Guuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuys! T.T
Heeeyyyy! It's been so long! Hope you're all doing okay during this crappy year!
The gaps between updates have been bad for a long time, but this has to be the longest. I'm really sorry for anyone waiting. I just...oh, you all know the drill. Soul crushing job. Little to no writing time or motivation.
If any of you also happen to read any other fics of mine, they are all in the process of being done. Just a case of getting them written. Don't know when, but they will happen!
Super late thank you to everyone who read and reviewed the last chapter, all those months back!
Finally have something for you. I won't lie, it's a bit of a random chapter. I had the ideas in my head for a loooonnng time and they kind of meshed well to make one decent (I hope?) chapter.
I hope you enjoy!
I guess I ought to warn that there is the tiniest, softest little slice of lemon in this. Probably isn't worth having a warning but...eh.
/"Blabla"/ indicates French being spoken.
Chapter 30 - Like a Boss
Kai sat on the plush sofa, back straight and face unreadable while his insides trembled significantly.
A gorgeous, model-esque woman in her 20s elegantly cantered over in her heels that probably had cost more than her rent, perfect white smile in place as she set down the chilled bottle of sparkling water down for him along with a beautiful glass complete with lemon wedge.
He gave her a nod in thanks, but truthfully couldn't quite handle any fizz right now.
There was already enough of that going on in his gut...
Sat next to him was a man in his forties. Also dressed immaculately in a suit. Annnnd if Kai's observations were right, his eyes were admiring the ass in the pencil skirt as she walked away with the tray.
He made a face. He wasn't paying this asshole to admire the views! He was supposed to be telling him what to say and do like a good PR guy.
He cleared his throat, getting his attention back.
/"So...you were saying?"/
/"Ah, yes. I was saying I have given them a list of topics they may and may not discuss with you..."/
Kai nodded along, only half listening despite being pissed off moments ago that he wasn't filling him in.
How in the hell had he gotten talked in to this again?
He had enough to worry about, what with his wedding just around the corner on top of the usual strains.
But yeh. Sure. Some clown decided he needed some big spread in a magazine...a celebrated CEO...
Really? There was no one else?
And even worse was the vice president and underling (Tala) had been the one who forced it.
Good publicity and all that...
He was the boss, damnit!
Apparently some changes he'd made to his grandfather's company had caught some media attention, and now he was being punished by being dragged in to be interviewed...and taken pictures of...
He didn't like his picture being taken at the best of times...
As he sunk in to a deeper sulk, his soon to be husband bounded back with stars in his eyes.
This. Was. AWESOME!
Sooooo many glamorous people!
The beautiful French people bustling around the swanky offices and boardrooms putting together the lastest issue of Dolce Vita.
One of those glossy, thick magazines that sat on the same shelves as Vogue and Forbes and...all those other incredibly influential magazines!
The kind he would only ever buy for a plane ride. A little luxury to go along with a dry chocolate croissant and bitter coffee that costs 20 bucks at the airport.
He forgot he was going to the sofa where Kai was and ran over to look out the other side of the glass room they were in.
Yet more stunning people head to toe in Chanel, Dior and all the other fashion greats made their way down the halls carrying clothes, folders, cameras...
Just looking fabulous!
And to think his fiance, husband to be, love of his life, was going to be on the mother effin' front cover...
He grinned, walking with more of a sway to his hips than usual as he made his way back to Kai. He slinked himself down on the sofa with him, while elegantly propping his head with his hand.
And just cassssuaalllyyy making sure his engagement ring was on display as he lightly rest the other hand on Kai's shoulder.
His belly got even more giddy.
Rei never cared for designer labels or luxuries or anything like that really.
Could take the boy out of the mountain village in China, but you couldn't take the mountain village in China out of the boy.
It just so happened he was marrying in to wealth. Fell for someone who happened to have it.
Though he'd be lying if he said he didn't enjoy it sometimes.
Just upping and coming to France, beautiful property paid for without a second thought...that came to mind.
But being here in the middle of the glitz and glamour made him get swept away with it a little.
Felt like a movie star. Or a celebrity or something. Again.
Ah, they weren't celebrities as such back then...not like this.
Combining that excitement with he fact that their wedding was mere weeks away!
He unfolded his leg and folded it the other way, unable to sit still, glancing over at the stupidly handsome face of his soon to be husband and fighting the urge not to slap it.
HNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!
