Chapter Text
Click. Pete adjusted the lens of the camera as the model in front of him fidgeted lightly with her fingers. "A little to the left, please," Pete directed.
"Sure thing!" She acquiesced, shifting so that her body was pressed against the wall, her hair falling in waves around her face. Satisfied, Pete snapped another picture of her.
Porsche suddenly came rushing in. "Pete," he called. "It's almost time."
Pete nodded once, shooting the model an apologetic smile. "I'm afraid that's all the time I've got," he said. "I'll send the specs to your manager."
"Of course. Thanks, Pete!" The model shot him a sunny smile and walked back into the changing rooms.
"You've got a shoot in a week, down in Bangkok."
Pete sighed lowly. "Bangkok," he muttered.
Porsche stopped him. "I know it's been a while," Porsche mumbled. "And it's been a while since him - "
"I'll be fine," Pete interrupted. "We've both moved on. Didn't you hear?" Pete held up a newspaper. "He's getting married."
Porsche sighed, but said nothing.
Pete sighed, but ultimately stopped in front of the school, frowning as all the uniformed children passed by him, Porsche by his side as he looked for a familiar pair of eyes.
Pete smiled and waved when he saw. His son, his life, his world, Venice Saengtham, looked up and smiled. He walked over to Pete slowly, handing him his bottle and bag before holding his hands up expectantly. Pete suppressed a laugh and scooped up Venice, letting him nuzzle into his shoulder, before hugging him tight and breathing in the fact that he was alive, despite all the doctors, and nurses, and researchers that told him it wouldn't happen.
Venice was alive, against all odds. And so long as Pete was breathing, he would stay that way.
Later at home, Pete, Venice and Kim all sat together, rice and curry in front of them. Ever since his partner had left, Kim had been a huge support to Pete. "How was school?" Pete asked.
Venice pouted. "There's a boy," he started.
Pete froze. Kim chuckled silently, amused. "Who is this boy, Venice?"
"He beat me for exams! By three percent!" Venice exclaimed. "It's not fair!"
Pete relaxed. "Well, Venice, good or bad, that means he studied hard."
Venice paused. "But it's not fair, Papa! I want to be first."
Pete smiled lightly. "Study hard, Venice," he advised. "Work hard, and you'll see the results. Now finish your dinner. We have to go to bed soon."
Later, as Pete was tucking Venice in, Venice turned to whisper, "Was Daddy smart like Venice?"
Pete froze. "Venice, what have we said about asking about your Daddy?"
"But Papa! Everyone at school has two parents! Why am I the only one who just has one." Pete stayed silent as Venice sniffled. "How come I don't have a Daddy?"
Pete sighed, and reached over to adjust Venice's blanket. "Tell you what," Pete murmured. "Beat this boy in your class, and I'll tell you about your Daddy."
Venice brightened. "Really? You promise?" Venice held out his pinkie expectantly.
Pete smiled and reached over to curl their pinkies together. "I promise. Now which story do you want tonight?"
"The Little Prince, please!"
Pete chuckled as he grabbed the book, Venice eagerly giggling from his bed. "Okay, here we go," Pete murmured. "Once upon a time, there was a prince and a king - "
"That's Venice and Papa!" Venice piped up.
"Yes, and there was also the King's jester and the king's advisor - "
"Uncle Porsche and Uncle Kim!"
"Yes, Uncle Porsche and Uncle Kim. And together all of them..." Pete continued reading, until Venice's eyes were drooping. Pete put the book down and gently reached over to pull the oxygen mask he kept beside Venice's bed over his mouth and nose, smiling when he saw Venice blinking up at him blearily. "Goodnight, my little prince."
Venice's eyes fluttered as Pete pressed a kiss to his forehead, going outside to where Kim was waiting expectantly. "You should tell him," Kim murmured.
Pete sighed. "Tell him what? About how his father - " Pete cut himself off, pressing his head to his hands. "About how his father disappeared from our lives? That'll break his heart."
"People are going to talk."
"Let them," Pete hissed as he gently grabbed a throw blanket and settled himself on the couch. "Let them talk all they want. The only opinion that matters to me is my son's."
Kim looked on sadly as Pete fell asleep.
Pete didn't care. This was, after all the most important thing in his life. He would do anything to keep Venice happy.
Anything.