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It is the most sought-after venue in all of Tokyo, an impressive Greek-inspired structure with carved marble columns that stretches across a vast country club, and it is here where our story takes place: the wedding of Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen. The event unfolds with the elegance and formality expected of such an occasion, the ceremony filled with emotion and carefully prepared gestures, where every detail reflects not only their union, but the path that led them to this moment. Their families occupy the places of honor, while the front rows also hold reserved seats for their closest friends: Special Week, Silence Suzuka, Vodka, Gold Ship, Daiwa Scarlet, and Kitasan Black, all dressed in their finest for the occasion, gathering once more and bringing with them memories of their days at Tracen and the bond that endured during the years.
Before the ceremony began, a man slightly older than most of the brides’ guests arrived at the venue. He had brown hair, lightly tanned skin, and a somewhat unkempt beard that, even on such a special day, he hadn’t bothered to shave. His hair was tied back in a small ponytail. Despite that, he was dressed with care, wearing a blue blazer and matching trousers. At his side, holding his hand, was a woman just as well dressed, with short blue hair. Together, they approached the valet to hand over the car.
“Hey, kid, take good care of her. She’s nothing fancy, but she means a lot,” the man said as he handed over the keys, then walked toward the reception podium.
“Good afternoon. Names, please,” the receptionist said in a formal, almost monotonous tone.
“Ryo Nishizaki and Aoi Kiryuin. We’re here for the event.”
The man checked the list, found their names, and allowed them to pass. As they entered, a young white-haired uma caught sight of them from her seat. Her long, silvery hair framed a soft, gentle expression, and her posture remained neat and composed despite the excitement in her eyes. There was a quiet warmth in the way she watched them, her hands resting carefully on her lap as if she was trying to contain the urge to wave or call out to them, her attention fully drawn the moment they stepped inside.
“Trainer, over here, I saved you a seat,” the young girl said.
“Thank you, Meek,” Aoi replied as she sat down, then glanced at her companion. “Dear, is something wrong?”
He didn't sit straight away as his attention was fixed on the group of girls a few rows in front of them.
“Yeah… just give me a moment. I need to talk to my former students,” he said before stepping away and moving along the aisle.
“Then Orfevre tells me there’s no way there are two hundred and fifty crab patties in that box, and I tell her, if you want to know so badly, why don’t you just open it?” Gold Ship said with animated gestures, clearly entertained by her own story, while Vodka nodded along offering the occasional reaction doing her best to keep up the act of pretending she was interested in whatever she was saying, meanwhile the T man approached their row, stopping just beside them.
“Well, look at this. If it isn’t my favorite group from the academy.” said
“Trainer, I’m so happy to see you!” Kitasan Black said, her excitement showing as the others around her smiled as well.
“Good to see you too, Kita. You know, it’s nice seeing all of you without having to drag me around with a sack over my head,” Ryo said with a relaxed tone. His gaze shifted to Suzuka, a hint of surprise crossing his face. “I’m also glad you came all the way from America for this.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for anything,” she replied politely.
Daiwa Scarlet interrupted, her tone edged with light sarcasm. “What kind of manners are those, Trainer? You could at least introduce us to your date.”
“Oh, Aoi and I?” Ryo replied, a small smile forming. “A lot has happened since you all graduated. We grew closer over time, and, well…” He lifted his hand, pointing at the ring on his finger. “I didn’t invite you to the wedding because then I would’ve had to invite every trainee I’ve had over the past few years.”
“Congratulations, Trainer!” Special Week said brightly, before tilting her head. “But… weren’t we your favorites?”
The rest of the group gave her a collective look of disapproval.
“Heh… well, then… how’s the couple of honor doing? It should be about time,” he said, trying to move the conversation along.
On the other side of the venue, Mejiro McQueen stood before a mirror, taking in her reflection. Her white dress, adorned with delicate cyan ribbons, gave her an elegant, almost storybook-like presence. She remained there for a moment, absorbed in her own thoughts, her attention fixed on the image staring back at her, until a familiar voice called out from behind and broke her focus.
“McQueen, are you alright?” the voice asked.
“Ah… yes, come in, Palmer,” McQueen replied, turning slightly toward the door.
Palmer closed the door behind her and looked at her cousin through the mirror, immediately noticing the tension in her expression. “Are you alright, Couz? You seem a bit anxious, and I see you haven’t even started your makeup.”
McQueen hadn’t realized it herself. For the past ten minutes, she had been standing there with a lipstick in her hand, still unopened, her thoughts too far away to notice the time passing.
