A/N: Hey, guys! Real quick before we get into today's chapter, we're doing a little bit of a time jump a few years into the future. In case you get confused. And you'll see why here in a minute. Catch you at the end!

Knock, knock.

"Lana?" Rhiannon walked into my room in Karuizawa in a long, white dress, looking like something that popped out of a fairy tale. Then again, my sister always did clean up nicely. Although, for special occasions like these, it pissed her off that her hair had to be one natural color. She wanted us to match and be full on light purple, but higher powers said no. Understandable. I mean, these were going to be pictures we're going to look back on in fifty years and reminisce of this day. We'd live. But I can damn near guarantee that once it's all over, Rhiannon's getting bleached again and that nice, light shade of purple she wanted will be a reality.

"Hey, Rhi," I kicked my feet up on the bed, in the same boat as her, "How are you feeling?"

"I was just about to ask you the same thing," she sat next to me, draping an arm around my shoulders, "You doing ok, sweetie?"

"Yeah," I laid my head in her shoulder, "I'm good. All things considered, I'm good."

"Wow, Lana," Rhiannon giggled to herself, "I thought you'd be an absolute mess up here. Did the good doctor up your meds?"

"Not lately," I shook my head, "He hasn't had to in two years, Rhi. I'm pretty on the straight and narrow these days."

"Well, I had to ask," she scoffed, "Special occasions get you twitchy. And one like this where you're going to be the center of attention?"

"I won't be the only one."

"Everyone always pays attention to the bride, honey," Rhiannon ran her thumb under my eye, "Welcome to the way weddings work."

"Why do you think I said it could be a double ring ceremony?" I smirked, "Ulterior motives to my ulterior motives."

"Thanks, you bitch," she gave me a nudge, "Swear…Someone's rubbed off on you. Are you ready for this?"

"I've been ready since the last night on Earth, Rhi," I told her, "We've waited long enough. It's finally time. What about you? Aren't you guys common law by now?"

"Let's see…" Rhiannon did the math in her head, "It's been…Hell, since you were about twelve. Off and on. About ten years. Yeah. We're common law. This is just making it official. Honestly, Lana, I'm impressed with you. I'm more manic than what you are and that's saying something."

"Nope," I shook my head, "I'm good. I'm really good."

"That's good to hear," she kissed my cheek, "It's finally here…"

"Yes, it is."

Knock, knock.

"It's safe!" Rhiannon yelled, leaving behind a ring in my ear.

"Hey," Dad walked into our room, "Are you two ready yet?"

"I am," Rhiannon got up from the bed, "What about you, Lana? Ready?"

"Is it time already?" I pushed myself up, "I thought we still had a minute."

"Nope," Dad shook his head, wrapping his arms around me, "Are you sure you're ok with this, Lana?"

"Rhiannon came first," I settled him, "She's got dibs. But Rhi, before we go downstairs, can you go get…?"

"Abso-freakin-lutely!" Rhiannon skipped out of the room and ran off on my fetch quest.

"You're positive?" Dad worried, "Because I can come back for you."

"Dad," I stopped him, "Don't worry about it. I got it taken care of."

"Ok," he gave me one last kiss to my forehead, "I love you, sweetheart. I know we've had our ups and downs, but I do love you."

"I love you, too," I smiled. It took a long time, but once I got my parents to come to therapy with me the one time, they started to get it. Dad wasn't as difficult as Mom, but in all honesty, I had to do some tricky maneuvering to get them to go.

"Auntie Lala!" another man ran into my room, throwing himself into the skirt of my dress. Only this one was a bit smaller than all the others. And…If we're being honest, he was my favorite.

"What's up, Connor?" I scooped him up and sat him on my hip, "What are you doing up here? You're supposed to be downstairs and outside by now. You're the ring bearer. We can't have this without you."

"Come here," Connor curled his finger to me, "I want to tell you a secret."

"I can't get much closer, kid," I giggled, but I turned an ear to him anyway, "What's your secret?"

Without another thought, his lips kissed my cheek, "I love you."

"I love you, too, Connor," I melted, "But that's no secret. How's Daddy doing?"

"He's good," Connor reported.

"And what about your uncle?" It wasn't Elliot I was worried about.

"He's good, too!"

"Good," I put him back down on the floor, "Now, go. You got somewhere to be."

"Ok!" Connor stopped in his tracks, "And where would that be?"

