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“Kiryu.” Keito’s voice is serious but calm, raising his hand and setting it down gently on Kuro’s shoulder. Said man slightly jolts at the sudden touch, but he doesn’t brush it off, doesn’t look back at the firm gaze that Keito gives him. “You’re nervous.”
Kuro is silent for a few moments, fixating his gaze on the view outside of the window he’s looking at. His eyes close, before opening up his mouth and finally speaking. “...Yeah. I am.”
France during the spring really is beautiful, the blossoms sprouting out and about from the trees and bushes all around. Though there is a part of him that already misses his home country, he knows he would come back there after everything anyway. He should really thank Shu later for all the planning he had done to make it possible to bring them here, to celebrate a union that Kuro never thought to have in a million years.
“Well, I can understand.” Keito continues, moving to stand beside him, leaning against the window. “But I know you. You're nervous, but you have desired this more than anything, right?”
“Haha, ‘course I do.” Kuro scoffs, and he lets out a sheepish chuckle when turning to properly look at Keito now. “I love him more than anything, but I’m just nervous…I guess. I just…got all these thoughts in my head…”
Do I really deserve this? Am I really allowed to be this happy? What if I fail to be there enough for him, that he might get hurt and I wasn't there to protect him?
Ma…is it really okay for me to be this happy?
These were the worries that have repeated heavily inside Kuro’s mind for several days now.
Today is not just a beautiful spring day in France, but also the momentous day where Kuro and Nazuna are to be wed. The planning for this wondrous occasion has been ongoing for more than a year now, all spearheaded by their dearest friend, Shu. He's the one that had planned for it to be held overseas in the city of love, but also was in charge of everything from the catering, the clothes, the location of where it all shall take place — he took his job very seriously, and the couple is beyond thankful to be able to discuss and coordinate everything they desired with him.
The months turn to weeks and the weeks turn to days. Before Kuro knows it, his head is now ticking down the hours until he will find himself standing right at the altar, coming face to face with his husband to be. Of course, he really and truly is happy that the final step in all this is coming, that they will reach their happy ending—
But Kiryu Kuro's bad habits come crawling back no matter what, that worrywart attitude putting himself down that all these good things happening to him are undeserving. It plagues his mind like a disease, even after all these years of nothing but blessings from every part of his life.
Keito stares at him, his brows furrowed and an all-knowing look spotted on his face. Him and Kuro have had each other's backs since their Yumenosaki days, so he already knows exactly what he's thinking.
“Kiryu.” The bespectacled man speaks up, adjusting his glasses before crossing his arms together.
“You already know what I’m going to say. Of course, you deserve this. I have known you for a very long time now, as we have walked the path of becoming idols together in AKATSUKI. Everyday, I have seen how much you've changed over the years, how you and Nito have supported each other despite being in different units, and how Nito's presence has made some of the most joyous faces I've seen you make.
“So please don't ever doubt yourself. His juniors and all our shared friends know more than anything that you both make each other happy. Go and get yourself married to Nito, alright?”
“...”
Kuro is silent again, a…perplexed expression on his face at the sudden lecture being given by Keito. Slowly, his lips curve upwards into a small smile, and before Kuro knows it, he's letting out a soft chuckle.
“Hasumi…” He scratches the back of his head, standing up straight now while still looking at Keito. “Yeah. Thanks, I really needed that. That’s also why yer my best man today.”
“Hmph.” Keito gently smiles back at him. “And it is my greatest honor to bear that title, Kiryu.”
“TAAAIIISHOOUUU!!!!”
A sudden voice comes crashing in, along with the sound of a door opening up wide. The two turn towards the direction of where the voice is coming from, with Kuro immediately recognizing it right as a heavy weight is pouncing on him for a tight embrace.
“Whoa, Tetsu!” Kuro raises a brow, not expecting to see his junior make his arrival in the resting room he is staying at. Tetora has his face pressed onto Kuro's chest, happy tears streaking down his cheeks as he pulls his Taichou into a tight embrace. Behind Tetora, he can hear another voice trailing after him.
“N-Nagumo!” Souma's steps become slower once he makes eye contact with both Kuro and Keito. “Ah! Apologies, Kiryu-dono, Hasumi-dono. I failed to stop Nagumo from barging in but the stride of his steps are much faster than mine.”
“It's alright, Kanzaki. Not like anyone can’t enter here.” Kuro has a reassuring smile directed at Souma, giving Tetora a pat on the back. “Though I’m surprised to just see ya bargin’ in, Tetsu.”
