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Hina was going to throw up.
She couldn’t take the nerves any longer, as the quiet ticking of the clock in her dressing room bore deeper and deeper into her skull. The bride-to-be had half a mind to throw her bouquet of white and ballet-pink roses at it, watching it crumble into a heap of gears and glass on the floor with a satisfying crunch.
Hina tried to breathe in deeply, despite the structure under her dress that kept everything tucked and squeezed into perfect shape. Trying to steady her racing heart, she questioned if the nauseating rhythm was coming from within instead.
She shook the thought from her head. No, it wasn’t cold feet. Not with him.
Never with him.
But, the anticipation of this day had been overwhelming, to say the least. Announced by nearly every news outlet in Musutafu, hell, in all of Japan, as if this were some royal affair. But, in her day and age, a top 50 hero wedding was similar enough in the public’s eyes.
Sure, the Animation Hero was notorious for loving the limelight, but this was insane. Hina did want a big wedding, inspired by traditions and fashions she fell in love with while in Paris. Her and Taishiro had both known what they were getting into as well, once their relationship became known, and subsequently admired.
However, even Hina could admit: the commodification of the ‘ARTISTE AND FATGUM WEDDING’ had gotten out of hand. It seemed like everyone in the hero and wedding industry wanted their name attached, offering up various services for the clout. This made the final price tag of the event unimaginable - even for Hina, and her more luxurious upbringing. Ontop of that, a crowd of people were waiting outside of the Golden Plaza Gardens, just hoping to get a glimpse of the heroic bride and groom, with even more most likely watching from home.
Emerald eyes, meticulously made up by her hired glam team, found her reflection in the folding dressing room mirrors once more. Even with all the pandemonium of this wedding, there was still a big part of Hina that basked in the opulence of it all, as she of course had been dreaming about this day ever since she was little: what it would be like - especially, of course, her dress.
It was a feat of design by one of the only people she would ever trust with her curves: Artiste’s costume designer. Couture brands tried to claim the job, but Hina knew who would do everything perfectly the first time, and right she was: she only needed one fitting.
The garment’s gentle silk sheen reflected in the light of the room. The large, off shoulder lantern sleeves glittered from the hand embroidered crystals that climbed down her arms, fading into a tight sleeve. A mix of custom corsetry, industrial tape, and prayer, kept her hefty chest in place - supported by the form-fitting bodice and low off-shoulder neckline. Forming a graceful dip on her back, the rest of the garment was a seamless trumpet silhouette, falling into a high-low ruffle to show off her matching heels.The ruffles flowed back into a long cathedral train, which currently sat splayed across most of the room, all decorated with the same sparkling embroidery.
Hina’s eyes traveled back to her face, admiring the subtle but flawless makeup application. She did feel a little naked without her usual cherry-red lip in place of the pinky-nude they had put her in. For once, her hair was down and loosely curled, creating a voluminous wave of golden-blonde and hazelnut brown down her back. A few pieces framed Hina’s face, with the top half swept back to anchor her flower tiara, all made with the same fresh roses as her bouquet.
From the headpiece flowed Hina’s favorite part of the whole ensemble: her baby pink iridescent veil. She insisted upon the fantastical color-shifting fabric, not feeling complete without trying to get color somewhere in the traditionally monotone ensemble - and her designer absolutely delivered.
Not a hair out of place, not a wrinkle to be found.
She looked perfect. She felt perfect.
Yet, the adrenaline was keeping her nauseated as it pulsed in her throat every time she thought she heard someone walk by the door.
The bride was alone for the first time that day - since she opened her eyes at the crack of dawn to see a flurry of bridesmaids, mothers and stylists. Finally, the quiet allowed her mind to wander back to the whole reason she was there.
The person who, despite everything they had been through: war, carnage, loss and grief, still got down on one knee and asked her to be his, and only his. Of course, she had said yes before he could even finish his sentence.
Hina’s thoughts raced just imagining Taishiro right down the hall, all spruced up in his tailored suit and freshly shined shoes, wishing she could see him.
Reminiscing about her husband-to-be, her hand came to rest on the newest addition to her outfit, just from the night before at her family home…
Sitting in her parents' living room, long after many had gone to bed, the anxious bride was still up, triple checking the event schedule for the big day, her thumb swiping repeatedly.
Suddenly, her cell buzzed with a text from the one person she desperately wanted to see right now.
- You still up, Doodles?
She smiled at the old pet name.
- Of course I am. I wouldn’t have understood how you could be asleep either.
Hina answered back, sighing to herself. The dancing ellipses appeared as she awaited his response.