"You're just like your mother," I sighed out, "Lucky your head's attached. Do you at least have the rings?"

"Uh-huh!" he nodded, "They're in my pocket!"

"Atta boy, Connor," I kissed the top of his head, "You need to be down with Uncle Tamaki and Auntie Haruhi, ok?"

"And where are they?"

"Probably waiting at the aisle," I figured, "Grandpa can take you there."

"Come on, Connor," Dad took his hand, "Let's leave Auntie Lala alone. See you downstairs."

"Thanks, Dad," I let him and Connor go. This was it. Big moment. Happy place. But that was too late. I'm already living my happy place.

Then, I went downstairs. Rhiannon already had Dad's arm. Tamaki and Haruhi were just about to go down the aisle. And I was about to pass out. I wasn't sure if it was the heat or the weight of what was about to happen, but I knew one thing was for sure. I'd come out of this day with a new last name. Even if someone had to drag me down the aisle. Although, just after Dad and Rhiannon left, I almost tripped over my own two feet.

"Easy, Lana," the best dad I ever had caught me, "Wouldn't want you to scratch up that pretty face. Not after Rhiannon spent so much time on it."

"Gee," I giggled a little, "Thanks, Ranka."

"My pleasure," he offered his arm to me, "You ready?"

"Yeah," I nodded, "By the way…"

"What?"

I hid a little smile from him, "You look weird in a suit, Ranka."

"It's your wedding," Ranka shrugged, "If you think there isn't a saucy number in my hotel room for the reception, you are sadly mistaken."

"And I wouldn't expect anything less." I loved him. And I knew him better than that. Because I had one request. If Ranka was going to rock a pair of heels, they'd better be black. It's nice that he listens. Slowly, but surely, the music cued us in. Little steps. Killer heels. Rhiannon's idea. But I could manage. As long as Ranka could hold me up. Once we got to the end of the aisle, my future husband took my hand.

"Hi there, gorgeous," Kyoya steadied me. Like he has all these years.

"Kyoya," Ranka leaned in, "Play nice."

"I will," he promised, bringing me the rest of the way.

"Hey, baby," I took his other hand.

"Alright, love?" Elliot checked in on me.

"Very."

Suddenly, I had a nice flashback to when Kyoya and I first came back to Japan after our graduation. We had a week to kill before the wedding. And while he was off playing with his brothers and sister, I thought I'd take a little trip to a certain club in the heart of Shinjuku. Because where else was I going to find him?

"How much for you for the night?" I yelled up to the stage.

"If you have to ask, sweetheart," Ranka teased, "You can't afford me."

"I got a traveler's check for ten thousand yen. What will that get me?"

"A swat to the nose with a newspaper, Lana Mae," he scolded me, his dress billowing down from his jump, "I thought you weren't going to be here until next week."

"Kyoya and I wanted some time before the wedding," I filled him in, "Do you think we could sit down?"

"I'm on my break anyway," Ranka pulled out a chair for me, "How are you feeling? Nervous?"

"A little," I shrugged, "But it's a double ring. Rhiannon could never let me do anything alone."

"Bless her," he giggled. Strange. I thought that would've been more of a shock to him.

"You and Rhi talk, don't you?" I assumed.

"Of course we do," Ranka scoffed, "We're practically best friends at this point, Lana. You should know better."

"I should," I agreed, "But do I?"

"A smartass just like your sister," he took my hands, "So, what's up? What's the occasion you drop by my place of business?"

"I wanted to talk to you," I began, "Actually, I need to ask you a huge favor."

"Anything you need, honey," Ranka promised, "I'll do it."

"Awesome," I felt a lump in the back of my throat, "Because…This is a really, really big favor."

"Lana…?" he went on high alert, "Are you ok?"

"Yeah," I tried my damnedest to not start crying, but this is an emotional moment. Sue me, "I'm fine. But…Because Rhiannon came first and we are having our weddings together, our dad's going to walk her down the aisle. But that leaves me by myself. And because you've been more of a father to me than what my own has been, I was wondering if you'd give me away…"

Ranka didn't even hesitate. He threw his arms around me, his tears of joy soaking through my t-shirt, "Absolutely."