“Mmm!” Tetora finally looks up at Kuro. “I'm just so happy for you, Taishou! You're getting married today!”
“Haha, I'm glad ya always got my back no matter what, Tetsu.” Kuro grins at him, patting his head.
“Ossu! And I’ll always support you no matter what, Taishou!” Tetora nods before finally pulling away. Beside him, Keito comes over with a tissue already in his hand, wiping away the tears on his face.
“Fufu, you really have such wonderful juniors, Kiryu.” Keito says, smiling at him. “All these people supporting you on your big day, isn't that nice?”
“Yeah…I’m glad ya all got my back.” Kuro chuckles sheepishly, turning his gaze to look out the window. “Thanks, for real. I…really can't wait. I'm so excited but also nervous…”
“Not to worry, Kiryu-dono.” Souma steps in. “We’re right here with you.”
Seeing these precious smiles of these comrades he's made, who have been with him through thick and thin, Kuro looks at all of them with the gentlest of smiles as the time ticks towards the last couple of hours before the start of a new chapter in his life.
♡
In another room happening in the same building, Itsuki Shu is discussing the final preparations with a few of the staff. While the wedding is already more than ready to commence, he has to make sure that everything looks proper and is functioning to make this absolutely perfect. He also needs to check that the preparations for the reception taking place after the wedding are going smoothly.
Nazuna is in the same room as him, standing in front of the mirror with Hajime as he assists him in adjusting the blue tie on his suit.
“Does it look good, Hajime-chin?” Nazuna asks with a smile on his face.
“Mmm. I just finished fixing it, Nii-chan.” Hajime nods, taking a step back. “You look so dashing, Nii-chan.”
“Hehe…~ I do, huh?” Heat rises in Nazuna's cheeks, turning around to look at his reflection properly. Heh…he looks pretty cool, doesn't he?
For today's attire, he and Kuro are wearing matching white suits, with a hint of frills at the waistcoat and their ties being the only striking difference shared in their outfit. Nazuna's tie is the shade of deep blue, while Kuro's tie is the shade of crimson red.
“You sure do, Nii~chan~!” A familiar voice calls out from behind.
“Yeah, I agree as well.” And another one too.
Nazuna already knows who these voices belong to, turning around to find the happy faces of the three boys that he had raised so lovingly, that he found a warm home in. Hajime, Mitsuru, and Tomoya all look back at Nazuna with bright smiles on their faces.
“Ehehe…I still can't believe that it's finally happening today…” He admits to all of them, laughing sheepishly. “It still doesn't feel real…you know? Even after all those months of planning…”
“Me too~! I'm still soooo happy for you, Nii~chan!” Mitsuru exclaims happily, bouncing in place.
“I know what you mean though, Nii-chan.” Tomoya reassures him. “I guess it's like how it is when you're about to go on stage to perform…you get cold feet initially, but once you're there…it will go away, I think.”
“We’re cheering you on from our seats, Nii-chan. Just like you've always been there, supporting us!” Hajime gives Nazuna his best, most healing smile.
Strangely enough, it feels somewhat relaxing to hear them talk about his wedding just like how they would when motivating each other for their lives. But the feeling is quite reminiscent, isn't it? He is about to step into the spotlight and experience a life-changing event.
That’s how it was when he first became an idol back in Valkyrie. That first exposure to the limelight, watching as the audience cheered and swayed their penlights, it was all so dazzling.
It looked so perfect, but underneath the curtains, the foundation was clearly unstable. It all came to an unfortunate end on the stage, where everything became rocky and that castle of sand he was once a part of had crumbled to the ground, there was a brief moment that the light scared him, that there was nothing left in him. That glimmer he had that allowed him to become an idol was gone…or so he thought.
Nazuna found himself rising up once more when his eyes look up to see the joyous faces of Ra*bits smiling at him, hands outstretched for him to take it. He doesn't ever regret taking their hands that day, finding a place to belong in the warm embrace of these three boys.
He really is glad to have become an idol, he loves being an idol, and through becoming an idol, he was able to meet so many wonderful people in his life. There were some rough patches here and there, but he was able to mend those back as best as he could.
But aside from Ra*bits and all those precious connections he's shared, there was also someone special that was there for him, that supported him as well through thick and thin…it was Kuro. Kuro who had admired Nazuna even during his lowest, Kuro who is protective of him after seeing all that he's been through, Kuro who vowed to be by Nazuna's side and walk this path to become idols together.
