[F] CH 10.1 - Heureux (PA)

Their engagement was news for everyone. Nancy and George were stoked that they got engaged at their home and congratulated them and tried to take them to a pub to celebrate with some drinks. Nagisa and Yuto followed along with their plans although they didn't really drink as Nagisa had given up on drinking and Yuto, traumatised from taking care of drunken Nagisa before they even began going out with each other, did not want to go down the same path. They were still treated to some of the best fish and chips they had ever had and the pair of English parents were glad that their foster son had finally found someone to settle down with.

"Ahh, imagine having a foster son-in-law to spend Christmas with! George and I are a lucky old lot!"Nancy laughed, clutching a mug of hot cocoa. "Hillary, when is it your turn to bring someone home?"George joked to one of his daughters as he popped a candy cane into his hot cocoa. "Papa! I just finished my last term at college! Give it a rest,"She groaned before turning to Nagisa. "Vey, your partner's my age right?". He nodded as he pulled Yuto closer by his waist. "Yeah. He's a top student at his school though. I don't see anything similar coming from you,". Hillary tossed her golden curls aside, frowning at her foster brother.

"Oh shut it! At least I didn't sleep around with other men like you did when you were my age,". Another little girl came and sat beside Yuto, playing with his little rattail. "His hair is like ours!"She exclaimed and another girl agreed. "Golden and pretty. Like your doll, Annathine,". The youngest immediately got up from the sofa and began sprinting to her room. "I'm going to show Vey's boyfriend my dolly Esmerelda! Her hair is exactly like his!".

Whispering to Nagisa, Yuto had a small grin on his face. "They seem to like my hair,". His partner pecked him on the head gently, his eyes wandering to his gorgeous, fine blonde hair. "It's not everyday they see a Japanese person with blonde hair. They're just excited children,".

Annathine came running back with two dolls in her arms, showing them to Yuto proudly. "Look here, Theo! Esmerelda's hair looks exactly like yours!". Yuto looked at the smiley child, confused by the way she said his name. "Anna, his name is Yuto. Not Theo,"The other girl, Lucille corrected and Anna shrugged.

Waving her dolls in the air, she didn't really understand what was going on. "But Theo suits him. Please, Mister, can I call you Theo?"She begged, clambering onto Yuto's lap. Nagisa was going to motion to Hillary to take her off Yuto but his darling took Annathine into his lap instead. "Sure. I like that name too,".

He immediately began to braid Anna's hair which surprised Nagisa with how good he was with children. He also listened to the yards and yards of things Annathine had to say about Esmerelda which even Hillary applauded him for mentally.

Thinking for a bit while she let Yuto braid her hair, she immediately dashed off to her room when he was done. "So quickly?"Lucille scoffed.

"She probably has to put Esme back in her cot. It must be bedtime for her doll," Hillary responded. But the sisters' eyes could have popped out from their sockets when Annathine returned with another doll in her hand. "Mr. Theo braided my hair! It's very pretty! So I want him to have a dolly from me,". Looking at the doll in her hand, Yuto shook his head politely. "It's okay, Anna. I appreciate the thought. But, I don't feel okay taking a toy from you,".

Pulling Chitose from behind him, he snuggled with the toy zebra while he felt Nagisa's arm snake around his waist. "I've got my own,". Anna felt defeated but she respectfully agreed and ran back to her room to put her doll away.

Nancy chuckled as she watched her daughter scurry away and she got up, picking up a rather huge box. She set it down in front of Yuto. "From your foster parents-in-law to you,". The smile she had warmed Yuto's heart and he was surprised that he even had a present, let alone a present that big. He shook his head and Nagisa nudged him. "Go on, baby. It's all yours,".

Opening his present, Yuto's face lit up when he pulled it out of the box. "It's a hoodie with Chitose's face on it!". Holding it up for the whole room to see, Nancy was delighted. "Oh, go and put it on, darling! George and I knew that you'd love it,". Fitting it over his clothes, it fit him exactly like he had hoped (He hoped that it was Nagisa's size so that Nagi could wear them).

"I love it. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Wright," He chirped, comparing the face on the hoodie to Chitose, who was next to him. Nagisa was pleased and even took pictures of Yuto in that hoodie.

"I can tell that you're going to make me wear this a lot when we get home,"He giggled and gained some enthusiastic nods from Yuto. He just felt so happy that George and Nancy had grown to like Yuto so much.

Heck, he was even allowed in Nancy's kitchen.

And that was a privilege that not even George had.

.

.

.