- Good <3. Come downstairs, Mr. Higashi refuses to let me up.
Her heart jumped, bothering to not answer back.
Hina pulled her hair into a messy ponytail and threw on a hoodie as she raced to the front door. With trained stealth, she closed it behind her and rushed for the looming elevator doors. When they finally opened, she slid through and rode the many floors down. Each ding making her more frustrated at her parents’ choice of penthouse living.
The elevator slowed to a halt and barely opened when she saw Taishiro’s head turn toward the sound, his toothy smile growing all the wider. Without even a greeting, Hina jumped into her fiancés open arms and kissed him fiercely, digging her hands into the fabric of his jacket and hoodie.
“Woah, save it for tomorrow, kids,” she heard the doorman say with light jest.
Finally pulling away and looking at her old family friend, Hina and he laughed as Taishiro set her back down.
“I followed my orders Ms. Hina, the young man never got past the elevator,” Mr. Higashi smiled proudly.
It was mainly due to her mother’s strict superstition that she not to see Taishiro the night before - but she never listened anyways.
“Don’t worry, you did great,” Hina praised, grabbing her fiancé’s large hand in hers with a mischievous glint in her eye. “And you can keep your promise, since we will be leaving the building instead.” She quickly pulled Taishiro behind her and out the grand foyer before anyone else could notice their forbidden rendezvous.
Mr. Higashi could only sigh and smile, with a curl of his bushy mustache. “I didn’t see a thing.”
Hina pushed through the grand glass front doors of the complex, their giggles echoing in the night air that nipped at their cheeks. Once on the sidewalk, a good few paces away from the building, she spun on her heel to look again at her handsome groom, the warm street lights spotlighting his towering slimmer form.
“Just couldn’t stay away now could we?” She taunted, biting her lip as she took a step closer.
“From you? Never.” He flashed that cheek-splitting smile and pulled her in for another hug.
She breathed in his comforting earthy scent, asking, “how did you know I was still up?”
He rubbed her shoulders and looked down at her. “I didn’t, but knowing you it was a lucky guess.” Smirking gently before he squeezed a little tighter.
Hina did the same with a small content hum. She let go when a sudden delicious smell suddenly wafted through the air. Which is when the Animation Hero caught a glimpse of white plastic hanging from his other hand.
“Let me guess: your getaway plan?” Grabbing the bag heavy with food from his grip to examine the haul, he chuckled in return, watching the light dance off her rosy glasses.
“Yeah, well, you know my folks never question me if I go out for a bite. Was the only way I could really escape.” He pushed his hair back with a look in his eye. “And come ‘n’ see you. Also thought you must be starvin’.”
Hina hummed, “well, you thought right. Thank you, I really needed this, Gummy Bear.” Sweetly staring back up at him. “And this-” Pulling his head down, she kissed him again, deeper this time, lips salty from whatever food he must have snacked on along the way. The groom-to-be gladly leaned into it, not ever being able to satiate his craving for her taste.
Taishiro sighed as she pulled away. He straightened again while Hina started to fish around in the bag, pulling out a fresh bottle of her favorite tea and taking a sip.
The BMI Hero’s gaze wandered, the consequence of endless heroics training leading to borderline overly tuned senses as he noticed the almost eerie quiet. Lifeless office buildings and dormant stores he would never step foot in - based on the opulent window displays alone - sat as expensive nightlights in the empty streets. Uptown Musutafu was much quieter than the downtown core at such a late hour, which was where he and his parents' were currently staying to be closer to the venue.
Which reminded him- “where’d ya wanna go then? Since we obviously can’t stay here.” He glanced again at the doorman through the window.
Hina tied the bag back up and looked around in thought, before turning back to her fiancé with a sly twist on her bare lips. “Well...you know where I would like to go.”
Taishiro squinted at her for a moment before the answer struck him. “Hon, that’s all the way ‘cross town.”
“So?”
He scoffed, returning her sarcasm.
“Sooo, we gotta sleep at some point, considerin’.” The groom-to-be chuckled at her.
Hina then curled her brow in that way where Taishiro knew he wasn’t going to like whatever she was going to say. “I know one way I can get us there and back quick.” Clasping her hands with the bag behind her back.
Taishiro watched as Hina turned away from him, taking a few steps onto the wide sidewalk while pulling her phone from her back pocket. Setting down the food next to her, she scrolled for a moment prior to making a final tap with her finger. Before he could ask, Hina’s hand crackled with brilliant electrical energy as she pressed her hand to whatever was on the screen, pulling out a huge animation in a flurry of energy.