Nazuna loves Kuro. He loves him so, so much. He's glad to have someone like him right by his side and it's because of those traits Kuro holds, that he fell deeply in love with him.
Years have passed since they first started dating and it's been more than a couple of years by now since he decided to ask Kuro to marry him. His feelings for him remain as strong as ever, and now…well, it's finally time for them to tie the knot at last.
It's a little nerve-wracking still, yet also so exciting. Honestly, none of this still feels real. Maybe everything that’s built up to this has been nothing but an illusion, that when he wakes up the next day, he’ll be back in his nineteen year old self’s body with his whole life on reset. All those years amounting to nothing…
But Nazuna knows, as he looks upon each of his juniors’ smiling faces, as long as he's got them and all their friends as his pillars of support, he can continue being true to himself.
“Thanks, you guys…~” Nazuna grins cheekily at them all, reaching out to pat each of their heads. “Nii-chan loves you all~!”
As all four of them laugh together with big, bright smiles on their faces, Nazuna can see from the corner of his eye that the familiar figure of Itsuki Shu is walking up to the group. The blonde stands up properly once Shu gets close and Shu looks back at all four with a fond smile, before turning his attention to Nazuna.
“Nito.” Shu starts, tapping the watch on his wrist. “There is now less than an hour till the wedding so we will have to start heading to the car and arrive at our destination. Mashiro, Shino, and Tenma will have to head out first, while you stay in a separate car.”
“Aww!” Mitsuru frowns. “We wanna ride with Nii-chan!”
“It's okay, Mitsuru-chin.” Nazuna reassures him, patting his back. “Unfortunately, you’re needed there ahead of me so you should get going. I'll see you all soon!”
“Okay~! See ya, Nii-chan!”
“Mm, see you, Nii-chan!”
“Take care, Nii-chan!”
Watching the three head out the door first, Nazuna has his eyes toward that direction with a fond gaze. Beside him, he can sense Shu standing next to him, quickly looking through his tablet with all the plans noted down before turning to Nazuna.
“I shall go take my leave as well, but…Nito.” Shu is smiling at him. “I assume you are ready?”
“Heh, I'm still a little nervous honestly, but…” Nazuna puts his hands on his waist, standing with his chest puffing out. “I'm ready, Itsuki.”
“Fufu…good. I am pleased to hear that.” Shu nods, before his firm expression changes into a much…softer look. “If there is anyone I can entrust to stand by Kiryu's side…it's you, Nito. And the same can be said vice versa as well.”
“Itsuki…”
While he and Shu had a pretty rocky relationship at some point, it made Nazuna happy that they were able to mend the tear bit by bit, able to converse and laugh with each other again slowly and surely. Shu is someone both he and Kuro care for greatly despite the ups and downs – and Shu feels the same way too, being the biggest cheerleader of their relationship than anyone else.
“It truly is an honor to have been in charge of your wedding.” Shu smiles gently at him. “I sincerely hope it is everything you've dreamed of. Just like in my art, I have poured all my heart and soul into it.”
“I know you did, Itsuki.” Nazuna chuckles softly, giving Shu a pat on the back. “That's exactly why Kuro-chin and I wanted and asked you to do it. So…thank you, for all of this.”
That smile remains on Shu's face. “You're more than welcome, Nito.”
♡
As Kuro steps in to now stand at the altar, it still has him in awe just how breathtaking their chosen venue is. For their wedding, they decided to hold it inside a botanical garden, surrounded by the cool breeze and sweet blossoms of spring. The wedding area itself looks absolutely majestic though, with rows of seats lined up in the central garden, with a floral arch to be where they and the wedding officiant will stand.
The photos don't do it justice and when he first set foot here around a couple months ago to properly see it for the first time, it blew him away.
Honestly, it still does. Shu had really outdone himself this time with the decor. As he enters the garden, he can already see so many familiar faces in their seats, chattering amongst each other. Some take notice of Kuro's presence and give him either a curt nod or an eager wave to greet him.
There’s Madara sitting with the company of Kohaku, Leo, and Izumi in one corner. Sitting right behind them are all of RYUSEITAI, with both Chiaki and Tetora enthusiastically waving at Kuro’s direction. Keito and Souma are talking amongst themselves close by where RYUSEITAI are. Shu is also already here too, talking to Mika in their respective seats. He spots his old classmates, all the idol friends he’s made back in school and at work. They all seem really happy to be here, all soon to witness the union between Kuro and Nazuna.
