

"Venice seems terrified from what I can see."

"No, Venice, no!!! You have to fight, son!" Pete held Venice tightly, then kissed his left and right cheeks to send encouragement to him.

As our feet reached the island's dazzling lights, the chatter was so loud that it was incomprehensible. Nearly fifty people sat together on a round table that had been prepared earlier and bands and singers were singing in the Southern language with joy.

"Pete, hey!! Come pay respect to Grandma Jiw quickly! Are you still handsome as usual? We haven't seen each other in years!" Grandma Jie dragged Pete to Grandma Jiw and I followed along.

"Oh, whose child is this?"

"He's the son of Pete's friend, this guy." Grandma Jie pointed at me and I raised both of my hands to pay homage to all the relatives at the table.

"You should get one too, Pete. Do you have a wife yet? Grandma might die tomorrow. Hurry up and give your grandmother a grandchild."

"Oh, he hasn't found a wife yet." Grandma Jie turned to look at Pete, who looked like his soul had left his body.

"I can see Pete works hard. Do you remember Nong Nui? You used to play together when you were young."

(Note: I think her name is Ni or Nui, or maybe even Yui, I'm not sure, so I'm just going with Nui)

I squinted my eyes to look at a slim teenage girl dressed up beautifully, who gave a shy smile.

"I can't remember." Pete quickly shook his head.

"She grew up to be a beautiful woman. You know each other."

Pete glanced at me with concern. I don't know what kind of face I was making right now but I stared relentlessly at the girl named Nui until she turned around and looked at me in horror.

"I'm hungry, let's go eat first." Pete quickly cut the conversation and looked for an empty spot at the table. One hand held Venice, and the other hand pulled the hem of my shirt to follow him.

"You can sit at the front of the table, walk, walk, grandma has prepared it for you."

I followed and sat at the round table, where several other people were seated. The food was set up in a dazzling array, all of which were Southern food. I like Pete, but it looks like I can't eat any of this.

"Eat up, it's delicious, all of Pete's favorites. Yam soup, Kua Kling, Khao Yam, eat it, eat it." Grandma put all kinds of things on my plate, until I thought it was a Buddhist monk's alms bowl.

"You definitely can't eat it." Pete looked at the food and made a thoughtful face. He was right, but I still sat and placed the food on my plate out of respect.

"Oh my, why can't he eat it? Try it! When you come to Chumphon, you have to eat Southern food, otherwise, you're not allowed to go back! It's delicious. Grandma woke up at 2 AM and made the curry paste herself with the curry machine, my hands hurt."

"Let's try it then." I said and scooped a little bit of Khua Kling. I didn't want to make Pete feel too awkward, because his grandma had good intentions.

"No, no, no! You can't eat it, Vegas." Pete tried to hold my wrist to prevent me from putting the spoon in my mouth.

"Come on, Pete, I can eat it. I feel sorry for your grandmother," I whispered to Pete in a low voice. Pete made a troubled face and let go of my wrist, so I lifted up the spoon, bit into the food slowly and started to chew. The smell of curry paste penetrated my nose. I felt a spiciness at the tip of my tongue and it stung all over my mouth.

"Have some water..." Pete handed me a glass of water.

"You look like you're about to die! Bangkokians can't eat Southern curry paste without crying."

"Isn't this the same as what we have in Bangkok?" I turned to ask Pete.

"Well, curry in Bangkok isn't hand-made, and the taste is very mild so everyone of all ages can eat it."

"I didn't know that."

"You're forbidden from eating this. There's nothing you can eat here, take Venice from me and I'll go and fry an omelet for you." Pete spoke in a quiet voice, put Venice on my lap and immediately walked back.

"Don't cry, Pete will come back soon." Venice lifted his head before turning his head around, and pulled the corners of his mouth slightly downwards. It was the second time that I was able to sympathize with his feelings very well.

Suddenly, two interested people appeared to sit near me. Grandma Jie and Grandma Jiw dragged their chairs towards me and surrounded me on both sides. I knew my fate at that point and counted down in my head, 5 4 3 2 1. Start!