After their Christmas party, Yuto wanted to rest in their bedroom. Hiroto had followed them to make sure they were taken care of and was rather pleased that the Master's son had finally made a move. "When did you decide to propose?". Nagisa looked at Yuto, who was asleep in their bed. "Hm, when the mood was right. Because of that, I have a cute little fiancé now,"He snickered, glancing at his ring.

The old butler chuckled politely at his statement. "Yes, you do. I don't think you need me to tell you to take care of him,". Laughing, Nagisa leaned against the door, shaking his head. "I think I'm going to hear that nonstop for the next year or so,". He gazed at his partner who was all cuddled up with Chitose in their blankets.

"Hiroto-san, I love him. I just love him so much,"He waffled, absolutely enamoured with Yuto. The old butler nodded, fiddling with his gloves. "I can see that, Shinji-sama. You wouldn't have proposed to him if you were not in love with him,". Turning to face Hiroto, Nagisa struck up a question. "Hiroto-san, have you ever fallen in love before?".

As if he'd never heard that question before, he burst out laughing. "Me? Your old butler? In love? I wouldn't dream of it. I'm far too old for that,". He smiled at Nagisa, adjusting his tie. "However, it's nice to see that you've finally found someone who loves you, Shinji-sama,".

Grabbing a chair from the desk in the corner of the room for Hiroto, he huffed as he did it. "I only worry about what my mother will say. When I called the family and told them about getting engaged yesterday, she left the room immediately when she heard it,". Walking over to the bed and tucking Yuto in properly, he sighed once more. "I just want him to be able to be happy. To worry less and to finally have a family he can connect with,". He pecked Yuto on the head and sat on the bed next to him. "Will she ever accept us, Hiroto-san?".

Sitting in the chair that had been set next to him graciously, Hiroto shrugged. "Yamashita-sama has always been unpredictable. I cannot say for sure that she will accept your relationship. But what I'll tell you is to not let whatever she says get under your skin,". Hiroto glanced at Nagisa, whose eyes were locked on Yuto. "She may try to drive a wedge in between your relationship. Although, I doubt that the Master will allow it. He seems supportive of the journey between you and Kirishima-sama,". That made Nagisa grin. "Yeah, my father is happy to have a son-in-law he can spend time with. As long as we have his support, I don't think my mother can hurt Yuto,".

Small arms had wrapped themselves around Nagisa's waist. "Nnn..Nagi, could we cuddle, please?". Immediately obliged to his beloved's request, Nagisa continued talking to Hiroto.

"We have a long way to go, Hiroto-san. But, you'll support us, right?".

Switching off the lights, Hiroto tucked them in properly before he responded in a low whisper. "Of course, Shinji-sama. Love is love after all,".

__________________________

When they got back to Japan, Jaehwan had planned to welcome Yuto back at the airport. "Kirishima!"He squealed the minute he saw Yuto's blonde hair peeking out amongst all the darker haired individuals. He beckoned Yuto with a hug, ecstatic. "Congratulations on the engagement!".

His best friend hugged him back, equally as happy. "Thank you, Ryu. I'm glad that you're happy for me,". Jaehwan took Yuto's luggage, pulling it along while they walked to the carpark. "Seriously? You just got engaged! Why wouldn't I be happy for you?".

Following them, Nagisa smiled to himself. He could just hear Jaehwan's excited chatter and melted at Yuto's smile. "Who proposed first? What did you say? How did your foster family react? Oh gosh, Kirishima, I'm jumping with joy for you!". Yuto responded to each of his questions politely, even giggling when he mentioned that George thought Nagisa was bullying him because he had heard him crying.

"Ah, I know he wouldn't do that to you, though. You picked a good one,". When they got to Jaehwan's car, Aki, who had been waiting in the car, helped them load up their luggage in the boot and opened the door for them in the backseat.

It was nice of Jaehwan to pick them up from the airport and send them home. Both Aki and Nagisa were just happy to listen in on their conversation. 'It's a miracle that Yuto even found a friend, let alone someone who brings out the best in him like Ryu-kun. I hope their friendship only continues to grow'. However, he was also quite bothered about something.

Ah, yes. The fact that Kaoru was in denial about their engagement. No matter how many times Satoushi had told her to just accept it, she refused to give in. He was worried about how Yuto would feel knowing that his mother-in-law just didn't see eye-to-eye with them.

They chatted all the way and even had lunch together mid-journey. Yuto did like being in England. He liked the food, the weather and so much more. But, he just couldn't deny the fact that Japan was where he felt at home. Being abroad for the first time did give him many bittersweet memories.

