When you unexpectedly run into your ex during a night out with your friends, it just added to your already crappy day. Then his new fiance reminded you of their upcoming nuptials, questioning whether you'd be bringing a plus one... Fortunately your best friend was there to save you.
Or
You are forced to attend your ex's wedding to the woman he cheated on you with. Lucky for you, your best friend agrees to tag along for the week as your "fake" boyfriend.
A/N: I am so sorry this took so long! Life did its thing and I had absolutely no energy or motivation to write. BUT we are BACK BABY! I finished the last 8.5k words of this in less than 2 days! The will to write has returned and I could not be more excited!
Tags: ProHero!Shinso x F!Reader, AU, MDNI, NSFW, best friends to lovers, slow burn, fake dating, toxic ex, mentions of cheating, eventual smut, unprotected sex, light angst, hurt comfort, mutual pining, soft Shinso, use of pet names, no use of Y/N, Wingwoman Grandma!
W/C: 22.7k
Term of endearment:
Fudō - Steadfast or immovable, nickname given to reader by Shinso during their time at UA
If you don't want to read this in the oneshot format I have linked the fic on Ao3 where I have broken it into chapters.
Masterlist
It was supposed to be a fun night, a chance to let loose and relax after the hell that this week had been. Just a few friends gathering at the group's favorite bar to commiserate and drown their stress in booze and good company. The atmosphere was warm; the air hummed with pleasant conversation as a few stray words occasionally drifted to you before dissipating faster than you could truly comprehend them.
For the most part it was doing what you had hoped - distracting you from the stress of work and the awful conversation you'd had with your mother no less than an hour before meeting everyone here.
The day had been more stressful than you'd expected. Luminous Shroud, a Pro Hero who was slowly regaining his strength to return to the field after a particularly nasty battle with a villain, had hired you as a Quirk Conditioning Specialist at the advice of his doctors. Now that he had fully recovered from his physical injuries, it was time to start retraining and strengthening his Quirk. That was where you came in.
As a Quirk Conditioning Specialist, you function similarly to a sports therapist, only instead of focusing solely on the physical body, you primarily concentrate on an individual's Quirk and their control over it. It was a rewarding career that paid well and allowed you the opportunity to use your Quirk almost as much as a Pro without actually having to go through the same training and certification process.
Not that you couldn't have gone Pro with your Quirk... as your mother so loved to remind you.
Luminous Shroud's control was rapidly returning to what it had been before their injuries, and unfortunately for you, he got cocky. You'd been in the middle of a training exercise with them; the practice field was littered with quickly moving targets so as to help sharpen their aim and broaden their battlefield awareness.
As always, you were off to the side, well out of the way as you observed - taking note of his stance and the subtle tremble in the tips of his fingers as he held concentration over his Quirk. A frown pulled the corners of your mouth downward when you noticed him trying to pull more than two beams of energy from his Quirks origination point. You'd talked to him before beginning about only trying to utilize two since his control was still unstable beyond that.
"Luminous, only two, we talked about this." You tried to keep your voice steady and not let the irritation show, but it was a common problem with him and many other heroes. They always tried to push for more before their bodies were ready.
"It'll be fine!" An arrogant smirk danced across his lips as he ignored you, his attention focused on the targets in front of him.
Taking a step forward, you were intent on pointing out the extra strain he was putting on himself, when the illusory shadow of his Quirk rippled.
Three additional beams of energy rocketed outward in random directions, slicing through the air and cutting deep into the terrain below.
With little time to react, you did the only thing you could. Activating your Quirk, the beam directed at you slammed into your outstretched palm - the heat of it searing into your hand and forearm.
You lifted your other arm at the same time, aiming for one of the hills partway across the battlefield. The familiar tingle of your Quirk surged through you in the heartbeat between the hit and your subsequent redirect.
A burst of light shot forward out of your palm and slammed into the terrain, fracturing stone as smoke drifted upwards from the place of impact.
Less than two seconds had passed between his Quirks fluctuation and now. Yet in that time, he'd managed to cause significant damage to the training grounds structure and burn the hell out of your arm.
"Hey! You still with us?" Tokage Setsuna was gently shaking your shoulder, pulling you back to the present.
