Author's Note: Here it is the final chapter. Eeeeeeeee! I had worried and contemplated either doing it as 2 shorter chapters kind of drawn out or just the one long chapter. As you can see, I decided on the one. Thank you for reading to the end here. I hope you liked it and I didn't disappoint. Its been wonderful and fun! Now to wait for the next inspiration for my next fanfic from the next movie or book or game or whatever. Dun dun duuuuuuuuun! Enjoy reading the final chapter! Thanks again!

Chapter 7

-Sunday 7:00 am Vegas-

The rent-a-alarm went off on the borrowed nightstand causing Mei to flinch as he attempted to awaken. His body ached, especially a very specific area, and he groaned as he attempted to take it slow. His body ached, he was still exhausted, and his stomach was rebelling at the thought of any food.

"Hungry?"

His eyes squinted as he tried to focus on KO and his question, "Not really. I'm kind of sick to my stomach to be honest."

"Hungover."

"No. Its probably the gymnastics you had me doing every which way last night! My body is angry and I don't blame it." no response came and he realized was not the time for grumpiness. Waving his hand at KO he shook his head, "I take it back, I take it back, okay? I didn't mean it. I'm just grouchy."

"Hungover."

"Yes, yes, I'm hungover. I didn't think I had that much to drink."

"You…we didn't sleep much."

Genuine laughter chuckled out of Mei as he nodded along, "Yeah, that probably didn't help." he groaned again as he stood up and tried stretching his back resembling Father Time as he did so, "I still have to pack, but I do not feel up to it."

"Already done. Go shower."

Hope brightened Mei's face, "You are a god, dude." giving a quick kiss to KO's cheek he headed for the bathtub instead.

KO tried to keep cool as he processed the gesture. As soon as the door closed he touched his cheek in shock. It had been so natural for Mei like one his bro hugs and shoulder slaps. It was so natural, so quick…like it wasn't a big deal at all…but after four years KO couldn't help but panic. This weekend had gone so fast and too good. The floor had to fall in soon. Where was the end? When did the trouble sink in? KO was supposed to be alone. Its how he had spent the last few years.

That wasn't true.

It had been a long time since he had been alone. Lived in quiet. Nothing but a hidden face behind a computer screen with a legendary name whispered about amongst hacking forums. That wasn't him anymore. He was KO with Zhi Yi who lived with Hao Mei, the person he loved. That is who he was now.

He sat on the bed with the bags packed and waited. When Mei finally emerged from the bathroom drying his hair off, KO stood and announced, "Lets go home."

Mei laughed and patted his back as he rummaged in the bag, "Let me brush my teeth first. We have time before the flight. It doesn't take off till 10. You would not believe that bathtub. I feel so much better after soaking. I see why girls always talk about taking a nice long bath. That was incred-"

KO hugged Mei close and only pulled back enough to kiss him. When he finally stepped back out of embrace he said evenly, "Brush your teeth."

All Mei did was laugh and wag the toothbrush at him, "I warned you. We can leave in a little bit. I'm almost ready."

It wasn't long before they were down in the lobby checking out and eventually hailing a taxi. Mei settled into the car while KO loaded the bags in the back. It was a pleasant surprise when KO slid in next to Mei. At once KO recognized him long before Mei had started hitting KO's arm asking if it was the same guy.

KO nodded with a smirk, "Mmm. His name is Jack Meyers. It must be his route."

Jack looked in his rearview mirror and asked, "Where to, gentlemen?"

KO started to answer when Mei stopped him and winked, then answered confidently, "Airport please." he settled back in the seat, "Thats the right where he was asking, right?"

KO nodded proudly, "Mmm."

"Whew! Great! I'm going to nap till we get there."

After settling himself into KO, Mei started snoozing almost immediately. Arms folded across his chest and head sidled up on KO's shoulder. It was hard for KO to keep his eyes focused on the scenery passing them by instead of watching Mei. But he was proud of his self control when Jack the taxi driver interrupted his thoughts, "Looks like Vegas was a little much on your friend there."

"Boyfriend."

KO had no need to look from the window to know that Jack was giving him a look in the mirror. The man clicked his tongue, "Woo! Seems like my advice worked then."

"Mmm."

"Its a wonder he understood what you were saying seeing as you never really say anything."

Those truthful words brought KO's attention from the window to look at the sleeping Mei. His mouth wide open as he blatantly snoozed away. KO smiled, "He understands."