He'd been buzzing since they had gone for their suit fittings yesterday. The tailoring to be ready in a week.
Again, one of the perks of having the means to pay more for priority.
And, to keep some form of tradition (as much as you could for a gay wedding), neither of them had seen the other's suit.
Maxime had helped both of them choose secretly to make sure there was no clash in colors and make sure they would compliment each other.
Based on the color scheme they had landed on, and Kai's general preferences for suits, Rei had a very good idea of what Kai's would look like.
But still, he couldn't wait to see him...
And if Kai had any sense, he'd be just as excited.
Even if Rei said so himself, his looked good on him.
Everything was now set and in place. Which, considering the rocky start to planning the whole thing, was a huge relief.
All they had to do now was wait.
Just another few weeks and certain esteemed guests would be arriving.
Another beautiful reason to enjoy the fortune. Their best friends were coming for a good long vacation to Paris to catch up and enjoy the celebrations courtesy of the fine ass man sat beside him.
He tried not to kick his feet.
Man, he couldn't wait to see Max. Or Tyson and Hilary. Or Kenny. Or Tala. Or Bryan. Or Lee. Or Mariah and her little tribe.
So much had happened since they left. Gou had grown so much. He was dying to share it all with them, see how they had grown in the time that had passed by them.
Introduce them to Maxime!
He hadn't asked Kai how he wanted to go about that yet...he probably should.
A knock brought him back in to the swanky room, snapping his head to see a woman with the boldest glasses he'd ever seen.
That was one bright shade of red...
But somehow she pulled it off.
/"Monsieur Hiwatari? We're ready for you now..."/ she smiled.
Rei smirked to himself as it all flared up again.
This time next month, that name would apply to both of them...
Kai nodded, fiddling with his jacket buttons as he stood and straightened it out.
Rei smirked harder.
Aw, his poor man.
He held it in well, but he'd known him long enough to know the little signs that he was nervous.
Just how someone in his position was so nervous about an interview was beyond him.
Especially since they had a bunch of them in their teens! Wasn't new!
Ah...but saying that...Kai.
He was always the 'no comment' kind of guy.
Or just...left.
That wouldn't fly this time around.
"Good luck! See you in a bit!" he encouraged, reaching out and patting his back.
He got a small smile back, but his wine colored eyes begged him to take him home.
It wasn't to be, though. He was lead out by the woman with the loud glasses and the PR guy, leaving Rei alone for a whole thirty seconds before another beautiful person came in with a tray of stupidly well presented confections.
A fang slipped out of his smile.
Rei may not have been a fancy little rich boy...
But he was, even by self admission, a food snob.
Time to critique the hell out of some macarons..
He took his time with them, making sure to savour in order to nit pick properly.
But even after the small, decorative plates were empty and the admittedly beautiful tea was drunk, Kai still wasn't back.
A Facebook scroll later, still nothing.
Pintrest hunt for new recipes...still no sign.
He checked the time and huffed.
How long was this interview exactly? It had been about forty-five minutes...
Meanwhile, the intense glasses nodded in thanks and shook a pale hand, smiling.
She had everything she needed.
He walked out, turning in the direction back to Rei only to get turned around and ushered down the hall with a sudden team of random people.
/"This way, Mr. Hiwatari! We'll get you ready for your photo shoot! This is Leo from wardrobe, Sofie from make-up and Quentin from hair!"/
Kai snapped his head around to all of them as his feet were dragged forward.
Did they just say make up?!
He glanced over his shoulder hoping to send mental signals to Rei.
Help!
The corridors flashed by him, and suddenly he was stood in a huge room alive with shouting, bustling and impatience.
Different stations were dotted around while a large black backdrop waited with a team of staff setting up lights covered in what looked like black umbrellas and..other things worked like ants.
Ooooh God...
/"Okay Mr. Hiwatari!"/ another eccentrically dressed woman announced from behind him as her hands slipped his jacket off from his shoulders.
He almost leapt out his skin.
If the voice hadn't computed as a woman, he would have turned around and punched them.
/"Right this way! We'll get you all dressed up and ready!"/
He got ushered along to a little sectioned off area.
What? No dressing room?
He jumped again as a small railing on wheels almost ran him over, hangers holding admittedly beautiful looking jackets and shirts swinging rhythmically.
