Chapter Text
At the age of ten and running around, Saifah, Venice and Prapai spent all their extra time in the family garage. While Saifah and Venice were interested in mechanics, Prapai wanted to ride everything, be it a motorcycle or a car. What they didn't understand was why once a month, every month, the work log increased exponentially.
They knew that no bikes needed servicing every month so why were those same bikes there for check every month. So, at dinner table Venice asked his father about that. The family knew the reasons but they didn't think that the kids were so observant.
After a nod from everyone else Vegas said "this is something very confidential. Listen carefully and don't tell anyone okay? So, we run a illegal street racing circuit, which you guys are not allowed in because you are kids, and all those bikes participate in there. No one is allowed just like that. You need invitation from the family to join them. Only the richest families and mafia clans participate in there." The kids nodded in understanding.
Saifah then claimed "when I grow up, I will be mechanic like Uncle Porsche and take care of those bikes for you both." Before the parents could negate or feel proud, Venice continued "okay brother, I will help you in that. There's so many bikes I don't think you can do it alone. Let me help you." Prapai felt left out so he said "I will help you guys in checking then. You treat them right and I win every race. We will be the best crew out there." The three nodded in a conversation amongst themselves.
The two little ones felt lonely so three years old Plerng said "I don't want that. I will sit at home and wait for you guys." Phan nodded in support of her brother.
Vegas expected that because everyone else looked surprised while he was amused. He then said "kids, apart from the fact that you guys are too little for all of this, nothing of this sort is happening. Don't even think about it." They nodded but the plan was hatching.
Nobody thought that six years later, past midnight Vegas will wake up the entire house with a shout for Venice, Saifah and Prapai. Apparently the kids had somehow found out where the race was being conducted that month and escaped sometime during the night to visit. The three sixteen year olds were caught and brought back home.
Everyone came down rushing to see the three of them drenched in rain while Vegas glowers at them. They sat around the sofas and saw him deal with them. Kinn was burstling with anger about how he had to sit around and give power to Vegas to deal with his son but Porsche held him back saying "he has two of his own there, trust him."
Vegas said "okay, I am done with the three of you. Last time you tried escaping I warned you guys that I will put trackers in your phone. Chan bring me human trackers, we are inserting it in them because these kids do not really understand the concept of safety."
Prapai fell for it first and begged "Uncle Vegas, no please. We are sorry, we won't run away ever again. Don't put trackers in us." Vegas replied "the defiance in your cousin's eyes leaves a lot to be accepted in your apology Pai." Prapai noticed how Venice was looking at his father and hit him behind his head saying "apologise you doofus. If that tracker is anywhere near me I swear to God you won't survive uncle's wrath."
Venice suddenly looked apologetic and Vegas raised his eyebrows at that. He said "okay, that's an interesting thing. So here's the deal. You tell me three wrong things each one of you have done and I not only not put trackers in you but teach you how to race and fix a bike and take you to the race personally. Three wrong doings per person and three things you wanted in respect of that."
The elder generation was not in support of it while the kids looked at each other as if discussing. Vegas said "we will discuss all of this in the morning. Go back to your room, change and sleep. Be on time for breakfast tomorrow." The kids left and he turned to the elders sitting there.
In so many years only one new addition has been made and that is Tankhun's boyfriend. One of the actors had taken a liking to the designer and not just the designs. It was hard to pursue the eldest brother but he was now a part of the family.
Vegas sighed and sat beside Pete, waiting for everyone's opinion on what had just taken place. Kinn said "there's no way I am letting you teach my son how drive a bike and letting him go to those races. It is so not safe for them. We made it a pact to keep them away from our things."
Pete countered "yeah, all of them had been through an attempt of kidnapping, been trained in self defence the best, knows how to kill to live and Venice even accompanies you guys to the meeting because he wants to be a part of this side of the business as well. They know how to keep themselves safe and we are protecting them by allowing them. If they keep running away I think we will lose them faster."
Porsche said "I think we can appoint someone to look after them during the races. I mean all of them are hosted by us so our guards know them anyways. And we don't let the enemies kids in." Vegas sat quietly while everyone discussed on his statements. He wasn't asked to clarify so he didn't.
Tankhun finally burst out after listening to so many critiques saying "I think we should let the kids explore. That was the first thing we promised to them and ourselves. They are not two year olds. They know better what it entails to be a Theerapanyakul." Kinn finally settled down and nodded his affirmation to let Vegas know that he can do as he wishes.
When they bid goodnight to each other, Vegas was still not cheery and back to normal. Pete thought it was about the kids escaping and so told him that kids know not to do it again. He said "I am not worried about that. Venice knows more than he should and they all know how to protect themselves. What I don't like is how every time I am disciplining the kids everyone gets to present their points on it but if anyone else does, no one says anything. It has been sixteen years. They still don't trust my judgement for them."