All Jack could do was nod and keep on driving. For a few minutes they drove in silence with nothing more passing between them till they reached the airport. Jack stopped KO from waking Mei to say, "My late wife was not much of a talker either. Most of our conversations were me chatting away at her. After she died I didn't know how much I would miss her silences, miss her listening, miss those rare moments I got to hear what she had to say. It was important. It was precious. I'm glad the two of you settled things before it was too late. Thank you for making me a part of that…as creepy as it was."

Words unnecessary, KO simply gave a small pat and clutch of the man's shoulder. Nothing more needed to be said. KO woke Mei up and they passed out of Jack's taxi out of his life forever. His impact though would remain.

They made their way through the airport with not even enough time to sit before boarding. They settled into their seats and KO watched as Mei kept squirming around. The man was ever changing positions. So KO called the stewardess and asked, "Can we get a pillow?"

She smiled and returned quickly. Before she could hand it to KO, Mei's eyes lit up, "Oh thanks!" as he snatched it from her hands and promptly placed it under his rump. He sat back on it comfortably, but the look of embarrassed horror on the stewardess' face was priceless as she walked away. Mei shook his head, "She must be new, because there is no way someone sitting on a pillow is that shocking. Plus we paid for it, so what we do with it is our business. Wait. Were you going to actually use this? Do you want it back?"

KO shook his head, "I got it for you."
"I figured! Thats why I just took it. There was no way I was going this whole flight back like this."

"Don't lose it during our layover at LAX."

"Ugh! Layover! I forgot. Is it still like 2 hours?"

"Mmm."

Mei made a face before he rubbed it away, "Oh well! This part of our flight is short. Lets play cards!"

-Monday 6:25 pm, China-

"Home! Finally! Come on lets head back. I am excited to see Nuer and my bed." announced Mei proudly as he took KO's hand. When he saw the confused face he explained shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly, "This is the last we'll be able to do this. I don't want to waste any chance. You can imagine the jokes when we get back to the office regardless."

KO nodded and they walked through the airport. Even as the waited for their luggage Mei didn't let go.

It was so natural.

Behind them someone started calling Mei's name. He turned around and spotted both his parents approaching them. As quick as lightning he let go of KO's hand. He thought he was safe, but he missed the look that his mom and KO had shared as she had spotted those hands retreating from each other. He gulped and tried to act as cool as he could, "Dad! Mom! What are you two doing here?"

His dad crossed his arms and looked at Mei as though he was covered in spots, "Do you not recall my message? I told you I wanted to meet for dinner and discuss your future marriage as soon as possible."

"Yes, dad, I remember that. But I thought we would set it up when I returned. Thats what we said."

"I know and I have. I set it up for tonight when you returned. We're meeting them at the restaurant. Come hurry. Lets go."

A heavy dread sank between KO and Mei as they exchanged a look, "Dad! Meeting who?"

"Your future wife and her parents. Her father is a very good friend of mine and a business associate. I made sure to pick you out a very lovely girl. Her name is Chen Zhu."

Mei staggered back and KO was quick to catch him as he stumbled on the baggage claim. When he got his bearings he advanced on his dad, "But what about KO?"

"What about him? He can take a taxi back home. You are coming with us."

Mei scoffed and laughed at the absurdity of it all, "Dad, we just landed. We're tired. I want to go home."

"Oh, you mean that fancy apartment my son is lucky to have being born who is. Not everyone gets the start in life you got. Remember that."

Mei's cheeks started to turn red and he felt his mother's touch on his hand. She spoke, "Why don't we bring KO to the restaurant with us? That way the boys can get home as soon as dinner is over. They can rest."

"Rest! They had seventeen hours in the air for resting!" Mei's mother began leading his father away, but the man could still be heard muttering, "Did you hear the ingratitude, dear? We came here to pick him up and he once again fights me. Why can't he ever go along with things smoothly? I give him chances in this world most children would be thrilled for. You spoiled him too much. It gave him a big head. He thinks he is the center of the universe. Ridiculous! A simple 'Thank you, father. Thank you for finding me a bride' is all I ask. Why is that too much?"

Mei mouthed "Help me" at KO, but they both knew for the moment nothing was to be done.

As soon as they were in the car. Mei started texting KO.

Mei: I am so sorry for this. My dad is crazy.

KO: I see where you get it from.