“Thank you, Palmer. I’m fine, but I could use a bit of help.”
Palmer reached for a powder compact and began working with practiced ease, her eyes briefly flicking to the lipstick in McQueen’s hand. “You do know the base comes first, right?” she said with a teasing tone. When the comment didn’t get much of a reaction, she set the lipstick aside, gently wiped McQueen’s face with a cloth, and started over properly, applying primer with careful movements.
As she moved on to the foundation, she glanced at her again through the mirror. “Feeling nervous on your big day?”
“No, not at all. I’ve never been nervous,” McQueen replied, her voice composed. “I’m not sure what gave you that impression.”
Palmer noticed it almost right away. Her cousin had always been reserved, but this felt different. McQueen wasn’t just quiet, she was distant, like her thoughts were somewhere else entirely.
“Everyone’s already here. The guests arrived on time, everything is running smoothly… is this about your shawty?”
McQueen kept her eyes on the mirror, her posture straight, her hands resting carefully at her sides.
“There is nothing to be concerned about. Everything is proceeding as planned.”
Palmer let out a small breath, stepping closer, watching her through the reflection.
“You’re late to your own wedding,” she said, more gently this time. “And you’ve been standing here for a while.”
McQueen didn’t answer immediately.
“I needed a moment.”
Palmer nodded once, giving her a second before speaking again.
“You don’t usually act like this.”
That was enough to break the rhythm McQueen had been holding onto.
“I don’t know how she does it,” she said quietly. “She walks into a room and everything feels lighter, she speaks, she laughs, she makes people comfortable without even trying.” Palmer stayed quiet, letting her continue. “And I…” McQueen hesitated, her voice lowering. “I feel like I slow things down, like I make everyone uncomfortable”
Her fingers tightened slightly against the fabric of her dress.
“I was standing there earlier, looking at myself, and all I could think about was whether I would ruin the moment by not being able to keep up with her.”
Palmer’s expression softened.
“You think she’s going to look at you and feel disappointed.”
McQueen didn’t deny it.
“I know it doesn’t make sense,” she said. “She has never given me a reason to think that. But I keep imagining it anyway.”
Palmer shifted her weight, leaning slightly closer.
“You’re scared of not being who she thinks you are.”
McQueen exhaled slowly, her shoulders lowering just a bit.
“Yes.” She said
Palmer looked at her reflection, then back at her.
“You’re not the only one who’s felt like that,” she said. “I’ve had moments where I thought I wasn’t enough for the people I cared about. It doesn’t go away just because the day is important, but you don’t fix that by standing here and letting it grow,” Palmer continued. “You have to go out there and trust what you already have with her is real.”
McQueen stayed silent, but the tension in her posture had begun to ease.
“She didn’t choose you because you’re like her,” Palmer added. “She chose you because you complete her, you two are like reflections of one another.”
McQueen looked at herself again, taking a steadier breath.
“I don’t want to hold her back,” she said.
“You won’t,” Palmer replied, her tone calm. “You’ve been walking beside her this whole time, this doesn’t change that.” said as she was finishing her makeup, McQueen remained quiet, but this time she didn’t look away.
Palmer stepped back slightly, giving her space.
“They’re waiting for you, lets get going”
McQueen rose from her seat, taking Palmer’s hand as she did. Together, they stepped out of the dressing room and into the long corridor that led to the hall. The space opened before them, wide and bright, the ceremony already in place. Helios, who had been waiting nearby for any signal, noticed their arrival and immediately set things in motion.
McQueen began her walk toward the altar with measured steps, her posture composed, her presence drawing the attention of everyone in the room. There was a quiet grace in the way she carried herself, each movement deliberate, as the murmur of the guests faded into attentive silence.
At the other end, Tokai Teio stood beside the officiant, in her best black suit. Next to her, Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi leaned in slightly, her voice low enough to keep the moment between them.
“See? I told you she wouldn’t run.”
Teio kept her eyes forward, though her expression softened just a little. “I never said that. I just… thought about the possibility.”
Tsuyoshi leaned in slightly, keeping her voice low as the music began to rise.
“You’ve been staring at the entrance for a while now.”
Teio kept her posture straight, her eyes fixed ahead. “I’m just making sure everything is on time.”
“You’ve said that three times already,” Tsuyoshi replied quietly, a hint of amusement in her voice. “You’re nervous.”
Teio exhaled through her nose, her fingers shifting slightly against her sleeves. “I just don’t like not knowing what’s happening on the other side.”
Tsuyoshi glanced toward the entrance for a moment before looking back at her. “She’s getting ready. That’s all.” There was a brief pause.