Pete didn't know it would affect him as badly as it had. He thought that Vegas was okay with that as he had let it happen and when he said so, Vegas replied "I only did so because you supported me no matter what and the kids somehow subsided with me. And, Kinn has right to present his thoughts on how someone is dealing with his kids."
Pete didn't know what to say for the first time in long time so he hugged him tighter.
Next morning, at the dining table Venice said first "dad, sorry for yesterday. And about those three thing, first is none of us like girls. Except Aunt Erika, grandma Yok and Phan, we don't like girls." The table burst out laughing.
Saifah continued "and we have decided what we want be in the future. I want be a full time mechanic, which is why I will take Mechanical engineering along with finance. Venice will take architecture and Prapai will take business management." Prapai finished it off with "I want to go to UK for my further studies. I know we have more allies and less enemies there so I will be safe. And Uncle Chan has already taught us self defence of all types. I want to do my Bachelors and Masters from there."
Venice propped up in middle "dad you said three things for three info, we gave you that. But I also wanted to ask you something else." Vegas nodded to show he was listening. Venice said "I want to change my name." Suddenly everyone was wide awake and Macau shrieked. He said "no my little brother. I personally picked your name. Why do you want to change it? What do you not like about it?"
And the laughter was back on table. Venice replied "thank you for the name hia but people associate Venice Theerapanyakul with mafia and I would like it that way. For normal people I think I would like to go with Payu. It means storm so it would be a warning for people to never mess with me."
Vegas and Pete looked at each other while everyone else criticised his thoughts. Pete said "it looks like you have thought this through. We are not going to change your name legally though. But you can use Payu in public instead of Venice. We will allow you that." Vegas followed it by "we also think it would be good for you if you differentiate between your persona through names, like your Uncle Kim, so normal people won't know what it entails to be messing with the one and only. Also, don't think that escaped my notice that you guys haven't kept your part of the deal but I am letting you off the hook anyways."
Venice gave his parents a bright smile and rose from his seat to hug and kiss them. The twins gagged at that. Kids went to school after when Kinn came to Vegas and said "I don't think you should have allowed Venice that." Vegas pursed his lips and said "well, have you thought about letting Prapai go abroad for further studies? Though he had told us that because I demanded, he will clearly need your permission for it anyways."
Their not so hushed voices has brought out the family members scattered around the mansion. Kinn said "no, I won't. And it is not up for debate." Vegas said "it never was and never will be. Just like I am no one to tell you how to deal with your kid I expect the same respect from you for my upbringing of my kids. And just so you know, I tolerate your opinions on my methods of disciplining them only because you are Prapai's father and you have the right to tell me off for your kid. Remember I never cross question you when you do the same for Venice and Saifah because I believe that you won't show any disparity between them. Me and Pete allowed Ven to change his name because he had thought this through. He would still be our little Venice but in front of people not family, he will be Payu, a whirlwind you shouldn't mess with. It seems like Prapai had also thought through his proposition as he explained why he chose that specific country but you, being the paranoid father you are, are going to stop him from exploring and making him do as you wish. And I am not even going to allow Saifah and Venice to open their mouth to support him. He will fight alone this time."
Kinn wasnt expecting that comeback, from him or anyone. Vegas ignored his presence after and went to his own work. Kinn went back to his bedroom where Porsche followed him. He asked "do you also think that I am a bad father?" Porsche understood where he was coming from and replied "Vegas never said that you were a bad parent, nor did any of us for that sake. He is just hurt that you question everything he does, for his kids and ours. He doesn't like the fact that even after so many years, you still don't trust his judgement for the safety of our son. He wants the kids to be happy and together Kinn. He won't let anything bad happen to them. I hope you won't forget what he had done to those who once tried to harm Prapai."
*Flashback*
The kids were six when they were tried to be abducted by a rival clan. They had already been told what the family does behind the businesses that they know of. They accepted the reality and understood why they needed bodyguards around them always. For their friends, the story was that they belonged to very rich family, which was not a lie.
Thank goodness no kids were harmed but it resurfaced Saifah's trauma and the other two had gone quiet. The bodyguards had informed both Kinn and Vegas who had returned home immediately to welcome their babies. Vegas immediately took Saifah in his arms while he checked for injuries on the other two.
Both set of parents were raging. Vegas called for Chan and Big immediately and asked "what is your only responsibilty here?" They replied "to make sure that every family member and every business remains safe. We are sorry Khun Vegas." Vegas was seething but his kids were his priority so he said "Pete prepare my bag. Chan I want only five but the best bodyguards with me. Get everything ready by the time I come back." Kinn interrupted saying "wait Vegas, maybe we should think this through." He replied "no we shouldn't. No body dares to touch not only one but three Theerapanyakuls and get away with that. You can sit at home and wait for the news that their clan is dead."
