Chapter Text
Monday, March 1, 2021
“Satori, you are the most important person to me. I love you. Will you do me the honor of being my husband?”
Satori doesn’t think he can be happier when Wakatoshi proposes to him in Paris. He’s just gotten done working with a big name chocolatier in France for a few months and hasn’t seen Wakatoshi the entire time. Of course they’ve FaceTimed every night, but it’s still been hell on their pair bond. They’re finally reunited though and Wakatoshi is proposing after being mates for ten years. It feels like a dream come true.
“Absolutely! It’s about time, miracle boy!” Satori has tears running down his cheeks as he flings himself at Wakatoshi. He nearly knocks Wakatoshi over from where he’s knelt down on one knee.
Wakatoshi wears a fond smile as he catches Satori. He easily lifts Satori up and they kiss each other hard. There may be a language barrier—they are speaking Japanese in France—but the other people in the restaurant get the hint and realize that Wakatoshi has just proposed. There’s a round of applause. Satori is beaming as they release. He waves to the restaurant patrons.
“That’s right! I’m marrying my miracle boy!” He says in French.
After things calm down, they go back to dinner and Satori asks Wakatoshi for one of the biggest things he’s ever asked: a baby.
Friday, March 5, 2021
Satori is excited to announce the engagement. He’s proud to be marrying Wakatoshi and he wants the whole world to know. They have an interview at the end of their trip which Satori thinks is the perfect way to share the news, even if they haven’t told their pack, family, or friends yet.
“I see! The two of you were teammates then.”
“Hmmm, not just that, we’re also,” Satori lifts his left hand to show off his engagement ring before saying in unison with Wakatoshi, “Engaged.”
“I think that was a great way to announce it, don’t you, Toshi?” Satori smiles as the two of them watch the interview on YouTube on the taxi ride home.
“I think it was a very good idea,” Wakatoshi agrees, pocketing his phone.
Satori’s phone is suddenly ringing and he answers it nonchalantly, “Hey, Semisemi.”
“Don’t ‘hey, Semisemi,’ me! What do you mean you’re engaged?” Eita asks on the other end.
“Toshi popped the question the other night!”
“We’re also going to start trying for a baby,” Wakatoshi adds as coolly as ever.
There’s a chorus of “What?!” from the rest of the pack.
“Yeah!” Satori replies, “We’re getting married and having a baby!”
“You know Ken and I are getting married next week, right? Are you trying to steal the spotlight?” Eita asks.
“I could’ve proposed to Toshi at your wedding.”
“Oh my god,” Kenjirou groans, “You probably would.”
“I would.”
“Okay, let’s just be glad Wakatoshi beat him to the punch,” Eita sighs.
“So you’re happy for us?” Satori asks.
“Of course we’re happy for you.”
“Congrats, you guys!” Reon butts in. The rest of the pack gives their congratulations as well.
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
“Wednesday is an odd day to get married,” Wakatoshi remarks as he gets ready with Kenjirou and Taichi. He’s Kenjirou’s groomsman while Taichi is Kenjirou’s best man.
Kenjirou has a bit of a blush on his face as he fiddles with his bow tie. “It’s kind of dumb, but Eita and I decided on it because of our high school jerseys when we got together. The three in March is for Eita and the ten for the day is for me.”
“It’s kind of dumb,” Taichi agrees.
“I don’t think that’s dumb at all,” Wakatoshi replies.
“At least someone is on my side,” Kenjirou says. He huffs when he can’t figure out his bow tie.
Taichi gives a dry laugh.
“Do you need help, Kenjirou?” Wakatoshi asks.
“I guess,” Kenjirou answers.
Wakatoshi ties it with ease. The whole time he contemplates the date. He hasn’t discussed a date with Satori on their own wedding yet. Perhaps they could do the same, but maybe with the year they mated. Satori would want the day they get married to be special. It will be special no matter what of course, but should the numbers mean something?
