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Venice was over at Kim’s studio because he was there to help Kim record a song; Kim asked him if he wanted to sing a few songs with him on his new and upcoming album. It’s been something that the two of them had done a couple of times and Wik’s fans seemed to like it just as much as Venice did. It meant that he got to spend some quality time with his uncle, so of course Venice agreed pretty much immediately when Kim asked him.
It was supposed to be a fun evening with just the two of them, but as soon as Venice arrived at the studio, he noticed that something was wrong. The lights in the hallway, that were usually turned on when people would arrive at such a late hour, were turned off. One would think that Kim wasn’t at the studio, but Venice parked his bike next to Kim’s car, so he knew that Kim was there.
The whole atmosphere was just strange and it made Venice feel uneasy because at first he thought that something bad happened, but as he stepped further into the studio, nothing was really ransacked. That was what he was worried about – that maybe broke into Kim’s studio and hurt his uncle. If people were smart, they knew that Kim wasn’t to be messed with, but there were still stupid people out there.
Whatever the reason was, Venice felt uneasy. That was why he quickly hurried into the studio, searching for Kim. The studio was unusually empty as well. There would usually be staff in there, so it was kind of strange that no one was there anymore. It was late, but it wasn’t that late. At 7 pm, usually there were still people at the studio.
But, not that day.
Venice’s heart was pounding against his ribcage, but then he finally saw a light at the end of the hallway, which suddenly seemed far too long Venice’s liking, and he gulped. The light was coming from the recording room, so maybe Kim was just too busy recording his new album to notice that everyone had gone home? Too busy to switch on the lights? Venice didn’t really know the answer to that, but he stopped wondering and he just hurried over to the room, grabbing onto the door knob in the hopes that he would find Kim in there.
Venice huffed in relief because Kim was in there. Alone. At first glance, Kim didn’t seem injured, so that was good, but when Venice did a double take he noticed that something definitely was wrong. Kim was half lying on the couch that he had in his recording room and around him were a few empty bottles, Kim hunched over the coffee table as he was pouring himself another glass, but by the looks of it – he had way too many drinks that evening.
Venice’s eyes widened and he quickly slammed the door shut, Kim flinched when he suddenly heard the door closing and he looked up, his eyes trying to focus. He heard someone walking into the room and his heart fell to the pit of his stomach when he saw Venice standing by the door. Venice’s eyes were wide open and his face was pale, Kim looking down and he cursed under his breath.
“Shit,” stammered Kim, his speech awfully slurred as he was in a hurry to hide the evidence of what had just happened. He quickly emptied the last glass that he had just poured, making a face, as he forced the strong liquor down his throat, gritting his teeth and he felt his stomach turning, shaking his head.
Good, this was good.
“Uncle Kim,what happened?” asked Venice and Kim flinched and quickly threw all of the bottles from the coffee table. And what was the plan there, anyway? Kim was frantically trying to hide the evidence of him drinking even if he knew that it was already too late. Still, having Venice see him in such a state was- He didn’t want Venice to see him like this and he swallowed thickly, desperate to hide the empty bottles, but it was…
“Nothing,” said Kim and quickly stood up. As he stood up, he almost lost his balance and he cursed yet again, Venice quickly by his side and he wrapped an arm around his waist, prompting him up onto his legs and Kim felt sick, his stomach turning as everything was spinning and he closed his eyes.
How much did he have, anyway?
Kim couldn’t exactly remember, but by the feel of it – he had far too much than he usually would, even when he was upset! But, this time was different and Kim cursed under his breath when he suddenly remembered that Venice was coming over so that the two of them would record a song together and he just laughed pathetically.
And yet – he ruined that too!
Was he even good for anything? Kim was good for ruining things, but nothing else and he just glanced down. If Venice wasn’t supporting his weight, he would’ve fallen onto the ground already and he knew it. Still, he couldn’t really help it. It was too late and he closed his eyes, trying to even out his breathing.