/"Now. We've got a few choices here. We have some pieces from the spring collection from Hugo Boss, Givenchy and Armani...we thought we'd let you decide which you would prefer. ANDRE!"/
Kai's jaw tensed at the shrieking yell that was right in his ear, the ringing calming as a terrified young man scuttled like a fashionable rodent holding up some small hangers holding ties.
/"We also picked out some colors for ties that go with the shoot. But again, your choice!"/
Kai's eyes darted between them all as his brain tried to take it all in.
His eye twitched.
A knock came at the door, making Rei lift his head.
About time...
But instead the head of Kai's PR guy popped around it.
"Monsieur Rei...Monsieur Hiwatari has asked for you." he beckoned in his thick accent.
Rei frowned.
Why?
He slipped his phone in his pocket and followed after the sweating man who walked like a duck. It beat just sitting there anyway.
Once again, he was mesmerised by the hustle and bustle. The heels clacking. The sights and sounds.
His own walk turned in to a slight strut...
The large, heavy doors were pushed open and the sound attacked his sensitive ears.
His mouth hung open a little.
Woooow! A movie set!
"This way! This way!" the PR dude waved as he picked up his waddle over to the sectioned off area.
When Rei poked his head around, Kai was stood with a small team of people surrounding him with arms full of clothes looking irritated.
His face fell to dull.
If this was what he thought it was...
Kai's overwhelmed eyes turned to meet him. Familiar pitiful look on his face.
"Rei... Help..."
Itttt was exactly what he thought it was...
He turned his dull face to the small group of fashionistas.
Really?! Professionals, experts in the industry and it was him he wanted help from?!
"Um. Sure? What do you need help with?"
Kai waved him in, oblivious it seemed to the growing disdain of the group around him.
"Which one do you think would be good?"
Rei however, read it loud and clear, and chuckled awkwardly.
"Heh...I think these guys have a better idea than I do..."
"Oh nonsense!" Kai waved off, giving him a telling look.
'No one dresses me but you!'
Rei held in the sigh.
Ah well..he guessed he'd never see these people again anyway.
He cleared his throat, taking himself in to the circle and having a look at the selection of ties the young man was holding out on his pointed fingers as if he were waiting for little birds to come land on them like a Disney princess.
"Ooooh! I kind of like this green...that's a color you don't usually wear!" he smiled as he helped himself, holding it up to Kai's shirt collar to see.
His fiance stood completely still and rigid.
Ah, he loved him...such a doofus.
"Ohhh but hang on there was that cool bronze-y color one too that caught my eye..." he said, mostly to himself as he helped himself from the nice guy's finger and held it up.
"Hmm..."
Green...
Bronze...
Green...
Bronze...
He squinted his eyes and held them up a few more times before draping the green one messily over the guy's wrist.
"Oooohhh I like this one I think. Such a unique color and really brings out your eyes." he said in a soft voice as his own ones met Kai's.
Kai gave a subtle smile, though bubbled on the inside at the flirtatious tone he was taking with him.
And in front of all these people...
Rei's hands lifted to drape the beautiful tie around his neck, when all four members of the small group expelled sounds from their faces.
Rei leapt out his skin, spinning around like a deer in the headlights.
What?!
"They uh...need me to pick a shirt and stuff first." Kai translated.
Rei spun back around with the bored expression back on his face as he glanced over a the selection of shirts that he needed 'help picking'.
The all white...identical looking shirts...
Useless. He was useless...
Ten minutes later, an ensemble was created. He was in the shirt, pants and jacket and now finally he could take the small, guilty pleasure of doing his tie at last.
Ooohhh he loved to do his tie for him...
On Tyson's wedding, he had no clue how to do one. Kai did it for him, and then later showed him how.
Now, he found it a great way to add a little seduction and flirtation.
Faces up close...purposefully keeping his eyes on the tie even though he could feel Kai's on him and wanting his attention.
Occasionally he'd glance up and lock with him.
If it was going to lead to something fun, he'd keep them their til one of them cracked and kissed the other.
If there wasn't time with that, he'd keep them there long enough to make him thirsty and go back to the tie. Like now.
Kai never forgot...
He'd stay good and hungry until he got home.
He finished and begrudgingly stepped back to look him over, finding himself biting his lower lip a little.
Gorgeous. He was gorgeous...
But sadly, the moment Rei stepped away from him, the hoard of impatient staff pounced on him, taking him away to get their jobs done.