“Wakatoshi?” Kenjirou breaks Wakatoshi out of his thoughts.
“Oh, I guess I’m finished,” Wakatoshi says, looking down at Kenjirou’s bow tie.
“Yeah.”
“What do you think of getting married on May first?” Wakatoshi asks when he and Satori are finally reunited at the reception.
“Of this year?!” Satori replies, shocked and eyes widened. He nearly stops in his place as they’re swaying on the dance floor.
“How long does it take to plan a wedding?”
“At least a year, Toshi. I want a big one.”
“Then next year.”
“But why May first?” Satori asks.
“Do you know why Kenjirou and Eita chose March tenth?” Wakatoshi replies.
Satori shakes his head. “Nope! Enlighten me, miracle boy!”
“They chose their jersey numbers from high school.”
“Oh, that’s cute.”
“I suppose.”
Satori pecks Wakatoshi on the cheek. “I didn’t know you could be so romantic, Toshi.”
Saturday, March 20, 2021
Satori’s March heat comes just a couple of days after Eita and Kenjirou’s wedding. He and Wakatoshi hope for the best as far as a pregnancy, but in the meantime, Satori is excited to start wedding planning.
“So!” Satori starts as they settle down at the coffee table in their living room, “This checklist says we should start at a budget.” He reads off his phone. “What should we set our budget at?”
Wakatoshi answers without a beat, “I don’t think we need a budget.”
“What?”
“I don’t care what we spend, as long as you’re happy with the wedding.”
Satori smiles, reaching over to pinch Wakatoshi’s cheek. “That’s sweet, Toshi, but weddings can get really expensive really fast.”
“I’ve heard.”
Satori settles back down. “I’ve also been thinking we should move out of our apartment and into an actual house. We’re pack leaders and we’re starting a family. We need the space.”
“We have the money, Satori.”
“I know, but at least humor me.”
They end up deciding against a budget in the end and spending what they have to. Wakatoshi wants Satori to have the wedding he dreams of.
“Ooh! This is a fun part!” Satori says, going down on the list, “Guest list! Who should we invite? The pack, of course, and our families.”
“The national team and the Schweiden Adlers,” Wakatoshi adds.
“Yeah! Good thinking, Toshi!” Satori jots down the names as they go about discussing who to invite. “We should invite everyone at the bakery too, but I guess I want my own bakery to do the cake. Hmmm.”
“They can still be guests, right?”
“I think?” It comes out more as a question than an answer. Satori isn’t so sure of it himself. “Anyway, we give them plus ones, right?”
Wakatoshi nods. “That’s fine.”
“This is probably two hundred people,” Satori muses as he glances over the list.
“Is that a problem?”
Satori shakes his head. “Nope!” He checks the checklist again. “It says we should hire a wedding planner, but I’d rather do it ourselves.”
“I think we’re capable.”
“Me too!” Satori scrolls on his phone. “It says we should also look into a venue and a caterer a year out.”
“We have a couple months.”
“Yeah! We can look around.”
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
“Negative.” Satori frowns as he looks at the pregnancy test.
“This was only the first time we tried,” Wakatoshi offers, clasping his hand on Satori’s shoulder.
They’re sat on their bed. Satori leans into Wakatoshi, resting his head on Wakatoshi’s shoulder. “You’re right.”
“We can start looking at houses.”
“That sounds nice.”
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
“So, wedding party?” Satori asks at dinner one night. “I think I want Eita as my best man.”
“I think I will go with Reon,” Wakatoshi replies before taking a bite.
“What about groomsmen? Are we having those? If so, who gets custody of Tsutomu?”
“Custody?”
“It’s a joke, Toshi,” Satori answers, mouth full of food.
“I believe he should be your groomsman. You’re very close after all.”
“Do you think he’d be okay with that?”
“Why not?” Wakatoshi asks.
“Don’t you think he’d rather be yours?”
“He adores you more than he adores me.”