"What is your name?" They asked, not in Southern language, with their eyes widened and gazing at me from head to toe.

"V...Vegas." Damnit! I talked to so many clients and customers, but I never felt so nervous before. Why am I so tense? I feel like I'm about to be interviewed for the front page of a newspaper, which will be read by people all over the country. I didn't know what to do, so I just held Venice and hugged him tightly.

"Ve..Ve..Va..what?" Grandma Jiw made a confused face.

"Vegas, the name of the city, ha ha." I said with a dry face. No one has ever made me feel so intimidated before. I clenched my fingers tightly and sweat started to seep through my body.

"And what's the little one's name?"

I looked down at Venice on my lap who had his head down and sat still. I don't think I can help you at all.

"Venice."

"What, oh, such a strange name and difficult to pronounce." Grandma Jui said, waving her hand in front of her face.

"What kind of work do you do?"

I took a deep breath and tried to be as conscious as possible.

"Personal business."

"What kind of personal business? What's that? Grandma is confused." Grandma Jie asked while Grandma Jiw was listening with a concentrated and serious face.

"Uhm, just family business, logistics, ah...transportation, import, export, all kinds of goods?" I didn't know how to form my words and tried to explain it in the easiest way possible. I really didn't expect to be stared at closely and asked such personal questions with such determination.

"What kind of products, son?"

I can't tell the truth, it would shock the whole island.

"Well, a lot of things, like iron, metals, land."

"Who do you sell it to?"

I blinked to the question that made my migraine go to a higher level.

"It depends on who's ordering."

"Ugh, doing business sounds difficult. And who are your parents?" Grandma Jui continued to search for questions to ask me.

"My father's name is Kan, my mother's name is In." I don't understand why they want to know this. Oh!!!!

"Have you been friends with Pete for a long time? Isn't Pete a bodyguard? So how did you two get to know each other?"

"Oh." I paused for a moment, how should I answer? I was more confused than during an exam.

"Grandma Jui and Grandma Jiw, get up quickly!" Pete arrived holding a place of omelet rice and placed it in front of me as he pulled the grandma's off the chair.

"I was asking your good looking friend how he became your friend." Grandma Jie turned around and looked at Pete.

"That's enough. You don't have to ask anymore." Even though Pete said this, it didn't stop Grandma Jie and Grandma Jiw.

"How do you know each other?"

"Uh..." I looked at Pete for help. Venice saw Pete and immediately opened his arms to be held by him.

"We just met and became friends, satisfied? Can you please go sit with Grandpa?" Pete turned to look at his grandpa who sat still and didn't talk with anyone, as if all the words in grandpa Ta's mouth were swallowed by grandma Jie.

"You say that, but I want to hear the conclusion."

Grandma was so excited that I didn't know how to behave. Pete took a deep breath before speaking.

"He's Khun Kan's son, Khun Korn Teerapanyakun's brother. I met him at my job as a bodyguard. He's the boss' nephew. Are you satisfied?" Pete explained and Grandma Jui and Grandma Jiw looked shocked.

"Hello, so why didn't you tell me you're Khun Korn's nephew? Would you like anything else? Oh my god, Jiw, let's go find some snacks and sweets!" Then, Grandma Jui and Grandma Jiw immediately ran around so I hurriedly raised my hand to stop them.

"It's alright, it's alright, please sit down."

"I'm sorry, Pete didn't say Khun Korn's nephew was coming with him or else I would have made the event today bigger."

"Bigger than this?" I said in disbelief. I remembered Pete once told me that Khun Korn used to help the people here from capitalists, so the islanders respected him very much.

"Go now, and sit somewhere else, I'll give this to Vegas so he can eat."

"How can you speak to Khun Korn's nephew like that? You have no manners, I swear. I apologize on behalf of Pete, please forgive me. Grandma and grandpa raised him since birth because his parents weren't there for him. He's a smart kid and he always sends back money too, so people here are always jealous. Grandma Jui raised her grandchild well." Grandma Jui smiled with a shy expression and bowed, but I didn't want her to do that.