George and Nancy even bought him a cute hoodie with Chitose's face on it! (In Nagisa's size of course, since he liked wearing oversized hoodies). They took him in and were happy to welcome him to their family. For the most part, they were glad that Nagisa had found someone genuine to settle down with.

They had to arrive home by 8:00 PM because Satoushi wanted to drop by to send Yuna home to them. Luckily, Jaehwan dropped them off at 5:00 PM so they had plenty of time to rest, shower and even squeeze in a short nap. Yuto did miss having Yuna around the house but she would be returning home with her grandfather very soon so he wasn't too worried. He asked his partner about dinner and Nagisa didn't feel too comfortable asking Yuto to cook after they had just arrived home. So, he told Yuto that he would order delivery for them to have instead.

Sure enough, at 8:00 PM, Satoushi arrived with half a dozen bags in his car and a cute little kitten. When she sensed that her owners had come home, she immediately began crying and clung onto Yuto's leg, crying her heart out. While Nagisa left to help his father with the bags, Yuto soothed their fur baby and comforted her.

"Yuna, we're home~ Don't cry,"He whispered as he cradled her in his arms. She mewed and licked Yuto's hands, delighted that her mother had arrived home. "Did you have fun with your aunts, uncles and grandparents?". She stared at Yuto and meowed as a response which told him that she had a whale of a time with them. He heard Satoushi taking his shoes off at the door and bowed to greet him. "Good evening, Shinji-chichi. Thank you for looking after Yuna,".

The old man beamed at him and bowed as well. "She was a darling to have. But, she cried a lot for the first few nights because she couldn't sleep without you two,". Innocently staring at Yuto's face, Yuna meowed and cuddled up in his arms, content. "Anyway, that aside, I'm happy to welcome you into our family as my son-in-law,"Satoushi chuckled, opening his arms to Yuto, offering him a hug to which he happily accepted. "Just remember that if he ever mistreats you, you can come to me and I'll reprimand him. Alright?". Replying with a quiet nod, Yuto directed his attention to the door where he could see Nagisa carrying gargantuan sized bags.

"Otou-san, don't you think this is a bit excessive?"Nagisa asked as he set one of the heavy bags down. "I thought that I'd provide enough nourishments for my growing grandkitty,"Satoushi snickered as he watched Nagisa carry the bags into the house. Yuto eventually dragged those bags to the kitchen. He wanted to put them away but Nagisa called him to sit down and have a bite to eat and that they could do it together in the morning. While they had dinner, Satoushi had something to ask them.

Setting his fork down, Satoushi turned to Yuto. "Do you like living in this house?". Nodding in response, he set his piece of chicken down. "Yes. It's not too difficult to clean and it's cosy,". Satoushi laughed and shook his head. "Of course, but how long do you plan to do housework? You could be doing so much more with that time,".

Meek replies just kept coming. "Well, Shinji-san works and provides for me and Yuna. It's only fair if I pull my weight in the relationship and give him a clean place to come home to,".

Unable to read where the conversation was going, Yuto just continued. "Plus, I like cleaning and cooking for him. He's appreciative of my efforts,".

Satoushi chuckled at his innocence. Dear me, he had no idea that Yuto was that lamblike. "But, I don't expect my son-in-law to have to clean up after my son. That would be wrong. You're still young, my boy. You have so much more to do in life!". He had already made up his mind. He knew that both of them deserved so much better than what they already have. Clearing his throat, what he said next left them in awe.

"I was planning on buying a house for both of you as a present to congratulate you on your engagement,".

Both of them were shell shocked. What? Satoushi wanted to get them a house? Sure, they were grateful but was it really necessary? Nothing was wrong with Nagisa's current house.

Surprised by the silence, Satoushi spoke up again. "I think I've left both of you astonished. Is a house too grand of a present?". He continued eating before he replied to his own question. "Well, I just thought that it would be nicer if both of you were closer to home. It would be easier for you to come over and spend time with us,". Of course, Nagisa knew that his father was being kind to them. But it just seemed so out of the blue, he didn't know how to respond properly.

"Otou-san, we're really grateful that you took the time to think of us. Even going as far as to locate a house for us that's closer to the family home. Even so, we're so accustomed to this house. And when I help out, it's not nearly as difficult for Yuto to clean,". Satoushi showed them some pictures of the house he wanted to get for them. It had two floors and several bedrooms. Even a backyard and huge balcony. Yuto wasn't so focused on the beauty of the place but rather dreading the amount of time it would take to clean the whole house properly.

