lets kill the night

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Emrys had been enjoying his time alone. Well, sort of. He was googling recipes, reading blogs, trying to prevent himself from stumbling through many of the common pitfalls. For example, who knew it was better to cut butter into cubes? Apparently it was important for melting, because the butter would be put into the bowl cold. There was also some difference between how much filling people liked. This wouldn’t be a one-and-done sort of deal. But… this was Dai they were talking about, so it shouldn’t have surprised him that he’d really have to put a lot of effort into it.

That’s when the knock came. Absorbed in the words on the screen, dressed in a black Dai revolution hoody and a pair of grey jeans, there was a moment of silence before he set the laptop on his bed, walking over to the door to open it.

“Dai!” Em smiled, but it slipped quickly into a frown when Dai lifted him up. He would have argued, but Dai told him to be a good boy, so he kept quiet, the blush lighting his features as Dai carted him out of the building instead of just to the bed. When he was finally put down, Em ran a hand through his hair, feeling self conscious.

“Do I look awful now? How’s my hair?” Em quizzed. When Dai mentioned that he waited a car, Em froze, hand still tangled in his white-and-pink hair, his eyes fixed on Daiki. When Dai turned him around, Emrys wasn’t prepared.

There were no words, just awe. That was his car? Stepping forward, he carefully drew his hand along the black matte finish. It felt smooth against his hand, and warm to the touch.

That was his car.

In all the time he’d been in the band, not once had he even considered such an extravagant purchase, but here it was. Gleaming in the sunlight. Was he breathing? He was pretty sure he hadn’t made a single sound- he was too busy staring, memorizing every detail. It was even a German car! Em traced his fingers along the Audi circles next.

What came next came without warning. Em turned around, throwing his arms around Daiki, burying his face into Daiki’s shoulder.

“Daiki. Daiki. Dai.” Emrys’ voice was excited as he tightened his grip. “Daiki, you bought me a car.” As if the blond didn’t already know, Em loosened his grip as quickly as he’d latched on, almost bouncing in his excitement. “It’s black Daiki! Do you see that stripe? It’s a modest little race car, Dai! I love it. Oh, my god, I love it.” Emrys knew he probably looked like an idiot with that large, genuine smile of his. He wasn’t sure he’d ever smiled this sincerely.

“Can we go somewhere? Anywhere. Let’s goo~” Em pleaded hopefully.

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It was hard for Emrys to even understand why this gift meant so much to him. ‘It just did’ was satisfactory for him. He had enough money himself for a new car long ago- he could have even settled for payments when he was first starting with the band. So… it wasn’t strictly about the money, though it meant something to him that Dai earned that money and was willing to spend it on him. More than that, it meant a lot to him that Daiki had heard him, and knew him well enough to know he’d appreciate it. Extravagance aside, this car was proof that Dai meant it when he said he loved him.

The one thing he knew: as much as he wanted to say he loved Daiki back, he definitely didn’t want it to seem like it was simply because Daiki’d bought him something. If there was one thing Emrys wasn’t, it was materialistic. Surely Dai knew that by now- Em had next-to-nothing to his name to show for all their wealth, aside from the clothes he wore, and even they spoke more to comfort than brand recognition. Emrys wouldn’t be bought, but that didn’t mean he didn’t think he might give Dai the wrong impression if he linked his ‘I love you’ to a gift without explaining why it felt so personal, and not just like a car.

Emrys caught the keys, too busy smiling to give Daiki the grin the kiss on the cheek deserved. When Dai said the surprises weren’t done, Em paused. That wink… Well- he was too excited to worry. When Dai opened his door, Emrys chuckled, both in appreciation and amusement.

“Keep treating me like this, I might come to expect a gentleman.” Emrys kidded. He wasn’t sure it was true- it was hard to be sarcastic when he was this happy. He just… couldn’t pull it off. He was trying. He was trying to be his normal self. Pulling on his seatbelt, even the click made him happy. Slipping the keys in the ignition, his gaze following his own motions- partially because he didn’t know precisely where to put the key, to be fair- it felt a little surreal. As if this were a dream, and he was just going through the motions. He turned the ignition, letting the car roar to life.

