Room 1013

Eric

"Lance!" Keith pounced on his arm, shaking the bed in the process. "Lance, wake up!"

Lance groaned and rubbed his face. He looked up to Keith, blinking the sleep from his eyes. "Hey, baby."

"We slept all day," Keith whined and pouted. "It's almost seven now."

"Seven p.m.?"

"A.m."

Lance jumped up, "Oh wow. I've got stuff to take care of today." He slid out of the blankets and sifted through his suitcase.

"Like what?" Keith sat on his knees on the bed and stared at him with pouted lips. "Can I come?"

Lance tugged a shirt over his head. He walked back over to the bed and kissed Keith's forehead. "Unfortunately, no." He stuffed his feet into his boots, "But I'll be back soon, I promise."

Lance ran errands and made calls all day. As much as he wanted to be with Keith, he had to do a few things first. As evening approached, he showered, slicked his hair back, and got into his favorite brown suit. He slipped back out without Keith noticing his outfit and headed into the city.

Lance admired the restaurant's shimmering chandelier and elegant architecture as he waited. It was classy. Perfect.

The chair across from him slid out, "Sorry I'm a little late."

"It's no problem at all, Mr. Kogane."

Keith's father had a rich southern accent and a bright smile full of southern charm. He donned a black suit and briefcase–obviously coming straight from court. "Please, Eric is fine."

Lance gave him a smile, "Of course."

"Ah," Eric sighed as he sat down and relaxed. He leaned his elbows on the table and laced his fingers together, "We haven't gotten to talk very much, have we?"

Lance chuckled, "No, we haven't."

"I'm a little disappointed in myself," he took a sip of his water, "Fathers are supposed to chase off their kid's boyfriends."

Lance waved him off with a laugh, "Well, I'm no trouble."

Eric let out an amused laugh, "No, you're a great man. Keith definitely cares for you."

"And I, him." Lance added.

They continued small talk until their food came. Then, they joked around while they ate. Lance's nerves slowly subsided as he talked with him, but quickly came back as Lance set down his fork mid-meal.

"So Eric," Lance puffed his chest and held his head up. "As I'm sure you've guessed, I've invited you here for a specific reason."

Eric's mouth tugged into a curious smile, "I figured." He paused his eating to give him all his attention.

Lance nodded and took a few seconds to compose himself. He locked eyes with him and spoke clearly. "So, Keith and I had a special reunion, as I'm sure you've heard all about. Keith knew me when I was a kid. He," A blushing smile formed on his cheeks, "He came to see me whenever he could. He talked to me, kept me company, and gave me gifts.

"What I'm trying to say is: Keith stayed by my side throughout my coma. I'm convinced that's the sole reason I'm alive today." Lance clamped his hands together to hide their shaking. "I want to do the same for him. I want to stay with him through everything; bring him an immense amount of love and support; and give him everything he wishes for.

"Sir," Lance took a breath and composed himself, locking eyes with him. "I would like your permission to ask Keith to marry me."

Eric clicked his teeth and inspected Lance's face. His eyes felt like ticking time bombs; his lips a loaded gun. "You want to marry my boy, huh?"

Lance gulped and nodded, "Yes, sir." A smile warmed his face. "I love him, so much."

The corners of Eric's mouth twitched. He chuckled and lowered his gaze for a second. When his eyes returned to Lance, he smiled at him. "An idiot could see that Keith loves you, too." He nodded, "I think you guys are the definition of a perfect couple."

Lance couldn't hide his excitement. His eyes teared up, "Thank you so much."

Eric gave him a nod. He reached for his fork and returned to his food, "Have you talked to your parents, yet?"

"Yes, I have." Lance continued his meal as well. "They weren't open to it at first, but they came around."

"Hey Lance?"

"Yes?"

"Quick question." Eric ran his napkin over his lips.

"Okay," Lance gave him his full attention.

Eric leaned forward and squinted at him in observance. "Will you be taking our name, or will Keith be taking yours?"

Lance flashed a wide smile, "I'm glad you asked."