"Looks like Kyoya-senpai's going to be late Kaoru, that's not good for a first impression." Hikaru pointed out as the group stood outside the restaurant, waiting for the shadow king to arrive.
"You're not doing a great job of keeping that promise you made earlier. You've seen how many cars have gone by, he probably hit some traffic. He said he'll be here." Kaoru replied.
"Come on Kaoru, there's no way it would've worked anyway. He probably doesn't even know what-"
"Shut up." Kaoru hissed. Haruhi sighed. Hikaru, why don't you go inside and sit with your mom and dad. It seems like any time you two get together lately, you fight. You're brothers, stop it. " she said sternly.
"He doesn't even know what he's gotten himself into. Kyoya-senpai isn't good enough for Kaoru, he's-"
"He's gotten us out of more of the boss's messes than you know. You should be grateful, you haven't forgotten that it wasn't you at the hospital with me when I was sick have you?" Hikaru narrowed his eyes at his twin.
"Don't you start with me Kaoru, I told you I'm glad he was there and if you would've told me where you where I would have been with you."
"If you picked up your phone once in a while instead of ignoring me, you would've known."
"Just because he was there when you got sick doesn't mean he'll be good for you. I don't want you to get hurt."
"Like you hurt me?"
"Shut up, both of you!" Haruhi shouted. "This is ridiculous, you were just fine earlier, don't go back to fighting. Tonight is supposed to be for your parents to catch up with you guys and meet the important people in your lives. Try to be civil to each other." the twins became silent. A moment later, to everyone's surprise, Kyoya arrived in a taxi. He stepped out, fixing his jacket before paying the driver and joining them.
"I'm sorry I realize I was cutting it a bit close, my father had the family car and his meeting ran over, so I had to find an alternative means of transportation." He greeted Kaoru with a hug and kiss.
"What's gotten you so upset?" he asked, allowing the younger teen to lean into him.
"Nothing, I'm just glad you're here. I missed you." Kaoru said softly.
"I see, well, I missed you too. We're together again so let's try to enjoy ourselves." He said continuing to hold Kaoru.
"Hikaru, Haruhi, it's nice to see you again." He greeted politely. Hikaru crossed his arms, refusing to look at Kyoya.
"Hey, Kyoya-senpai." He grumbled, Haruhi sighed.
This is going to be a long night. Haruhi thought offering her greeting. Hikaru led them inside and soon the teens found themselves at the table.
Yuzuha and her husband stood to greet Kyoya. The shadow king was taken by surprise when the woman pulled him into a hug.
"I owe you so much for what you've done for Kaoru, thank you for taking care of my son." she said giving Kyoya an extra squeeze before allowing her husband to shake his hand.
"I apologize for nearly being late, I had quite a journey here." Kyoya lowered himself onto the chair across from Yuzuha.
"There's no reason to apologize, you made it here and that's all that matters. We're glad you could join us tonight in such short notice."
"Thank you for having me, it's nice to finally meet you both." Kyoya said politely. Hikaru and Kaoru remained silent, refusing to look at each other. Haruhi bowed her head. She nudged Hikaru gently.
"You promised him." she said quietly, as everyone except Kaoru picked up their menus. Hikaru watched, feeling slightly concerned.
"Kaoru, do you know-"
"I'll just have some water, I'm not hungry." He said interrupting his mother.
"Are you sure, you love this place, is something wrong, are you feeling alright?"
"I'm fine." the younger twin replied.
"No you're not. You get upset and then you can't eat, you've always been that way. It's my fault Kao and I'm sorry." Hikaru said. "I do notice when things are different. You're still my little brother and I love you. I'll keep my promise." Their parents turned to each other confused.
