Work Text:
While the activity of the work staff generates a flurry of frenetic energy throughout the home, roses fill the air with their aroma.
Its sole heir, Adam Shindo, is held up in his master bedroom while hairdressers and makeup artists fuss around the blue-haired man who is looking in a mirror as he takes a deep breath.
He is dressed in a fine tailored white suit with a red cape and gold trim and at his side is a white and gold mask adored with sixteen red roses and a small veil.
New life is growing in the former home of greed and isolation, one that is now the location of Adam Shindo's wedding.
There is a knock at the door. One of his best friends and the wedding official, Kaoru, enters the room with a smile,
something he never thought he'd be able to say again. That Kaoru was one of his best Friends.
“Wow, you look absolutely stunning,” he exclaimed as he removed a tiny chain link bracelet from his wrist.
The modest blue skateboard charm bearing the letter A was part of the friendship bracelet that himself, Kojiro, and Kaoru had once vowed not to remove.
It was given to him by the two men he’d call his best friends as a token of friendship when they were younger.
He grinned at him and said, "something old, and something blue."
The plain metal bracelet had previously been a symbol of distaste and an abandoned life.
Years of believing that friends are only there to hurt you caused him to cut them out of his life, but as a new man, he is grateful for the two friends he still has and how those two never gave up on him being a good person.
He almost lost them in the end because he became too preoccupied with being what he was told to be rather than who he truly is.
He didn't realize until now that self-sacrifice doesn't always mean happiness, and having learned the hard way that having a few people that care can make all the difference.
He vows to make amends with the people he has hurt in the past and promises to be a better friend and person in the future.
He knows that without his two friends, he wouldn't be where he is and he wants to maybe find a way to thank them for never giving up on him.
He knows that no matter how dark his days are, they will always be there to lighten his load.
“Are you and Kojiro happy everyday?”He asks, feeling a little anxious and anticipating either crying, throwing up, or both.
But one would ruin his makeup and the other his $19,000 suit.
“Are we happy every day?” Kaoru asked himself out loud,
he thought about it a moment and put a hand on Adam's shoulder and said to him softly,
“Yes and no. While yes, there are times when that idiotic gorilla drives me absolutely crazy, but no I would never regret telling him I love him or being together.” he smiled soft then continued
“I can see the happiness Tadashi brings you and the happiness you bring him”.
Adam concludes that damaged makeup is preferable to damaged clothing. He's a mess on the inside. Well, he's getting married. It should be acceptable to cry occasionally, right?
He’s only cried in front of anyone twice in his life
In front of Tadashi when he Proposed to him.
And when Kaoru and Kojiro forgave him.
And now apparently.
His tears are wiped away as Kaoru gives him a hug and then hears another knock on the door.
The best man, Kojiro, was dressed as every other man in the wedding party.
He was in a Burgundy Wine Red Tuxedo Suit with a white rose pinned to the breast.
“I thought you’d be up here, baby” said the green-haired man as he kissed Kaoru’s head.
“Woah, Adam, you look fantastic!”. Kojiro said.
"Thank you. I wish I felt that way because I feel like I'm going to puke." replied adam
“Tadashi feels the same way, he asked if you were okay," Kojiro said, adjusting his suit coat in the mirror.
"Okay now I'm worried about him; he's the worst at not telling me when he's upset about something; I hope this wedding isn't too stressful for him."
cried Adam in despair, his nerves edging on the brink of a panic attack.
"I know you're both nervous, but just relax; you'll see him soon and everything will be fine," Kaoru said calmly, fanning Adam with his folding fan.
"Take some Deep breaths and ignore the dumb gorilla in the room who speaks without thinking."
As Kojiro is about to make a snarky comment Reki opens the door.
“They are ready for Adam, guys.” Reki said happily.
Adam noticed Reki's suit was in a state of shambles.
It Appears that Reki had just finished skating.
He stared at him in shock.