"Ah, yeah, sorry. Got distracted thinking about work," you gave her an apologetic smile as you realized most of the others at the table were watching you with a mix of worry and amusement.
Fortunately, the agency's medics had been able to heal most of the burns, but there were still a few that would take some time to fully heal, and may even scar. For his part, Luminous Shroud felt terrible, apologizing over and over for hurting you - but you weren't ready to forgive him yet. If he'd just listened instead of thinking he knew better it wouldn't have happened.
"I bet! He's seriously lucky you reacted so fast or it could have been so much worse!"
Kaminari was a more recent addition to the friend group, though his bubbly personality and genuine, kind heart fit right in - despite the rocky start when you had all been students.
A calloused hand reached over from your other side, lifting your bandaged arm with a look of deep concentration.
"Ya know, I could probably make you some kind of shield!" Hatsume's hair was still pulled back in her signature pink ponytail, though tonight she'd chosen to leave her goggles at the office... for once. "It wouldn't be that hard, actually! All I'd really need to do is inst-"
"That's alright, Mei!" You cut her off before she could get too carried away. "I'm usually fine, just this time caught me a bit off guard."
A scoff from the other side of the table drew your attention to the other blond, sitting beside Shinso.
Monoma had simultaneously changed so much and so little since school. He would always be the same over-confident brat he was back then but his edges had softened some. When he was out with friends like tonight, he was softer, still fiercely loyal to those he cared about but more willing to listen than he had been before the war.
"Still don't know why you waste your time on heroes that can't break the Top 100."
You laughed at the disdain in his voice, "Because it pays the bills, Neito. We can't all be big bad pros like you guys."
Beside you, Hatsume laughed loudly, falling against your shoulder as she did. A grin took over your expression as the rest of the table chuckled along. Yeah, this is exactly what you needed tonight.
Conversation continued to flow easily, bouncing from one topic to the next. Occasionally someone would head to the bar for another drink, leaving the table just a touch quieter than before.
You'd just finished chuckling at a story Monoma was telling about a case he and Shinso had worked on together, when you reached for your glass only to find it empty. There was a pleasant warmth in your chest from the alcohol - not enough to hinder your thoughts or judgement, just enough to help you relax.
After making your way to the bar, you were leaning against the counter sipping on a water while you waited for the bartender to finish your drink when a familiar voice cut through the din.
A grimace washed across your face before you schooled your expression back into calm indifference and turned around.
Standing proudly in the space behind you, was Fukuda Shinji, your ex-boyfriend.
He looked the same as the last time you'd seen him, only maybe a little more pleased with himself. His hair was styled into careful disarray, dark eyes looked out at the world with a cold calculation you'd once convinced yourself meant he cared enough to pay attention. Shinji had always been fairly lean and well-built, not the same as the Heroes you worked with every day, but still enough to tell he took care of himself.
One of those strong arms was draped around the shoulders of the woman beside him, Muto Fumiko.
Of course they had to be here tonight. Hearing about it from your mother clearly hadn't caused you enough grief to make the universe happy.
"Well, well, didn't expect to see you here," his voice was smooth, carrying just enough sharpness to let you know he was deeply delighted he would have the chance to make you uncomfortable.
"Fukuda," you looked at the woman beside him, clenching your jaw before addressing her. "Muto."
"What, that's all you've got to say? Surely you would have received the invitation by now?"
Gods above you wanted to punch him.
Just as you opened your mouth to respond, a deeper voice cut in, immediately settling some of the anxiety that had begun to flood your system.
"There a problem?"
Indigo hair fell nearly to his shoulders, the messy strands still managing to look attractive despite his clear disdain for keeping up appearances. A frown pulled at the corners of Shinso’s mouth as he came to stand beside you, violet eyes giving you an assessing once-over before he returned his gaze to your ex and his fiancé.
"Of course not! I'm just catching up with an old friend," Fukuda narrowed his eyes slightly at the new arrival. You could already see his mind working to figure out who this was.
Before the tension could get worse, you spoke up.
"Yes, Fukuda. I spoke with my mother today. Rather last minute don't you think?" Letting the ice you could feel in your bones color your tone, you felt Shinso look at you - though you didn't dare take your eyes off the pair in front of you.