“You are the best boyfriend, Daiki.” Emrys agreed sincerely, not a hint of sarcasm this time. When Dai gave him the instructions, he hesitated momentarily, only to find Daiki kissing him. Em moved his hand from the steering wheel, leaning up in his seat, his hand running through Dai’s blond hair to hold his boyfriend close as he returned the kiss. When Dai pulled away, he was reluctant but willing, figuring he’d enjoy driving the car anyway. He’d kiss his boyfriend later- there was no doubt about that. But the small kiss after made him laugh as he let Dai go, moving his hands back to the steering wheel.

“I really can’t believe you did this for me, Dai,” Em admitted, keeping his eyes on the road as he finally pulled away from the inn, heading for the lighthouse. Keeping one hand on the wheel, Em reached for Dai’s hand, attempting to draw his boyfriend to rest his hand on his leg. He wanted Dai close: not that the car afforded an absurd amount of space- of course Daiki was close- but… If it weren’t for the expectation that he appreciate and look forward to the next surprises, Em was very certain that their destination would have been … more remote. But, there was time- he could be patient.

When the lighthouse came into view, Em slowed down. Unlike Daiki, the urge to let loose, to speed through residential streets, just… wasn’t there. For him it wasn’t as much about speed as control- he liked to know he was in control, that he didn’t make mistakes when he drove. Driving fast would be saved for a dark, abandoned stretch of highway with Dai in the passenger seat, and another hotrod racing them… Em pulled his thoughts back to the moment at hand.

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“It’s very impressive,” Emrys agreed, amused at the thought: Dai being good was truly a feat, though he supposed Dai had the willpower for it, if not the natural disposition. “Promise not to forget.” Emrys coached. As if Dai could simply “forget”- more than likely his thoughts would be replaced by more interesting and pressing ones as they day evolved. But what was said was said, so Emrys wasn’t about to take it back now.

Okay. Bad idea. With Dai teasing him like that, Em definitely had some regrets. Not enough to make him stop but definitely enough to rethink doing it again. In the moment though, it definitely drew Em’s attention from his shiny new car to his boyfriend, something he would have thought impossible before Daiki did it.

When Dai started licking his neck, Emrys bit his lip. Dai’s soft voice only tormented Emrys further: his boyfriend was far too good at being enticing. At least Dai moved his hand. … Em told himself it helped, but he wasn’t entirely convinced. Em watched the blond, waiting, hoping- only for the older male to hop out of the car like he wasn’t dying for something to happen.

“Next time let’s limit the surprises to one at a time,” Emrys’ voice was quiet as he took Dai’s hand getting out of the car, his grasp firm in the hope that Dai would let him keep holding his hand as they walked. “That way I can show my appreciation properly.” Emrys joked. It sounded like a joke at least- a strained, I’d-rather-say-something-else kind of humor.

“You know, Dai. I’ve never had anyone do this for me outside my family. I mean, not buying me a car specifically, but, just listening to me and giving me a thoughtful gift like this.” Emrys observed idly, as if it were a passing thought he decided to share on a whim.

“I’m not sure I could ever tell you how much this really means to me. Not because you’re the richest guy I know,” Emrys teased. “But… I don’t know, Dai. I’m not materialistic, but I am sentimental. I’m not sure I’ll ever love a car the way I love this one, because I love you more than anything, and this car will always remind me of you.”

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“Alright, Dai.” Emrys agreed, grinning. He would have raised both hands in surrender, but he settled for raising one, keeping his hold on Daiki with the other. With his gaze on Daiki, the feline features didn’t go unnoticed. The “surrender” hand reached out, scratching the top of Dai’s head near his ear to see if the other male would react at all. He figured now was a good time to experiment, while Dai’s mood was good and his patience seemed … well, impressive, perhaps, was a good word.

Em chuckled again at Dai: he was definitely special and different. When Dai asked him if he remembered what he’d told Dai, Em shrugged. He’d said a lot, hadn’t he?

“My revised answer is you,” Emrys kidded. “Or that car.” Whatever Daiki actually intended for him to say escaped him- he had no clue what he’d said. It was late, and it hadn’t really registered as overly important. Now, Dai’s words had, but Dai wasn’t asking about that.