"Pete is lucky, his boss is so good to him and he managed to become friends with someone like you. Actually, his horoscope predicted he would be lucky."

Pete, who couldn't stop his grandma from talking, shook his head and took Venice who was starting to reach for the colored paper used to decorate the table.

"What did it say?" I asked as if it was something that I was interested in.

"Oh, it happened a long time ago, when Pete moved to Bangkok to work. Grandma was so worried about him...so I went to a fortune teller. He said Pete would be fine, he could survive but he would go through great difficulties at first, but after a while, he would gain great power and prestige."

Who is this fortune teller? He's so accurate! Because Pete is the dominant one in the house. Me, Macau, Venice, the bodyguards, we're all at his feet.

(Note: Good job Pete, good job hahaha XD)

"Look, Pete takes good care of grandma and grandpa so we can live comfortably. But grandma is worried about one thing. About Pete finding a wife and getting kids. Look at how Pete is holding the child, there is fatherhood inside of him. Grandma really wants to hold and carry her grandson."

I only smiled dryly. I wanted to tell her that she already carried her grandson, even though he's not really our child, we raise him like we're his parents.

"When Pete was still in school, all the girls loved him. On Valentine's Day, he brought so many flowers and chocolates back to the house, they were all over the place! Grandpa Ta picked him up from school once and he was shocked. All the girls put stickers on Pete's head, ears, eyes, until he couldn't see in front of him. He was so charming, but Grandma was surprised that he never brought a girl home to visit his grandparents."

"Oh, really?"

"Don't forget to help him find a wife. And what about young master Tankhun? He didn't come with you? Why?"

"He's busy." I said, even though I didn't know whether it's true or not.

"It's always fun talking to Tankhun. When he came to visit grandma we talked happily for hours until he fell asleep and snored loudly. Really cute."

Oh.... Grandma talked with Tankhun until he fell asleep? I really respect Grandma Jie. Grandma Jie is the best, above everyone else.

"Come on, grandma will take you to dance. Let's dance with all the brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews."

"I'll eat first, I'll follow you later." I pointed at the plate with rice in front of me. Then, Grandma Jie and Grandma Jiw walked to the dance floor, which had a giant mortar placed in the middle, and danced in a circle around it with other people. [2]

"Sigh...are you still okay?" Pete sat down next to me and made a face as if he's about to die again.

"Hmm, I'm okay...what's that called?" I said and scooped the omelet rice into my mouth. Pete's eyes turned to look at what I was asking about.

"It's our traditional Southern folk dance named Ramwong. Why? Do you want to dance?" Pete's expression improved when he saw me beginning to relax.

"No!!!! Why is there a mortar in the middle?"

"That's none of your business!" Pete let out a wide smile and sighed in relief.

"Woah! I was asking seriously." I was a bit uncomfortable with such a big crowd, but I tried to learn the essence that made Pete grow up to be like he is today.

"I don't know. Maybe they just put it there for people to ask about it. Well, if you don't want to dance or be forced to, just pretend you have a headache and go home." Even though it's something lighthearted, it is still worrying. I'm not surprised that Pete can get along with Tankhun. Maybe because of the environment he grew up in.

Around three o'clock, some villagers began to return to their homes gradually. I thought that during this time of the night the island would be the most peaceful, so I walked along the dimly lit beach, enjoying the sea breeze with a peace of mind.

I didn't feel uncomfortable, I just wasn't used to having so many relatives gathered together and having fun. It seemed strange to me and more unexpected that I had imagined.

I waited for Pete while he was showering and putting Venice to bed, and sat down on the sand. I released all of my emotions and relaxed. I felt comfortable, content and happy, all at the same time. I felt this way when I was with Pete. And I could understand how he grew up to be such a good person with positive energy, just by being here on this island I also felt good.

"Vegas..." A voice came from behind me, so I turned around and smiled. I invited him with one arm to sit next me.

"Venice is asleep?"

"Yes. He must be tired from the long journey." Pete sank down to sit next to me and put his arms around my neck.