As the blinding display died back down and Taishiro was able to lower his hand from shielding his eyes, his heart fell to his stomach. Much to The BMI Hero’s dismay, he immediately recognized what it was: her goddamn big blue flying horse.
The pegasus stood there stoically, adjusting his wings to tuck them into his back while reaching down for Hina to pat his head lovingly.
“No.” Taishiro said less than enthused while defiantly stuffing his hands into his hoodie pocket.
“Aw Tai, come on-”
“Hina, no.”
“It’s the only way we can get there and back with time to spare. Plus look, he loves you.” The pegasus lifted his head and let out a soft snort while shaking his mane, watching Taishiro with glowing pupil-less eyes.
The BMI Hero wrinkled his forehead, “of course he loves me, you tell him what to do.”
“You ride horses in Osaka all the time, he’s not much different.”
Taishiro scoffed at her logic. “Yeah, cause those are real animals that I helped raise, who - mind you - don’t fly.”
The large hero had a thing about heights. Always had since he was a kid. It was usually met with the same disbelieving chuckles, due to the irony of him being as tall as he was.
“You’ve done it before-“
“Uh, very unwillin’ly when I was fallin’ from a fight.” He dismissed, lowering his brow.
She shook her head with a huff while tapping the horse’s pale blue hide for him to kneel down to let her mount. “I promise it’s completely safe, just like a plane. Which I know you hate even more but you’re still riding one in a few days for our honeymoon, hm?” She adjusted herself on the horse’s broad back, gently pushing some of his mane back into place. “Also this is way better because he’s completely under my command, and you trust me right?”
He silently looked at her with his mouth pulled into a line, skeptical as the pegasus stood up straight again, its tail flicking back and forth in a pseudo-standoff with the man. “…Yes ‘course I do, but no. Also, insanely bold of you to compare this to a plane.”
“Tai-“
“No.”
“Please? For me?” She cocked her head and the horse did the same, displaying her control.
“He will keep us safe. I will keep us safe.”
Taishiro stared at her.
“I promise.” She reaffirmed, staring right back.
The BMI Hero looked between the flying horse and his fiancée. He was crazy to say anything but no to this. But for how insufferably stubborn Hina could be sometimes, she really knew how to wrap him around her finger.
His gaze wandered around the area as he let out a heavy sigh, before slowly looking back up at her again. “…Fine.” He conceded, coming forward with his head slumped to the side in frustrated defeat. He reached out to pet the horse on its surprisingly realistic nose, still very uneasy about it all. “Since it’s the eve of our wedding. But yer never askin’ me to do this again.”
Hina laughed in delight, scooching forward as Taishiro mounted the horse with familiar, skilled ease. “Well I’d better make this a flight to remember then.”
She felt her fiancé’s large, warm frame shift closer behind her as he adjusted to be more comfortable. “So’s it best to hold on to you, or-“
Before he could even finish the words, Hina yipped for the horse to go while grasping its mane. Lurching forward, Taishiro scrambled to wrap his arms around Hina. His heart raced at just how stupid of an idea this really was as they started galloping down the long empty sidewalk like a runway.
The buildings blurred in his peripheral vision as his body followed the rhythm of the gallop. The wind started to pick up, and their mount spread his impressive wings. Right before it looked like they were about to run into traffic, the pegasus lifted off.
Higher and higher they climbed. Taishiro could only hold onto Hina for dear life, as his fear involuntarily kept his eyes firmly shut and buried in her hair. He squeezed his legs with all his strength to keep himself from flying backward at the incline. He didn't even realize that the deafening wind echoing off the skyscrapers had stopped as they broke the skyline, finally evening out, with the air kissing his ears.
It wasn’t until a few moments after he heard Hina’s soothing voice coax him to look that he finally opened his eyes.
One at a time, yellow ochre fluttered open to find a scene right out of a dream.
The pair were soaring gently over the clouds, illuminated by the bright moon - which felt so close he could almost touch its dusty surface. They pushed through mist every now and then following the flow of the currents, but the air was so gentle it felt as if they weren’t moving at all.
After staring in childlike wonder at his heavenly surroundings, his eyes finally landed back onto something even more angelic. Hina watched in satisfaction as he became enchanted by the experience like she knew he would. Everyone loved the pegasus.
The Animation Hero was quick to redirect his gaze back to her when she noticed the fear crawling back into her fiancé’s face as he accidentally looked past her at the ground far, far below - nothing more than another night sky scattered with shining stars. The illusion was dizzying, as his sense of direction seemed taken with the breeze.