And I'd be damned if he didn't keep that promise. Although, he also told me that he wouldn't cry at the wedding, but I knew better. Ranka's currently a weeping mess. And his daughter did her best to hide her mild embarrassment. But everyone cries at a wedding. No one could blame him. Besides, he's not giving away one daughter, but soon enough, it'll be time to give the other one away, too. Once Elliot put Rhiannon's ring on her finger (I'd be lying if I said he didn't have taste. That bright red ruby set in silver really suited her.) and Kyoya put my ring on my finger (Sapphires. Because what else would it have been? He always did love me in sapphires. And it'd match my necklace, too.), both Rhiannon and I would no longer share a last name. And we couldn't be happier.

We might have agreed on a double ring, but we were traveling separately. And the Ootori family were so kind enough to give both Rhiannon and me our own limos. Bless them. Once everything was said and done, I laid my head on Kyoya's shoulder, exhausted, hot, and ready to call it a night. But unfortunately, we still had a reception to go to. We could do it, though. Because it was him and me against the world now. Just like it's always been.

"Hey, Kyoya," I looked up at him.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"I love you," I smiled, half asleep in his embrace.

"I love you more," Kyoya gave me a delicate little kiss on my lips, "Forever my princess."

"And it's my honor," I wrapped myself around his waist, "But that host club crap still doesn't work on me."

"Lucky for me," he reached down and undid the buckles on my heels, "We have our whole lives for me to wear you down."

"I'm already worn down," I confessed, letting out a heavy sigh of relief, "Mother of god, that's almost better than sex."

"If I would've known that," Kyoya jabbed, rubbing my achy feet, "Then, it looks like we can just go to sleep tonight."

"Please," I insisted, "I don't want the world to assume I'm getting laid tonight. I just want to go to bed."

"How are you feeling, though?" he worried, "Honestly?"

"I'm alright," I reported, "But I'm so hungry, Kyoya…"

"In that case," Kyoya decided, leaning up to our driver, "Excuse me…"

"Yes, Mr. Ootori?" our driver chirped.

"Could you take a right up here?" he requested, "I'll tell you when to stop."

"Yes, sir!"

"Where are you taking me?" I wondered.

"You'll see." Always worrying me, Kyoya Ootori. You know how to make a girl nervous in the best way. But then, as I watched aimlessly out the window, I knew exactly where Kyoya was taking me. On the outskirts of Karuizawa, there lived the most adorable little ramen shop where the owner was a sweetheart and every bowl was nicely decorated and made with love. This is why I love my husband. Because he knows that food is my love language.

"Someone better marry you," I demanded, "Before some bitch snaps you up."

"Exactly fourteen minutes into our marriage," Kyoya checked his watch, "And you already forget. Shall we?"

"Yes, please."

Kyoya already knew my ramen order. Pork, ginger broth, green onion, and one egg. I know we had a reception to go to, but I've been starving myself for the last two weeks, hoping to God my wedding dress would still fit. Even if it didn't, Yuzuha would be more than happy to make the adjustments. She did design both Rhiannon's and mine. And to make matters even better, the shop was practically empty. Almost as if someone planned it that way.

"I'm so glad we did this," I stuffed my mouth full of noodle, happy as a damn clam. Our reception was being catered by some of the best chefs in the world, yet we're at a ramen shop in Karuizawa beforehand. Worth it. Totally worth it.

"Me, too," Kyoya agreed, in the same boat as me, "You know, Lana, we do have a reception to get to, too."

"Shh…" I put my free hand up to his mouth, "It's probably going to be the only time it's just us today until we go to bed. Savor the moment."

"Lana," he smiled, "We have our whole lives for it to be just us. When we get back home, it's going to be just us. At least until the weekend and Haruhi and Tamaki come to visit."

"Or if Ritsu shows up at two in the morning again," I giggled. It was a long night. Some girl he was seeing wanted to steal his kidney. I didn't ask. I just let him in. Kyoya was pissed, but once I explained everything, he got it.

"Only married for," Kyoya checked his watch again, "thirty-three minutes and we already have children."

"Now would be a bad time to tell you I was pregnant, wouldn't it?" I wondered, testing the waters.

"You're what?" he lost all color.

"No," I settled him, "I'm not pregnant. In a world of hypotheticals."

"That would've been poorly timed," Kyoya came to again, "Yes."

Ring, ring…

"Who's that?" I asked, "You or me?"

"That's you, sweetheart."

I opened my bag and pulled my phone out. Neat! Facetime! I slid my finger across my phone screen to see two of the best friends I've ever had in the US, "Hello, ladies."