Speechless. Both of them had no words. Yuto didn't really see a purpose in having a larger home because it's not like he and Nagisa wanted to have children. They also rarely had people stay over so those extra bedrooms would be wasted space. What's more, the time he'd have to spend to be able to clean the house? Monstrous. Satoushi could tell that both of them had been bewildered into oblivion and cleared his throat.

"Like I said, I don't expect Kirishima-kun to do any housework if you move into the new house. I'll hire some staff to be able to take care of the house for the both of you so that you can focus more on yourselves,". Nagisa knew that his father meant well. He wanted Yuto to rest and really be able to focus on himself instead of doing everything for his sake. Still, he was also aware that cleaning the house and cooking for their small family was how Yuto chipped in. It was also how he coped with his mental illnesses and how he chose to spend his time.

It seemed quite cruel to make him go cold turkey if they moved. Satoushi could tell that they probably weren't ready to accept such a gift yet and laughed. "Tell you kids what, I'll put the house on hold first. In a few years time, should you choose to marry and settle down with each other, we can have this conversation again. Alright?".

"Of course, Otou-san. It'll give enough time for our relationship to grow. Hopefully we'll be able to decide by then,".

Dropping the conversation of buying a house for them completely, Satoushi switched to talking about other things. He advised Yuto to take a year or two off school to really give his body and mind a reset. As for a career, he could make up his mind during those gap years if he truly wanted to continue studying or if studying was just something he did to distract himself from being depressed.

Satoushi left their house after dinner, glad that he got to spend some time with them. He did wish that Kaoru could come along with him but there was nothing he could do to change his wife's stubborn ways.

Especially her scheming, mischievous ways.

__________________________

Two weeks had passed since they flew back from England. They had just wrapped up their double date with Misako and Akira who were delighted at the news of their engagement. Both of them buried Nagisa in advice and told him not to let his head get too hot or Yuto wouldn't want to stick around him for long. And just as they had finished, Kaoru summoned them to the family home. Specifically, she summoned Yuto. Intrigued and worried about what she would say or do to Yuto, Nagisa tagged along.

Waiting in her study, Satoushi was arguing with her. "You're cruel. I can't even believe that you're the same person I married and had 5 children with! Nagisa and Kirishima-kun are perfectly happy! It's useless to try and split them up!"He growled, glaring at his wife. Kaoru smirked at him. In her hands, she was gluing down an envelope addressed to Yuto. What was inside? Well, couldn't you guess?

"Relax. I'm sure that he'll take up my offer. Nothing will happen to them,". She brushed her blonde bangs aside, sealing the envelope as firmly as possible. In a rage, Satoushi snatched it and tried to rip it open to see what was inside. "Oi! You rude old man! Some CEO of multibillion dollar businesses but you behave like a savage animal!"She scoffed and snatched it back from him. The situation would have escalated if the door to the study hadn't been rapped softly.

"Shinji-chichi, Yamashita...-san, we're here,".

Smacking her husband's hand with the envelope, Kaoru smiled through gritted teeth and gestured to the armchair. "Sit down and behave like a man should,".

She opened the door to her study, still keeping that smile plastered on her face. She even bowed to both of them. Yes, even Yuto. Both Nagisa and Yuto found it quite odd that she was all welcoming and smiley considering the fact that the minute Nagisa told the family he had proposed to Yuto on a video call, she immediately stormed out of the room. Turning to a maid who happened to be outside the study, she made sure her tone of voice was dripping with syrup. "Be a dear and get some ocha for us. Some biscuits too, thank you,".

Inviting them to sit down, the atmosphere in the room was tense. Almost like a rubber band stretched beyond capacity. Satoushi sat at his armchair with his arms crossed and his face red with anger. But he knew better than to continue arguing in front of Nagisa and Yuto. Sensing that the situation in the room was tight, Yuto was mentally preparing himself for the worst.

Seating herself opposite the two lovebirds, she drummed her nails on the armrest of her chair. "How have both of you been lately? Was England any fun?".

Not wanting Yuto to have to deal with his mother's usually twisting words, Nagisa answered on their behalf. "We've been well, Okaa-san. He had a lot of fun in England. George and Nancy can't wait to have us back with them,".

Rolling her eyes, Kaoru smirked. "Oh, not this automated reply again,". She threw her head back to brush her bangs aside before she zeroed in on Yuto. "How does it feel knowing that a commoner like you managed to snag away the eldest son of a rich family?".

Pinning all of the discomfort on Yuto didn't sit well with both Satoushi and Nagisa. Both of them exchanged looks and Satoushi looked ready to burst with anger as time passed. Yuto held his tongue for a while before answering. "I feel happy that he chose me out of the billions of people in the world,".