Rei hung around. He figured that was fine. It wasn't like anyone had asked him to leave, nor seemed to care that he was there.
He wandered closer as Kai got manoeuvred in to a big, badass looking leather chair looking just as awkward as he expected.
It was hard enough getting Kai to smile for their own pictures, let alone this.
But he had some tricks he could maybe offer to help the poor sap that had to deal with him.
It took a while for the team of people to stop messing with his hair, putting powder on his face, checking lighting and...whatever the hell else they were doing, but finally the photographer had run out of patience.
He had shit to do.
He was tall and broad. White tank top as tight as Kai's old outfits used to be.
Kai pulled them off better...
This guy was a hairy, hairy man...
And while there was nothing wrong with being the way god made ya, if Rei didn't know where they were, he'd assume he was a porno director.
"OKAY!" his unusual accent bellowed, causing silence to fall in the room, "Meester Hiwatari...you...you are big business man..." he declared dramatically.
Rei paled.
...Was...was he a porn director? Was a clumsy assistant going to come and 'spill coffee' on his lap?
Kai looked a little taken aback too, the echo of his voice ebbing away back to uncomfortable silence.
"Um. Yes. I am big business man?"
The olive skinned man nodded curtly.
"You...you are the daddy!"
Kai sucked on the inside of his cheek as his eyes went to Rei, and instantly regret it.
"Stop laughing, you asshole! You're gonna make me laugh..."
"Well...I mean, I have a son, yes..."
He wondered if anyone would want to see pictures of him after this!
"NON!" Sleaze man bellowed, "You are the boss. The head honcho. The top dog. The kingpin. The numero uno..."
As each title echoed and ricocheted off the high walls, Kai's brows were up to his hairline while Rei's sides were about to split. Both at this mad photographer and Kai's expression.
But at the same time, he knew damn well Kai's ego loved this guy.
"Uh...Thank you?"
The man held his hand up to silence him. Slowly and uncomfortably for everyone else bringing his fancy camera up to his face.
"No words. Show me with your eyes...give me boss man..."
Rei's cheeks puffed out again as Kai's face remained just as perplexed.
That's it baby...nothing said boss man, head honcho, kingpin and numero uno like bemused wonder and slight despair...
About an hour later, after a few 'step outs for air' as Kai said (which Rei knew damn well meant having a 'secret' cigarette. They were due a little talk about that soon...), they were finally able to make Kai relax enough to give them the shots they wanted, and Kai was even gifted the suit they put on him for the shot.
Annnnnnnnnnd with a little sweet talking to the nice young man who held the ties, Rei managed to pocket the green one as well.
He wanted to see him in that one another time...
Driving them home, Kai called Tala on speaker phone, firmly instructing him never to make him do anything like that again.
He regretted that too pretty quick, as Rei jumped in to tell the redhead all about it.
At the sound of booming, mocking laughter, Kai switched to angry Russian...
He had no idea what he was saying. And he was sure it was a stream of insults.
But it didn't matter.
All that registered was that suit, the tie and the fact that no matter how much time had passed, hearing him go Russian did things to him.
After Kai hung up on him huffily, he drove on in a silent sulk for a while.
Stupid Tala...
He was going to give him some really shit projects to handle for this...
And while he sulked, Rei eyed his prey silently too.
"Got a good mind to demote that asshole..." he muttered out finally.
Rei chuckled. He knew he'd have to say something about it eventually.
"N'yeaaah...good luck with that." he said in an amused voice.
Kai snapped his head and frowned.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Rei gave him a sly smirk.
"As if he'd let you demote him."
Kai choked on his spit.
"Let me?! I'm his boss!"
Rei's smirk grew.
"Mmhmm...sure. Boss man...head honcho...top dog..."
"I am!" Kai shrieked in a way that reallly gave Rei satisfaction.
So easy.
He did let out a cheeky chuckle.
"I'm just saying...that's kind of what you get for giving the position of vice to someone who has older brother power. That just wasn't going to fly, was it?"
Kai scowled and gripped the wheel harder.
"It does fly! What I say goes!"
"Mmhmm. I believe you." Rei said in an unconvincing tone, biting in the laughter at the mini tantrum he was having because big brother was being mean...
Ahhhhh, he really couldn't wait for him and Bryan to get here.
They were going to torment him something awful and it was going to be hilarious.
That he knew for sure...
Some e-mails and ideas had already circulated...
Kai's face grew even more sour as they reached a red light.