"I told you that you could use the skate park in the back lawn after the wedding!" Look at you!! Oh, your suit is a disaster!" He chastised the redhead as he walked up and looked at him.
“But In your backyard, Adam, you have one of the best skateparks in the world! I couldn’t resist it!”
Adam sighed, with his hand on his forehead.
The redhead was going to be the death of him.
“I'll wash up, I promise.” Reki explained
"Kaoru let me borrow your folding fan for a second.”
Adam took the folding fan and managed to strike Reki on the head many times in a lighthearted yet serious manner.
“Ow! Reki rubbed his head and said, "Okay, okay, I'm going”.
“Now go get washed up or I will make you my running boy during the next election." Adam remarked as Reki ran off.
As the trio of old friends made their way to the backyard garden, the soft music from outside beckoned that the trio would need to break off so Kojiro and Kaoru could walk down the aisle before him.
As the first couple to leave the garden door, Kojiro and his husband followed arm in arm, then Langa and Reki, then Hiromi and Oka, and finally Koyomi and Miya as the flower girl and ring bearer.
as the entrance music began to play.
Adam drew everyone's attention as he walked down the flower-lined aisle, making every effort to avoid looking at Tadashi out of fear that he might begin to cry.
So he stared at the wedding official, Kaoru.
Adam would trust no one else but him with such a task.
Then his eyes fell on Tadashi. He looked beautiful as always .
“His puppy dresses up nice”
he thought softly as he took Tadashi’s hand softly.
Then the ceremony started;
“Hello My name is Kaoru Sakurayashiki-nanjo, and I have the privilege of performing this ceremony today. On behalf of Adam and Tadashi, welcome and thank you for being here.
They are thrilled that you are here today to share in their joy during this wonderful moment in their lives.
Your presence affirms their decision to commit to one another for the rest of their lives and celebrates the love they have found in one another..
The greatest source of happiness in life, greater than anything else, is the knowledge that we are loved, even by ourselves.
This afternoon, we are here to celebrate love.
We come together to witness and proclaim the joining together of these two people in marriage.
This is the union of two individuals in heart, body, mind, and spirit. Therefore, marriage is not to be entered into lightly but reverently, honestly, and deliberately. "It is into this union that Adam and Tadashi now come to be joined.” Kaoru spoke to begin the ceremony.
Then continued while looking the couple and said
“Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs, but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, love never gives up... Three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Kaoru then set a piece of parchment on the table by the couple and took out a pen and wrote
“愛 the symbol for love Ai” he explains and then draws the following “家族 kazoku the symbol that means family which is a foundation for Ai also in the faith which both can be found” he said
Then he stacked three flat sake cups on top of each other and let the couple take three sips before joining with Kojiro to stand in for their family's sips.
“Adam, you have chosen Tadashi to be your husband. Will you love and respect him? Will you be honest with him always? Will you stand by him through whatever may come?” Kaoru asks adam
“I will”
“Tadashi, you have chosen Adam to be your husband.
" Will you love and respect him? Will you always be honest with him?
"Will you stand by him through whatever may come?” Kaoru asks tadashi
“I will,” Tadashi says calmly.
“And do you both promise to make the necessary adjustments in your personal lives in order that you may live in a harmonious relationship together?” he asks the couple.
“We will."
“Now, in the spirit of joy and affirmation, I want to ask our families and friends a question."
"Do you, the families and friends of Adam and Tadashi, give them your blessing and support this day, wishing them a wonderful life together?” Kaoru asks the wedding party
“We do.”
was the response from the over 50 guests.
Adam's real family has always been his friends, the same friends who gave their blessing.
“Adam and Tadashi, now we come to your vows. May I remind you that saying your vows are one thing but nothing is more challenging than living them day-by-day. What you promise today must be renewed tomorrow and each day that stretches out before you. Will you now please turn and face each other and hold hands, looking at each other.