Pink nails dipped deep into a jacket before they pulled out an envelope. "A gift specially for Kirishima-kun. Should you choose to accept it or not, it's all up to you. But, I hope you'll consider my offer,".

Plopping the envelope on the coffee table in front of Yuto, he had frozen. He wanted to pick up the envelope and open it to check what was inside but part of him was afraid that opening the envelope meant that he agreed to the deal. It meant that he would take that money and have to leave Nagisa. He didn't want that. Nagisa didn't want him to open the envelope either.

"Okaa-san, what's in the envelope?".

"A cheque for $100,000. In dollars. Not ¥,".

Father and son duo froze as well. Neither of them knew Kaoru's intentions on gifting that amount of money away to Yuto. Based on the way she reacted to the news of them getting engaged and even going as far as to attempt to sign Nagisa up for another arranged marriage without his knowledge, they could only assume she was trying to do away with Yuto. Trying not to let his emotions seep through his face, Yuto picked up the envelope. "Yamashita-san, may I have a look?".

"Haha,"She sniggered under her breath before urging him on. "Go ahead, Kirishima-kun,".

Hands trembling, Yuto ripped open the seal of the envelope and sure enough, a cheque fell onto his lap. He didn't have any words. Even Satoushi took it to inspect it to see if it was authentic or not. "Yamashita-san, I-I can't break up with Shinji-san. I really c-can't,". His whisper sounded like a strangled cry.

Almost as if she was breaking character, Kaoru's tone of voice shifted. "I never asked you to break up with him,". This confused Satoushi as he had concluded from their argument earlier that she was trying to bribe Yuto to part ways with Nagisa.

Curious, he took the envelope from Yuto's lap and prodded it open. Inside it was a folded piece of writing paper.

Unfurling it for the whole room to read, their eyes could only land on what had been written in bold.

"Welcome to the family, my son-in-law,".

☆___________________________☆

"Anyway, would both of you be a dear and leave the room?".

Automatically, Nagisa and Yuto stood up but she shook her head. "No. Could you and your father please leave me and Kirishima-kun alone? I'd like to talk with him,".

Shooing Satoushi and Nagisa out of her study, she went to give Yuto a hug as he tried to wipe his tears. Part of him believed that he had read it wrong. Yet, there was this other half of him that felt nothing but bliss. Relief.

Sitting next to him, she gave him a tissue to wipe his tears. "I just want to be frank and to apologise for causing you so much emotional distress for the past few months. I even said some nasty things about you that I should have never said,"She sighed, patting him on the back. "Yet, it did make me feel lonely and unhappy to think that I was making everyone in the family push me away because of how adversely I had reacted to the news. I wasted my time being angry at nothing in the study when I could have been celebrating with the family downstairs,".

Looking up to meet her eyes, Yuto sniffled. "Am I allowed t-to call you Yamashita-haha?". She chuckled and embraced him, stroking his fine hair. "Why else would I have corrected you? Of course,".

Standing up and picking out a folder from her desk, she opened it and placed it onto Yuto's lap. "You see, Satoushi has been telling me how worried he was about you. How you expressed your desire to keep up with housework and to cook for Nagisa. Is that right?". Yuto nodded before he took a look at the pictures in the folder that resembled blueprints and prototypes of some sort.

"Yesterday night, I went digging for this file. I had previously wanted to start a cookware business yet it wouldn't make sense if I did because I do not know how to cook,". Flipping the pages of the folder, Kaoru showed him each of the designs. "So, why don't you make some money while keeping the house and my son in order? I'm sure that you're good at choosing good cookware, right? You've been cooking for him for so long,".

What? Kaoru was passing off her prototypes and ideas to him? No way. He really couldn't believe this. "But, Yamashita-haha, I don't know how to start and run a business,". Kaoru laughed and sat herself next to him once more. "Satoushi and I will guide you every step of the way. You will have creative control over the final product. Whatever money you make will be yours to keep,".

"Thank you, Yamashita-haha,".

Hugging his mother-in-law, Yuto smiled to himself. It seems like he finally had people he could call family. His adoptive father and grandmother, his in-laws and heck even Jaehwan felt like a brother to him.

Happiness was no longer a distant dream anymore.

It had become a reality.

_φ(･ω･ Author's Note

Patience's last chapter! I'm glad that they'll live such happy lives. I want to thank you for following their journey and for being emotionally invested in them. Which chapter of theirs was your favourite? Thank you for reading this chapter of A Heart To Heal! ♡