Rei snorted as he caught it and rolled his eyes,taking the opportunity to reach over to grab the chin of the grumpy president beside him and plant a kiss on his lips.
"I do believe you...you are head honcho...numero uno...the daddy..." he said huskily as he planted kisses in between words.
Kai's sourness was gone as Rei's hand kept its grip on his chin, staring dumbly until the car behind beeped his horn for him to move.
He didn't need telling twice.
Ten minutes later...
"Ooooohhhhh Rei..."
The bedroom floor was littered carelessly with clothes while the mattress creaked.
That was, apart from the white Armani shirt, unbuttoned and hanging off his shoulders while the bronze tie hung loosely round his neck.
Rei bit on to his neck again, sucking on the pale skin and enjoying the moans that came with it before unlatching and letting his back rest against the headboard to take in the sight.
Kai's hands held on to his shoulders for leverage, toned thighs working to lift and lower himself. His skin glistened with sweat, while the brand new crisp white shirt just seemed to highlight his already fair complexion and make it shimmer with the slight dusting of fever across it.
He always did love the dusky shade that went across his nose when he was in the throes of pleasure.
He bit down on his lower lip, bringing his hands to Kai's slim hips to help him move with some more rigour. Set a new pace.
As he delved deeper, Kai's husky voice came out louder.
Rei's bitten lip curled in to a pleased smirk.
Kai was indeed the head honcho, numero uno and top dog...at the office.
But at home, he was the boss...
A few days later, Kai switched off the engine as he arrived home from work and smirked as always when he saw the tufts of silver hair poke over the window sill like it did every day.
And as always, the moment he pushed the front door open, small feet hurtled through the doorway, arms up and grinning.
"Heeeeeey buddy! How's my boy today?" he asked as he picked him up for a hug.
The grin finally fell off Gou's face as he remembered the urgent thing he needed to tell his papa.
He pointed in the direction of the kitchen.
"Baba saaaaj!" his small and sweet voice informed him.
Kai blinked and frowned.
Saj?
Did he mean sad?
Only one way to find out.
He walked through to the kitchen, where Rei sure enough was standing at the counter with his back turned.
...Something did feel off.
"Hey! I'm home..."
"Oh hey! How was your day?"
Kai tilted his head and narrowed his eyes.
...That was what Rei said. But it didn't sound as cheerful as usual.
"Yeh, nothing special today. Same old, really. How are you?"
"Oh! Yeh, good! Same really, heh..."
Kai's eyes narrowed more.
The little man was on to something...
He set Gou down and approached him.
"...You all right?"
"Mhmm! Yeh!"
Gou overtook Kai and threw himself on the back of Rei's legs.
"Baba cai-in!"
Rei tensed up.
"Nooo champ, Baba's not crying..."
Kai frowned, finding that statement suspicious and manoeuvred around him to take his chin and make him look at him.
Lo and behold, the whites of his eyes were tinted pink and the skin around them a little puffy.
Liar!
"What is it?" he asked both softly and firmly.
Rei sniffed a little, leaning back to get a glimpse of the big eyes still hugging his legs and looking up at him.
"I'll tell you after he's in bed..."
Kai nodded, trying his best to help Rei in the kitchen but ultimately being in the way and assigned to go play with Gou until dinner was ready.
His mind ran.
What would make Rei cry like that?
Had someone been giving him problems? He'd find a way to end them.
Had someone died?
Was he having second thoughts about the wedding?!
Was he sick...?
Oh god, was something wrong with Rei!?
The theories kept coming, slowly getting more and more far-fetched. Which in turn made him a crappy playmate for Gou, who grew tired of his lack of enthusiasm and asked for Frozen yet again.
The ice maiden would make better company...but that went without saying.
Unfortunately for Gou, Baba called through that dinner was ready before the part he was waiting for.
Curse you, old man!
She was literally singing to him. Had his name in it and everything!
Let it Gou!
Was magical...
Ohhhh he'd remember this...the audacity! How dare he come between him and his woman!?
He would never do anything to interrupt anyone. Let alone his beloved daddies...
He then went to forget all about it as soon as the plate got put in front of him.
Mashed potatoes?! Yay!
Bless you, old man!
As Gou went ahead and half ate, half got it all over his face blissfully, Kai side eyed Rei ever chance he could.
The tension was killing him...
There was still a good while before Gou went to bed. Needed to give him a bath first and everything.