Hina was smiling softly at him when his eyes locked back on to hers, the fear leaving as quickly as it came. He nuzzled his chin into her shoulder and squeezed tighter. Hina leaned into the touch, soothed by the gentle swaying of the air. The rhythmic thumping of her beloved’s heartbeat against her back finally quieted her mind for the first time that day.
The pair were arriving at their destination as Hina spotted the brilliant sign of the Musutafu Bank of Japan: a majestic structure that caught the eye of tourists and locals alike. The building was already an impressive feat of architecture in and of itself, but it was the spectacular view of the city by the ocean that took one’s breath away. This, of course, made it the perfect spot for anything: from nights of endless chatter on slow patrol shifts, to a proposal that felt like only yesterday.
The pegasus landed with grace under Hina’s firm grip, his hooves clicking on the concrete before fully stopping. Taishiro’s stomach finally landed back in his abdomen when he dismounted, pins and needles climbing up his legs. He was oh, so grateful to be back on solid ground. Though he wasn’t about to admit to Hina, however, that the journey was actually somewhat enjoyable, because if she knew, she would do anything to try and get him back up there again. Not gonna happen, he was climbing back down.
Hina slid off the horse with ease, giving him one last pet before returning him to the page and walking up to Taishiro, his back turned to admire the scenery. A thought struck her as she smirked, watching her fiancé from the corner of her eye.
“It’s funny how you don’t like heights but love this spot-“ she chattered while getting a small running start before jumping onto his back. Though he actually barely flinched under the sudden familiar weight, the large hero grunted loudly and faked stumbling forwards a few steps, wrapping his arms around her strong legs as she enveloped his waist, catching his bride-to-be immediately.
They both laughed as Taishiro bent forward, pretending to struggle, before straightening up fully. Smiling over his shoulder at Hina while she affectionately pressed her cheek to his.
“ You’re so dramatic.” She chuckled like a bell in his ear as he gave her legs a playful squeeze.
They both giggled as Taishiro walked over to one of the large air conditioning units and sat her down atop of it. “Wow, that's rich comin’ from you.” He teased back, turning around on his old sneakers before placing his hands on either side of her thighs on the cool metal surface, kissing her forehead.
“Hey, watch it.” Hina playfully jabbed his chest.
He smirked again, eye crinkling with mirth as he crossed his arms to rest them atop her thighs. Now eye to eye with his fiancée, he jeered, “Hina, darlin’, need I remind you-” the groom-to-be gently poked her too, “yer the one who had a meltdown last week ‘cause ‘the garden couldn’t accommodate real doves and there were no soup spoons in the place settings’… we’re not even servin’ soup.” He chastised light heartedly, cocking his brow in amusement at her reaction to the bed she had made.
“I should know-“ Taishiro turned and faintly grunted while hoisting himself next to her on the unit, “the menu was the only thing you let me take care of.”
He pulled the takeout bag up from the ground next to him and started to rummage through the various styrofoam containers, licking his finger after opening the smushed food and handing her the bottle of tea.
Hina drew her lips into a thin line and sighed, accepting the drink. The night before her wedding was probably the ideal moment to put her ego aside.
“I know, I know. I'm sorry I went all… crazy at certain points, really.” Taking a swig of the tea then setting it down next to her with a gentle huff. “Let’s be honest though: with the mother I have, it was practically inevitable.” She rolled her eyes; her need for flawless execution was clearly hereditary. Taishiro could only chuckle in agreement at his soon-to-be mother-in-law’s influence on the wedding planning.
Hina also started picking at the dishes he brought, finding a plastic utensil deep in the bag, so as not to ruin her fresh manicure for the big day.The okonomiyaki that was once a flat disk - now a pile of mush squished to one side - still tasted delightful as Taishiro threw another piece of it in his mouth.
The Animation Hero hummed, swallowing the greasy goods as they ate in content silence, allowing the familiar, breathtaking scenery of the city lights dancing on the water to calm their equally turbulent minds; managing the whiplash of debilitating stress and overwhelming excitement for their long-awaited day.
After many of the containers now sit empty behind the couple, Taishiro still grazing at what she didn’t finish, Hina suddenly rested her chin on her drawn knee, fiddling with the plastic fork in her other hand after swallowing her last bite.
“I just… want it to be perfect.” The bride-to-be sighed heavily.
Taishiro hesitated in his chewing for a moment, concern etching its way into his brow at Hina’s sudden tone and distant look, before she continued:
“This wedding just seems to mean so much to everyone… It’s the first big celebration like this since the war, and the city reaching full restoration...” Her gaze shifted back to his. “But of course, I mostly want it to be perfect for us.” She reached over, first to wipe away some stray sauce on his clean-shaven chin, then to hold his hand.