Adam, please repeat after me: In the presence of love and our family and friends, I Adam Shindo choose you Tadashi to be my husband to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow.” said Kaoru
“In the presence of love and our family and friends, I Adam Shindo choose you Tadashi to be my husband to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. "This is my solemn vow," Adam said softly, fighting back tears.
Now Tadashi, please repeat after me: In the presence of love and our family and friends, I Tadashi Kikuchi choose you Adam to be my husband to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow” Kaoru said to tadashi
“In the presence of love and our family and friends, I Tadashi Kikuchi choose you, Adam to be my husband to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow.” Tadashi vowed softly.
“May I have the rings please?” Kaoru asked Reki
“The Rings?” Reki said, mortified.
“It was Miya’s job to keep them!”
“Hey!”
Miya chimed in crossing his arms
“I never got them from you because you just had to Try the skate park”
“There will be a brief pause in the ceremony.”
said Kaoru before going to help look for the rings.
Reki Pales and starts to empty his pockets and his sleeves he even checked his shoes.
“How could you loose their rings Reki” cried Langa
“Look how upset you’ve made Adam!”
As if on cue, Adam’s hands start trembling and tears roll down his cheeks. his nerves getting the better of him he sobs softly, and Tadashi caresses his cheek under his veil.
“Sweetheart, don't worry about the rings. My parents didn’t even have enough money when they were married to even afford rings, they never did and they were married nineteen years, everything will be okay rings or not.” he whispered.
“I know my darling, but I wanted today to be perfect” said adam cupping tadashi’s cheek
Tadashi hated seeing Adam so upset the missing rings upset him too. He took extreme care to pick out rings that reflected Adam’s flair for extravagant jewelry so despite not showing it out right he was furious.
“I am marrying you. today is perfect to me regardless” tadashi said holding adam’s hand placing a gentle kiss on the back of his hand
Meanwhile Reki frantically looks for the rings.
Langa is right beside him, looking among the flower petals on the ground on his hands and knees.
“I gave you the rings this morning, remember?” Langa asked, hands shuffling through rose petals.
“I remember that!” Reki exclaimed as flower petals scattered in the air from Reki’s hands as he looked for the rings praying he dropped them somewhere.
He was about to give up hope.
He had ruined the entire wedding
Adam was going to kill him!
If not him Tadashi would kill him. He had already run him over once by accident; and it's always the quiet ones who can inflict the most damage.
Just as he was planning his funeral in his head
he heard Kojiro’s voice.
“Found em!”
Reki looked up to see the green-haired man walking back to them being followed by Oka.
“Where were they?!” Reki screamed, grabbing the two rings from Kojiro.
“By the halfpipe, I’m guessing they fell out of your pocket when you bailed, when you were trying to do a wall ride.“ explained Kojiro
“And failed miserably” said Miya smugly.
Everyone took a sigh of relief and Soon the wedding went back on track.
Kaoru stood in front of the couple taking the rings from Reki. And giving them to the couple.
“Adam, I give you this ring, that you may wear it, as a symbol of the vows we have made on this day. I pledge to you my love, and respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am, I honor you”
Tadashi said, sliding the diamond infinity ring over his lover’s finger.
“Tadashi, I give you this ring that you may wear it, as a symbol of the vows we have made on this day. I pledge to you my love, and respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am, I honor you”
Adam spoke softer because he couldn't keep his emotions together any longer and burst into tears, not only because he was finally marrying Tadashi, but also because two years ago he couldn't imagine himself marrying the man he loved. it would've been his aunt's idea to get married to someone to boost his career and their social status.
He was unaware at the time that they weren't protecting him.
He is aware now that his aunts did not care about his happiness or his love; instead, they wanted his money and status, using him as a puppet. However, after extensive therapy and repentance, he was transformed into a new person and regained his old friends as well as a few new ones.
“Are we married yet?” Tadashi asked Kaoru deadpan as always.
“Not yet” said Kaoru with a smile then continued
“Now may those who wear these rings live in love all their days. Now may the love, which has brought you together, continue to grow and enrich your lives. May you continue to meet with courage any problems, which may arise to challenge you. May your relationship always be one of love and trust. May the happiness you share today be with you always. And may everything you have said and done here today become a living truth in your lives.”
