A/N: Before we go any further, there are a few things I need to get off my chest. First of all, I love you guys. You're so sweet. The outpouring of support I always get from you guys never ceases to amaze me. Speaking of how wonderful you all are…There are a couple of you that I need to take over my knee because you made me openly weep.
First of all, to a wonderful, wonderful user we all know and love (or at least we should) called havarti2. Why did this asshole make me emotional or how, is a better question? Well, my dear children, there is something on her profile that's simply titled Luminous. And if you haven't read it yet, you should. Because it's a lovely piece of poetry based on Lana and Kyoya's relationship and it's so cute and so sweet and it made me openly cry. Therefore, she's an asshole, but I love her all the same. And if you follow me on Tumblr, I did a little doodling a few days after she posted that to accompany it and it's currently in the front of my binder where I keep track of my word counts. And every time I see it, I smile inside. If you want to see my drawing, my Tumblr URL is on my profile in the social section. However, before you go and look at my doodles, go give havarti2 some love, because she's too much and I love her. She gave me my first fanwork…:3
But along that same vein, though! Another user that gets a virtual hug and cookie from me is a user named the one that gave me my FIRST FAN ART! I shit you not, earlier in the day before I got it, I was complaining to my mom about a Yuri on Ice fic (that has completely ruined my life and hasn't had an update in a month and I need more of it like I need air. I'm sorry that I make you guys wait a week because this is hell.) and how it's been up as long as all of the fics I started this year and already has 20K+ hits on it and it's got ubes of Tumblr buzz and fan art coming out the ass and how all of mine is lucky if it's gone over the thousand mark. But when SOMEBODY decided to send me a message here asking for an exact description of what Lana and Kyoya's reunion looked like, then one on Tumblr asking about something she drew (that is now currently my computer's lock screen and my phone's lock screen because I'm a proud parent that wants to hang one of her babies' artwork on her fridge), I gushed and squealed and wept openly again. And this was maybe a day after havarti posted Luminous? So, I was feeling some love. You guys! Feel free to do more of this! You want to give me fan art? I'M NOT GOING TO STOP YOU! That's one of those things that makes my day and I will share the hell out of it! These two have been the real MVPs this past week and deserve all the love in the world.
Now, what kind of AN would this be if I didn't bring up the guest from Kiss, Kiss. First of all, never apologize for language here. I don't. I got the face of an angel and the mouth of a sailor. That's not a problem with me. But I love you, too. You always say such nice things and a lot of times, they're the kinds of things I need to hear and when I need to hear them. So, you get a virtual hug, too. Especially because of the heart attack I gave you with Lana and Kyoya. Please. Those two have such a beautiful codependence. You really think I'm splitting them up? It's bad enough they're on separate continents. They're making it work, though. And he's right there. And I'm being an asshole by keeping you here and keeping him out of reach, so before I get too gushy, I'm going to let you guys read, ok? Is that good for you? Because Kyoya's meeting Elliot in this chapter and I'm sure we're going to have a hoot of a time with that, aren't we?
Ding!
I might not have been too big on crowds, but I like the feeling the pub had on a Friday night. It had such a homey atmosphere and I loved it. And tonight was even better. I was freshly seventeen. I have my boyfriend on my arm. All was right with the world. The two of us took a seat at the end of the bar.
"It's strange," Kyoya held my hand, "I've never been in a pub before. I always thought my first time would've been with my oldest brother. Although, I'm quite glad it's with you."
"Me, too," I rested my head on his shoulder, "I did my first bar with Rhiannon. Some hole in the wall in Queens, if I remember correctly."
"Oi, Lana," Elliot slid to our end of the bar, "I see someone has a type."
"Did you bring Honey-senpai and Mori-senpai in here, too?" Kyoya assumed.
"Sure," I glared a hole through Elliot. Kyoya didn't know Yuuichi was my new doctor. He didn't need to know that quite yet. I don't think he even knew his brother was in London.
"So," Elliot got my lemonade for me, "Really, Lana. Who's your friend?"
"Friend?" Kyoya chuckled, "I'd say we're a little more than that."
