2;ARRIVAL

The last traces of daylight softened into the faint glow of twilight as Leo and Kai stood before the sprawling mansion, its beauty enhanced by the ethereal colors of the evening. A gentle breeze carried the scents of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass, the air crisp and alive with the anticipation of the night.

The mansion towered before them like a castle from an old tale, a perfect blend of elegance and grandeur. Its high, arched windows reflected the orange hues of the setting sun, giving the impression that the house itself glowed from within.

Ornate carvings adorned the stone walls, depicting intricate floral patterns and scenes of mythical beasts that seemed almost alive in the fading light. Lanterns mounted on tall iron posts lined the long driveway, their golden light pooling on the cobblestone path and casting soft shadows over the meticulously tended garden.

Kai crossed his arms, letting out a low whistle. "Man, this place never gets old. It's like something out of a dream."

Leo smiled, a glint of pride in his blue eyes as he admired the mansion. "Yeah," he said softly, the word carrying a weight that hinted at more than just the structure before them. He took a step forward, his black hair catching the soft light of the lanterns, and rang the ornate bell beside the door.

Kai tilted his head back to gaze at the sky, now streaked with deep purples and fiery reds. "You know," he began, his voice casual but tinged with amusement, "we aren't even that late. Can't see why you were pressuring me so much back there."

Leo glanced at him, his smile widening. "What did you expect? This event is a live one." He leaned against the doorframe, folding his arms as his tone turned mock-serious. "You don't want to be seen acting tardy in front of the whole world. Especially when future generations are going to look back at this."

Kai raised an eyebrow, smirking as he crossed his arms. "Damn," he said, nodding slowly. "Guess that is true."

Before either could say more, the soft creak of hinges drew their attention to the grand doors. They turned to see Delbert, the mansion's ever-poised butler, stepping gracefully down the small stone stairs.

The aging man moved with the precision of someone who had spent decades mastering the art of service. His silver hair was neatly combed back, and his tailored black suit bore not a single wrinkle. As he approached, he passed through the vibrant garden that framed the entrance, a symphony of colors and textures illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns.

Stopping at the door, Delbert inclined his head slightly toward Leo. "Good evening, Master Leo," he said, his voice calm and measured, yet carrying a warmth that belied his formal demeanor.

Leo returned the greeting with an easy smile. "Good evening, Delbert."

Kai, standing beside Leo, crossed his arms and smirked. "Wow, Delbert. Bold of you to not greet me while I'm still standing here."

Delbert turned his steady gaze to Kai and gave a small nod. "Good evening, Master Kai."

Kai chuckled, shaking his head. "I was just joking, for God's sake. Delbert, you need to catch up with the times, man."

Leo chuckled as well, stepping past the butler. "You and I both know Delbert isn't the type. Now come on, let's go in before people start thinking we're crazy."

Kai watched Leo disappear into the house, then turned back to Delbert with a playful shrug. "Don't mind him. He's just way too excited today."

Delbert's lips twitched in the faintest hint of a smile,feeling amused as he watched Kai dart after Leo. Once both boys were inside, he turned to secure the doors, locking them with a practiced motion. As he stood there for a moment, looking at the mansion illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns, he allowed himself a small but deep smile.

Inside, Leo and Kai headed to the kitchen, their footsteps echoing through the grand halls. The interior of the mansion was as breathtaking as its exterior—polished marble floors reflected the light of crystal chandeliers, and the walls were adorned with intricate tapestries and portraits of past generations.

In the kitchen, the boys grabbed glasses of water, the clink of ice breaking the serene quiet. They hadn't even had time to sit before Delbert appeared in the doorway.

"Your clothes for the ceremony are ready," he announced, his tone professional. "Would you like to try them on?"

Leo and Kai exchanged a glance, grinning. "Let's do it," they said in unison.

Delbert led them to a side room where two elegant suits hung, perfectly tailored and pristine. Leo took the one on the left, its dark fabric subtly shimmering under the warm light, while Kai grabbed the other, a slightly lighter shade of black with a crimson pocket square. They headed to separate rooms to change, the atmosphere thick with anticipation.

When they reemerged, the transformation was striking.

Kai stood in front of a full-length mirror, straightening his jacket as he admired his reflection.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a red rose, holding it up with a dramatic flourish. "Woah," he said, grinning at his reflection. "Who are you, handsome?"

Leo, leaning casually against the doorframe, laughed at Kai's antics. "You really know how to sell it," he teased.

Delbert entered the room, phone in hand, and ended a quiet conversation before addressing the boys. "Alright," he said, tucking the phone away.

"I believe you're ready to go." He paused, then added, "And Master Kai, yes, I took the liberty of informing your parents. They've granted permission."

Kai's face lit up. "Awesome!" he exclaimed, punching the air.

Leo, ever the pragmatist, turned to Delbert. "But what are we supposed to go there on?"

Before Delbert could respond, a loud, rhythmic thudding filled the air, growing steadily louder.

Kai tilted his head, confused. "What's that?"

Delbert remained unflappable, glancing toward the window. "It has arrived," he said simply.

He moved to the front door, opening it with a graceful motion. The boys followed, and their jaws dropped as they stepped outside. A sleek black helicopter was descending onto the estate's helipad, its blades slicing through the evening air.

"No way," Kai breathed, his eyes wide.

Delbert turned to the boys, his expression calm as ever. "Well?"

Without another word, the trio moved toward the helicopter. The wind from the blades whipped at their clothes and hair, but the boys barely noticed. They climbed aboard, waving back at Delbert, who stepped aside and called out, "Goodbye! Have fun!"

"Goodbye!" they called in unison as the helicopter began to rise.

Inside, the boys settled into their seats, the hum of the rotors a constant backdrop. Kai leaned toward the window, his face pressed against the glass as he took in the breathtaking view. The city sprawled beneath them like a sea of lights, stretching endlessly into the horizon.

"This is amazing," Kai said, his voice filled with awe.

Leo nodded, his blue eyes fixed on the same view. "Yeah. It really is."

For the next hour, the boys watched as the world passed by below them, their excitement building with every passing moment.

Finally, Leo nudged Kai and pointed ahead. "Look," he said.

Kai followed his gaze. Atop a small hill, away from the bustling city, stood the NASA headquarters. The building was a marvel of modern architecture, its sleek lines and illuminated façade standing out against the darkened landscape.

"We've arrived," Leo said, his voice tinged with anticipation.

Kai stared at the building, a grin spreading across his face. "This is going to be insane," he said softly, his eyes shining.

As the helicopter began its descent, both boys knew that tonight would be a night they would never forget.