He changed his grip so her fingers rested in his palm, and he could stroke her knuckles with his thumb. Swallowing before speaking, “Well, I’d marry you barefoot in a field ‘n’ it would still be perfect to me.” Giving her his usual toothy grin.
The bride-to-be scoffed loudly.
“Yeah, you’d like that wouldn’t you, country boy-” she ruffled his shaggy blonde hair with her free hand, Taishiro shooing it away before grabbing it, too, and enveloping both in his grip.
“That’s of course to say-” he gave her hands a light squeeze, running his thumb over her engagement ring. “I know how hard you’ve worked on this and how stressful it’s been. And of course how much this means to all the heroes and citizens. I don’t mean to discredit yer hard work either, hon.”
The stunning two-carat brilliant cut diamond rested on a band of smaller diamonds, all fitted perfectly to her finger. It had taken a few months just to find the right ring, knowing his fiancée was picky, and had expensive taste. He knew, though, that he could have proposed with a gashapon toy and she still would have screamed yes and worn it with the utmost pride.
“I know tomorrow’s gonna be amazing if you had anythin’ to do with it. But, at the end of the day, it’s about us, and how we want to remember it.” Reaching up, he pushed away the loose bangs from her moonlit face, gratitude in her eyes. Hina leaned her cheek into his hand for a moment before he pulled it away to rest it behind him on the unit. “Just keep that in mind.”
Husband and wife.
Mr. and Mrs.Toyomitsu…
The set of names Taishiro would repeat to himself almost daily until the long awaited date…
He abruptly sat up in mild panic to pat at the breast pocket of his jacket, relieved to feel the bulge still tucked away. Taishiro was just so excited to finally be able to spend time with Hina before the wedding, he had almost forgotten the main reason why he needed to see her.
“I have somethin’ for you.” Taishiro pushed down from the air conditioner to stand on the concrete in front of Hina.
She turned to him mid sip, brow raised as the wind caught strands of her ponytail, blowing her hair into her face again.
First wiping his hands on discarded paper napkins, Taishiro reached into his jacket. He revealed a rectangular jewelry box, and Hina’s eyes widened behind her heart-shaped glasses, immediately putting down her tea to dust off her fingers and face him directly.
“Yer mom spoke about all these popular western traditions, especially the one with somethin’ old and somethin’ blue…” He handed the teal velvet box to her, Hina delicately taking it between her fingers.
As Taishiro continued to explain, she slowly opened the lid to find a gift that nearly rivaled a certain ring he had given her only six months prior, in this very spot.
It was the most beautiful heart shaped golden locket, the pendant sitting on a delicate chain of the same precious metal. She pulled it out of its casing, the gold reflecting the same lights that twinkled in her now misty eyes.
“An’ I thought-” He reached up to rub his neck, but his ever growing smile gave away his pride. “I should be the one to give you yer somethin’ new.”
Hina was hypnotized by the necklace, as it spun back and forth on the chain, its radiant yellow warmth a perfect reminder of the man standing in front of her.
“Oh… Tai it’s-”
“Open it.”
Hina stopped, then looked at the locket again. Looking back at Taishiro who gave her another excited nod of encouragement. Hina fiddled with the clasp until the pendant clicked open and she nearly burst into tears right then and there.
Inside was a photo, of course. A photo of them at the Purple Revolution Agency where they had met. A copy of the same small polaroid that used to sit amongst the collage of mementos inside her locker at the agency. It was her, in her short pink hair, taking a selfie with a tall, blonde, handsome man - one she had never thought would be her husband one day - celebrating after hitting new rankings within the Hero Billboard Chart. She could see the twinkle in their young eyes, not knowing what their futures were to hold. And on the inside of the locket: a smooth surface engraved with tomorrow’s date.
He knew she was a sentimental person… damn the bastard was good.
Her voice cracked for a moment as she pouted, looking up to keep the tears from falling. Taishiro chuckled, gently taking the present as Hina slid off the air conditioner as well and turned, pulling her ponytail over her shoulder to allow him to put it on her. Fiddling with the clasp between his large fingers, he finally got it to click as she spun back around to face him, her fingers finding the locket to fidget with it.
The tears were already streaming down her beaming face as Taishiro laughed with her, pulling his fiancée into a hug that she gladly returned with all her gratitude. They held onto each other tightly, Hina wiping her tears with the sleeve of her sweater, and burying her face in his chest with a sincere ‘thank you’.
Taishiro rubbed her back and chuckled gently again in her ear, “Yer very welcome, sweetheart.” Hina still not letting go as he rested his cheek on her head.