But most important of all, waiting in the front and smiling at them, he sees his dad and little sister. He gives his old man a hug and he laughs softly when his sister gives a hesitant hug. Right beside them, he also gives Nazuna’s parents his greetings and spares a little wave to Koppe, sitting in his own chair with a cute baby blue bow around his neck.
A sudden gust of wind suddenly blows by his face. Kuro can’t help a little but look up at the sky, greeted back by the view of the clear, blue sky above. He can’t help thinking about his mom, hoping that she is watching over this ceremony right now, giving her blessings to them.
After being able to give his greetings, Shu gives his calls to everyone important that the procession will begin shortly as Nazuna’s arrival is about to come. Kuro heads back to the entrance from where he came from, his heart starts to race even faster, thumping loudly at his chest. It really is happening now…he thinks to himself, putting his hands behind his back and twiddling with his thumbs. He…will walk down this aisle and once he sees Nazuna, the ceremony proper will begin.
“Kiryu.” Keito’s voice calls from right behind him. “Are you ready now?”
“Yeah.” There is a lot more confidence in his words this time, the encouragement from some of his friends earlier giving him the boost that he needed. “Yeah, I am.”
“Kiryu.” A voice chimes in behind Kuro too, and Kuro looks to see that it’s Shu. He seems to be holding something. “Don’t forget to wear this.”
“Oh…?” His brow raises, letting his head dip as Shu puts a veil on him, covering his face with the white tulle. Ah, that’s right, this is something he and Nazuna had also planned for today…
Once Shu is done placing it on Kuro, he gives Kuro a pat on the shoulder with a gentle smile on his lips. “Alright, now you are truly ready.”
“Haha…” Kuro fiddles with the fabric a little. “Thanks…Icchan.”
“You’re welcome, Ryuukun.”
Soft music begins to play once those words leave his lips, letting everyone know that the procession has begun. It’s finally time now — Kuro thinks to himself, and with the signal of the usher in front of them, he begins walking down the aisle.
So many eyes are on him and Kuro can sense their anticipation for this ceremony from their gazes alone. Once he makes it to the front, where the officiant is already waiting for him, he gives them a smile before standing to watch Keito come up next who glances at Kuro with a nod before stepping to stand behind him.
The others slowly come forward — his dad with his little sister holding his arm, Nazuna’s parents, the bridesmaid and groomsmen, the ring bearer – who is Koppe and entrusted to be held and taken care of by Shinobu, the flower girls, and then…
There is a minute of just quiet waiting, save for the sound of the processional music playing. Kuro stands straight with a heart that beats even faster than before. Then, before he can think of anything that may cause him to fear for anything, he hears a familiar shout from the entrance.
“COMING THROUGH~!!!”
“Wh-Whoa, you guys…!”
Appearing before them with bright smiles, the three juniors that Nazuna had lovingly raised all have brought Nazuna to the vicinity while his husband-to-be is riding on their shoulders.
All around, he can see the happy faces of everyone watching them and endeared how his kids have decided to bring him to the altar in this way. Nazuna is also wearing the same veil as the one Shu had put on Kuro and holding a bouquet in his hand, his cute face slightly hidden by the translucent fabric looking pretty flushed being brought to the altar this way.
But Kuro is smiling so wide, even as Nazuna is finally placed down beside him and they finally make eye contact for the first time today, cheeks warm at how handsome they both look but also realizing that this moment is real. It’s really happening now.
“Ehehe…hi, Kuro-chin…” Nazuna laughs shyly, tucking the longer side of his hair behind his shoulders. “You look great…”
“Hey…Nazuna.” It still feels strange to start referring to him by his first name, having been so used to Nito almost all his time knowing the small blonde. “Ya look great too…”
Tomoya, Hajime, and Mitsuru have moved to stand behind Nazuna, giving their Nii-chan a thumbs up when Nazuna spares a look towards them. Now that Nazuna is here, the wedding can finally begin.
“We are gathered here today to celebrate the union between Kiryu Kuro and Nito Nazuna…”
The officiant starts with welcoming the guests, expressing thanks on behalf of the couple for coming all the way to France for the ceremony and sharing a few words that expressed their happiness for them but also wisdom towards them for what the future holds once they are wed. Kuro and Nazuna listen to them attentively, holding each other’s hands throughout the speech.
