Joker

45. Love of my life/My greatest foe

Nakul had been more nervous than ever. He had taken Ayu out for dinner one on one. He needed to have a serious talk with his boy. Ayu was looking at him with an eyebrow raised, casually chomping on bread as he waited for Nakul to gather the balls and talk. Nakul sighed and said "So. You know how Aki and I have been together for almost five years?"

"Yep." Ayu said, ruffling his black hair.

"Don't mess up your hair and you are comfortable with Aki?"

"Dad he's been living with us for like four years." Ayu said with a roll of his eyes "I think I'm pretty okay with him. He's like a second parent to me. You know that."

"Ayu how would you feel if I told you that Aki would be your official parent?" He said.

Ayu's eyes widened, he dropped the bread "D-dad? Does that mean-"

"Yes." Nakul said, nervously "I want to marry him."

"DAD REALLY?!" Ayu shot out of his chair.

"Ayu sit down!" Nakul hissed "I- I got a ring... I wanted to propose on our anniversary... I just wanted to ask you if you were okay with it."

"Dad I've been asking for this since you got together! Are you serious!? Aki's going to be my new dad!?"

"If he says yes." Nakul crossed his fingers unconsciously, not wanting to jinx it.

"DAD ASK HIM NOW!"

"Ayu settle down! We're outside! Behave yourself."

"Yeah. Yeah but dad?"

"Yes champ?"

"Aki won't leave you like mom did. I know that. I just... it's the same dad. I don't want you to be sad." Ayu slumped back into his chair. You're so protective over me baby. I know it's probably because of how close we've always been but... yeah.

"I won't be." Nakul smiled "This time if I get married, I stay married."

"That's it then." Ayu held up a thumbs up "No siblings or deal's off."

"That's up to us to decide." Nakul pointed out and laughed "But don't worry champ. Neither Aki or I want another kid. You're more than enough."

"Just don't wuss out." Ayu said bluntly.

"You're picking up too much from Aki. I'm reconsidering it."

"Dad!" Ayu whined.

Nakul laughed "Kidding baby."

After a call of a pep talk from Arjun, Nakul waited for Aki by the ocean. He wanted to ask Aki out near the ocean for a reason. Reason being his speech. The black box holding a silver ring with a single diamond felt heavier than an anvil in his pockets. He was so nervous, his hands were sweaty and his throat felt dry. It's going to be fine. Everything will be fine.

"Nakul!" He heard Aki's voice call out and grinned at the sight of his beautiful angel.

"Aki!" Nakul got up and held out his hand.

Aki ran towards him and took his hand "What's up?"

"Okay. So. This is serious." He said "Aki... I love you. I love you so so much. All the drops of water in all the oceans of the world couldn't count up to every bit of love I have for you." He gestured to the sea.

Aki laughed "Is this why you picked this location for the talk?"

"Yes and now if you would let me have my moment." He cleared his throat and continued "I- I think this is the right time. For both of us. I want to spend the rest of my life with you Aki. I want to share my family with you. I want to make you mine in all senses of the word. I asked Ayu, he's okay. I asked my parents, they're okay. I asked both our friends, they're okay. I asked everyone possible and everyone gave me the go-ahead for this. I just wanted to ask you Akabane Inari."