Finally pulling away from his shoulder, she groaned lightly through a giggle at the embarrassment of her sudden waterworks. “This is a bad sign for tomorrow-“ she whined, lightly touching her freshly done eyelash extensions with her knuckle to preserve them from the tears.
Taishiro snickered again as he continued to rub her sides, holding her waist close to his. “Nah, I’m sure I’ll beat ya to it.”
She let out a bright laugh before abruptly pulling him down to plant a kiss on his lips over and over again, feeling the smoothness of his plump cheeks against her own.
Each kiss became more desperate. Hina’s body pressing against his, the necklace dangling against Taishiro’s chest as he leaned back on the air conditioner unit. One of his hands grabbed the back of her head to deepen their embrace. The other hand starting to roam down the only body he knew better than his own-
A gentle knock on her dressing room door snapped her out of the heated memory: a vivid reminder of why she definitely shouldn’t be wearing white today.
Hina set the locket back in place to sit elegantly on her clavicle.
“Bunny?” She immediately knew who it was, of course. “It’s time.”
Hina quickly readjusted any small flaws in the mirror before calling out - “Come in.”
The door opened, anticipating her father’s reaction when he would see her. He looked sharp in his dark suit and combed back salt and pepper hair, perfectly polished as always.
His eyes slowly found hers as he stopped midstep.
Tsukuru Eiji admired the absolute radiance of his daughter. Out of everyone in the bridal party, besides Taishiro, he was the last to see her. The silence lingered as he just watched her, fearing if he blinked once more she would be even older again.
“So? What do you think?” Hina did a little twirl on her podium, giving her dad the full effect of the ensemble.
He slowly stepped forward, his eyes still taking in her wedding look as he offered his hand to help her down. Holding hers tightly with the naive hope that he could pull her back to a time where it felt so much smaller. He looked at her closer, rubbing his hand tenderly on her upper arm so as to not disturb the fabric too much, before reaching up and pushing a curl back into place.
The sniffle and gentle mist building behind his polished glasses caught Hina off guard, as she couldn’t remember the last time she had seen him cry.
“Daddy…” Hina cooed, returning the gesture by resting her hand on his upper arm.
She let him compose himself quickly before he gently pulled her in for a hug, which she gladly returned. Feeling so small again for the briefest moment - in that hug that would always be her first comfort. Him smelling like he always would when he had a press conference, or dinner with her mom.
Pulling away, Eiji inhaled sharply and coughed to get the frog out of his throat, before making eye contact with her again. “You look absolutely beautiful, Hina. Like your mother.”
He examined her again, his smile growing almost melancholic, before he breathed in a deep sigh. “Right. It’s time for us to go.”
Hina nodded and let out a shaky breath to steady herself. Her dad brought a gentle finger to her chin to raise it and caress her cheek, looking at her.
If Hina hadn’t been crying before, she absolutely was then, looking upward to stop the tears from falling and running her mascara, giving him another hug. Eiji rubbed her back once more before letting go, his daughter shuffling to the mirror to do one last quick touch up on her makeup.
She grabbed her bouquet then laced her arm with his as he held the door open for her with his foot, gathering up the absurdly long train.
Barely stepping into the hallway, the familiar, sharp timbre that she had been dealing with since the engagement caught her ear. A short, stout, extensively made-up woman dressed head to toe in designer, enthusiastically greeted the pair. Though very headstrong and flamboyant, Mrs. Yukihira was the true powerhouse behind this incredible event, with her attentiveness to detail and seemingly omnipotent ability to make everyone's dreams come true. She wasn’t called ‘the fairy godmother’ for nothing, matching insect-like wings and all. Flitting off the floor with each step as she floated over, tablet in hand.
Showering the bride with another string of praises, Mrs. Yukihira practically snatched the train from Hina and handed it to one of her many assistants. Holding the fabric behind the bride to prevent it from dragging, she commanded the pair to walk before muttering a signal into her headset of the arrival of the bride.
Father and daughter strolled in silence down the long, ornately decorated halls of the plaza, each clack of her silk heels against the marble making her heart beat faster. Turning the corner, she finally saw her bridesmaids again: various close friends from UA and the hero circuit, all beautifully dressed in the softest shades of pink while carrying smaller bouquets of matching roses to mimic the bride’s.
“Ms. Hina!” A sweet voice called out to her in a stage whisper. The prettiest little flower girl peeked out from behind the group of women, a basket of freshly picked rose petals firm in her grip and silver hair pinned up with baby’s breath.
“There she is!” Hina bent her knees as much as she could in the tight dress, tenderly putting a hand to Eri’s cheek after she bounded over to meet the bride with a gasp.