Kim didn’t want to throw up, not in front of Venice and he gritted his teeth, gripping onto Venice as he forced himself to stand up and he slowly turned to Venice. Even if he was still unsteady on his legs, he placed his hands on top of Venice’s shoulders and slowly stepped back, trying to even out his breathing. He was trying to focus, he needed to stand on his own, but Venice was still-
“Let me help you,” said Venice with a small voice.
“N-no need,” said Kim and winked. “I’ve got it all covered, see?” asked Kim, but as he said that he almost ended up losing balance and he cursed.
“You can barely stand on your own. Let me help you get to the couch and sit ,” said Venice, but Kim just waved it off and Venice frowned because he- He could see that something serious must have happened. It wasn’t really like Kim to drink to this extent. And the sadness in his eyes… It just made Venice wonder what happened-
“I’ll be fine,” said Kim stubbornly and turned around, slowly waddling over to the coffee table, still determined to clean up the mess that he had just made. He leaned down to pick up one of the bottles.
Venice cursed because Kim wouldn’t listen to him. Before he managed to get to him, it was already too late. Kim ended up dropping the empty bottle and that made everything even worse. Kim was suddenly standing in the middle of broken pieces of glass and he rolled his eyes.
“I’ll get that later,” said Kim, his speech slurred and he picked up another bottle, but even that one ended up falling onto the floor and Kim cursed, kicking the coffee table and he hissed out in pain.
“Uncle-”
“Stand back, Venice, it’s dangerous here,” said Kim, looking around the broken shards of glass and then he shook his head. “Let your uncle take care of it,” said Kim and Venice’s frown was just getting deeper – how old did Kim think that he was? Kim was probably too drunk to realise that he was talking to an adult and Venice walked closer to Kim, careful not to step on the broken pieces of glass.
“You should really sit down-”
“It’s fine, I’m fine,” said Kim and reached.
Shivers ran down Venice’s spine when he saw Kim drunkenly picking up the empty pieces of glass with his bare hands. Venice quickly grabbed Kim’s forearm and pulled him up onto his legs. As he did that, Venice was oblivious that Kim was squeezing onto one of the broken pieces and Kim ended up gripping onto it way too firmly, the sharp edges sinking into his skin and Kim hissed out in pain.
“Ouch-”
“I told you,” hissed Venice, frustrated because Kim just wouldn’t listen. “Let me see,” said Venice and gripped onto Kim’s wrist, turning his hand around and Kim slowly opened up his palm.
Kim quickly dropped the glass, but it was already too late as blood was now dripping down his arm and Venice shook his head. The cut didn’t look too deep, but Venice still needed to make sure that Kim was okay. At least physically and then the two of them would deal with whatever was bothering Kim mentally because he just knew that something happened.
This really wasn’t like Kim.
At least not the Kim that he knew now. Maybe it would be something that the scary, evil uncle would do in the past. But not now, so Venice started dragging Kim towards the bathroom.
“Where are we going?” asked Kim.
“Bathroom.”
“Why? I need to clean up-”
“We need to clean you up, you’re bleeding. And I’ll take care of the mess in the studio,” said Venice, Kim’s heart falling into the pit of his stomach and he smiled through his sadness. Really, he was good for nothing. He couldn’t even take care of one fucking thing. Not even one!
“I can clean up-”
“You’re in no state to be cleaning anything up. You’re drunk!” said Venice, scolding Kim, which just added onto Kim’s bad mood and he dropped his head down, but he didn’t say anything after that and just followed Venice in silence, swaying on his legs, barely keeping up with Venice.
“I’m sorry-”
“We’ll talk later, okay?” asked Venice and his voice was softer this time, but still stern. Venice wasn’t really upset with his uncle, he was just worried and he huffed under his breath. Kim slowly nodded along. Maybe… maybe he could do at least one thing right that day.
Silence.
Kim was sitting in complete and utter silence in the recording room, his hand now wrapped up with bandages thanks to Venice, who cleaned the wound up and bandaged it up. Venice was now in the process of cleaning up the mess that Kim made before and Kim was just sitting there, feeling completely and utterly embarrassed.