"This is Elliot," I introduced, anticipating the bombshell this was going to be, "He owns the place. Elliot, this is my boyfriend, Kyoya."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, mate." All of a sudden the tumblers fell into place and everything in Elliot's head clicked, "Hold on...Kyoya? Is this that Kyoya?"
"Yeah," I bit my lip, "He's that Kyoya."
"Kitchen," Elliot demanded, opening the door to the back of the bar.
"Why?" Kyoya turned skeptical.
"Now," he grabbed my boyfriend's wrist, dragging him into the kitchen.
"Elliot!" I followed them, "What the hell are you doing?"
"You know what I want," Elliot blew me off, staring dead into Kyoya's eyes.
"For me to not press assault charges, I'm guessing?" Kyoya figured.
"That, too," he settled down a little, "No. Rumor has it you make a braised lamb better than mine."
"That's what I've heard," Kyoya sat down.
"Now that we've gotten that out of the way," Elliot joined him, "What do you do?"
"Excuse me?"
"Your braised lamb," Elliot elaborated, "What do you do to it? I need measurements, recipes, cooking instructions, the whole nine."
"I'm sorry," Kyoya pulled me onto his lap, "I'm not sharing my recipe. The way to this girl's heart is through her stomach and I don't mean that in any derogatory sense, Lana. You're a girl with a refined and sensitive palate and I love you for it. But that's one of those things holding our relationship together."
"Kyoya," I gave him a light swat, "You know better than that."
"I know," he kissed my cheek, "You're not getting my recipe, Elliot. It's just not happening."
"If you tell me," Elliot bargained, playing dirty, "I'll give you my blessing."
"For what?" I wondered.
"Your hand, Lana," Kyoya's embrace tightened around me.
"What?" my stomach knotted up. What the hell...? Why would they be talking about my hand already? Kyoya and I have been together for quite some time now. I know that much, but for us to get married now? We've never talked about it before. I mean, I had that dream once. Nowhere in Kyoya's proposal in my dream did he mention Elliot. He talked to Tamaki and Rhiannon and Ranka, but never Elliot. Sure, I did see Elliot as more of a father than my own, but still. He's not going to propose to me now, is he? I didn't feel a box in any of his pockets.
I'm overthinking. I'm overthinking about how I'm overthinking. Don't start hyperventilating. Don't start hyperventilating. It's fine. It's fine. It's fine. Everything's going to be ok. Relax, Lana. Undo that knot in your stomach. They're just talking about Kyoya's lamb recipe.
"I'm not proposing to you, Lana," Kyoya settled me, sensing something wasn't right with me, "Not yet anyway. Besides, I thought that was one of those things I'd have to ask her father about."
"No, no, no," I stopped him, "You've met my father. I love you. You don't deserve that, Kyoya. If you're looking for anyone to ask permission to, I'd rather you ask Elliot. Or Rhiannon, if you're looking for someone I share blood with. But Elliot's just as much family to me as anyone else."
"Would you put him on the same level as the host club?" he asked.
"No," I shook my head, "I've known Elliot longer than the boys. They're just barely a step under him."
"Lana, you're going to make me cry," Elliot gushed, "What the hell's a host club?"
"It's a group of beautiful boys that basically flirt with girls for a while," I gave him the short version of the company line, "But it's all completely platonic. They hold a very special place in my heart."
"I'd say you're an unofficial member," Kyoya assumed, "I'm sure Tamaki would be ok with that."
"You can't go over his head?"
"I'm only the vice president, Lana," he chuckled a bit, "I'm not going over Tamaki's head. Plant subtle, subliminal messages, sure. Go over his head? No."
"Hang on," Elliot caught up, "You're the vice president of a club that all you do is hit on girls?"
"It's actually a great service," I hushed him, "If it weren't for the host club, I never would've met Kyoya or any of my friends in Japan. That host club is a family in itself, Elliot. It's not just them flirting for a couple hours after school. Every girl that walks into the host club ends up walking out happy."
"Wow, Lana," Kyoya nuzzled his face in my shoulder blade, "We really should have you as our one man PR team."