"Lana!" D squeaked, "Are we late for the wedding or are we on time?"

"You're late," I giggled, "By about…Kyoya, how long have we been married now?"

"Thirty-six minutes."

"Thirty-six minutes," I relayed the message.

"Sorry we couldn't make it, Lana," Tai apologized, "We wish we could, but…"

"I know," I settled her, "Passport problems. It's alright."

"Where are you?" D wondered, "Is that where your reception is?"

"No," I shook my head, getting up and sitting next to Kyoya, "It's a ramen shop. Say hi, Kyoya."

"Hello, D," Kyoya waved to the screen, "Hello, Tai."

"Hi, Kyoya!"

"Hi, Kyoya!" When Kyoya met Tai and D, they immediately hit it off. D in particular. She made it easier for me to lower the otaku boom on him. He didn't understand it, but he wasn't going to shun me for it.

"Well," D let us go, "It looks like you crazy kids are in the middle of some Lady and the Tramp thing, so we're going to go to bed."

"Yeah," I checked Kyoya's watch, "It's probably 5AM there, isn't it?"

"Worth it!" Tai promised, "We drank a lot of Red Bull."

"Caffeine overdose isn't healthy," I groaned, "Kyoya, can you talk some sense into them please?"

"They're your friends, Lana," Kyoya pointed out, "That's not my place."

"But I've done it with your friends for the better part of a decade!" I argued, "Come on."

"Those are our friends," he corrected me, "And we probably shouldn't be leaving them unattended."

"But why do we have to be Mom and Dad?" I whined.

"Look at that," Kyoya gushed, "My princess is so cute when she's delirious."

"You two are adorable and need to stop," Tai put her foot down, "And we'll be going."

"If we're not careful," I teased, "You two are going to be the next ones to get married."

"No," D blushed, "We're nowhere near ready for that yet."

Their relationship didn't surprise anyone. Tai and D were always together. They did everything together. They shared a room in the Gamma house together. And after a little nudge, they finally admitted it. They were in love and wanted no one else but each other. Although, it scared the hell out of Kiki when she found out. She was also a little on the narrow-minded side, too. I think I remember seeing something about Young Republicans on her resumé. Nevertheless, Tai and D were one of the few couples in my life that I really wanted to see get married next. No matter how much they say they don't want to.

"Love you, Lana!" Tai waved, "You, too, Kyoya! See you both for Katsu?"

"Wouldn't miss it. Love you guys, too," I waved back. And that was all she wrote. I couldn't wait to get back home to them. And I really couldn't wait for Katsu. That was going to be a road trip to Washington DC that may help a certain someone come to the dark side. At least I hope so.

"Come on," Kyoya helped me onto my feet, "You, me, the family, cocktails. Sound like a plan?"

"Absolutely."

Kyoya and I had gone back to the bed and breakfast where all of the ceremonial stuff from the wedding had already been cleared out. Between Rhiannon and the twins, they had the place decorated in white, light blue, and lavender from ceiling to floor. Everything was perfect and I wouldn't have changed a thing. Because at the end of the day, this wasn't just our wedding, but Rhiannon and Elliot's, too. At this point, I was just glad I didn't have to have shoes on for the rest of the night.

"Hey, Lana," Dad had found us first, "It's about time you two show up."

"We had to make a detour," I told him, "It's no big deal."

"You're the one that just had to have the destination wedding, didn't you?" Wonderful. Someone's already started drinking. And it wasn't me. What the hell? It's my wedding day, dammit! And I'm not the one having the first drink? There's something wrong with that picture. Not to mention, I'm getting bitched at for my happiness! And it's not a destination wedding when most of the family is here already!

"I don't see where you were offering to pay your own way," I pointed out, "Or to even offer any sort of help with this wedding. Hell, you even abandoned me on my way to the altar. So, if you don't mind, I'd like to spend some time with my husband and my family and get some more food in my stomach before I puke."

"Whatever you say, princess…"

Kyoya took my hand and got me away from that mess before I made it worse. Or him for that matter, "You've grown particularly bold, Mrs. Ootori."

"Why, yes," I nodded, my heart squealing with pure joy at the sound of my new name, "Yes, I have. More importantly, where's the other new bride? Because I'd like to have a shot with my sister."

"She's already having a drink." Oh, holy hell, Ranka, you weren't lying! Ranka looked like a Vegas showgirl on her day off. And I couldn't be happier.