Mei: LOL oh, you are so funny. How are we going to clear this mess up?

KO: What mess?

Mei: My bride! I obviously can't marry her.

KO: This is between your father and you.

Having to reread that text several times, Mei couldn't believe his eyes. There was no way KO had sent that as a response. But casually glancing over at the seat next to him. There was KO holding his phone cool as a cucumber. Almost bored looking.

Mei was the only one freaking out right now? What the Hell was this? He caught KO's attention and mouthed, "Who are you?"

KO just shrugged and resumed looking out the window. Mei was confused and perturbed. This was insane. All that happy feeling was sucked out with all the air in the room.

The drive to the restaurant was awkward and quiet. But eventually came to an end as they reached their destination. From the outside it looked more like a temple or a museum. It was an establishment that had probably been here since the dawn of time with the unwritten code that only the elite of the elite could enter it.

They approached a table where three people already sat it. It was obvious which one was the intended bride. Truthfully KO disliked her upon sight. Her make-up and clothes looked as though she was trying to give off the demure demeanor, but the overly long nails and gaudy jewelry were dead giveaways. The girl's hair was like a compromise between quiet traditional and a more modern fluffed up big hair-do. He glanced under the table. Solid color shoes, but as soon as she moved her feet a little KO spotted the 6 inch stilleto heel.

To everyone else this girl gave the illusion she would be the perfect wife for Mei. Even her smile was well-trained. But not her eyes. KO could see it clear as day. She was a viper with cold ice venom hidden behind that angel smile. Mei's father was quick to introduce, "This is my son, Hao Mei, along with his best friend, roommate, and coworker."

Mr. Chen laughed, "A very important person to young Mei then. You hear that, Zhu, you'll probably lose your husband to him sometimes." he focus went to Mei, "Your father tells me you have a weakness for a pretty face." he grabbed his daughter's chin proudly, "Isn't my princess one of the finest you have ever seen? She is blessed to take after my beautiful wife. You could not ask for a better wife to spoil."

Spoil a wife. It was hard for KO to keep his scoff in as he focused on the soup they had just brought him. Mei didn't need to be some woman's purse holder. He didn't need to be bringing some woman flowers or jewelry to be doted on. Mei was the one who needed someone doting on his whims. He needed someone to remember to bring him a snack or make him his favorite dinner. Someone to share his beers with so he didn't drink too much. Someone who shared his passion of computers and coding. This woman was not what he needed.

"Dad, can I speak with you in private please?" asked Mei as KO watched them walk off.

Mei and his father were alone in a secluded hallway away from any prying ears, "I won't marry her. I already have someone."

"Who could possibly be a better bride for you than Chen Zhu?"

"KO. We're that way, dad. I didn't want to say it, but I kind of have to before you two have us saying our vows right here. Don't get me wrong! She is pretty. Like really pretty! But I love KO."

For a moment, his father just stared at him. Silence ticked away and Mei grew increasingly nervous under the scrutiny until his father finally said, "You have two options you possibly call home. I suggest you utilize them both as you will be marrying her. You can keep your wife in one and your 'mistress' in the other."

He started to walk away when Mei grabbed him, "I won't marry her."

"You will marry her or I will destroy him."

Mei laughed, crossed his arms, and called his dad's bluff, "You can't do that. KO is an orphan. No one to detroy. He built everything he has on his own. You can't touch him. He is invincible."

"No one is invincible. Especially not some orphan with no one protect him and hacking as his supposed saving grace. Please, Mei, can you be so sure that all of his past, in regards to hacking, has been completely legal? Are you really willing to jeopardize his future over some puppy love feelings over a man who dotes on you like you are his woman? Be a man. Accept Chen Zhu."

With that his father walked away and Mei followed him like a zombie. They sat back at the table and he felt KO's hand on his knee under the table. All he could do was wink and smile big at him. Hoping his charm was enough to convince him otherwise. But it wasn't the hand gently gripped his knee.

No one knew him like KO did. He looked across the table at Chen Zhu and studied her. She was so posed, so delicate, and everything he would want in a wife. Out loud he blurted, "You really are very pretty."