“You look like a real-life princess, Ms. Hina!” Eri exclaimed.
“So do you, sweetie!” Hina giggled, grabbing her hand and gently spinning the little girl around, her pink chiffon dress poofing out dramatically as she blushed.
“Gorgeous of course! And all of you ladies as well.” Hina praised her cherished bridesmaids, as they offered a flurry of compliments once more to their bride.
“Places, places everyone!” The wedding planner hushed the group and quickly shuffled them into position behind the grand wooden double doors. Buzzing with the thrum of murmurs from the crowd anxiously waiting behind it. She guided Eri right in front of Hina as the bride threw her flower girl one last wink.
Each second felt like a lifetime, until finally the orchestra began to play. The garden reverberated with the sound of feet shuffling as the guests stood for the grand entrance of the bride.
One last breath. One last nudge of reassurance. One last beat of her heart.
With a harsh final command from Mrs. Yukihara, the doors slowly swung open.
The bridesmaids glided out one after the other to the melodic tune of harps and violin. Eri followed suit, very gingerly throwing the petals as precisely as possible, to many coos from the audience.
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as the bride herself was revealed. Her final look had been a well kept secret, and of course, she was radiant.
Floating down the aisle in a sea of shimmering white, her dress sparkling in the light that cascaded from the vaulted atrium above. It seemed as if even the sun was eagerly awaiting her entrance.
She wished she could say exactly who was in the crowd that day. But the faces blurred together into a colorful sea of extravagantly dressed guests in her peripheral vision, as she immediately locked eyes with him, and just couldn’t look away.
He was so dashing in his perfectly tailored black suit, decorated with orange accents: her handsome prince. His hair was loosely gelled back for once, instead of his usual bedhead. A single white rose surrounded by Baby’s Breath sat on his lapel to match her bouquet. And his face said everything she needed to know.
She heard vague whispers and coos from the crowd, pointing out the tears forming in the groom’s eyes, as he failed to wipe them away quick enough before they streaked down his cheeks.
With every step that brought her closer to him, she quickly followed suit.
As the music started to decrescendo, the bride reached the foot of the steps leading up to the elevated platform where her groom stood.
She finally turned to her dad, who looked into the eyes of his youngest, preparing himself to pass on the protection of her heart into the care of another. Leaning in to give her a kiss on the forehead before looking up at his soon-to-be son-in-law, giving him a small nod that spoke volumes - more than any words could have done. Taishiro reciprocated before Mr. Tsukuru went to find his spot next to his wife in the front row, who took his hand in comfort.
Taishiro took a step down from the platform to hold out his hand for his bride, which she gracefully accepted, walking up the few steps to face him. They stood hand in hand with equally glossy eyes.
The music died down with a few more drawn out notes on the violin. Hina turned to her bridal party and handed them her bouquet, so she could take both of Taishiro’s large hands in hers.
He was finally seeing the vision he had dreamed of. The groom looked her over intently, imprinting in his memory every single detail of her beauty. Looking over her soft features, trailing his gaze all over the immaculate ensemble until it stopped on the gift he had given her just the night prior. His smile grew ever wider - if that was even possible. He reached up to tenderly adjust the locket back to resting perfectly between her collar bones, lingering a moment before grasping her hand once again.
Excited silence hummed in the air after the music finally stopped, until the footsteps of their revered officiant echoed throughout the luscious space.
To a few surprised gasps, the former number one hero, All Might himself stepped up to the podium that sat underneath the grand arch of white roses and foliage. The older gentleman, despite having lost his intimidating physique, could still easily command the attention of a room with his honorable presence. Taishiro and Hina returned his kind smile, as he prepared himself to speak.
“Please be seated.” The gardens filled once more with the shuffling of dress shoes and heels.
“Good afternoon, everyone.” He began, reading from the notes as his resonant baritone echoed through the space, aided by a small microphone on his lapel.
“We are gathered here today to bear witness to the union of Toyomitsu Taishiro and Tsukuru Hina. To celebrate and honor new beginnings, built upon the strongest foundations of love.”
Hina squeezed Taishiro’s hands, him returning the gesture.
“When my esteemed colleague at UA High school and dear friend asked me to officiate, I could not have imagined a greater honor. To be a part of something for which we fought to the very last breath to make possible: our future. We feel the presence here, today, of those we have lost, as their memory is what keeps us from forgetting that we must love deeply and passionately in the moment, every single day.”
All Might flipped his paper to continue, gently clearing his throat.
