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The sun is warm where it kisses his face and a soft breeze plays at his hair. In the distance, he can hear the gentle curl of waves as they break against the shore. Vegas doesn't think he's ever felt so content. Slowly, he becomes aware of someone approaching, their feet are bare and muffled in the soft sand. When their shadow passes over him, Vegas opens his eyes to greet them. Pete's head is cocked in amusement and his eyes are soft and fond. “Aren't you tired of it yet?”
“Never.” Vegas says simply. His gaze travels over Pete's form, his stance is relaxed and the sun dances over his golden skin. Vegas thinks he looks happy.
“Macau just arrived and he brought dinner.” Pete extends his hand and Vegas allows himself to be pulled to his feet.
Dinner is filled with playful teasing and laughter in a way Vegas never knew was possible. Afterwards, they pile onto the couch to watch a movie and Vegas can't believe he gets to have this. Macau begs them to go surfing and Vegas promises to take him in the morning.
As they lay in their bed, Pete rests his head on Vegas' chest where he can listen to the steady beat of his heart. His proof that Vegas is still here, still alive.
Vegas runs his fingers gently through Pete's hair and whispers, “not tired of it yet?”
Pete tilts his head to meet Vegas’ gaze. “Never,” he breathes out.
Vegas closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, the sweet smell of their mingled scent fills his lungs. He thinks this must be what home feels like. They fall asleep like that, wrapped in each other’s warm embrace.
***
Sunlight filters through the window and Vegas blinks against the glare. Confusion washes over him as he takes in the empty hospital room. His eyes catch on his hand where a tan line is the only indication of a ring he no longer wears. And suddenly, he knows. The life they carved out for themselves, their tiny house on the beach, their family, their home. It never existed. His eyes burn with tears at the unexpected loss. They spill over and run down his cheeks as his breath comes in shuddering, painful gasps.
The door suddenly opens and Pete steps in. His eyes go wide as he freezes in the doorway. He looks exhausted. There are dark circles under his eyes as if he hasn't been sleeping. It only takes a moment and Pete is by his side. He cups Vegas’ face in his hands and gently wipes away the tears.
“You’re here,” Vegas whispers in disbelief.
Pete’s voice is steady when he responds, “where else would I be?”
“I–” Vegas pauses, unsure how to continue. “I have nothing left, Pete.”
Pete threads their fingers together. “You have me. We will figure something out. Maybe we can go somewhere new, start over.”
As Pete falls asleep against his chest, lulled by the steady beat of his heart, Vegas lets himself dream of soft sand and waves lapping at the shore.