"Kyoya-senpai, I haven't given you a fair chance. Kaoru means a lot to me, he always has and always will. I'm not exactly okay with this, but my brother loves you and you did take care of him when he wasn't feeling well, if it had been left to me, I would've lost the most important people in my life. Thank you. I know I've said it before but I also think that maybe I've been too hard on you when it comes to my brother, I'll always want to protect him but he's taught me that sometimes when you love someone, you have to do what's best for them. Right now, he really likes you and I'll respect that. That doesn't mean I completely trust you with him, but I do trust Kaoru. Just remember that if I ever find out you hurt him, and I will find out about it, I'll make every day of your life a living hell."Kyoya smiled.
"Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less from you. I have no plans to hurt Kaoru, you and I are on the same page in regards to keeping Kaoru safe and caring for him. It's good that you and I have had this talk. We will be able to move on with the understanding between us that we both want what's best for Kaoru." Kyoya said.
"Right." Hikaru nodded, he reached out and shook the older teen's hand. Kaoru smiled.
"Thank you Hikaru, it means a lot to me that you did that."
"I'll do anything for you Kao, even if I don't always like it. If you're happy, that's what matters to me." Though Hikaru's words had given Kaoru hope, it had been short lived as the night wore on. Hikaru would begin to glare silently at the shadow king whenever he mentioned any future plans with Kaoru. He would remain silent or excuse himself from the table. The older twin was relieved when dinner ended and they made their way outside.
"Well, I'm glad I finally got the chance to speak to both of you, it's good to know that my boys are taken care of while we're away." Yuzuha said embracing Haruhi and Kyoya.
"thank you for having me, it was nice to meet you at last, Mrs.-"
"Kyoya, please, call me Yuzuha, you're part of our family now." she said with a smile.
"Thank you...Yuzuha. I don't mean to be rude, but I should be going, there's school in the morning and it took me a while to get that taxi." Kyoya replied turning to Kaoru.
"We can give you a ride if you like, We're taking Haruhi home as well." She offered. Kyoya looked to Hikaru, noticing the expression of disapproval.
"Thank you, but-"
"It's fine, there's plenty of room." Hikaru interrupted, his tone however didn't match his words.
"Are you sure about this?"the younger twin asked skeptically.
"Yeah." The older twin climbed in the car, followed by Haruhi and hi parents.
"Do you think he's alright with this?" The shadow King placed an arm around Kaoru.
"No, he's not. But he' trying to be. It was really hard for him to be that quiet. He's trying to keep his promise."
"Then I suppose you'll be spending the night at your house ?"The younger boy sighed.
"Would you be upset if I did?" Kyoya shook his head.
"No. I think this is a good opportunity to try to fix your relationship with your brother, it won't happen overnight, but now that you've heard what he has to say, and I'm sure there's more to be said after I've left, you can find common ground."
"Yeah, but he'll have more bad things than good, he doesn't see everything you do for all of us. All the things you do to take care of me. He's hurt I think because we've been fighting so much."
"I'm sure you'll find something, good or otherwise that will be a mutual like or dislike. Whatever the case may be, if it brings you two back together, I encourage you to take that chance." Kyoya kissed Kaoru's forehead and helped him into the car, where the red haired boy leaned against him until they reached the Shadow King's home.
"Thank you again, Yuzuha, Mr. Hitachiin. Hikaru, Haruhi, I'll see you at school tomorrow, enjoy the rest of your evening." Kyoya kissed Kaoru once more earning a sharp glare from Hikaru.
"Goodnight Kaoru, I look forward to our time together. Until then, remember that I love you." Haruhi quickly grabbed her boy friend's hand a he repositioned himself in his seat, obviously vexed by the situation.
"Night Kyoya, I love you too." Kaoru said as Kyoya stepped out and closed the door behind him.
"You're coming home?" the older twin asked, now feeling more surprised than angry.
"Yeah, unless you don't want me to, I'm sure Kyoya wouldn't mind having me over."
"No. I want you to, but-why?"
"Because tonight, you showed me that you do care. You kept your promise and I could see how hard it was for you, but you did it. That and...I want my brother back."
"Me too Kao, more than you know."