It was Muto who inserted herself this time, a saccharine smile twisting her lips, "Oh I don't think so. A month should be plenty of time... I'm sure you and your partner will have no problem getting the time off work."
Nausea threatened to overwhelm you as her eyes seemed to pierce straight through you.
"Unless of course, you don't have anyone to bring." Her smile turned taunting, the sickly-sweet tone of her voice morphing into something arrogant and mocking.
You never had a chance to answer.
Suddenly there was a heavy weight along your shoulders as an arm wrapped around you, tugging you into the firm side of the purple-haired man beside you.
"'Course she's got someone to bring."
You'd caught his eye the first day of class - smart, quick-witted, and unafraid. He found you utterly fascinating and that hadn't changed in all the years since. Even when the nature of his Quirk was eventually revealed you didn't bat an eye, grinning with unashamed pride when he proclaimed he would become a hero.
It didn't take long after that to become fast friends - he admired your drive and the way you always dove head first into your studies, marveled at your cool confidence anytime you stepped in to defend him against those who refused to understand his Quirk. By the time the Sports Festival rolled around he found himself constantly by your side.
In fact, it was you who helped him figure out the best plan of action with such physical challenges involved. Your analytical mind assessed each person and their strengths, pointing out who he should target to remain in the running without giving away too much.
You were always on top of everything - had a back-up plan for any scenario.
So, when he saw you freeze at the bar, he knew something was wrong.
As he got closer the tension was palpable, whatever history you had with this guy clearly wasn't pleasant. He wasn't sure what was said before he got there, only catching the last few words that seemed to strike you like a blow.
That was why he stepped in, at least that's what he told himself.
He was almost to you when you spoke again, your voice sharp and tinged with resentment. Fukuda. Your ex. Shinso felt his own anger flare with recognition.
In all the time you'd dated the man, you never once introduced him to the group. Not that you hadn't tried. Anytime you'd made plans with everyone, intending to bring him along, Shinso would suddenly get a message saying that your boyfriend was sick, or something came up and you wouldn't be able to make it.
They all hated Fukuda – though, the only person who'd met him was Tokage, and she'd come back from that introduction fuming. It had taken Shinso and Hatsume almost an hour just to talk her out of going after him.
He caught the way the corner of your mouth turned downward - a sign he recognized well. It was something that only happened when you were fighting to control yourself.
Stepping forward, he pulled the pair's attention off of you for a moment - hopefully long enough for you to regain your composure.
"There a problem?"
Hitoshi barely listened to the man's smug response; his attention already split between your ex and you.
"Yes, Fukuda. I spoke with my mother today. Rather last minute don't you think?"
The tone of your voice was chilling enough that even Shinso had to suppress a shudder. His gaze darted to you again, taking in the set of your shoulders and stern expression on your face. Just as he was about to pull you away, the woman spoke.
Her voice was sickly sweet - too polite to be interpreted as anything other than contempt.
"Oh, I don't think so. A month should be plenty of time... I'm sure you and your partner will have no problem getting the time off work."
Beside him, you straightened. The movement was almost imperceptible, had he not been focused on making sure you were alright, he might have missed it. But he didn't. Just as he didn't miss the way you pressed your lips into a firm line and the slight narrowing of your eyes.
"Unless of course, you don't have anyone to bring?"
Indignation on your behalf pulsed through him at the clear derision in her tone. Before he had a chance to think, he slung one arm around your shoulders. Finally, fully facing the woman before addressing her, boredom dripping from every word.
"'Course she's got someone to bring."
Your ex scoffed, a sneer curling his lips into an unpleasant expression.
"Tch, sure. And you are?"
From where you were tucked against him, Shinso felt you shift as one arm moved to wrap around his back - the faintest hint of a tremble in your fingers as they clung to the soft leather of his jacket.
"Shinso. Her partner."
At the mention of his name Fukuda stiffened, igniting a little rush of pride in Hitoshi's chest. His dark eyes immediately darted to you.
"Thought you said he was just a friend."
Ah, he was jealous.
"He was, Fukuda."
The woman looked between your ex and you, her gaze narrow and assessing, until a frown pulled her lips into a pathetic little pout.