Satori laughs a little. “That’s a high honor.”
“It’s true though.”
In the end, Tsutomu is more than happy to be Satori’s groomsman. Kenjirou takes place of Wakatoshi’s.
Sunday, April 11, 2021
It’s been almost over a month, but time got ahead of Wakatoshi and Satori. It’s not that they didn’t want to throw an engagement party; it’s that it had slipped their—well, Satori’s—minds in the excitement of planning.
“You’re throwing us an engagement party?” Satori asks, wide-eyed as ever as he looks to Kenjirou and Eita.
“Might as well since you forgot,” Kenjirou replies, letting himself into Satori and Wakatoshi’s apartment.
Eita follows after Kenjirou. “We’re your wedding party. It’s the least we can do.”
Reon and Tsutomu are in on it too, as well as the rest of the pack. Satori and Wakatoshi don’t mind having it at their place on short notice, but even though they’re pack leaders, they still don’t have proper accommodations, meaning they don’t have space for a huge get-together. It’s limited to the pack, Wakatoshi’s grandmother and parents—his father has surprisingly flown out to congratulate them—and Satori’s parents.
However, not all is well. Takashi is more than happy for Wakatoshi and Satori; Wakatoshi’s mother, Risa, is less enthusiastic.
Risa and Satori have never really seen eye to eye. It’s not that Satori doesn’t like Wakatoshi’s mother, it’s that he disagrees with her on almost everything, especially the way she’s treated her son over the years, trying to convert him to being right-handed even. Okay, Satori doesn’t like her. But, at the end of the day, she’s Wakatoshi’s mother and he has to at least tolerate her, no matter how much he may dislike it. She was also never happy with the way they mated without a word to her or Wakatoshi’s grandmother, Riyoko. This all leads to her distaste over the engagement.
Takashi feels that Risa should be happy for their son because Wakatoshi is happy and that leads to tension.
“I’m happy for you two.” Takashi wears a wide smile as he claps both Wakatoshi and Satori on the shoulder. “It’s about time you got married.”
“I’m surprised they told us this time,” Risa says as she comes over with Riyoko.
“Now, now.” Takashi’s smile grows tense. “We should be happy for them.”
Wakatoshi and Satori feel like awkward bystanders in the situation.
Luckily, Satori’s own parents come over and embrace the two in tight hugs, diffusing the situation for the time being. The tension still continues through the night though.
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Wakatoshi and Satori spend their free time looking at venues for the wedding as well as houses. They surprisingly find the perfect home right away and close on it within the month.
The perfect venue, however, takes some more time. They can’t find just the right one that fits their guest list on their chosen date. It’s not Satori or Wakatoshi that have the problem, but Risa who has the issue. Wakatoshi had told her he had to end a phone call early because the two of them were starting their search for venues and she decided to tag along, despite her unhappiness over the wedding.
“Are you sure this is the one you like? Wouldn’t you like something a little more traditional?” Risa asks as they tour a venue.
“No,” Satori answers flatly, “I think this one will work fine.”
“But—“
“It’s our wedding.”
“Wakatoshi, control your omega.”
“Wakatoshi would never—“
“Mother, why did you join us?” Wakatoshi finally interrupts before Satori can get too heated.
“I want to make sure your wedding is at least acceptable.”
“It’s going to be perfect no matter what venue we choose,” Satori insists.
“Then let me choose,” Risa replies.
“No.”
“Satori and I are capable of planning our wedding,” Wakatoshi says.
Neither he nor Satori back down and Risa eventually realizes she’s fighting a losing battle, but it ends up in a wasted day of venue searching.
Saturday, May 1, 2021
It’s officially one year before the wedding and Satori and Wakatoshi find the venue they think perfectly suits their special day, no thanks to Wakatoshi’s mother.
Planning has become a little hard with Wakatoshi training so hard for the Olympics, but they still manage to meet with a caterer to taste test. Satori isn’t the biggest fan of savory foods so they bring the rest of the pack along as the peanut gallery.