“Kaoru, enough of the formalities, can I kiss him yet or not? Adam said impatiently which made the crowd laugh.
He got a stern look from Kaoru who continued on.
“Adam and Tadashi, we have heard your promise to share your lives in marriage. We recognize and respect the covenant you have made here today with each and every one of us as witnesses. Therefore in the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here today and by the power vested in me by the country of Japan, it is my honor and delight to declare you married for life
You may seal your vows with a kiss” said Kaoru
“You're stuck with him now, Tadashi!” Kojiro said
“Well It's about time.”
Tadashi said, grabbing Adam by the hip and kissing him deeply, taking Adam by surprise.
The crowd cheered loudly as the couple seemed to dissolve into a world of their own.
“Save some of that for the honeymoon lover boy!“
Hiromi shouts from the crowd laughing, earning himself an elbow to the ribs by Oka.
“Let them have their moment” said oka
“Their moment has gone on for over two minutes now.” complained Hiromi.
..................................part two.............................................................
The grand ballroom is decorated in red and cream colors. Hiromi’s flower shop tulip generously provided the flowers in an abundance of the rich reds of the roses and soft cream colors in the Grape Hydrangeas that seemed to never end.
On every table was a vase containing fourteen red roses and fourteen white grape hydrangeas along with two red and cream heart sticks on each side. In the middle of the room was their wedding cake, a 9 tier chocolate cream cake decorated with bright red icing and fondant and silver candy pearls and over 700 gum paste red and white roses trail down the side.
Adam had called it his dream wedding Cake when he saw it in the bakery photo. He wouldn’t take anything else.
Tadashi wasn’t a fan of the red dye nor the astronomical price but if it makes Adam happy, it makes him happy even if he will taste nothing but red for months.
“That is one red dye 40 nightmare of a cake” Kojiro says, looking at the cake with a glass of champagne in hand.
He could’ve made a better cake than that overpriced bakery they had chosen because it was
“fancy and wasn’t by the catering service.” as Tadashi put it, as blunt as ever.
“Have fun tasting nothing but red for the rest of your life." he says dryly, taking a sip of his drink.
“Idiot you were up all night planning for every meal to be perfect. If it'll make you happy you can make a cake for us to share later but please don’t sulk, it's embarrassing.” said Kaoru, arms folded.
“I’m not sulking, I’m pouting Kaoru. Look at that cake, it is a dyed nightmare.”
But his sulking was interrupted by Reki introducing the newlyweds by the dj table.
“Introducing—”
Reki was cut off by Adam, who was wearing a headset mic on the balcony above the party. He is now in a new outfit a white silk suit and a rainbow porcelain mask on his face.
Even Tadashi had a small rainbow flower headband on but it was clear Adam stuck it on him at the last minute.
“Sorry to interrupt you Reki darling but I’ve wanted to say this for three years”. He said dramatically.
“introducing to all you stuck up married bitches and jealous that I'm now off the market bros and you beautiful unmarried non binary hoes Mr. And Mr. Shindo! At fucking last baby!” he exclaimed into the mic
Then the all too familiar song Adam used at S Dance of the Philos played loudly behind them as he held Tadashi's hand and the couple danced carefully down the steps to the dance floor for their first dance as the music changed to Stammi Vicino. The couple looks at each other before Adam guides Tadashi into a waltz as everyone watches the couple.
Adam had initially felt silly dancing to a song from a anime at his wedding, but Tadashi fell in love with the song after watching the anime with him one night, with the lyrics reminding him of the years of isolation they both had felt at the time and then the embrace of their love finally coming to light, freeing them their isolation.
“Tadashi my love, you can be really deep when you want to be”
As their first dance comes to an end.
The crowd applauds them as they bow to them and take their seats at the head table.
At last they were served the long awaited food, via Kojiro’s expert catering skills.