"Ranka!" I gasped, "You look absolutely, without a doubt, fabulous as hell."

"When don't I?" he scoffed, "Besides, my wedding heels, although classic, were lacking the jazz I needed."

"And you always pull it off," I smiled, wrapping my arms around Ranka's waist, "I'm so glad you're here."

"Happy to be here, sweetheart," Ranka kissed the top of my head, "How many people are here from your side specifically, Lana?"

"My side is our side," I told him, "I just got off a video chat with my friends in the US that couldn't make it, but there were a couple that did. Unfortunately, one of them had to leave the husband behind."

"Aww," he whined, "That's too bad."

"He's cool with it," I assured, "Don't worry."

"You have got to be Ranka…" Speak of the devil. If the apocalypse were to come, now would be the time.

"Yes…" Ranka looked him over with a slight mistrust, "Lana, which obscure relative is this?"

"He's one of my best friends," I introduced him, "This is Dash. He's a delight of a human being. I told him all about you."

"It's a pleasure," Dash smirked, "But you can call me Dasha. Stage name. It's a rarity I ever hear anyone call me Dash. Unless it's Lana. Or my husband."

Ranka could smell the sweat and glitter from a mile away. And once the lightbulb turned on in his head, he glared a hole through me, "YOU HAVE ANOTHER DRAG QUEEN IN YOUR LIFE, LANA MAE?!"

"Easy, Ranka…" I tried to settle him down, but I don't think even Haruhi could take him down at this point.

"I thought we had an exclusive thing going on," he pouted, looking Dash over, "How did you two meet?"

"He was my drama teacher in college. And he's best friends with Rhiannon."

"Alright," Ranka let it go, "He's not going to steal you away from me, is he, Lana?"

"Of course not," I promised, hugging him tight, "You're the only one for me, Ranka. You know that. I've never accidentally called Dash Dad before, if it makes you feel any better."

"It does," he smiled again, "Dasha, right?"

"Yes?" Dash mirrored him.

"Do you think we could have a drink together?" Ranka offered, "From one queen to another?"

"It'd be my pleasure," Dash agreed, "Lana, you may have created a monster."

"Getting that feeling, yeah," I bit the inside of my cheek, "Ranka, do I need to find Misuzu to keep you in line?"

"Misuzu could never," Ranka scoffed, "But last I saw him, I think he was outside. We'll be fine. Pinky promise!"

Something in my gut told me otherwise. But I could trust Dash and Ranka to be alone for a minute or two. At least I hope I could. If I hear someone start spouting off in tongues, I'll know who to point the fingers at. Now that I think about it, maybe adding Misuzu to that chemical mixture of disaster might be more likely to cause another Chernobyl instead of the apocalypse. As long as they behave themselves, that's all that matters. Now, more importantly, where in the hell did my husband go? Because I wouldn't mind being glued to his hip for the rest of the night.

"Excuse me, Lana…" a familiar, yet terrifying voice thundered behind me.

Slowly, I turned around to see a face I wasn't expecting, "Dr. Ootori…"

His expression hadn't changed, "Could we speak privately for a moment, please?"

"Um…" Deodorant, don't fail me now. I hadn't spoken with Kyoya's dad in at least a couple of years. No liquor in my system to counteract the anxiety, but I made damn sure that I took my medicine this morning on the off chance something like this were to have happened, "Sure."

"Thank you," Dr. Ootori led me up to one of the unlocked and empty rooms upstairs. No one seemed to have noticed one of the brides running off with a strange man that I don't think made the ceremony. He did get an invitation, though. He opened the door and let me in first where I sat down at the table in need of a big glass of wine. And something to kill the silence between us.

"Excuse me for asking," I guess that'd have to be me, "But why did you ask me up here?"

"I've heard some things about you from Yuuichi," Dr. Ootori began, "After the…incident…"

I might as well get it out in the open. A couple years ago, Kyoya and I had come to Japan to check in with the family. Not necessarily the biological one, but that happened to be a byproduct. When we had stopped by the family estate, it had been more or less out of obligation. Seeing Yuuichi and Fuyumi was always a delight and Akito happened to be in town, so we couldn't say no. In hindsight, I wish we would have. Kyoya had an opportunity presented to him to be a part of a gallery and jumped on it. But because it wasn't a traditional gallery (and it happened to be above a tattoo shop ran by my sister), Dr. Ootori blew up and flat out told Kyoya he was a disappointment. That his art would never be displayed in real galleries and working independently like that will never be enough to support us.