Kim was older, he needed to keep his cool in front of the kids. Sure, Venice was an adult now, but still – he didn’t like Venice seeing him like this and he was embarrassed for slipping up this badly. It was stupid, it really was and all of it was his fault. Kim felt guilty because Venice got there to have fun, to spend fun time together, but it was just… All ruined because of Kim. Kim gritted his teeth and kept his eyes focused on the floor.
“I’m sorry,” whispered Kim with a small voice, feeling nauseous as hell, but that was a good thing as it was the least that he deserved for treating Porchay and the kids the way that he did. And now ruining the recording of the song… Venice was looking forward to it so much-
“Mn?” asked Venice, looking up as he was still sweeping up the broken pieces.
“I ruined,” said Kim and then held in his breath for a little while, trying not to throw up. “Everything,” he then said and leaned back, closing his eyes in the hopes that the room would stop spinning around and he gulped. It was hard to focus, forming sentences was difficult.
“What happened?” asked Venice with a small voice and threw away the last pieces of glass. “Wanna talk about it?”
“What happened?” asked Kim and opened his eyes, slowly lifting his head up. Kim was quiet for a little while and then he shook his head, a sad smile spreading across his face. “I really don’t deserve Chay, I really don’t- ” he started, but his voice broke and he stopped himself.
“What are you talking about?” asked Venice, his heart hammering much faster now.
“Too late now, he’ll never forgive me,” whispered Kim and closed his eyes. “I acted so-” he said and puffed his cheeks, shaking his head. “Doesn’t matter. I don’t wanna burden you with this, kiddo-”
“I’m not a kid, uncle,” whined Venice. “And let me help you, please? It’s really not a burden. I mean it.”
“It’s too-”
“I’m sure it’s not as bad as it seems?” asked Venice and Kim shrugged. “You and uncle Chay always manage to work things out. Remember?” asked Venice and Kim’s heart was heavy.
“One time we almost didn’t- ”
“When?”
“If it wasn’t for you back then, we would have never-”
“Okay, that was like a million years ago,” said Venice and huffed. “I was – what? Two? Three?” asked Venice and Kim nodded. “See? Things have changed so much since then. You’ve changed ,” said Venice. “And so has uncle Chay! I’m sure he will forgive you! No matter how much you think you’ve messed up-”
“I yelled at him, Venice,” whispered Kim and ran his fingers through his hair. “I yelled at him, I yelled at Kay, ” he said and swallowed thickly.
Venice pressed his lips together and he glanced down. Even if it sounded bad, there had to be a reason, right? And even if there really weren't any good reasons… Kim was completely guilt ridden. So much so that he wouldn’t even forgive himself for-
“I’m sure you didn’t really mean it-”
“There’s never a reason to yell at your kids, ” whispered Kim. “I’m a terrible father-”
“That’s not true!” said Venice. “You’re a damn good dad.”
“I didn’t mean-”
“What happened? Tell me,” said Venice and Kim glanced at him.
Kim truly was a mess, his head feeling fuzzy. His vision was somewhat blurry, but he didn’t know if those were tears of just the alcohol. Kim couldn’t focus and as he closed his eyes-
“I was working, ” whispered Kim. “Honestly, this album is proving to be a lot more difficult than any of the previous ones. The deadlines are piling up and I have nothing finished,” said Kim.
“You’re pushing yourself way too hard,” mumbled Venice.
“Perhaps,” said Kim and laughed dryly. “That was what Chay and Kay were trying to tell me too,” he said and Venice slowly nodded. “All they wanted was to take my mind off it and I know , but in that moment-” he said and swallowed thickly. “Do you know that Kay has a play at school coming up?”
“Yes, he told me all about it,” said Venice and smiled.