Time slowed down. Gou took his sweet ass time in said bath and getting ready for bed. The bedtime story felt like it never ended. But finally, finally his little eyes closed.
Papa was out like a shot, darting down the stairs in search of Rei.
He found him at the kitchen table with a cup of tea ready and waiting for him.
"Lee and Mariah can't come to the wedding..." he blurted out in a sad tone, finding no point in beating around the bush.
The pounding heart in Kai's throat stopped.
Well, thank god he wasn't dying. Or wasn't tangled up with the mafia or something. But still...
The few moments of silence while he took it in gave Rei's eyes a chance to load up again and his face to stretch in to crying.
The heart startled back in to action, making him move to sit next to him quickly.
"What!? But why? Their tickets are booked and everything." he asked as he put a hand on his arm in a stab at comfort.
Rei sniffed and wiped his eyes.
"That's the worst part! I'm not sure! Lee isn't sure either. He said the Elders have banned anyone from leaving White Tiger Hills for the foreseeable future. No one in or out. All Lee was allowed to tell me was that it was a safety precaution, but against what I don't know! Not like there's any conflict. There's no outbreak...so seems a little suspicious if you ask me!" he added with a hint of bite.
Kai frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Rei rolled his red eyes.
"Seems a bit funny to me that it's my wedding and suddenly there's restrictions..."
Kai's frown deepened at the accusation.
"Hang on now, let's not get too carried away. Why would they do that? Lee and Mariah both came to Tyson's wedding, remember?"
Rei scoffed.
"Yeh. Two outsiders. That's nothing to worry about. And that just proves my theory more! Was fine for theirs. But the 'rebel' who left the precious tribe and dares to marry an outsider...bad influence, wouldn't you say?"
Kai blinked and sank.
"Are they...are they against you marrying me?"
"You think I asked permission?"
"Well...not 'asked' per se, but...you know...general impression?"
Rei shrugged.
"Well all my old team are happy for us. No one hinted of any objections."
Kai just nodded, at a loss for what to say right away.
He was sure there was another explanation but...going by how 'the Elders' were way back, how Lee was back in the day...it wasn't altogether implausible.
Another sniff brought him out of his brief train of thought.
"Its not fair...I want my family here..."
Kai's heart broke for him as a sad sob came out of him and pulled him in to a tight hug.
Rei may have left. May disagree wholeheartedly with the way the village was still being governed by outdated and controlling rules and traditions.
But he loved his home and loved his family there...he was right, they ought to be here with him when he said 'I do'.
"Shhh..." he tried to soothe, rubbing his back and giving him a moment more to calm.
"I'm so sorry Rei...Look, why don't you call again and see what you can find out? We can postpone the wedding a little longer if the restrictions are going to be lifted soon enough?"
Rei shook his head in to him.
"No...I don't want to reschedule. Everything is booked now, all the other guests have booked flights and stuff...and besides, we've waited long enough for this."
Kai held him a little tighter and sighed.
Welp. That was all he had...
Rubbing his back as he sniffled in to him a little longer, he did his best to think of something to help.
Until something did hit him.
"Hey...how about this? I know its disappointing they can't make it to France. But what if later on once they do open up again, the three of us go there? Have our own celebration there! A White Tiger style second wedding. Hm?"
Rei lifted his head and brow.
"You want to go to White Tiger Hills?"
Kai looked down and smiled at him.
"Why wouldn't I? Your home aint it? Would be good for Gou to grow up knowing his Baba's heritage. Hell, would be good for me to learn a little more about your roots."
Rei's sad, weepy face turned in to a warm smile.
Such a good guy...
"And if it is that the Elders don't approve, then what?"
Kai smirked.
"I'll make 'em approve."
"Pff, oh yeh? Good luck." Rei chuckled, "And did it occur to you they might not even let you in?"
Kai's smirk grew even bigger.
"And are you forgetting who you're marrying? I'm Kai Hiwatari. Anyone stops us, you, getting to your home, we'll just helicopter right in there. What they gonna do? Hiss at us?"
Rei snorted again. That was some nice imagery.
"I suppose that would be nice...show you and Gou around my old stomping ground. Our weddings are quite colorful and lively too. So...I mean, you'll probably hate it. But Gou would like it."
Kai chuckled.
"See? Double wedding! And if it means we can celebrate with your family, I'll put up with it. But uh...are they...you know? Okay with two guys?"