For the appetizer, they kept it very simple, serving baked brie with blackberry compote with salted water crackers, and for the younger ones [and Langa] they served Cheeseburger sliders.
Encouraged by Reki, Langa and Hiromi proceeded to see who could eat the most sliders and Langa won with 19.
Of all the dishes on the menu which was limited to cover the cake’s outrageous cost.
Tadashi only liked the Cioppino Seafood Stew which was being served as a main course; because mussels were in it.
Thankfully Adam liked it too.
They served Pizza to the kids Table much to Miya’s joy.
It was the first meal in a long time Adam didn't feel scared to eat because his aunt’s weren’t going to say anything about his weight as he ate nor were they going to take his plate from him when they thought he had eaten enough. He could and will eat as much as he wants tonight.
The finale of the menu was of course the ginormous red monster of a wedding cake that could serve an army of people despite its undeniable red dye taste. The cake was a highlight of the ceremony; it was followed by mulled wine and sparkling cider.
As the night was drawing to an end Tadashi pulled Adam aside and Handed him a white envelope.
“Here “ was all Tadashi said as the envelope left his hand.
“What’s this?” Adam asked as he opened the envelope.
“My wedding present, love.” Tadashi said as he waited to see Adam’s reaction.
Inside the envelope were two tickets to Walt disney world in Florida. It would be Tadashi’s first trip to the US and Adam’s first non-political trip.
“We Agreed no gifts” was Adam’s response trying not to be taken by surprise
“It wasn’t me who bought them; they were a gift for me to give you.”
Just then Kojiro and Kaoru snuck up behind Adam.
“Surprise!”
Adam stood in disbelief until Kojiro spoke.
“I took princess Kaoru on one of our school trips years ago had an awesome time figured you’d enjoy it too so Pinky pie here sprung for the tickets and hotel and all that stuff he’s such an expert at he must have planing so much that he forgot to mention it was your honeymoon no worries though I fixed it it’s all set up three weeks in florida at disney world honeymoon suite all the works.”
It was oblivious that Kojiro had been drinking given his vague and slurred tangent he went on but Adam was able to piece together what he ment.
“Thank you both so much.” Tadashi said, kindly touched by their generosity.
Adam embraced his friends and the four went their own ways.
Just as they were about to call it a night Reki pulled them aside and gave them each a ring box.
“I know I kinda messed up with the other rings but these are a Reki original design” Reki said grinning in pride of his latest design.
Inside the boxes were each a ring but what made them a “Reki original” was the fact that the rings were made from wood and the band were designed to look like their skateboards even down to two metal spikes on Adam’s to mimic the horns on his board.
Adam said nothing as he walked over to Reki
“You made these?” he asked
“Yeah I made Langa and I a set then when I heard you were getting married I made you guys a set.” Reki said proudly showing the bright yellow ring on his finger
Adam hugged Reki as tight as possible.
“Ad-GAk- adam! .. Can’t breathe”
Reki stated as he squirmed around.
“Oh alright you big baby” he said, letting Reki go from his grip.
Later as the couple were saying goodbye to a few guests.
Hiromi dragged them outside.
“I know you said no gifts but I had my Buddies rig this up for you guys” Hiromi said excitedly now sporting his full makeup.
“I can’t wait to see this.”
Adam said sarcastically under his breath.
Just then the sky was lit with fireworks.
Adam knew he should’ve expected such a grand gesture from the clown prince but it still caught him off guard seeing the display light up the sky.
Watching the display in awe Adam didn’t notice when Tadashi had put his arms around his waist.
“The rest of our lives will be spent together. Is there anything you would like to do now?” Tadashi asked
Adam kissed his husband’s cheek.
“I right now want to go to bed Nobody told me how exhausting a wedding was I’m so Exhausted in fact I think you’ll have to carry me to bed puppy.”
Tadashi laughed and held his new husband close
“of course my love”
and they watched the rest of the fireworks show together.
FIN