Kenji and Takanobu didn’t bring the kids, so it’s the eleven of them. The group is situated around a large round table as this caterer brings out food for taste testing.
“Can I have more of this?” Kanji asks, shoveling another bite into his mouth.
“Swallow first,” Tsutomu scolds his mate.
“Is that something tell him a lot, Tsutomu?” Kenji wears a shit-eating grin.
“Kenji,” It’s Takanobu’s turn to scold his mate.
“Anyway!” Satori claps, getting everyone’s attention. “Food! What does everyone think?”
“Are you sure you like this caterer?” Kenjirou asks just as a staff member places another tray down.
“What’s wrong with them?” Hayato asks with his mouth full, spitting chunks of food everywhere.
“I don’t think they’re right either,” Eita agrees, pushing his plate away.
“You’re such a simp,” Taichi deadpans.
“What’s a simp?” Wakatoshi asks.
“Don’t worry about it, Toshi.” Satori claps him on the back.
“Anyway, I agree,” Wakatoshi says, “I believe we should try the other one.”
“Welp,” Satori announces, “What Toshi says goes.”
“Then what’s the point of bringing us?” Kenjirou asks.
“We have to be a supportive pack,” Reon answers.
It takes a few attempts, but eventually they find the perfect caterer for the wedding.
Sunday, June 6, 2021
Planning goes a little slowly as Wakatoshi’s training intensifies, but Satori takes care of what he can by himself, making sure to run everything by Wakatoshi; it is his wedding too, after all.
“What should we do about a band?” Satori asks as he goes down the checklist of things that needs to be done eleven months out.
They’re sat down at the coffee table in the living room, going over a few details.
“We could always ask Eita,” Wakatoshi suggests.
“See, that’s the thing. I want him to be able to enjoy the wedding. Do you think he’ll be offended if we don’t ask him?”
“We could always ask what he would like.”
In the end, Eita decides to enjoy the wedding. Satori and Wakatoshi opt for a DJ instead of a band.
Monday, June 7, 2021
Wakatoshi has just gotten home when he finds Satori hunched over at the dining room table. There’s folders spread out everywhere.
“Satori?”
“Oh! Toshi!” Satori perks up. “Which of these photos do you like best?”
Wakatoshi takes a seat across from Satori. He sifts through the photos. “Who are these people?”
Satori waves his hand. “Never mind who they are! We need to decide on a photographer.”
“They all look the same to me.”
“There’s different styles. See! Look here for instance!” Satori grabs two different photos and holds them up for Wakatoshi to see.
Wakatoshi takes them into his hands, studying them. “I still don’t see the difference.”
Satori laughs. “That’s okay. Maybe I should just pick one.”
“I trust your judgement.”
Satori beams. “Thanks, miracle boy!”
Saturday, June 19, 2021
“Why can’t you smile like this for every photo?” Satori asks as the photographer tilts her camera toward him and Wakatoshi.
Wakatoshi and Satori are in the middle of getting their engagement photos done. Satori has just gotten done with his June heat days ago.
“It’s because I’m not looking at you in every photo,” Wakatoshi answers as seriously as ever.
Satori feels like he could cry.
Sunday, June 20, 2021
“There’s a lot of information we need to put,” Wakatoshi says as he glances at the list Satori has shown him.
They’re now in the middle of setting up their wedding website.
“Weddings are complicated affairs, Toshi,” Satori replies, “Ooh! This is the fun part!”
Wakatoshi isn’t sure there is a fun part to setting up the website, but he lets Satori continue.
“We get to tell everyone how we fell in love.” Satori is beaming.
Wakatoshi offers a genuine smile. “That does sound fun.”
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
Satori secretly takes an at-home pregnancy test on the first of July. If it’s positive, he wants the pregnancy to be a surprise for when Wakatoshi wins gold at the Olympics. It is in fact positive. He goes to the appointment by himself, which is lonely, but he does what he has to. The doctor gives a guess that he’s five weeks pregnant, but he can’t be sure until Satori can go in for an ultrasound in a couple of weeks.