Yet Kyoya stood his ground. I couldn't have been prouder of him than in that moment. And from that day, they hadn't spoken a word. By the sounds of things, Yuuichi's been giving him updates. We can have words about that later, but something tells me Kyoya would be more pissed off about that than me. It's not going to be pretty. I know that much. But we can't cut Yuuichi out. I love him too much and he's my doctor. It's hard for me to find a good one. I can't throw him back.

"Yes," I shuddered at the heavily suppressed memory, "I remember it. What has he told you?"

"Congratulations on the publishing contract," Dr. Ootori praised, a hint of a smile on his face, "I heard you were writing fantasy these days."

"That's right," I confirmed. What I wasn't expecting was my little short story for my creative writing class to turn into a full-blown novel. Dean said he needed closure, but he lied through his teeth. I didn't know he knew someone in the publishing business. The dick…But it was one of my favorite collaborative pieces I've ever done. I say collaborative, "Have you seen the cover art? It's incredible."

"It's watercolor, isn't it?" he figured, "The Mermaid in the Shadows, if I remember correctly. It's beautiful."

"Kyoya did it," I made sure he knew that. Because Kyoya's art wasn't going to get him anywhere. Just on bookshelves around the world. One night, I caught him doodling on his tablet, but when I saw my title on it, I knew he had something sneaky going on.

"Look, Lana," Dr. Ootori backed down a bit, "I know I was only invited to this wedding out of nothing but obligation. And I knew that if I had shown up at the ceremony, it only would've made Kyoya angry. You didn't deserve to start your marriage that way."

"Thank you." What the hell was this?

"And if we're being honest," a bigger smile graced his face. In a way, he had a glint in his eye that reminded me of someone I knew. And if I told him that, he'd probably kill me. Sorry, baby. It's hereditary, "I've never been so glad to be proven wrong."

"What?" I froze. Dr. Ootori never seemed like the type to admit his defeat. Yet here he was.

"Ever since the last time I ever saw my son," he went on, "I thought my arrogance would've been enough to break him. However, I was wrong. Because he had someone to help him heal. When you first walked into my dining room, I never thought that someone would ever be you. You seemed too…Flimsy. In a way. Like you were about to fall apart at the drop of a hat. But you surprised me. You take the best care of Kyoya and I really couldn't ask for more. Although, if you came from a higher pedigree, that may be nice, but I guess I can't get what I want. Because it's not up to me. So, thank you. For what you do for him."

What the hell? Was I being pranked? Was I dreaming? Was this real life? I didn't understand. I've never heard Dr. Ootori speak this openly before. Yuuichi must have said something. He had to have gotten to him. Oh yeah. I need to have words with my brother-in-law before the night is done. Because if this was Yuuichi's doing, I needed to kiss him. Because in the six years I've been with Kyoya, this was the first time I had ever seen his father human.

"Thank you, Dr. Ootori," I smiled sweetly. It was all I could do. He had me cornered, "It really does mean a lot to me for you to say this. It couldn't have been easy."

"It wasn't," he agreed, "But it's also not to be intended to be taken lightly either."

"I understand."

"And Lana…" Dr. Ootori spoke softly, "Yoshio."

"Yes, sir," I think I just got his permission to call him by his first name. It's safe to say we've had a little bit of personal growth here. Or by leaps and bounds. If only Kyoya was here to hear it.

"So," he asked, "When can I start expecting grandchildren from you two?"

"You may need to slow down first," I stopped him completely. Just when I think we've had a moment here, "That's not your decision to make. Or if you should even be expecting them at all. We're not going to start trying quite yet. We have a honeymoon to get through and Kyoya's got a job offer in London we need to think about, so there's a chance we may be in the middle of a move soon. We won't have that kind of time. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to go back to my husband now."

"Fair enough," Yoshio let me go, "It was lovely seeing you again, Miss Smith."

"Mrs. Ootori," I corrected him.

"No," he shook his head, "My wife is Mrs. Ootori. You are Lana."

"I can go with that."