"Minus the public part," I teased, "No, thank you."
"Getting back to the main reason you're here," Elliot brought it in, "You're not going to give me your recipe, are you?"
"No," Kyoya shook his head, "That's not going to happen."
"Damn," he grumbled, "Well, while you're in town, will you at least make it?"
"I'm sure I will while I'm here," Kyoya figured, "You wouldn't mind if I used your kitchen, would you, Elliot?"
"On one condition..."
"Let me guess..."
"I'll let you use my kitchen," Elliot bargained, "for your recipe."
"Well," Kyoya thought it over, "You would be in the kitchen while I made it. I guess that wouldn't be directly telling you, would it?"
"No," Elliot got a big ass grin on his face, "Alright, Kyoya. You have my permission for my baby's hand."
"Elliot!" I squeaked.
"Sorry, love," he shut up, "You know you're my girl, though, right?"
"Of course I do," I blushed a little.
"Now," Elliot got up, "What should I be getting you, Kyoya?"
"I can take care of getting what I need," Kyoya assured, "Although, do you have any red wine?"
"I run a pub," he gave him a look, "What do you think?"
"Alright," Kyoya gave me a nudge, "So? Tomorrow night? You and me?"
"Is that a promise?" I asked.
"A certainty."
"Ok," I nodded, "I'm pretty sure my schedule's wide open."
"Good," Kyoya stole a quick kiss while I got off his lap.
"Right then," Elliot broke us up, "So, Lana? Two orders of your usual?"
"Actually," I corrected, "Half a dozen Welsh cakes and an order of chips would hit the spot right now."
"God, you sound like my sister," he laughed as the three of us went back to the bar and he called in my order, "She's three months."
"Congratulations!" I beamed.
"Now, I know you're not pregnant," Elliot glared into Kyoya's soul, "Right?"
"I haven't been near her in five months," Kyoya assured, "I'm sure she's not pregnant. Lana's not exactly the type to sleep around."
"God no," I shook my head violently, damn near giving myself whiplash, "I love you, Kyoya. I don't want to screw that up."
"I love you, too, koibito," he settled me.
"So, you're not pregnant," Elliot thought out loud, "Stressed? Eating your feelings?"
"I still have a fairy cake in my mini fridge from you," I pointed out, "I almost ate my feelings, but someone decided to call me and surprise the hell out of me in the rose garden."
"You're welcome," Kyoya chimed, warming my little heart.
"I'm the exact opposite of stressed," I promised, "I'm perfectly content with the world. I got my sugary treats. I got my man. No worries."
"Good to know," Elliot praised, blissfully unaware of the dark cloud that's always looming over my head, but I'll be fine. If anything does go wrong, I'd have Kyoya to help me through it. I was going to be ok. Especially when my order came through that window, "Well, sweetheart, it was good seeing your pretty face again. And Kyoya, it was good meeting you."
"You, too," Kyoya agreed politely, "Meeting you, Elliot, was much better than meeting her father."
"I feel your pain," Elliot cringed, "Lana's old man doesn't try imitating your accent horrendously."
"No," Kyoya winced, "Only butchered my name and yelled at us for speaking my native language, so he wouldn't understand what we were saying."
"Again," I wrapped my arms around his waist, "I'm sorry for that. You didn't have to stay."
"And leave you alone?" he pressed his lips on the top of my head, "You know better than that, Lana. You weren't in a good place and I wasn't leaving your side until you were again."
"Lana," Elliot smiled a little, "Hold onto this one."
"My pleasure," I cuddled into my boyfriend's ribs while he grabbed our food and the two of us were out the door.
Of course, because Kyoya's Kyoya, there's no way he was staying somewhere simple. He and I got back to his ridiculously over the top luxury hotel and immediately went to the bed. This was all I wanted for my birthday. A nice hotel and to get fat and happy with my boyfriend. Was that too much? Of course not. I deserved this. For however long we had, I'd have my moment of pure, innocent bliss.
Ring, ring.
Even if it wasn't as long as what I had hoped for.