“He’s so excited about it, too,” said Kim. “So – they asked me to help them rehearse for Kay’s play and my reaction… God, I’m fucking awful,” said Kim and the space in his chest was shrinking. “I-I told my son that I have other… Better things to do than to be helping him rehearse with his play. I said that his play isn’t important,” he carried on and Venice’s eyes widened. “I yelled at-” whispered Kim. “At Chay when he got upset with me. He had every right, but at that time I was too-”
Venice pressed his lips together and he glanced down. Yes, Kim messed up. He messed up pretty bad, but Venice didn’t… It was a mistake and Kim didn’t really mean it. He was sure that Porchay understood that. And as for Kay… Yes, that was going to be more difficult.
“You didn’t mean it,” was all that Venice said, but Kim wasn’t listening.
“I just stormed out,” said Kim. “And now I ruined our recording as well-”
“Don’t worry about the recording. I can come here another day-”
“You were so excited-”
“Uncle, really, it’s just a song. We can finish it any other day,” said Venice and placed his hand upon Kim’s shoulder.
“The only thing I’m good for is ruining things,” hissed Kim.
“Alright, stop this now,” said Venice, who was now genuinely upset about the things that he was hearing – he understood that Kim was drunk, but still… It hurt Venice hearing Kim put himself down and he gritted his teeth. “You should go home,” whispered Venice. “Want me to give you a ride?”
“No,” whispered Kim and shook his head.
“Uncle Kim-”
“I’ll sleep here, I can’t go home,” said Kim and Venice took a deep breath. Wouldn’t that just make things worse if he didn’t come back home? “I can’t,” he said, his speech awfully slurred. “I can’t show my face in front of Chay and what am I supposed to tell Kay, huh?” asked Kim and as he looked up, his chest was feeling heavier with each passing second.
As he blinked, Venice’s eyes widened when he saw tears rolling down Kim’s face and he flinched. Kim didn’t really care about the tears and that point and he looked down.
“Do you want me to call Porchay?”
“No,” said Kim. “He doesn’t wanna talk to me, anyway,” said Kim. “Why would he? He has no reason,” he said and laughed bitterly.
“Uncle-”
“No, I’ll stay here – away from others, where I can’t hurt anyone,” said Kim and closed his eyes. “Here is good,” he whispered and Venice scooted a little bit closer. “No apology is going to cut it. Kay will never forgive me,” he said and Venice could hear a little sniffle coming from Kim’s lips.
Kim could again hear those horrible words, they echoed in his head. It was terrible. The more that he thought about it, the worse it was getting and Venice knew that he needed to do something. There was no way that he was leaving before making sure that Kim would go home safely – he wasn’t spending the night at the studio, not on Venice’s watch!
“But he feels terrible,” said Venice and crossed his arms on top of his chest.
“Good – as he should,” said Porchay.
“Look, I’m not saying what he did was right because he messed up. He messed up badly this time, but he knows that,” said Venice. He wasn’t trying to make excuses for Kim, but he just… “He blames himself ten times the amount you are right now. Trust me, ” said Venice and Porchay glanced past Venice, looking at Kim, who was now laying passed out on the couch, asleep.
After Kim pretty much sobbed until he fell asleep, Venice finally decided to call Porchay, begging him to come pick Kim up at the studio. It took Porchay a little while, but eventually, he showed up.
“He’s drunk,” said Porchay and slowly stepped closer to his husband, chills running down his spine when he saw that Kim’s hand was bandaged up. He gritted his teeth and looked at Venice.
“He drank a lot,” whispered Venice and looked down.
“Great – alcohol will save problems,” said Chay and Venice shook his head.
“You know it’s not like that,” said Venice, his voice stern a little bit. Then again – Porchay wouldn’t show up in the middle of the night to pick Kim up if he wasn’t worried. Porchay had to call Porsche to come over to watch over the kids while he rushed over to the studio pretty much as soon as he could. “He feels terrible-”
“W-what happened to his hand?” asked Porchay with a small voice.
“He broke a bottle and tried to pick it up,” whispered Venice. “The cut wasn’t deep,” he quickly added and Porchay sighed in relief.
