Chapter Text
Everything was going smoothly. Kiki had met Drake’s parents, brother and sister, and they had gotten along great. She had also onboarded them for the process of having a wedding in Succubusia, which they had, also like their son, been hesitant on, but they had agreed, especially after seeing how happy it would make her and Drake, and it being paid for helped. With that done, the couple turned their attention to preparing things for the extended trip. Visas, plane tickets, and everything in between, as well as some fast Grazali lessons so that Drake could better connect with her parents and family, and all in time for them to be there for Kiki’s birthday, which was November 4, since her mother had insisted on it.
“I want you here for your birthday, since I never get to see you on that day!” Roselani said.
“Okay, amja, I’ll make sure to be there by November. But, what are we gonna do until March?” she asked.
“There’s tons of things that we still have to plan before then,” her mother said. “And I need you here to help me. I can’t do everything myself. And I expected an extended stay from you and Drake.”
“When will everyone else get here?” Kiki asked.
“I was thinking that your friends and the rest of everybody could arrive a month or so prior. That way, the house won’t get crowded, and people won’t have to wait around for four months.”
And that was that. She and Drake got a plane on November 3rd for Vilanya for a four-month stay until the wedding. The flight was long (16 hours), but it was worth it, especially when she got off the plane to see her mother and elder sister waiting for her at the gate.
“Amja, Raya, it’s so great to see you!” she said, hugging her mother and sister tightly.
“Bat’ya, I was starting to worry I’d never see you again! And sūbhada jānmadee!” (happy birthday)
“Thank you,” she said. “Oh! And, this is Drake, my fiance, and the guy you’ve heard so much about.”
“How nice to finally meet you!” Roselani said. “I can’t wait to get to know you, and for you to meet everybody,” she smiled.
“Zamjadya,” he said back, using some of the Grazali that Kiki had taught him, though he was unsure of whether or not he was pronouncing it out.
“How nice! You know some Grazali. It’s very admirable that you learned some before coming. Most of us here do know English, but there are quite a few relatives that only speak Grazali, especially the older ones,” Roselani explained.
“Yeah, like my Bibi Valmira. Which reminds me, is she at home?” Kiki asked.
“Yes, she is. She said that she’s very excited that you’re here, as are the rest of us,” her sister said, as they walked towards the airport exit.
“Also, where’s dad?” Kiki asked.
“Paja had to take care of some things at one of the refineries, so he couldn’t be here, but we’ll see him tonight. He wants to meet you, Drake,” Raya said.
At this remark, Drake became a bit more nervous. What if their dad didn’t like him? Then what? Kiki seemed to notice this, as she gave his shoulder a squeeze and put her hand on his.
____
Vilanya had to be the largest and most chaotic city Drake had ever seen. There were oxcarts in the streets, along with vendors selling food, ice cream, and everything in between, and cars and buses everywhere. In terms of everything, the city was sprawling (over 24 million people lived in its entirety!) They must have passed around ten malls, and about twenty different temples.
The trip to Kiki’s family’s house took about thirty minutes. When they arrived, Drake couldn’t believe his eyes. The house was a palace. Clearly, Kiki’s family had money. He couldn’t understand why this had never come up. Not that it mattered, he loved her with or without the money, but still. Why had she never mentioned this? As they pulled into the driveway, there were a few other cars parked, all luxury.
“So, this is it,” Kiki said, as Raya parked the car “What do you think?”
“Umm, I’m not sure what to say. I-I’ve never seen anything like this ever! I’ve never even been in a house this big!”
Kiki laughed. “Yeah, it’s a lot. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I just didn’t want you to think differently, or anything.”
The rest of the day went really well. Now, for the next couple months, they planned the wedding. There were venues to look at, and Kiki’s mother helped a lot. Verosika and the others came in time for March 18, which was when everything would be put together for the wedding.