I'm not sure why, but a sudden weight had gotten off my chest. I never thought Yoshio would've been so cool like that, but we can chalk it up to a blessing. Does this mean I can finally enjoy my night? Not that I wasn't going to anyway, but I'd like to find my husband. As soon as humanly possible. Because…Well, I can say I need to find my husband. That still didn't feel right. Maybe that's not the word for it. Surreal? Surreal seemed appropriate. The quiet, reserved angel that hid in the back of the host club and ran it like a well-oiled machine when we were in high school would become my husband. Who would've thought? We did…

And sure enough, I found him sitting by himself. Not in the least bit surprised, "Is this seat taken?"

"Hi there," Kyoya pulled me into his lap, "Where did you run off to, Mrs. Ootori?"

"I didn't run off anywhere," I laid my head on his shoulder, "Actually, I just had a very interesting conversation with my father-in-law."

"Excuse me?" his radar went up, "My father's here? And you just dealt with him alone?"

"I had it under control," I kissed his cheek, doing my best to get him to calm down, "Besides, it was totally civil. In fact, it was downright pleasant."

"My father?" Kyoya gave me a look, "And it was…pleasant?"

"I think he apologized," I ran the conversation back through my head, "And he congratulated me on my novel. And he approves of us. He felt the need to say it, but what you do with that information is up to you."

"It's about damn time," he chuckled, "But it's too little, too late. I don't need his approval. All I need now is you."

"And you got me," I promised, "But it's nice that he's finally given us his blessing."

"Only took the son of a bitch six years…"

"Kyoya…" I hushed him, "Don't let him rile you up like this."

"You're right," he dropped it, nudging me off his lap, "Hey, I want to show you somewhere. Is that alright?"

"Absolutely," I got up, "Where are you taking me?"

"You'll see…" Kyoya took my hand and started taking me toward the exit. However, we happened to be stopped by my new brother-in-law and his mildly buzzed bride.

"Where do you kids think you're going?" Elliot took my hand and gave me a little spin, "Not leaving already, are you?"

"Of course not," Kyoya assured, "Just getting some fresh air away from the crowds."

"Boo…" Rhiannon whined, "Why can't you stay here?"

"Because not all of us are on your level yet, Rhiannon."

"But I made a new friend!" Rhiannon did a complete one-eighty, "Guess who it is?"

"I don't know, Rhi," I leaned on Kyoya, quickly losing steam.

"Me, bitch!" I knew she had come along with Dash, but I didn't expect her to jump out at me from behind my sister. Laur threw her arms around me, "Congratulations, Lana! Why did I never get to meet Rhiannon when we first met? She's a delight!"

"Because you two shouldn't be drunk at the same time." Someone needs to get these two some carbs.

"You're telling me," Elliot admitted, "If I wouldn't have stopped her, I think Rhiannon would've snogged me nan."

"Wait," I thought, "Your British grandma or your Irish grandma?"

"My British grandma died when I was seven, Lana."

"Oh, dear," I winced, "Rhiannon, no…"

"Rhiannon, yes…" Alright. Time for Rhiannon to go to bed.

"Hey, Lana," Laur threw an arm around me, "Where you going after this?"

"Um…Bed?" I figured.

"Come on!" she groaned, "It's Chicago all over again! You can go out and live a little, too!"

"But we've also had a long day, Laur," Kyoya pointed out, "There's plenty of time to do all of that tomorrow. Now, I'm going to go take my wife outside. Excuse us."

A man of few words, but he made them work. Have I mentioned I love him? Because I really do love this man. Kyoya and I dodged the rest of the relatives like the plague and found a way outside. The cool night air was sorely needed. Too many bodies in too small of a space gets way too hot too quickly. Although, I had never been behind the pension before. Misuzu had turned the entire backyard into a beautiful, sprawling flower garden. Complete with a sign insisting on picking some of them. It's very romantic back here. Good for you, Misuzu.

"You know," Kyoya thought, holding me in his lap, "I remember when we did this about…Five years ago."

"Are you talking about us in London?" I assumed.

"The very same," he nodded.

"Still don't take that necklace off," I twiddled it between my fingers, "You know, Yuzuha was trying to sell me on something else, but I wouldn't let her. Was she pissed…"

"It's our wedding, sweetheart," Kyoya nuzzled his face in my neck, "You could've been in a hula skirt and a top hat and I wouldn't have cared. As long as it was you and me to have moments like that for the rest of our lives."

"On one condition…"

"What's that?"

"I get a monocle, too," I teased, "If I'm going to be fancy, why not be all the way fancy?"