“Thank god,” said Porchay and Venice gave him a little smile.
“You two should talk,” said Venice and Porchay nodded.
“Yes, not today, though, he’s too-”
“Mn,” said Venice and looked at Porchay. “How’s Kay?” he asked and Porchay’s mood worsened again.
“He cried himself to sleep,” said Porchay with a heavy heart.
“Kim didn’t mean it,” said Venice. “He told me what he said. And he-”
“I know Kim didn’t mean it,” said Porchay and glanced at his husband. “I know how Kim gets when he’s under pressure. He’s been struggling with writing lately. The more he pushes himself, the worst it gets. I know all of that and yet,” said Chay, sighing along. “He just didn’t want to disappoint me and his fans. I know him all too well,” said Porchay and Venice sighed in relief because he could tell that Porchay understood the situation fully.
That didn’t mean that he wasn’t furious with Kim, though.
“Yeah.”
“But explain that to a kid,” said Porchay and pressed his lips together. “Kay thinks he doesn’t want to come to see his play,” said Porchay and powered through the emotions. “He thinks he’s a burden to Kim,” said Chay and closed his eyes, shaking his head.
“Oh, Kay,” whispered Venice and Porchay nodded. He made sure to tell Kay that Kim didn’t really mean those horrible words, that he was just too stressed, but it was to no avail.
Hearing Kay cry himself to sleep as he was standing outside of his room was heartbreaking. Kay wanted to be left alone, no matter how much Porchay begged him to open the door, he wouldn’t. Eventually, the boy fell asleep and Chay went to check up on him.
“Venice,” said Porchay and Venice looked at him. Chay smiled softly and he sighed along. “Thank you for being there for him at his lowest,” he said and Venice shrugged.
“No need to thank me. He’s been there for me through thick and thin, I’ll always have my uncle's back,” said Venice and Porchay ruffled his hair.
“Just when did you get all grown up, huh?” asked Porchay and Venice smiled softly and chuckled. “Spoken like a proper adult,” he said and Chay sighed along, slowly.
Venice slowly moved away, so that Porchay could get closer to Kim and he slowly knelt down next to the couch. Chay sighed under his breath and for the time being he couldn’t even be properly angry with Kim. Venice told him everything over the phone; how Kim was blaming himself for being a terrible father, all of that. And Porchay was just…
Kim made a mistake.
It was human to make mistakes.
Porchay gently touched Kim’s cheek and the other one nuzzled into the touch in his sleep. Chay smiled and considered his options.
“... Chay,” mumbled Kim in his sleep and Porchay leaned closer, pressing a little kiss against his forehead.
“Right here, Kim. I’ll take you home,” said Porchay and slowly stood up, leaning over. “Help me carry him to the car? I’ll pick him and you open the doors for me?” asked Porchay, Venice quickly nodding.
Porchay slowly picked Kim up, slowly manoeuvred him a little bit in his arms, so that Kim was safely resting in his arms and Porchay sighed along.
Porchay couldn’t wait for the morning to come so that all of them could talk things out.
The next morning started off rather rough.
Kim woke up very early and at first he was confused as to how he managed to get home last night, but Porchay quickly filled him in that Venice called him to come and pick him up. Chay and Kim sat in silence for a very long time and it was Kim who broke the silence and he apologised. He kept on apologising over and over again, but Porchay already forgave him. Because he could tell – Chay cloud see just how much Kim regretted saying those stupid words.
If Kim could, he would take things back.
Kay and the girls were still asleep as it was pretty early and after Kim talked things out with Porchay, he was just sitting on the bed, feeling like hell. He felt sick, he looked pale and his head was killing him. He really counted his blessings that Porchay decided to stay by his side after being that horrible. Kim was-
“Drink water,” whispered Porchay and handed the glass of water to Kim, who took it in silence and made a few gulps. He had just returned from a very fast trip to the bathroom, throwing up for the second time and Porchay sighed along, gently rubbing Kim’s back.
“It’s my own fault,” croaked Kim.