Rei nodded in to his chest.
"Oh. Yeh. That's never been an issue for us. Heh, its funny that the outside is more backward than our little village on one thing." he chuckled.
Kai smiled and rest his head on top of Rei's, glad to hear him laugh.
"Well then. There we are. One wedding here, one there!"
Rei stayed where he was on his shoulder.
"Unless the Elders really do have something to say about it."
Kai shook his head, brushing him off.
"Trust me, Rei. It's all going be fine..." he said with an air of pure confidence.
Anyone who had a problem with Rei, or their marriage would have to go through him...
"This is the an announcement for passengers flying on flight 247 to Vienna..."
The gentle voice echoed through the loud and bustling terminal at London Heathrow airport while a tired puff of air blew out of a tired mouth while blue tired eyes scanned the shelf of sandwiches with little enthusiasm.
Sammmme ollld shiiiiit...
Loved the job.
Hated the airport.
He settled on a safe looking cheese and ham sandwich, turning and pulling the squeaky wheels of his carry on case lazily behind him.
He rolled his head to crack his neck.
This stint was killing him. Jumping across the whole of Europe over the last month.
No logical order either. Random jumps of hour ahead, two hours behind. Hardly jetlag material but enough to throw you off in a short space of time.
Prague, Venice, Budapest, Oslo, Geneva, Paris, Cologne, London.
And now back on a plane to Vienna.
This piece needed to hurry up and end already.
Just a few more destinations...then his spread would be complete.
After the row of fridges holding overpriced bottles of drinks, he came to the magazine aisle.
Out of habit, his eyes perused the titles, taking in pieces of tag lines, none of which interested him in the slightest.
He'd already read a good few of the ones that appealed to him. On his many...many...other flights.
He started to make his way to the checkout when he felt something out the corner of his eye catch his attention.
His head turned, looking away before doing a stronger double take.
He knew that face...
The wheels on the small case came to a halt as his hand went out to lift the thick magazine, looking over the strong violet eyes staring back.
Oh, he knew this fuckin' face...
The pit of his gut swirled as he took a good look at the strong features and unique hair.
The weirdo with the personality of a turnip...
The one Rei had been pathetically infatuated with.
"This is an announcement for James Anderson...James Anderson for flight 247 to Vienna...Please make your way to gate four..."
He scowled at the voice, reaching to up to put the creep back on the shelf when his hand suddenly couldn't go any further.
He let out a low growl of annoyance as he shoved the magazine under his arm, pulling the squeaky wheels to follow him to the checkout.
By the time he reached the gate, he was ushered on to the plane. Economy, of course...the company wouldn't pay for anything else.
Thank god it was only a short flight.
He settled himself in to the cramped seat, tinkering with the stupid seatbelt and finding the cheap headphones in the front pocket of the seat, setting his magazine in there while he tried to fathom how the stupid thing linked up to the little screen so he could watch a random episode of Friends on the way...
As he fiddled, he made glances at the violet eyes. Finding himself unable to stop himself from glancing as if he really was there staring at him.
Pff...he used to.
Every time Rei dragged him to those god awful little get togethers at Tyson's house. Caught him time and time again fuckin' staring at him. And sometimes with a hint of scowl.
The gorgeous piece he was married to was great. She actually had a personality and out of all Rei's buddies, she was the best one of the bunch.
He neeeeeeeeever understood how that match happened.
Until Rei told him that he was a grandson of some CEO.
Ah. Business marriage. Made sense.
That poor woman...urgh.
He finally caved and grabbed it out the pocket, eyes scanning the cover.
Would you just look at this asshole?!
Sat in some big fancy looking leather chair, one leg crossed over his other looking like he thought his shit didn't stink...
'Who's the Daddy? Young CEO Breaks the Mould with Company Paternity and Parental Leave Policies...'
The scowl grew and eyes widened.
CEO?!
Wasn't it the grandfather's company?!
Oooooohhhhh and Mary Fuckin' Poppins over here...
Thinking of the chiiiiillllldrreeeeennnnn...
Prick. Using stuff like that to boost his profits more like...
The fumbled with the pages, opening it up to find the article.
He flipped through roughly, searching for him.
And then bam...
'Kai Hiwatari. Once on covers of magazines as part of gold medal holding world class beyblade team in his teens, now gracing us once again. All grown up and championing the way to give employees a fairer balance between career and family...'