"C'mon baby, you can catch-up at the wedding," she patted his chest, the flash of an obnoxiously large stone catching the light. "We better get back before everyone starts missing us."
Fukuda's jaw tensed, before he finally nodded at his fiancé. The pair turned and began walking back toward their table. Shinso kept his arm around your shoulders, turning slightly so that he was facing you more than them - though not enough to miss the way Fukuda turned around as if to say something before thinking better of it.
Shinso heard you let out a long breath, his attention immediately snapping to your face.
"Are you alright?"
Stepping firmly between you and the retreating forms of Fukuda and Muto, Shinso stooped a little in order to fully take in your expression. The weight of his hands on your shoulders seemed to settle some of whatever emotions were roiling beneath the surface as you took a deep breath and met his eyes.
You looked tired. Not just from the confrontation with Fukuda, there was more weighing on you - more you hadn't shared with him or, if he had to guess, anyone else.
"I'm okay, Shinso. Thanks for that," you gave a halfhearted laugh as you shrugged your shoulders.
"You sure? Cuz that guy was a dick. I get why Setsuna wanted to kill him now."
He tried to keep it light, make a joke kinda to cut through the heaviness that seemed to pervade your being.
With a snort, an amused smirk pulled at the corners of your mouth that sent a rush of relief through him. Hitoshi wasn't used to seeing you like this. Between the two of them, they'd had their fair share of difficulties, especially after the war. But even then, he'd never seen you look so lost.
"I'm sure. I'm just sorry you got wrapped up in all that." Another sigh left you when you maneuvered away from his hands and turned toward the bar where your previously forgotten drink sat waiting. "He's always known exactly how to get on my nerves."
He watched the way your shoulders loosened and dropped as you took a sip, the weariness from earlier becoming more apparent as you relaxed. After a moment of quiet, Shinso spoke again, the question falling from his lips with a hint of amusement.
"So, what exactly did I get myself into?"
You gave Shinso the cliff notes version of everything before rejoining your friends at the table. Kaminari asked what took so long, a teasing grin made his teeth shine in the low light of the bar. Instead of recounting the whole event, you waved it off as simply running into an old acquaintance. Hitoshi had raised a brow at that, but otherwise didn't comment.
By the time you made it back to your apartment a couple hours later exhaustion pressed heavily against every inch of your body. Despite getting a full night of rest and having the following day off, you were still drained.
Even now, almost two full weeks later, it was still sometimes hard to breathe when you remembered you were expected to attend your ex's wedding... His wedding to the woman he cheated on you with.
No one knew. Not your family, not your friends.
Ever the peacekeeper, you knew that even if you told your mother, it wouldn't change the fact that your families had been connected for generations. So close, in fact, that when you and Fukuda initially started dating it was treated as inevitable rather than a pleasant surprise.
And when you broke up... it took six months before it felt like things began to return to normal. Although, to be fair, anytime she tried to bring it up you would change the subject and deflect - not having the capacity to deal with the disappointment you know you caused her.
Shinso was supposed to be coming over this afternoon when he finished patrol to go over the schedule for the week you'd be gone and give you an opportunity to brief him on the various family and 'friends' who would be in attendance.
The low burbling of the coffee pot drifted from the kitchen into your bedroom where you were pulling on a tank top after showering off the sweat from a workout. It was old, but comfortable, the fabric soft after years of washing - the design on the front no longer identifiable. You wanted to feel cozy, wanted to know that even though the coming conversation would be awkward and a little infuriating, you could at least have some control over your own comfort level.
It was working, until the insistent buzz of your phone on the nightstand pulled you out of your thoughts and filled you with dread at the name displayed.
"Hey Ma," you tried to keep the sigh out of your voice as you answered.
"Hi honey, listen we need to go over the itinerary for the wedding week, some things have changed."
Of course they have.
"Sure Ma."
As if sensing your discomfort, a small chirp echoed down the hall from your home office. Faint footsteps, barely perceptible, reached you just before a round ball of fluff leapt up beside where you sat on the bed.
Kawa was a rescue, her soft tabby fur dense and soft beneath your fingers as she bumped her head to your hand for pets - another short chirp leaving when you let out an affirmative hum after your mother asked if you were listening. A deep rumbling purr vibrated out of her chest as you scratched that special spot just below her ear.