Before anyone else could say anything, Venice said "dad." And that stopped everyone. Vegas turned to him, questioning. Venice continued "can I come with you please? I want to know why would someone touch all of us. When you told us the reality, we thought only I would be at risk because I am the only blood. Then why would they touch my brothers? Please let me come."
Pete immediately clutched him and said "no. You are not going. I promised to myself that you would never see violence and I am not going to break it now. You are not going anywhere Venice." Venice begged and begged. After a few minutes Saifah said "take him Dada or else he will conjure up his own ideas and they are scarier than horror movies. I am not upto listening to them please. Also I will be more relieved if he comes home and say that those guys are no more."
Everyone was astonished at that. Vegas said "I will answer this after I put Saifah to sleep and by the time Arm finds out who it was." And he went away. Pete kept Venice in his arms while Prapai was lounging in Porsche's.
Vegas came back after a few minutes and Arm said "Khun Vegas, we found out who it is and where they are currently." Things were discussed while the two minors were still there. Vegas then said "okay, all ready to go. Venice, you can only come with me if you promise that you will move out the door the moment I say. If you take one moment more you are grounded irrevocably." Venice nodded gratefully.
Pete and Vegas went to their room to pack his bag of torture and extra set of clothes where Vegas kissed his forehead and said "I promised you darling that he won't see any violence and trust me he won't. You have to understand the fact that he is true Theerapanyakul and thus being violent is a part of his genes. His darkness comes form within and even though we aren't going to let him revel in it, we shouldn't let him suppress it as well, should we? Both of us know the result of suppression."
Pete then nodded, asked for a promise that Venice will come home without trauma and then let them go. Venice accompanied his father for the first time for something mafia related and he enjoyed it. For a few punches and kicks, even basic gunshots, Vegas let Venice be hanging around. When it was time for torture though, Venice was moved out. He understood and let his father be.
When he saw his father next, he had changed his clothes and looked all good. He happily clunged to the older man and went back home smiling. He entered the house shouting "Saifah, you don't have to be scared anymore. Me and dad punished the bad people. Dad even let me kick him in the stomach. He said we should only do so if they are very bad. And I think they were very bad because they touch you without permission. So you need not to be afraid anymore."
Saifah hugged his brother and then his father hearing that. Vegas called for Big and Chan again. He said "so, even though you guys hadn't failed exactly, someone was able to penetrate in our safety precautions. So, teach all the kids self defence. All types of self defence including how to free themselves from all types of rope bandages that you train the bodyguards for. Teach them swimming, climbing and ducking."
Kinn said "don't you think you are going too far?" Porsche answered in his defence "no, I think he is doing the right thing. Kids must know how to protect themselves too. We can't just keep increasing the number of bodyguards surrounding them. We promised them a normal upbringing when we adopted them."
So the kids were trained in everything there was. And Venice had somehow convinced all the family members to let him be more involved in family business by manipulating how he was a true blood and that he was supposed to be dark and carrying on the business. Kinn was the only one who raised no objection since his kid wasn't wanting that but Pete and Vegas always took precautions in what he was involved in.
*Flashback ends*
Kinn then said "but why does Prapai have to go so far?" Porsche said "he still thought about where we have more allies than foes, didn't he? As Vegas said, our kids are capable enough to make their own decisions and we should stand by their side. As their parents, it is our duty to support them and not impose our demands on them."
Kinn didn't want to understand that at the moment so he asked to be left alone. Porsche did so without another word.
Later that night at the dinner table, everybody could sense the hostility between Vegas and Kinn but no one pointed it out. Prapai couldn't take it and said "dad, can you please stop being angry with him? I don't even know what you are fighting for this time and I don't think I would like to know. Your reasons are silliest than Phan and Plerng's ever were. Also, studying abroad was a joke if you are strung up on that. It was an instant thought because uncle Vegas needed three intels."
Kinn looked up from his food while very one else became statue. He replied "I am sorry for that son, I didn't mean to upset you. And your uncle Vegas was right anyways. I am just upset that it took me so many years to understand that. About you moving out, if your papa agrees, then I allow you to go to the UK for your further studies."
Prapai dropped his cutlery in shock while Venice and Saifah whistled in appreciation of the decision. Everyone else went back to eating since the kids didn't know the context of fighting. Prapai thanked both his father's for considering what he wanted and that he would make them proud.
As usual after dinner the elders sat down to discuss the day. Kim began "hia, I didn't know it would only take one confrontation with P for you to accept that. I am glad you did though." Vegas interrupted him saying "Kinn, it was never about being wrong or right. You are correct in your own sense as well. I only want some respect for my decision like I give to yours."
Kinn nodded solemnly and said "I don't think I have said this but thank you for killing the bastard who tried to kidnap the kids. Thank you for making sure that they are well versed in all sorts of self defence. And thank you for teaching them proper methods of racing and introducing them to everything ours so they could make their decisions by themselves. And for every time I haven't trusted you and respected your decisions I am sorry. I will do better from now on."
The night began with all in good hope.