Epilogue
Several months later
"So, when do we go?"
"My parents have booked it for July."
"Wow, I can't believe it. Your parents are awesome."
"They wanted to do something for us and when I mentioned you'd never been on holiday before, well..."
"They booked us one." Luke reached forward, taking the tickets from Krish's hand. "Spain too. That's just...wow...just...I don't know what to say."
"I think it's great," Seb said from where he sat next to Tom on the sofa.
"What about you two?" Luke asked. He knew they hadn't planned anything. Finances were tight with Seb helping both Tom and Luke.
"Hang on. Might have something here for you two." Krish pulled out an envelope from his pocket and passed it out to Seb and Tom. Seb took it, frowning at it. "Open it, Seb."
Opening the envelope, Seb pulled two tickets out. "What? These are for us?"
"Before you say anything, my parents own a villa in Spain, so they've paid for our flights, but we pay for spends. We shouldn't need too much. And if you look at the dates, you'll notice we aren't going together. You'll have the place to yourselves for a week."
Seb opened his mouth then closed it again, glancing over at Tom, who also looked shocked. Seb shook his head. "I don't know if I can accept these."
"Why not?" Krish asked. "You know my family likes you. They have you over for Sunday lunch almost as often as us."
"I know. It's just..."
"It should be your fuckin' parents doing this, but being the cunts they are--"
"Tom." Seb sighed. "They are the way they are. There's nothing I can do to change that."
"Yeah, well, my parents wanted to do something for you two. Please accept it. It's just flights, remember. They own the villa, and it's for the family to use." Krish sat back. "Don't make me bring my mum over."
Seb chuckled. "Yeah, she doesn't take the word no very well." Seb passed the tickets to Tom. "If we accept them, then I want to do something for her to say thanks."
"A new rose bush for her garden."
Seb nodded. "Okay." He blew out a breath. "I'm a little overwhelmed."
"You are? I'm pumped." Tom grinned at Krish. "To have a week to ourselves. Sun, sea, sand and sex, baby!"
Seb laughed, throwing his arm over Tom's shoulders, hauling him in and kissing him soundly. "Our first proper holiday."
"Oh, you'll need to get that bush before Sunday as well."
"Oh man, your mum makes the best roast." Luke groaned, rubbing his stomach.
"We'll be there," Tom muttered, staring at the tickets he held gently in his hand. "Our first holiday together."
"Come on." Seb stood and pulled Tom up. "We're going Geoff's for a few drinks."
Luke and Krish also stood. "You know I love you, right?" Krish asked.
"Of course I do. You tell me often enough," Luke grinned.
"Good."
"I love you too, and your parents."
"That's a good thing because Mum's adopted you."
"It's nice to be part of a family."
Krish stopped and stood in front of Luke. He gently palmed his face. "You'll always have a family here. Now, you have parents too. This also means we can never break up because I honestly think she would disown me and keep you."
Luke laughed. "She does like me."
Krish grunted in agreement. "And Tom."
"Yeah, remember when she first met him. 'So, Tom. Did you live on the streets too?'" Luke laughed again. "He was so shocked she came out with it."
"Then she hugged him and told him he'd always have a home there."
Luke stopped laughing. "Your parents are the best."
"Yeah, they are."
"Come on, you two fuckers! The drinks are getting warm!"
Luke shouted, "Shut it, Tom. Geoff keeps them in the fridge."
Krish chuckled, shaking his head. "Come on. I think Tom wants to celebrate."
"Or start a fight with Josh," Luke muttered.
Krish laughed, grabbed Luke's hand, and walked towards his car. Once they stood by it, Krish pulled a box out of his pocket. "Not romantic, but I wanted you to have this." Luke took the box, his mouth falling open. He slowly opened it and found a ring inside. "Not now, but one day. On your right hand for now, until we decide when we're going to change it."
Luke's hand shook as he gently pried the ring from its cushion. He held the plain gold band in the palm of his hand. His eyes itched and filled with tears, and he blinked, letting the tears fall. He gave the ring to Krish and held his right hand out. Krish slipped the ring on, then pulled another box from his jacket pocket. He passed the ring to Luke, who, with trembling fingers, pushed it onto the third finger on Krish's right hand.
Krish held out his hand. "Ready?"
Luke slid his hand into Krish's. "Yes." He was more than ready.
He had great friends, a new family, and a man he loved. He was more than ready.
The End