After they say their piece, the ring exchange and saying of vows are to begin. Shinobu walks up to the couple with Koppe in tow, the rings tied to a string at the back of Koppe’s bow.
“Hehe, thanks Shinobun, Koppe~” Nazuna gives his bunny a pat on the head after untying one of the rings from him. Kuro does the same and Shinobu nods once his job is done, bringing Koppe with him back to his seat.
The couple gazes find each other, gently holding onto the rings in their hands before Nazuna finally decides to speak up first.
“Kuro-chin…” The tone of his voice is soft, taking the tall groom’s hand with his. “When we first met during our second year in Yumenosaki, I…was still that afraid little guy who could barely speak. I was going through a really rough patch then, you already know that. But you know what stuck to me back then all those years? It was that you wanted to stick by someone like me. You said…you really liked listening to my voice…me, this guy, who felt like his singing voice was becoming no good at all…
“You were always there for me no matter what. You looked out for me, always acted so protective…maybe a little too much. But that's okay, because I know it was because you wanted me to be happy. And I am, I really am now being surrounded with all my friends…but most especially, because I have my best friend, you…
“So I, Nito Nazuna, will gladly take Kiryu Kuro, to become my husband.” Holding the accessory in his hand, Nazuna inserts the ring through Kuro's finger. “Just like how you were there for me, I'll be there for you too, forever and ever.”
From behind him, Hajime is already shivering, tears welling up in his eyes while Tomoya Mitsuru has their arms around the boy to comfort him.
“Aahh…I-I said I wouldn't cry…but this is so beautiful…! Isn't it, Tomoya-kun…Mitsuru-kun…?” Hajime inquires him in a sniffling whisper.
“Mmm…it is.” Tomoya nods in agreement. “I'm so happy for Nii-chan…”
“Me too…~” Mitsuru grins from ear to ear.
The guests give their applause once Nazuna puts Kuro's hand down, all happy to see the first vow be made. With that done, it's now Kuro's turn to take Nazuna's hand, giving it a gentle rub with his thumb before saying his own vows.
“...Nazuna.” He starts, his smile clearly swelling with joy as he looks into the eyes of his beloved. “Do ya remember what I told ya back then after yer comeback live? That if ya fall down, I'll reach out and pull you back up. Let's keep walking forward together from now on.
“I bring that up to renew that promise with ya today. Even years after I said that, I still want to fulfill it, because yer so important to me…yer the first true idol I have ever admired, one of the few people who was willin’ to spend time with me, and yer my best friend too.
“I, Kiryu Kuro, will gladly take Nito Nazuna as my husband.” It's his turn to slip the ring onto Nazuna’s ring finger. “If anythin’ is troublin’ ya, I'll be there to lift ya back up to yer feet. From now on, let's walk forward together once more…”
There is now a round of applause once Kuro finishes giving his vows. Midori, who is watching it all and giving his own applause as well, notices that seated in the row in front of him where the groomsmen are, are a very emotional Chiaki and Tetora hugging each other and outright sobbing.
“Wahhh!!! Kiryu!!! We are so proud of you!!!!!” Chiaki cries, wiping his tears with his sleeve.
“Taishou!!!!! Good job, Taishou!!!!!” Tetora shouts loudly, raising his hand to give a thumbs up.
Midori lets out a sigh. “You guys…” Before hesitantly reaching out to pat their backs in an attempt to soothe the tears.
From the front, the officiant beams at the couple having finally completed their vows. There is only one step left, and as Kuro and Nazuna hold hands once more with their rings glimmering from their fingers, they are more than ready to finally tie the knot.
“Wonderful!” They smile proudly. “And with that complete, I now pronounce you both — husband and husband! You may now kiss.”
Ruby meets emerald. Kuro first takes the end of Nazuna’s veil, lifting it and pushing it back to see his adorable face. Nazuna does the same with Kuro, grinning wide once he sees his handsome face looking back at him. With the blonde standing a little bit on his tiptoes and Kuro leaning forward, it allows the distance between their faces to be so close.
All those nervous feelings they both felt before truly have instantly gone poof, leaving behind a hope to look forward to for their future together.
“I love you, Kuro-chin~ ♪” Nazuna hums happily, blushing as he wraps his arms around Kuro's neck.
“I love ya too, Nazuna.” Kuro puts his arms his arms around Nazuna's waist.
Their lips meet at last to seal the deal, the next chapter of their life together as a married couple finally beginning.