"Anyway, you'll need to be here for the whole week. Fumiko has something planned everyday starting Tuesday."
You suppressed a groan, knowing that part of the new schedule was simply to make you feel uncomfortable.
Begrudgingly, you listened as your mother listed the events you and Shinso are expected to attend - the week full from Tuesday to Sunday. Fortunately, the wedding was in Hokkaido, so as much as you were dreading having to actually attend, at least you'd be somewhere beautiful.
Letting your mother drone on, you put her on speaker when you felt your phone vibrate. Shinso's contact popped up, brief and to the point 'be there in 10.' Kawa let out another squeak, rubbing her head against your phone before you had a chance to respond.
"Is that my grandkitten?!" For the life of you, you couldn't figure out why your mother loved your cat so much. Until you'd brought the sweet thing back to your apartment a few years ago, you always thought she hated cats. "Hello my sweet Kawa! Baachan misses you!"
You huffed a laugh, "She misses you too, Ma. Listen, I have to go. Shinso is almost here."
"Oh, that reminds me! Why didn't I hear anything about the two of you dating until Fukuda's mother mentioned it? You two have been friends for so long, what changed?"
"I'm sorry, Ma, I don't have time right now. We can talk about it later."
"Oh... Alright, no worries honey." There was a subtle shift in her tone, a hint of an emotion you couldn't quite place. "Give me a call when you have a chance. I miss you."
A buzz from the intercom in the entry hall pulled your attention away from trying to identify your mothers’ words - Kawa bolting at the sound.
"Miss you too, Ma. I'll talk to you soon."
Three little beeps echoed from the speaker as you ended the call and walked to the kitchen. Less than a minute later you heard the door open as Shinso let himself in. The purple-haired hero has had the spare key to your apartment from the day you moved in.
As your best friend, you trusted no one more than Hitoshi and you knew he would never take advantage of that trust.
Just as you finished pouring him a cup of coffee, you looked up to find him leaning against the wall. Tired indigo eyes watched you carefully, before dropping to the small furry form weaving her way between his legs as she rubbed against him with happy chirps. A soft smile split across his face when he crouched to scratch that spot where her jaw meets her neck.
"Hey little one," his deep voice rumbled out like its own purr.
"I'm still convinced she likes you more than me."
He gave you a rare grin, smug satisfaction practically oozing off him.
"What can I say," he shrugged. "I'm a cat person."
With a soft chuckle, you extended the mug as he straightened. His rough fingers grasped the handle, pulling the steaming liquid toward him with a contented sigh.
"Thanks."
"Always gotta have coffee ready when you're coming over," another laugh slipped out as you walked past him toward the living room. "C'mon, my mother just gave me the schedule, so we should figure out what we want to do."
For the next hour or so, you filled him in on the itinerary and planned your own small adventures around them. The plan was to get into Hokkaido on Monday after you both finished work, your mother had graciously booked you a hotel room. Tuesday evening was supposed to be some kind of welcome party, so you took the time to scroll through various social media profiles to help Shinso in identifying the people he would be meeting. Most of Wednesday would be a free day, except for the morning, which you had been informed would be a 'girls morning' - whatever that meant.
You took a deep breath before you broached the subject of Thursday.
"Apparently, Fukuda and Muto decided they needed two bachelor/bachelorette parties. So, we have been volun-told to attend whatever inane nonsense they have planned."
It took every ounce of will-power not to groan and melt into your couch. Shinso was sitting close enough you could feel the heat of him against your skin - his knee occasionally bumping yours when one of you moved.
A soft chuckle left him at that as he relaxed back into the cushions of your couch.
"Any idea what to expect with this outing? I'm guessing the guys and girls will have their own shit going on?"
"I'm not certain, though I would guess that both will have lots of booze involved, and Fukuda will almost certainly have something inappropriate scheduled. But I don't know any specifics."
He gave you a nod, letting the conversation continue as you informed him of the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner Friday, before the wedding and reception on Saturday. Finally ending with a brunch on Sunday before everyone can go home. Shinso nodded along the whole time, humming occasionally to indicate he was listening and absorbing what you told him. Vibrant indigo eyes watched you with enough rapt attention that you felt your face heat under the weight of his gaze - a tightness beginning in your chest the longer his eyes were locked on you.