"What's wrong?" I asked as I stared at his face because he still looked unsettled.

"I'm sorry," he said slowly.

"Sorry about?"

"Sigh...I know Vegas, that you don't like crowded places or loud noises, or other people swarming around you and messing with you. I know you must feel uncomfortable and it must be difficult for you...it's just how my relatives are. I tried to tell you not to come for this reason but in the end...you came. And the house is really chaotic as well," said Pete with a guilty face so I used my hand to gently push his head on my shoulder.

Even though I'm afraid people will see us like this, I saw earlier how everyone, especially Grandma Jie, danced until they're tired and panting, so I didn't think they would have the energy to walk all the way over here.

"You think too much...I haven't said anything yet."

"I've been stressed for days. I tried to remind Grandma that we don't need such a grand party, that she doesn't need to prepare so much food, but did she even listen?"

"Huh, so you've been acting strange for days because of this? What are you exactly afraid of Pete? You haven't told me." I looked down at him and he removed his head off my shoulder and made a serious face.

"I'm very afraid."

"Of what?"

"I'm afraid you will feel uncomfortable being here, I'm afraid that being here is difficult for you and you can't eat anything here, I'm afraid that you won't like Grandma, and I'm afraid that you won't love me anymore."

I smiled at my lover's thoughts, and moved my hand to caress his face and brought my face closer.

"Listen, Pete. There is no way I can stop loving you. Even if it's more chaotic at your house, even if your house is in the forest and I have to climb up with difficulty, even if I can't eat anything at your house, even if your grandfather and grandmother hates me. No matter which relative of you does something crazy, there is no way to stop loving you. You don't have to worry. I will adapt to anything. I will do whatever it takes to be with you. Even if there was no omelet today and I had to eat something spicy, I could do it. As long as I have you." I bent down and kissed my lover's cheek gently.

"Really....I was worried about everything. Life has never been as difficult as it was today. It must be hard to stay here with me."

"I didn't have any trouble, Pete. Besides, we're only here for three days and then we'll go back. It's not a problem at all. Seriously, grandma and grandpa are so cute, and your relatives were just curious about me, they asked all of those things out of curiosity. And the event that was organized, although it was a bit grand, it was sweet. I admit, I'm not used to it. It may look like I'm tense but that's because I can't keep up with everything, but I don't mind anything about you."

"Thank you, Vegas."

"Why do you thank me? I'm the one who should thank you. I'm so happy I came here, I learned more about you and got to know where you grew up. And I believe you will raise Venice very well."

"Ooh, I love you, Vegas. Whatever affects you will also affect me." Pete put both his arms around my neck and pulled my face closer to kiss my lips lightly.

I moved my hand to hug him tightly. The two of us kissed, snuggled together without anyone thinking of backing away. We both let the sky, the water, the wind and the sound of the waves be the witness of our unfailing love. This time, no matter how difficult it gets, neither one of us will go their separate ways...

"What are you guys doing!!!!!!!!!!!!" It seems that our love was not only witnessed by nature, but also by Grandma Jie. How unlucky!

...

..

.

Pete and I sat down on our knees in front of Grandma Jui and Grandpa Ta on the sofa in the middle of the house. Earlier, Pete pushed me away with wide eyes, looking shocked and flabbergasted, as if he wanted to run toward the sea, dive in and escape from here. But for me, I felt that sooner or later, Pete's grandmother would have found out about us anyway.

"What's going on? Tell Grandma the whole story." Grandpa Ta brought a fan to Grandma Jie's face and waved it, while she held an inhaler in both hands.

"Grandma...." Pete bit his lip tightly. I could see that he didn't know where to start.

"Have you two gone crazy? What did you do just now..? Tell me."

"It's me..."

"I love Pete." I decided to say it out loud, without making excuses. Accepting the truth was probably the best solution.

When Grandma heard me say that, she almost snapped her neck. Pete turned to look at me and quickly shook his head, like he was trying to tell me he didn't want me to tell her...

"I love Pete so much...we've been living together for a while now."