'… "Well, one of my grandfather's many flaws was deviously offering 'decent' paternity leave for fathers while also encouraging a work culture that would punish them for accepting it. That just made no sense to me. Unfortunately, where I'm based in Japan, that's such a commonplace thing. Everywhere, not just our company. Looking in to it, the situation isn't altogether different abroad and I just think change is needed there. Fathers want to, and should be, more involved with their kids. " ...'
'..."Do you think all this should apply to CEO's too? Set the example?"
"Of course! I'm president of a company, but I'm a dad first. I was back working way too soon after my son was born. I didn't feel able to take any more time off. If I had that time again, I would do it differently."...'
Eyes widened yet again.
Son!?
This drip managed to impregnate her?!
He did crack a smirk though.
He bet Rei was thriiilllleeddd about lover boy having a baby.
He kept scanning through the article.
Blablabla, dads should work less. Blablabla, I'm so great for saying the obvious. Blablabla ooohhhh god, who cares?! Get over yourself already!
His eyes went from the text to the pictures. Mr. Big Shot all dressed up in some suit that cost more than his annual salary probably...looking all...mysterious and powerful with his stupidly cool eye color and weird hair...and cheekbones.
He leaned himself in his seat, lifting his hip in the tight seat to fish his phone out his pocket.
There was still time before they had to switch off!
He unlocked it and opened his Facebook app, and then his friends list.
He didn't have Rei any more...
He didn't want to dirty his search bar by typing his name in.
What was her name...
He scrolled down until he found it.
Naomi Hiwatari.
Oh? Same profile picture as years ago? No motherly pictures of her and the bouncing baby boy? Tut tut...and he thought they were so family orientated...
He tapped on her picture, making the profile come up.
Rachel Klein: It's been two years since you left us...
His scowl lightened as he read the rest of the message.
Oh...
Shit...
That was sad...
He sat a moment and paid his mental respects before shaking himself and remembering his purpose.
He clicked on her friends list and scanned.
Ha! There he was...
Kai Hiwatari...
He was sad for the loss, but he still wanted to know...know...
Know what, he didn't know, actually.
What the son looked like?
Nothing at all to do with comparing his ex's hopeless crush with himself...
It didn't matter! Precious minutes until they had to turn off for take off.
He tapped the small picture, making his sparse profile come up.
His picture actually was one of him and the kid.
Wooooooooooooooow...that was some resemblance.
Did...did she have his baby or did he just clone himself?!
He looked back at the older one. Less formal and glamorous looking in a normal t-shirt and less serious face.
Had a smile...
So did the spawn.
Tsh, enjoy being cute while it lasts, kid! You're going to grow in to that!
Ridiculously...eye catching features...
HUGE EARS!
His eyes went down and immediately froze up.
Relationship Status: Engaged to Rei Kon.
His stomach almost dropped out his butt.
…
His phone flopped in his lap as he went quiet, rubbing his mouth as he rest his elbow on the hard and squashed arm rest.
He went deep in to thought.
Should that really come as a surprise?
Well...A little...Given until about forty seconds ago he thought Turnip was married still.
He let out a small, petulant laugh.
Well...alllllll the best to them...
That weirdo could deal with his incessant nagging and annoying little habits...weird fuckin' bat ears and fang like he came out a horror movie.
And in return, Rei could have a human version of Lurch. Deadpan, boring, human turnip.
Heh, bet that bedroom was dead before the rings were even on. That 'dazzling' personality combined with having his crotch goblin running around.
He sat and trolled their relationship mentally a little while longer before awful curiosity got the better of him.
He picked up his phone again.
Opened Google.
Hiwatari Enterprises net worth...
He tapped search.
And went paler...
Not to mention, a hell of a lot greener.
End of Chapter!
Ahhhh, I've been so excited to get to their wedding!
And personal announcement, cause why not, I just recently got married myself! :D
Due to corona, it was just the official paperwork. So wedding and all the good stuff to come when this whole virus mess calms down some. Buuuuut officially hitched!
Look forward to looking for inspiration for my own wedding as well as theirs XD (...I think theirs is gonna be better. Upstaged by my own fictional babies haha!)
Anyway, I really hope you liked this random ass chapter. Would love to know what you thought.
As always, I will do my best to get the next one out quicker! But who knows...
Take care, stay safe, wear a mask!
Roy xxxx