"Is that you or me?" I murmured into Kyoya's ribs, not wanting to move at all. His embrace was so warm and so perfect and so horribly missed.
"That's me," he stretched over my shoulders, grabbing his phone off the nightstand, putting it on speakerphone and putting another French fry in my mouth, "What, Tamaki?"
"Where are you?" Tamaki whined, "We were all going to go out today. When we got to your house, the maid said you weren't home."
"I had more pressing matters to attend to," Kyoya continued feeding me, "Priorities."
"More pressing than us?" he pouted.
"Much more pressing," Kyoya's free arm went back around me, giving me a look. Almost as if he were asking my permission.
"Hi, Tamaki!" I chirped.
"Hold on," he thought for a minute, "Lana?"
"Who else would it be?" I giggled, "Of course it's me."
"Lana!" Tamaki squealed, "Are you back in Japan?"
"No," I sighed out, "Unfortunately."
"I'm in London, Tamaki," Kyoya grumbled, completely done with his best friend, "I'm sorry, but I can't go out with you guys tonight."
"Now, if you don't mind," I chimed in, "I'd like to go back to spending the rest of my birthday with my boyfriend. Is that ok with you?"
"Go ahead," Tamaki let us go, "What did I tell you, Lana? Kyoya would be the last one to talk to you on your birthday."
"Yes," I smiled, "You were right. Thank you, Tamaki."
"Bye!"
Click.
"He's an idiot," Kyoya threw his phone back on the nightstand.
"But he's our idiot," I reminded him.
"By the way," he looked down at me, "When did you talk to Tamaki?"
"At lunch today," I told, taking one of the berries from the Welsh cakes (Elliot knew better than to make them with raspberries, so I got blackberries and blueberries instead.), "He called me to say happy birthday and kind of talked me down from being pissed off at you."
"I would've called you sooner, Lana," Kyoya poked at me, "But I was on a flight all day. I barely had my luggage in my room before I went to your dorm. I've been in London for maybe a total of three hours and I've spent most of it with you."
"Worth it," I clung to him, "Wouldn't you say so?"
"Definitely," he gave me a slow, soft kiss, "Happy birthday, Lana."
"Thank you," I laid my head on his chest.
"I know I'm probably enough," Kyoya slid me off him, reaching over the other side of the bed, "But you know I couldn't show up empty handed."
When he came back to me, Kyoya handed me a shallow, white box about the size of my phone. Not an engagement ring, "What's this for?"
"Again," he smiled a bit, "I'm not showing up empty handed. I did a little shopping a couple days ago with my sister and got you a birthday present."
"Kyoya..."
"Open it."
I cracked the lid of the box and nearly fell to pieces. In the box was a dainty silver chain with a brilliantly shining sapphire pendant surrounded by tiny diamonds, "Kyoya...This is gorgeous. Are those real?!"
"Yeah," Kyoya nodded, "Why wouldn't they?"
"This is too much," I shut it.
"No," he shut me up, taking the necklace out of the box and stringing it on my neck, "Let me spoil you, Lana. I can do that kind of thing."
I wrapped my legs around Kyoya's waist, kissing him deeply, "Thank you."
"You're welcome," he nuzzled his face in my neck, "Damn, Lana, I missed you."
"I love you," I swallowed hard, trying to suppress the lump in my throat."
"Aishiteru," Kyoya whispered to me, "Now, jetlag is killing me. Would you care to join me?"
"I'd love to."
I was going to sleep like a rock tonight. I was still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I had Kyoya here with me. As far as birthdays go, I'm going to have to say this one is the best. Better than my ninth (We went to Chicago for the weekend and I got to see the Sound of Music onstage.) and definitely better than my tenth (I got my diagnosis the next day.). But I was in one of my favorite cities in the world with my favorite person in the world. And I had him for the weekend. I had zero room to complain.
A/N: Kyoya cuddles are the best cuddles, would you tend to agree? Now, I really can't wait for Kyoya to cook in Elliot's kitchen. I have a feeling that's going to lead to some very precious moments. I'll see you next chapter! xx