Just a few days later, Shinso found himself stepping out of the station in Sapporo as he shielded his eyes from the bright sun. The air was cooler here, lighter too - so unlike the heavy city air of Shizuoka and Tokyo. He had the strap of his pack slung over one shoulder, while one hand pulled his small suitcase along behind him.
Beside him, he heard you take a deep breath as you closed your eyes to let the sun warm your skin. A tentative peace softened your face, some of the tension in your shoulders easing as a barely-there smile pulled at the corners of your mouth. Shinso felt his heart stutter, a faint flutter turning in his stomach before he forced his eyes away to scan the station with a practiced eye.
Other passengers were leaving the building as new ones walked past on their way in to find their own way. The intercom within the building behind them spoke with a muffled voice he immediately tuned out since it had nothing to do with the two of them. Instinct and training had his eyes cataloguing potential dangers and exit routes, filing the information away so fast he almost didn't realize he was doing it.
The scrap of your shoe against the ground pulled his attention back to where you stood next to him.
"We should find a cab. My mom sent the address to the hotel earlier, so we shouldn't have a problem getting there."
Just as you finished speaking, someone called your name just loud enough to reach the pair of them over the din of the area.
What little relief had made its way into your posture was immediately replaced with tension. He observed carefully as you glanced in the direction of the voice. Following your eyeline, Hitoshi saw an older woman dressed in a well-made but simple dress standing beside a black SUV. The moment your eyes met hers, the woman broke into a broad, loving smile - the lines around her eyes gathering and softening her expression.
He didn't need you to tell him who she was, the resemblance was unmistakable.
A subtle groan left you before you glanced over to him and spoke softly, "Guess we better get this over with."
Shinso chuckled softly as you led him toward your mother. The older woman's smile never faltered, a proud glimmer shone in her eyes as she watched you. He couldn't quite understand your reaction based on how excited she was to see you, but he knew better than to trust blindly.
So, he shifted the handle of his bag to his other hand and took one larger step to catch up with you. Now standing just slightly behind you, he left his free hand gently touching the small of your back in an unspoken show of support.
Once they were only a few steps away from where your mother waited, she stepped forward, arms extended to pull you into a fierce hug.
"Hello sweetheart."
Despite your initial response, the moment your mother’s arms wrapped around you, Shinso watched the tension fall from your form. A long sigh left you as you tucked your head into the older woman's shoulder.
"Hey Ma." Your voice was muffled by the fabric pressing against your face.
Keeping a respectful distance, Shinso smiled softly at the obvious relief in both of the women in front of him once they finally had the chance to hold each other. He knew that, as much as you may complain about your parents, you had a good relationship with your mother.
When they eventually pulled away from each other, the older woman gently traced her hand down your cheek with a tender look on her face.
You cleared your throat, taking a step back toward him as you gestured between himself and your mother, "Mom, I'd like to introduce you to Shinso Hitoshi. Shinso, this is my mom."
Stooping into a bow, he spoke as he straightened, making sure to keep his tone light, "It's an honor to meet you, Ma'am. Thank you for accommodating me with such short notice."
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Shinso. My daughter has told me so much about you... though she conveniently left out the fact that you two are dating."
That same proud smile graced her mature face, deepening the wrinkles around her eyes.
"I apologize," he tucked his head in faux-shame. "I asked to keep it quiet for now considering my work. I didn't want to get her sucked into any complications while I was in the middle of a difficult investigation."
From the corner of his eye, he saw you look at him with a raised brow. They hadn't really established a backstory since they'd been friends for so long, he'd agreed that they could just say the friendship organically morphed into a relationship. But, when your mother made her point, he realized they did need a reason why no one knew.
"That's right, you're a Pro aren't you? I'm sorry I forgot," she let out a good-natured laugh while turning around and gesturing to the car. "I don't follow heroes very closely, so I only really remember the ones near the top of the ranks."
He noticed you wince a little at your mothers’ words, though he didn't pick up on any derision or malicious intent in her tone.