“I know,” Teio said, softer this time. “I just keep thinking about it anyway.”
Tsuyoshi watched her for a second, then spoke again, her tone more grounded.
“She’s coming,” she said. “McQueen wouldn’t leave you waiting here.”
Teio’s shoulders eased just a little, her focus settling again on the altar.
“…Yeah,” she murmured.
McQueen finally reached the altar. As she stepped into place, Teio looked at her for a moment, her expression softening.
“You look really nice. I like your makeup,” she said quietly.
“Thank you. You look very beautiful as well,” McQueen replied, her voice calm, though her gaze lingered just a second longer than usual.
The ceremony continued in a calm and steady rhythm, guided by the officiant as the two of them exchanged vows and rings before their families and friends. Their voices remained composed, though the emotion behind their words was clear to everyone present. The atmosphere stayed warm and attentive, with small reactions from the guests accompanying each step until the final words were spoken and the union was made official, followed by quiet applause that slowly grew into a shared celebration. What followed was the usual sequence of events, the kiss, the bouquet toss, where the only memorable moment came when Mayano Top Gun and Nice Nature ended up struggling over it, a brief scuffle that somehow ended with Nice Nature claiming victory to the amusement of the guests. After that, the cake was cut, an elaborate piece prepared by the finest pastry chefs both families could find. As the celebration continued, the final moment of the night began to approach, the dance between the newlyweds.
McQueen and Teio sat side by side, taking a brief pause while the celebration carried on around them. Teio shifted slightly in her seat, her attention drifting toward the doors that led outside.
“This is getting a little dull,” she said, leaning closer. “We could be doing something more interesting.”
McQueen turned to her, composed as always. “More interesting than our own wedding?”
Teio’s expression remained bright. “I was thinking we could step outside for a moment. Maybe we could play catch… and maybe get into second base together.”
McQueen paused, the suggestion catching her off guard. A faint flush reached her cheeks as she looked away, her posture stiffening.
“Teio, that would be inappropriate. We are still in the middle of the event.”
Teio stood anyway and offered her hand, waiting without rushing her.
After a moment, McQueen accepted, allowing herself to be led outside. The noise from the reception softened as they stepped into the garden, the evening air cooler and quieter. McQueen glanced around, aware of their surroundings.
“This is not exactly discreet. If someone notices we...”
“Close your eyes,” Teio said, stopping her new wife´s complaint with a gentle kiss.
McQueen hesitated, then complied, her expression settling into something more expectant than she intended. She stood still, waiting, her thoughts moving ahead of her. When she opened her eyes, she found a baseball glove resting in her palm. Teio stood a short distance away with another glove already on, a ball in her hand, Mcqueen couldn't help but laugh about the clear misunderstanding, sadly for her, Teio was very amusing when she needed to, so they indeed played for a while, completely forgetting about the party.
They stayed there for a while, passing the ball back and forth across the garden, their movements steady, the formality of the evening giving way to something familiar and unguarded. From inside the hall, Ryo happened to glance toward the garden and caught sight of them for a brief moment. He watched in silence, a faint understanding crossing his expression, and chose not to say anything, turning his attention back to the celebration.
In the guest hall, Suzuka folded her hands lightly in her lap, her gaze moving across the room. “It’s a lovely party. The music is nice… and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.”
Special Week nodded with enthusiasm, already halfway through her plate. “Yeah, and the food is amazing too!”
Vodka leaned back in her chair, glancing toward the entrance and then back at the others. “Still feels a bit off, doesn’t it? The couple’s nowhere around.”
Daiwa Scarlet crossed her arms, letting out a quiet sigh. “It’s honestly troublesome. Leaving their own reception like this…”
Kitasan looked between them, her smile softening with a hint of concern. “Um… maybe we should go check on them?”
From a nearby table, Ryo, who had caught sight of the two slipping out earlier, let out a low chuckle. He took a sip from his glass before answering.“You know what? I think they’re fine wherever they are,” he said, grabbing a drink. “Let them be. If anything, they’re probably having more fun than we are, so let’s just enjoy the party.”
The party carried on even without its stars, the guests settling into the celebration while the two of them remained out in the garden, passing the ball back and forth for far longer than they probably should have, unaware of the quiet confusion they left behind. The night moved forward at its own pace, and by the time it began to wind down, they had already claimed it in their own way. In the end, it became the day they had hoped for, because it felt like theirs from beginning to end. What followed was a life that moved through its share of highs and lows, filled with affection, a well-behaved daughter, and a bond that stayed present through every moment that came after.