The scene before them at the top of the lighthouse was nothing, if not romantic. Emrys’ smile slipped, surprise stealing away across his face. It was so elaborate, which made it all the more likely that Daiki would do something like this. And yet, never would Emrys have expected it. As much as Em would have liked to stare, gawking at it, he forced himself to move to the table with Dai, surprised when the older boy pulled out his chair.

“You’re really pulling out all the stops with this gentleman thing, aren’t you?” Em smiled, his voice sincere rather than joking this time.

“I’m starving,” Em assured him. He’d gotten so wrapped up in his web search that he couldn’t really remember the last time he ate, if it had even been that day. Part of him wanted to move his chair over to sit beside Daiki’s, but he resisted, focusing on the food in front of him. Instead of serving himself, he grabbed Dai’s bowl and ladled some of the food into Dai’s bowl, figuring the older boy would eat anything. And if he wouldn’t, well, Em would insist it wouldn’t kill him and that Em couldn’t eat in front of him if he wasn’t eating too.

“This looks delicious, Dai~ Thank you.” Em chimed, setting Dai’s bowl down in front of him before he picked up his own, filling it as he had for Daiki.

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Question answered: Dai appreciated having his ears scratched. Emrys’ grin turned mischievous for just a moment- wasn’t that interesting? He’d remember that, there would surely be a time when getting that happy blushing reaction was a good thing. Rather than point out that Dai was a cute feline with adorable sounds, Emrys let his mind wander back to the surprise at the top of the tower. This not-getting-sidetracked business was much harder than he anticipated.

“I’m not sure this can get any better.” Emrys admitted. It was his sincere belief: he hadn’t been this happy in a long time. It was hard to imagine that it could compare to a thoughtful gift.

“Aw, you put so much work in,” Em chuckled, as if it weren’t a big deal, and as if that toothy grin wasn’t the cutest expression he’d seen Dai with. Truthfully, it was a big deal knowing Daiki had calmed down and thought about him for an extended amount of time, even while he wasn’t there, to put forth work that had a more administrative quality to it.

“I'll be your wife,” Em promised. "Clean the house, dress in an apron, make you dinner~" If he’d been closer he would have leaned over to give him a quick kiss, but Em opted to stay sitting, his hand reaching out to grasp Daiki’s hand on the table- an idle, comforting gesture, as if his words could be confirmed by touch.

Right, he was supposed to be eating too. He retracted his hand, taking his first bite of the tender, flavorful beef, grinning when Daiki lifted his bowl. It was a charming thing, as if he couldn’t be satisfied with the distance between himself and his food. It got to the core of animalistic territorialism and their appreciation of food, didn’t it? Emrys absolutely loved it. He wouldn’t have expected to love such a simple action so much. His attention lingered on Dai, more interested in him than the delicious food. When Dai pointed his spoon at him, Em almost expected a lecture for not eating, but instead he said he loved him.

“I love you more for it,” Em reassured him, not the least bit bothered by the idea that Dai wouldn’t always be the gentleman he was being now. Em looked back at his food, eating a bit more as Dai ate. He wasn’t very surprised when Dai spoke again. If it’d been a dinner of silence, Em probably would have thought he was in trouble with his boyfriend. Though, his boyfriend’s words brightened his cheeks at the positive words. As if it wasn’t weird for them to both blush. Clearly these boys weren’t exactly good with honesty like this, were they?

“That’s pretty fucking corny.” Em joked. Leaning back in his seat slightly, an easy grin on his features, he added, “I could say the same about you, Dai. I would have never given up my friendship with you, or given up any time spent with you in the band, for anyone I’ve met since joining. It was always you I wanted in my life long term.”

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The direct question: was he as embarrassed? He could have denied it. Lied. Played it tough. He could have assumed the comment was meant to embarrass him further. But given what had transpired between them, it seemed like one of the most directly honest and caring things Dai had said to him.