In the meantime, Satori focuses on the wedding, doing his best to keep the secret. Luckily there’s not much to do nine months out. When he gets home, he and Wakatoshi work on filling out the save the dates. There’s a lot to fill out and their hands ache by the time they’re done, but they get it done.
Saturday, August 7, 2021
At his ultrasound appointment, Satori was given a due date of March 8, 2022, just two months shy of the wedding.
Wedding plans come to a halt for a month.
When the final round of the volleyball portion comes around, Japan takes silver in the Olympics. It’s a hard blow, but Satori has something to cheer Wakatoshi up.
“You still did great, miracle boy,” Satori insists, “You won gold somewhere else.” He pulls the sonograms from his pocket.
Wakatoshi stares at the pictures in shock. “Is this—“
Satori is grinning wide as he nods. “We’re having a baby, Toshi.” He watches Wakatoshi in anticipation, waiting for his reaction.
Wakatoshi’s expression softens and he gives a genuine, fond smile. He hugs Satori tight, crying into Satori’s shoulder. Satori starts to cry too. Satori didn’t realize just how much he was holding back his happiness until now.
“You seem happy despite coming in second,” a reporter says, hoping for an interview.
Wakatoshi releases from their embrace and is as serious as usual. “As my mate said, I’ve won gold somewhere else.”
Satori happily shows off the sonogram. “Meet Baby Ushijima!”
Sunday, August 15, 2021
“Satori, this is a vibrator,” Wakatoshi says as Satori adds sex toys to their gift registry.
“Haven’t you heard of gag gifts, Toshi?” Satori replies. He clicks to add another one to the list.
“And the dog food? We don’t even have a dog.”
“We might one day.”
Wakatoshi looks to Satori.
Satori shrugs. “It’s a cheap gift option. People feel better getting a gift.”
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Next they start searching for flowers. Flowers will be used for decorations, of course, and Satori’s also decided on having a bouquet.
“What can I help—“ The florist is interrupted.
“I don’t think we even need to ask the florist any questions,” Satori insists, “You probably know all about the flowers, right, Toshi?”
“I know quite a bit,” Wakatoshi confirms.
“Okay! What’s this one?” Satori asks pointing to a bouquet of yellow flowers.
“Those are jonquils. They’re the March flower.”
“The month our baby will be born in!” Satori’s hand goes to his still flat belly.
Wakatoshi wears a fond smile. His eyes wander to where Satori has placed his hand.
“So what’s it mean, Toshi?”
“They can mean ‘love me’ or ‘affection returned,’” Wakatoshi answers.
“Ooh! We should use them!”
“We can do that.”
Satori zooms around the shop asking Wakatoshi about different flowers. The florist almost seems afraid to approach them. Satori and Wakatoshi don’t notice though.
“What about this one?” Satori asks. He points to a purple and yellow flower.
“That’s an iris. It represents faith, valor, and wisdom. It’s the national emblem of France,” Wakatoshi answers without a beat.
“I think we should use this one too!”
Finally, after about fifteen minutes, the florist decides to approach them again and ask if they need help. Satori has already decided on about ten different flowers that definitely do not go together. Not to mention, other customers have begun to ask Wakatoshi questions and he answers them as if he works there. The florist has probably had enough. It’s a wonder they haven’t been kicked out of the store.
“What can I help you with?” The florist asks.
Satori lifts his left hand, proudly showing off his engagement ring. “We’re getting married!”
“Ah, congratulations, and you’re looking for flowers?”
“We’ve looked at a lot!”
“I’ve seen that.”
“I believe Satori liked irises and jonquils most,” Wakatoshi speaks up.
Satori looks to him. “Those were the French and March flowers, right?”
Wakatoshi nods.
