Highschool Sweethearts(OHSHC)

Chapter 9

“All calmed down? Not on the verge of panic?” Takashi asks as the limo pulls into his driveway, making eye contact with the girl who was nibbling on her finger. “Panic will stay on the inside unless they say they hate me,” She mumbles and Mori sighs, pulling her into his lap, “They’ll love you. Trust me, once they meet you, you might wish they didn’t like you,”
Carter gives a questioning look, but nuzzles his neck for a second to calm down before nodding. “Alright, let’s go,” She says and Ella squeals in excitement, opening the door herself and climbing out. “They’ll like her more,” Carter chuckles as she is helped out of the car, Mori holding her hand all the way to the steps before scooping her up and carrying her up the stairs.
“Was that necessary?” She asks as she is set down. “Yes, there aren’t any railings and your leg wound could open up again,” Eyes are rolled and pecks are shared until Ella impatiently gives up and rings the door bell.
“Brat,” Carter mutters, holding her hand out for the kindergartener and waiting for Mori’s parents to open the door. “She is pretty!” Satoshi exclaims when the door opens to reveal three people. “Your mom is pretty and your dad is scary,” Carter mumbles, shyly waving to her boyfriends family, reveling in the comforting squeezes to her hand. 
“Wow, calm down, Satoshi,” The woman says with a grin, placing her hand on her youngest sons shoulder and her other on her husbands shoulder. “Hello, Carter, Ella. Welcome to our home, it’s wonderful to meet you,” The male says and Carter has to think for a moment before bowing, “Thank you for inviting me and my sister,” Carter says and Takashi’s mom groans, “Get in the house before you all freeze. I’m Ari, by the way, and this is Akira.”
“I just realised I am very out of practise with japanese mannerisms,” Carter states and Mori shrugs, “They’ve been to America, you’ll be fine. I promise,” 

Dinner was full of smaller questions with short answers revolving around family and childhood from Carter, but Ella made sure to keep everything very upbeat. Until Ari suggested Satoshi take her upstairs so the couple could talk with the parents in the living room.
“So, Carter, I noticed your hesitance with answering questions,” Akira started and Carter froze, instantly beginning to pick at the skin of her nails. “And I want you to know that we understand and are here for you. Kyoya Otoori called earlier and gave us a little run down of the current situation.” The father continued and it was Takashi’s turn to freeze. 
“Carter, I have a slightly invasive question,” Ari begins and Carter nods, still hoping to not have her chances ruined. “I know it hasn’t been long since you two met, but do you love my son?” Ari asks and both teens’ cheeks turn red, but Carter takes a deep breath, “I new I liked him the moment I met him, “She begins and Mori instantly becomes crestfallen, but her next words change that.
“But that was before we had a moment without everyone in the club in the room with us, but those little moment where it was just me and him made my feelings grow and grow and grow, until this afternoon. A simple interaction of him with my sister, the instant acceptance and unconditional affection he shows for both of us despite knowing so much-I do. I love him and there is no doubt about it in my mind,” Carter states and before the parents can say anything through their grins, Takashi turns his girlfriends head and kisses her as deeply as possible, pulling away after a minute to show her the biggest smile his parents had seen since his childhood.
“I love you, too,” He says and she giggles leaning on his chest to hide her blushing face from his parents. “Perfect, all blessings given, so now we just need to discuss the… arrangements Kyoya mentioned,” Akira chuckles, sipping his drink. 
“What did you and Kyoya talk about when I left, Kashi?” Carter asks and Takashi rubs the back of his neck. “Engagement and using a contract for it to manipulate your father into thinking there is no way for you to be part of his and the mafias demise,” Ari states boldly and Carter whines, her chest instantly tightening in panic.
“Love, she isn’t used to quick engagements like we are,” Akira groans and Takashi pulls Carter to straddle his lap, rubbing her back to calm her down before she goes into a full panic attack. “I’m sorry,” Ari mumbles, before deciding she and her husband need to leave the teens alone for a moment. 
“You want me to explain?” Takashi asks and Carter nods, listening carefully as Takashi explains the entire conversation from earlier. “You have a week,” Carter whispers, pulling away so she can look him in the eye. “I love you and while I didn’t think I was ready for commitment, I can honestly say I would marry you tomorrow if you asked me to because I trust and love you so much that I know there is no way for me to regret it. I turn seventeen in a week, so if you are planning on the contract being used, you’ll have to get him to sign it before then or else age of consent will veto it,”
Takashi nods with a smile before something occurs to him, “Why didn’t you tell me your birthday is next week?” He asks and she shrugs, “Ella’s is the day after, so it hasn’t been relevant in a long time. This is the first time in eight years it may even matter,”  
“It definitely matters. We’ll even announce our engagement on it,” Takashi smirks, making plans already. “I love you,” She grins, happy to finally say it.
“I love you, too,”