“It’ll be okay,” said Porchay, not pushing more blame onto Kim and he leaned closer, pressing his head against Kim’s and closed his eyes. “You just need to take the rest of the day off. No worrying about the album, only rest. ”
“Yes,” mumbled Kim and glanced down. “Last night-”
“I know, Venice told me everything as I’ve told you,” said Chay and slowly pulled back.
“I need to call Venice,” whispered Kim.
“Later,” said Porchay and Kim nodded.
Chay could tell that Kim was avoiding asking the tough question – Kay. Not because he wasn’t worried, but because he was too ashamed and Porchay knew that. That was why he didn’t push it.
“Kay,” finally said Kim and Porchay gave him a little nod. “He’s still asleep?”
“Yes, I checked up on him when I went to get you water and he was still asleep,” said Porchay and Kim nodded.
“I’m such a piece of shit,” whispered Kim and bowed his head.
“Kim-”
“How could I?” asked Kim and gripped onto the glass tighter, ignoring the pain that he felt on his cut up hand. “How could I say that his play doesn’t matter? I made him feel-” he said and gritted his teeth. He made his own son feel the way his own father made him feel in the past. “Just like my own father-”
“That’s enough, you’re nothing like Korn,” said Porchay firmly.
“But I said-”
“Yes,” said Porchay. “But you and Kay will work it out, you will explain it to him that you didn’t mean it. I’ve already told him, but he needs to hear it from you, ” said Chay and Kim quickly nodded. “It’ll be okay. Kay is understanding, he’ll understand.”
“I’ll make it up to him,” promised Kim.
“Of course you will,” said Porchay and smiled softly.
“I don’t even know why I said… I wish I could go back and just-”
“You were tired and overworked, you said it in the heat of the moment,” said Porchay and Kim nodded.
“Doesn’t make the difference though. I still said it,” said Kim. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he hates me now,” said Kim and closed his eyes. “I really am good at ruining things.”
“Kim, listen to me-”
“I don’t hate you, papa,” suddenly a little whisper came from the door and Kim quickly glanced up. Porchay could see that Kim’s eyes were puffy and red, glazed with tears and he pursed his lips, looking towards the door as well.
The door slowly creaked open and Kay slowly stepped into the room. Kay’s been standing there for a little while now. He woke up and he wanted to see where Chay was, worried because papa didn’t come home last night. That was why he wanted to check up on dad, but when he reached his parents’ bedroom, he could hear both Chay and Kim talking.
Papa came home after all!
That made Kay happy and the more he listened, the more he could hear just how guilty Kim was. Thinking about what papa told him about the play he was preparing so diligently for made him want to cry again, but dad already told him that papa didn’t mean it. The boy understood it, but the words still hurt.
However, now he saw that he wasn’t the only one hurting. Papa was too.
“There, see?” asked Porchay and smiled, trying to brighten the mood in the room.
“Kay,” whispered Kim and quickly placed the glass of water onto the nightstand and Kay slowly stepped closer. Words were stuck at the back of Kim’s throat and he gripped onto the bed sheets. “About yesterday,” he said and Kay gulped, but he gave him a little nod. “I want you to know that I am so sorry. I apologise,” said Kim. “I don’t expect you to forgive me, I was way out of line, but I want you to know that I didn’t mean it,” said Kim. “I was stressed, I said stupid, stupid things that are not true. Your play matters. It matters the most to me, okay?” asked Kim and Kay placed his hands together.
Papa’s voice was weird. It was shaking. Was papa feeling okay?
“I understand,” said Kay slowly.
“R-really?”
“Yes,” said Kay with a small voice and he felt much calmer when he heard Kim telling him that. “Papa, I really don’t hate you,” said Kay and Kim smiled. But, papa’s smile looked sad. Kay didn’t like it, he felt uneasy.
“Papa is very sorry, yeah?” asked Kim.