“Then yeah! I liked those!” Satori agrees.
The florist puts together an arrangement that works with the two flowers and Satori and Wakatoshi sign off on it.
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Wedding plans come to a halt for a few weeks. During Satori’s twelve week pregnancy appointment, they found out he had miscarried. It’s devastating news and wedding planning is the last thing on Satori and Wakatoshi’s minds. They almost consider postponing their special day, but Satori decides he ultimately wants to keep the special date. However, he decides he no longer wants the jonquils. He can’t handle seeing them.
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Wedding plans are halted further when news of the miscarriage gets out. The media coverage is brutal. There’s the comments that Satori is too ugly or that he doesn’t deserve Wakatoshi anyway, bringing back childhood fears. Then there’s the comments that they could always just have another baby. Satori and Wakatoshi don’t want another baby. They want their first one. It’s an unfair situation.
They look into getting a dog. It seems like the dog food on the gift registry won’t be for nothing after all.
“Maybe we should have Nina in the wedding,” Satori muses as the three of them are curled up on the couch. He’s nuzzled into Wakatoshi’s side—head on Wakatoshi’s shoulder—while Nina, their new Australian shepherd puppy, is situated in Satori’s lap, fast asleep.
“How would we incorporate her?” Wakatoshi asks.
“She can walk me down the aisle. Ooh! We can get her a little dress! Or a tux! I’m flexible.”
“Will she stay still that long?”
“We can train her. She’s still a puppy, Toshi.”
“Then I think it’s a good idea.”
Thursday, November 4, 2021
“Are we going on a honeymoon?” Satori asks as they’re getting ready for bed one night. He peels back the sheets, crawling under the covers.
Wakatoshi is already situated under the blankets, arm stretched for Satori to crawl into his embrace. Satori does just that, nuzzling his face into Wakatoshi’s scent glands.
“Where would you like to go?” Wakatoshi replies.
“I was kind of thinking Paris. I know I just spent a few months there, but I loved it and I’d love to have more time to show you all the parts I absolutely love.”
“Then Paris it is.”
Sunday, December 12, 2021
Satori’s November heat brings another negative pregnancy test. He and Wakatoshi continue to plan for the wedding to get their minds off the disappointment. After all, the big day isn’t doing to wait for them.
They do tuxedo shopping with the pack together. Satori insists that the two of them don’t see each other in their tuxedos before the wedding, but they can make judgements on what the pack wears as the wedding party.
“It’s too bland,” Satori judges as Eita and Reon try on another tuxedo. For whatever reason, Eita has become the model for the best men’s tuxedos.
“They’re plain black,” Taichi deadpans, “They’re not going to be exciting.”
Satori looks to the poor salesperson. “Can we add sequins or something?”
“What is this?” Kenjirou asks, “Broadway?”
“Or one of Eita’s shows,” Taichi gives a dry laugh.
“Don’t say that! Semisemi has no sense of fashion!” Satori says.
“He’s right here.” Reon looks over to Eita.
“You exclusively wear neon,” Eita argues.
Shopping for tuxedos doesn’t go well.
Sunday, January 23, 2022
With just over three months to go, Satori and Wakatoshi begin searching for their wedding bands.
“I think they should match,” Satori insists.
The two of them look through a case at the jeweler’s. There’s a ton of bands.
“I like this one.” Wakatoshi points to one. “I don’t think it should get too beat up when I play.”
Rings are the only jewelry Wakatoshi can wear on the volleyball court, after all. Otherwise, he would have a matching pendant to Satori’s necklace remembering the miscarriage.
“It looks like it’ll go with my engagement ring too!” Satori says, “Good job, Toshi!”
Thursday, February 3, 2022
“I’d like to write our own vows.”
Satori’s eyes widen when Wakatoshi announces that. He’s just come home from practice.
“What brought that on?” Satori asks.
“I looked over your list. I think it makes the day more personal.”
Satori beams. “That’s a great idea, Toshi.”