"Oh, Lana, Lana, Lana…" Kyoya put his hand over mine, "What am I going to do with you?"

"You can't get rid of me," I showed him my ring, "You picked me. Willingly. Of your own doing. And I picked you back."

"That's very true," he held me tight, "How did I get so lucky?"

"Seriously?" I rolled my eyes, "Come on, Kyoya. In the course of our relationship, you've probably asked me that question a million times over. And in the six years we've been together, has that answer ever changed?"

"No," Kyoya admitted, "But I just like hearing it."

"Well," I indulged him, "Your first mistake was offering a hopeless little headcase like me tutoring. Because her dumbass brain didn't comprehend the chapter on reproduction. Your second mistake was showing me that you and I weren't so different. And your third mistake was taking her to see her favorite musical and asking her to marry you. No turning back?"

"No turning back."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive," Kyoya pulled me into the most loving, leg twitching kiss he has ever given me, "I love you, Lana."

"Aishiteru…" I laid my head in his shoulder, never ever wanting to be anywhere else. And I never had to be.

"Found them, boss!" And there were the two morons who, despite the fact that I loved them dearly, killed the moment.

"Guys, no…" Bless her. She tried, "They're probably out here for a reason…"

"But Haru-chan, how often are they going to be here?" Globetrotting seems to be on the to-do list.

"Lana!" Tamaki jumped into my lap, smashing Kyoya in the process, "My little girl is all grown up and all married…What am I going to do now? You're off married to some degenerate!"

"It's hard to believe you were almost my best man," Kyoya nursed the pain Tamaki so kindly put him in.

"That's what you have your brothers for," I pointed out.

"And that's why it was Yuuichi."

"I'm sorry, Tamaki," I giggled, "But I really like this particular derelict. Hey, Kyoya, now that we're married, does that mean I get to be a yakuza wife?"

"I'm not yakuza," Kyoya promised, kissing my cheek, "But if it gets Tamaki off us, then yes. You are now, in fact, a yakuza wife."

"Neat!"

"Come on, guys," Hikaru and Kaoru pulled us up from the ground, "Come spend some time with the family."

And for whatever reason, everything had finally hit me. I may not have gotten along with my parents, but that's ok. I may not have had much for friends for the first fifteen years of my life, but that's ok. I may have had the reoccurring thought that I would always be alone, but that was ok. Because now, I'm so glad that someone stopped me before I did something I'd regret. Because this moment right here and right now? I wouldn't have traded it for the world. Just because my biological family and I didn't always see eye to eye didn't mean I'd never have family. Just because some people don't fully understand me and are too stubborn to learn doesn't mean that no one ever will. Just because some parts of my past have left me scarred doesn't mean I'll never heal. Because this was my family. This was my home. And it can only get better from here.

A/N: Well, my friends…I have no words. Because three years ago, I needed a safe place to vent. And I found that in all of you. I'm trying my damnedest to not burst into tears here. There are a couple coming down, though. That's for sure. Hell, I didn't even get this emotional when I wrapped the Black Butler series. But the thing about the Black Butler series was that it was just my naughty thoughts on paper. No real cohesion intended. But then, this started. The first chapters of Kiss, Kiss went up and I spilled my heart and soul onto the paper. Every little problem I had in my head was worn on my sleeve for the whole internet to look at. It hasn't been smooth sailing. Nothing ever is. But you know what? Some of you have stuck around since day one. Some of you found me in some dark, rough times. Some of you have gone. But you know what? I still love each and every one of you like you were my own. To those of you who have come to me to vent your problems, to the ones who have helped the others, to those of you who were just here to watch the trainwreck, I will never ever forget you. And just as a side note, because this is the final chapter, my DMs are always open. My Twitter is in my bio. Along with my Twitter, I'm going to launch that Discord because I have that kind of thing now. But most importantly, don't you ever think you can't come to me with something. Because you always can. And I'll do my best to help. I'm not sure what I'm going to do for Tuesdays now. I think I'm just going to let it find me. If you guys have any suggestions for something, you're more than welcome to drop me a line. Should I do another Ouran story? Should I do something else? Should I really branch out in my hobbies? I don't know. But even though this is done, I'm not going anywhere. Before I start to ramble, I'm going to go. Because it's very late and I need to be up in the morning. So…I love you all. Never ever EVER EVER EVER EVER forget that. I'll see you guys later.