“I forgive you,” said Kay simply and Kim’s eyes widened. “Will you come see my play?” asked Kay and Kim sniffled because it was that easy. So easy. Kay was just-
“Of course I will, buddy,” whispered Kim. “I’ll help you with your rehearsals every single day,” said Kim and Kay’s smile widened.
“You will, papa?!”
“Yes,” said Kim, his voice still shaking.
“But your album…”
“Will wait, it’s not going anywhere. Your play is a lot more important,” stated Kim and Kay was even more excited now.
Porchay sighed in relief. Still, Kim was a mess and Chay signed Kay to come closer.
“Kay, why don’t you give your papa a hug? It looks like he needs one,” said Chay and Kay didn’t have to be told twice. He literally ran over to Kim, all of the bad thoughts forgotten because now he was getting papa to help him with his play every single day!
Kim, on the other hand, was still far from forgiving himself. But, it was a step into the right direction and he just wrapped his arms around Kay and gave him a hug, closing his eyes. Kim relaxed a little bit when he felt Porchay’s lips against his temples and he sighed along.
It was… okay.
It was going to be okay.
“Papa, what happened to your hand?” asked Kay when he saw the bandages. “Did you hurt your hand?”
“Just a little bit?” whispered Kim.
“Does it hurt?” asked Kay with a small voice and Kim shook his head.
“Not at all,” said Kim, but Kay still gently placed his hand on top of the bandages and gently patted Kim’s hand. Kim smiled through his tears and gently pinched Kay’s cheek, who giggled, but kept on holding Kim’s wrapped up hand gently. Almost as if he was trying to protect his father.
“What’s up with you?” asked Vegas when he saw Venice strutting around the room and Paris rolled her eyes, while Chaiya just smiled from behind her book.
“He helped uncle Kim and uncle Chay to make up last night and now he won’t shut up about it,” said Paris. She was happy that all ended well, but Venice was bragging.
“They had a fight?” asked Pete.
“Mn, but I sorted it all out like the professional relationship consultant I am,” said Venice and Pete smiled softly. Paris groaned and she huffed along. “Anyone else needs my help? Paris, Chaiya?” teased Venice on purpose and Paris rolled her eyes, but her cheeks were red. “I’ve been doing this since I was two,” said Venice
“No, thank you! We got it all covered,” huffed Paris.
“Your first date is tomorrow?” asked Venice.
“Shut up,” hissed Paris and eyed Vegas, who clicked with his tongue.
“It’s fine. Just make sure to be home by nine,” said Vegas and Paris’ jaw dropped.
“Nine?! Dad, the movie doesn’t even end by then!” whined Paris and Vegas shrugged. “Eleven!” said Paris, trying to bargain with her dad, but Vegas shook his head.
“9 pm, sharp. Understood?” asked Vegas and narrowed his eyes, Chaiya nodding, but Paris glanced at Pete instead.
“Papa!”
“Vegas, nine is a little bit-”
“What?”
“At least let them enjoy their date until 10,” said Pete and Paris huffed.
“10:30!”
“Don’t push it,” said Pete.
“Yes, papa,” said Paris quickly. “We’ll be home by ten. There, happy, dad?”
“Yes,” said Vegas and Venice grinned.
“And no bodyguards,” said Paris.
“Hmm-”
“Ugh,” said Paris and covered her face. “Chaiya, tell him!”
“Listen to him, little girl,” said Chaiya and winked. Paris’ cheeks suddenly reddened when Chaiya used the nickname in front of her parents and she choked on air, Vegas’ eyes widening when he heard that.
“What was that?! ” asked Vegas.
“Nothing,” said the girls in unison.
“Pete!” said Vegas.
“Oh, would you look at the time – I have to go somewhere,” said Chaiya and stood up. Paris followed her.
“Me too!”
“But-” started Vegas.
“Yes, we have places to be at,” said Paris and took Chaiya’s hand into her own, dragging her out of the room. Pete just smiled when he heard the two of them giggling as they ran out of the room and he sighed along.
Paris was going to cause them many, many grey hair in the future, wasn’t she?