“Good to know you won’t get used to it…” Em mumbled shyly, watching as Dai licked his fingers one by one. Whatever it was supposed to be, it was calming- even the nipping didn’t disrupt how playfully innocent and gentle the gesture was. When Dai moved over to him, Em drew his arm around Dai, hugging himself close to Dai so he could kiss caringly at the man’s jawbone and neck.

“I like it more than anything, too,” Em whispered against Dai’s neck before placing another kiss. When Dai said he forgot something, Em’s grip tightened, his chin dropping to Dai’s shoulder.

“Don’t go, it can wait,” Em insisted, relieved when Dai reached into his pocket instead.When Dai pulled out a case, Em watched curiously. That’s not what an expensive ring case looked like, was it? … They’d talked about this, right? For a moment Em felt worry creep in. As much as he loved Dai- and he did!- he could see the logic behind not getting married right away. Dai wasn’t changing his mind, was he? Em had no idea how he could possibly say anything besides yes on the spot. Not because he didn’t think Dai would understand, but because there were few things he wanted than to be sure that he would be with Daiki for the rest of their lives.

When Dai opened the case, Em was relieved and elated to find it wasn’t a ring, it was a necklace identical to Dai’s- the one he’d admired, and even considered stealing. Instead of grabbing the necklace, Emrys set the case down with his free hand before wrapping his other arm around Dai, burrying his face into his chest.

“Dai… I don’t know how I could ever repay you for today.” Em mumbled, his voice tearful to match the glossy look he was getting. Tears were forming- today was overwhelming for the incubus. Exhausting, too. And wonderful.

“I love you. Thank you. I’ll keep it forever.” Emrys promised honestly, certain that the necklace Dai had just given him would soon become one of his most treasured possessions. Though he'd readily admit the words weren't sufficient- no words were sufficient for the emotions he was feeling right now.

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Despite the tears, there were few things more settling to Emrys than having Dai's arms around him, his hand rubbing his back again. There was no way he was moving away from his boyfriend- this was too pefect. When Dai did the moving for them, holding Em's face in his hands, Em's gaze met the pretty golden eyes before him.

The kiss was so gentle, so pure- why couldn't that moment have lasted forever? The sincere care between them, the honest moments he didn't think he'd have with anyone- not... like this. When Dai said they'd always be friends, Em knew he shouldn't feel bad, but he did. Hadn't he used that same logic? Said that it'd be fine if Dai was only his friend. If he watched the nekomata fade away, so Em would never impede on the older boy's dream. He'd believed that, that it'd be far more merciful to let Dai live his life normally than to interfere. Now, as Dai repeated the promise that they'd always be friends, it was almost painful for Em, but not because he was the one speaking. It was painful because if there was one thing Em didn't want, it was to lose Daiki.

"Daiki. I never thought you'd do this... I never thought we'd care about the same things... that we'd have a date like this." Em admitted, rubbing away his tears again as he had the last time he cried. "I never imagined you this way." Granted, that could be offensive, though Em didn't mean for it to be- he was trying to be honest, trying to say Dai surprised him and deserved far more credit than Em had ever given him.

"I thought I could lose you. I can't. Not just this, not just the gifts. I can't lose you." The fact was, relationships were messy. Things went wrong. Stress got to people. Forever was a long time. "I loved you before this. Maybe more than I realized. I don't want to spend my life without you in it." Emrys raised his hand, placing it over Dai's right hand.

"We can work out anything. We'll be friends forever. You know- we could even make the band work. If we took a short break while the kids are little and then took them on the road with us... They'd never have to leave our sides, and they'd grow up knowing how talented their father is," Emrys offered diplomatically. Staying home for the first few years was always his plan- he was certain that the science was right, and that bonding did take place while they were still infants. "Or, they could go to some fancy private school- the best educations. And we could visit..."

"I want to have a family, a home, my life with you. Here, help me," Em pulled away himself, reaching out for the necklace. He handed the golden ring to Dai, hoping his boyfriend would put it on for him. "We'll be eternal like a circle. That's not too cheesy, is it? I think I get it now."

"But, you've got to stop making me cry," Em joked- a lame attempt to lighten the mood, even a little bit. He moved his free hand, resting it over Dai's own necklace. "I thought I was tough before this. What are you doing to me?"