Everyone stared at him, including KO, and Mei continued, "We'd make a great couple. Look at you, look at me, could you imagine our kids? Yeah, I'm sure as couple we'd be perfect." he started to rise to his feet. Letting out a sigh a huge smile crossed his face as he knew what he had to do. Climbing on the table, ignoring the harsh hiss of his father to get down, Mei addressed the restaurant loudly, "If I can have everyone's attention please! All tables please look at me. Waiters too. Hey! You! You with the tray! Yeah, stop for a second. Great! Now that I have everyone's attention please I would like to make an announcement. I, Hao Mei, am in love with a man. This man! Right here. I'm not gay! I am still very much a manly man. But I love a dude. Thats right. I love a man." he remained on the table but now looked down at his dad, "So you see, dad, I will not be marrying the very nice daughter of your buddy. Instead I will be spending my life with my buddy."

Embarrassment and rage fogged his father's eyes as he hissed, "Get. Down. From. There."

Mei smiled and outstretched his arms laughing, "Not till you agree with me."

Instead his father looked over at KO and growled, "Do something."

KO smirked and said evenly, "Mei, down."

Happy to oblige, Mei clapped his hands together, "Certainly!" and popped off the table. Only to receive his father's hand on the back of his head in a firm smack, "Stupid boy! You couldn't sit through one dinner. I was planning on telling them after there would be no wedding."

"But you said-"

"I know what I said! I was teasing you. I wanted you to squirm around some. I didn't know you would be so foolish." he sighed and shook his head rubbing the bridge of his nose as his eyes squinted in a frustration, "Your mother told me in the car about you two. You two weren't the only ones 'secretly' texting away. Just go. We'll handle things here."

They wasted no time as they got in a taxi heading back to their apartment. They stood outside the door and Mei just stood there for a minute as the past few moments finally caught up with him, "Holy smokes…I just came out to my parents…"

"A whole restaurant."

Mei groaned and banged his head on their door, "Oh! Don't remind me! I admit. That was rash."

KO rubbed the back of his head and took the keys from him, "I'll make you a snack."

"Ooo! Can it fried chicken wings? I could really go for some meat and we never made it to the dinner course yet. I'm starved."

KO nodded and unlocked the door, "I'll make it dinner."

The lights were all off and Mei was surprised when Nuer didn't run to greet them. He fumbled towards the light and as soon as he flipped them on they heard, "Congratulations!"

There standing their apartment was all over their friends with Yu holding a tablet with Nai and Weiwei both waving on the screen with two sleeping babies. Mei and KO exchanged a smile as the warmth emitting from the room touched them. Yu stepped forward with the screen as Nai said from his tiny screen, even then still commanding the room, "Welcome home, you two. You both have been missed. Look forward to seeing you in the office again."

Mei wagged his finger at the screen, "Congratulations to us? More like to you! The babies are perfect."

Nai inclined his head gratefully, "I am happy."

Mei winked with a big smile, "Me too."

Barking came from the bedroom, along with scratching on the door, and a huge kerfuffle on the other side. Yu called, "You can release the hell-hound now, miss Erxi."

The door was barely opened in time for the white Doberman to burst forth from running at full speed towards Mei and KO. Tiny circles she ran in as she was beside herself with excitement. Eventually she collapsed on her back exposing her belly to them with her nub tail just wagging away.

The welcome home party went on and eventually everyone went home. As the last guest, Erxi, was preparing to leave Mei prepared her money for the watching Nuer, "Thank you so much for watching her."

"No problem at all! You two actually helped me out with my boyfriend. When I told him I was watching the puppy of two very hot guys I think it might have lit a fire under his butt. I'm hoping enough to propose."

Mei laughed, "We can only hope. I know Mrs. Nai would love to help you plan a wedding."

Erxi winked, "I'd rather plan it with her than Guang. Much more fun. I'll marry him, but plan it with her."

With that she said her goodbyes and headed out the door. As soon as it closed, Mei collapsed on the couch next to KO and Nuer. The three of them just sat there. KO sitting up straight as an arrow with both Mei and Nuer collapsed in heaps on his lap and shoulder. Mei sighed, "Its good to be home."

KO's head relaxed on Mei's as his gaze stared off into the distance contemplating the future, "Mmm."

Mei chuckled softly, "To think Mei loves KO and KO loves Mei. The hardest easy mystery to solve."

"Or the secrert everyone knew."

Mei laughed and cuddled closer as he started to drift off to sleep joining an already snoring Nuer. KO looked at them both and smiled. It had been a long time since he had had a family, but here it was again.

His family.

And it was worth the wait.

The End