"So...that means Vegas is...." Grandma Jui spoke without the Southern dialect and pointed at me and Pete with sorrow.

"Pete is my lover. And I'm Pete's lover." I spoke with confidence, with a face that looked up at Pete's grandparents with sincerity.

"What about your job as a bodyguard?" Grandma asked Pete. He sniffed, took a deep breath and spoke out as well...

"I have resigned from the main family home, Grandma."

"So you became his wife...then what are you going to do next?"

"Help Vegas with running the family business....and raise... a child." Pete said in a low voice.

"Child? Oh, that little guy! Where did he even come from, Pete? Both of you are men...how is this possible...ohhh I might faint again." Grandma Jie inhaled heavily through her nose.

"Grandma, I'm sorry...."

"Have you really fallen in love with each other? Or are you being forced!!!" Grandma Jie spoke again, but this time I couldn't understand the question entirely. But when I heard Pete's answer, I let out a smile.

"I love Vegas! I love him so much!!!" Pete replied firmly like me. He didn't dare to meet his grandmother's eyes at first, but he lifted his face and looked at her with seriousness. Grandma and grandpa were silent, they both looked at me and Pete alternately before sighing.

"You really love him, don't you?"

"Yes!" Pete replied.

"Grandma knows that two men can love each other. The world is speeding up faster and faster every day, I can't keep up Pete, sigh! But anyway, I'm sorry I had to ask, but since Pete has made his choice ...." Grandma extended her hand and touched Pete's head affectionately, "Whoever you love, Grandma loves him too."

"Grandma..." Pete called Grandma with a trembling voice, then walked straight to her to hug her waist tightly.

"Come on Little Pete, you've done so much for us. Whatever it is, if it is happiness, then go for it."

"Oh, it's all good, son. Grandma and grandpa don't mind anything," Grandpa Ta said in a kind tone and rubbed Pete's shoulder. I gathered all the courage I had to bow at Grandpa and Grandma's feet with determination, but also remorse for the bad things I had done to Pete.

"I would like to apologize for the things that I have done wrong to Pete. From now on, I'll take good care of him." I put my hands on my chest, and Grandma and Grandpa smiled and nodded at me.

"Hey Pete...you can stop crying now. You've got a husband and a child. What are you doing?" But Pete still kept his head down and cried as he buried his face in his grandmother's chest.

"But that child.....where did he come out of? Grandma is still a little confused. Answer me clearly."

"It's a long story. I'll tell you one day, but for now, Venice is grandma's grandchild."

"Oh, he's such a cute grandson, I'm so excited. Bring him over often, not just once a year!"

"Yes." Pete and I responded in unison.

"And next time, give him a name that's simple and easier to pronounce, cause I can't pronounce it right."

All the three days I've been here, Grandma and Grandpa were very welcoming. They took care of me like I'm their grandchild, and most importantly, they seemed very fond of Venice and believed in Pete and respected his choice without a doubt. Pete grew up well with the love of this grandfather and grandmother, this place was filled with comfort. Even though it was chaotic, it was so warm and I learned the true meaning of the word 'family' for the first time. By any means, I will bring Pete and Venice back here often, to be filled with love, and I will make sure both of them will live a happy life forever....

--

OK, WHO IS CUTTING ONIONS??? I am drowning in happy tears!!! Isn't this the most satisfying ending you've ever read? Please leave a comment, I want to hear your thoughts and feelings about this couple, the ending, Venice, and what are your expectations for the series? I just want to interact with my fellow VegasPete supporters.

And don't be sad that we reached the end. The authors wrote in the last chapter of KinnPorsche that the story of KinnPorsche will continue in SS2, which hopefully means we will also see more of Vegas, Pete and their happy family together :)

ALSO...FANFIC WRITERS PLEASE DO YOUR THING!! I love this couple so much and would love to read your stories hehe...there aren't enough VegasPete fanfics.

NOTES 

[1] Note: This is an orchid garland. Can you imagine Vegas with this around his neck?? I'm gonna combust.)

[2] Note: This is a small mortar to grind spices