“Taishiro and Hina, the Pro Heroes Fatgum and Artiste, could not be a more perfect example. We are able to stand here and celebrate their marriage, because today we are stronger than ever before. Together, Taishiro and Hina have shown us that even through the darkest of nights, there will always be a new dawn waiting. Together, they have shown immeasurable strength through much adversity, but it was by learning to share their greatest weakness, did they find where real strength truly lies. Two hearts, two souls, two paths ridden with pain and strife, love and joy, still found each other through it all, so they would never walk alone again.”
All Might raised his piercing blue gaze to meet Hina’s.
“Tsukuru Hina, do you take Toyomitsu Taishiro to be your lawfully wedded husband from this day forward, to have and to hold, through darkness and light, through sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer: will you love, honor and cherish him as long as you both shall live?”
“And beyond.” Hina answered, absolutely lost in that golden gaze. “I mean, I do.”
A few gentle chuckles emerged from the audience, along with a growing smirk from Taishiro.
“Toyomitsu Taishiro-”
All might turned to the groom, sharing a smile as well. “Do you take Tuskuru Hina, to be your lawfully wedded wife from this day forward, to have and to hold, through darkness and light, through sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer: will you love, honor and cherish her as long as you both shall live?”
Without missing a beat Taishiro answered with his whole chest: “I do.”
Before he leaned down and lowered his voice just for her to hear. “And beyond.”
All might turned to the small line of well dressed groomsmen. “May we have the rings please.”
Hina’s brother Kirito happily presented the velvet box from his suit breast pocket. Inside nestled two perfect golden bands, one plain and one encrusted with three small diamonds. All Might held it out for the couple as one by one they plucked their spouse’s ring to prepare for the vows.
All Might turned to Hina once more. “Repeat after me: Taishiro, with this ring, I thee wed.”
Hina turned back to Taishiro, slipping the large golden band onto his finger and repeating the vows. “Taishiro, with this ring, I thee wed-”
“I promise to deeply love, honor, and cherish you-”
“I promise to -” she gently sniffled, trying to keep her makeup from smearing. “To deeply love, honor, and cherish you-”
“In darkness and light, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer-”
“In darkness and light, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer-”
“Until death do us part-”
“Until death do us part.”
Hina adjusted the ring on his finger until it fit perfectly, and held his hand tight.
All Might turned back to Taishiro, who was waiting ready with her ring in his large grip.
“Repeat after me: Hina, with this ring, I thee wed.”
“Hina, with this ring, I thee wed-”
Taishiro glided the ring onto her finger, holding her hand between both of his, no longer caring about the relentless tears.
“I promise to deeply love, honor, and cherish you-”
“I promise to deeply love, honor, and cherish you-”
“In darkness and light, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer-”
“In darkness and light, in sickness ‘n’ in health, for richer or for poorer-”
“Until death do us part-”
“Til death do us part.”
Hina reached up and gently rested her hand on his cheek for a moment, wiping away a stray tear.
All Might watched the couple with pure contentment, before saying the ever-binding words.
“Then by the power vested in me by the city of Musutafu and the people of Japan, I happily pronounce you husband and wife. You may now-”
Before he could even finish, the newlyweds jumped at the chance to seal the deal with a passionate kiss. Hina leapt into his arms and smashed her lips into his, as Taishiro swept her up, to a chorus of cheers and applause from the crowd drowning out the orchestra.
Her veil shimmered in the lights as they finally broke away, Taishiro holding her for a moment longer, their faces staying close just to gaze into the other's eyes. Setting her down, the pair turned to face the ongoing applause, waving and smiling to the crowd, still wrapped in each other's arms.
After signing the official wedding certificate, Hina took back her bouquet to stride together hand in hand down the aisle for the first time as husband and wife. The crowd stood up in waves, still applauding with an outpour of joy and congratulations for the newlyweds. Hina and Taishiro smiled widely at their friends, colleagues, and family as they passed by, finally reaching the large wooden doors again. As the couple turned the corner, Mrs. Yukihara immediately escorted them to the grand front entrance of the plaza, the doors already wide open - the citizens waiting with bated breath for the new hero husband and wife to emerge.
The crowd of fans, and paparazzi alike came into view beyond the blinding sunshine as Taishiro and Hina emerged past the doorway. Hand in hand, the couple waved lovingly while the applause and paper confetti drowned out the clicks of cameras - frantic paparazzi competing to be the first to photograph the beloved newlyweds.
A chorus of chants begging them to kiss crescendoed throughout the open air. Hina and Taishiro turned back to each other with a laugh as he gladly leaned down again to plant one on her. Just as their lips were to meet, Hina raised her bouquet to cover their faces in a lighthearted attempt to preserve their privacy; as his kiss would be, forever and always, just for her.