Once the bags were loaded into the car, they climbed in. The ride to the hotel was comfortable, and conversation flowed easily between Shinso and your mother. You would occasionally chime in adding to some story or providing an answer for something the others didn't know.
By the time they reached the hotel, Shinso could tell how much lighter you were feeling. A gentle smile hovered on your lips, an amused glint in your eyes. Everything felt like it was going as smoothly as possible... until you stepped into the hotel room. Freezing just a few steps inside as you stared straight ahead.
The hotel was beautiful, immaculately decorated, friendly and helpful staff who greeted your mother by name. Your room was on the top floor. In fact, the entire top floor had been reserved for guests of Fukuda's wedding. All of that was perfect - wonderful, in fact. At least that way you wouldn't have to worry about hearing people above you at night.
Once she'd led you to your room, your mother said a quick goodbye before she departed in the direction of her own room. Calling over her shoulder to be ready for dinner at seven, she and your father wanted to take you out tonight.
You'd been looking forward to getting into the room so you could put your bags down and get some of your more delicate outfits hung up.
Then you walked in...
Everyone 'knew' that you and Shinso were a 'couple,' but for some reason, it never occurred to you that when your mother booked the room there would only be one bed.
"Can you move a bit? I can't close the door."
You hadn't realized you'd frozen in the entry until Hitoshi's voice pulled your attention away from the single large bed off to the side of the room. He looked up from where he was trying to maneuver his bag to meet your wide eyes. A brief scowl of confusion creased his brow until he looked over your shoulder to see what you'd been looking at.
As soon as he did, understanding flooded his expression, before it quickly morphed into a smug smirk.
"Didn't think this part through, did ya Fudō (steadfast, immovable)?"
With a huff of exasperation, you rolled your eyes and moved out of his way, "Obviously not."
A chuckle rumbled out of his chest, "Relax. Not like it's the first time we've had a sleepover."
He was right, of course. But that had been in high school, when you were both still young and trying to come to terms with a new reality after the war. After graduation you went off to university while Shinso started his Hero career. There had been occasional sleepovers at friends’ houses, everyone sprawled out across couches and floors.
Nothing as... intimate as sharing a bed.
You could still feel his eyes on you, so instead of acknowledging that, you stepped further into the room to begin hanging the clothes you brought that needed it. After a few minutes of silence, what slight awkwardness there had been quickly disappeared and allowed the two of you to fall into a familiar rhythm.
Shinso had always been easy to be around, neither of you felt the need to fill silence with idle chatter or noise for the sake of noise.
It didn't take long for both of you to have your suitcases unpacked and everything carefully put away. Shinso stashed your bags in the entry closet out of the way. Once you had a chance to breathe, you walked over to the tall windows that overlooked the massive park below. The bright summer colors were a refreshing break from the stark sharpness of city life, with rich greens and vibrant spots of color from the various gardens dotted throughout the park. Every few minutes you could make out people wandering beneath the trees that dominated most of the area.
From here you could almost forget why you were in Sapporo to begin with.
Your purple-haired friend didn't say anything when he came to stand beside you. Companionable silence enveloping the two of you in warmth and comfort.
Dinner with your parents was easier than Shinso had anticipated. Your mom was attentive and just seemed glad you were there. She asked you about work and life, and everything in between - which he was thankful for. It meant he was able to sit back and take everything in.
He watched the way your eyes lit up as you talked about some of the more challenging aspects of your job - clearly excited about the challenge of it. Enthusiasm seemed to almost radiate out of you the more you explained the difficulties of Quirk retraining and how useful your own Quirk had been when working with your clients. There was unmistakable joy the more you settled into the familiar territory of the profession you knew so well.
You father was quiet - a fairly serious man that Shinso immediately clocked was where your determination and steadfast resolve came from. He'd greeted Hitoshi with a neutral tone. His eyes, the same color as your own, raked over him in a calculated sweep - his expression never shifting. Finally, he gave a rough nod toward the table and led the pair to where your mother waited.
As the meal progressed, the older man remained quiet. Occasionally, he'd chime in to ask a question of his own or offer some hard-won insight. But for the most part, he seemed content to let you and your mother dominate the conversation.
For his part, Shinso was fascinated with the person you became around your parents. It was as if you were more yourself, while also wearing a barely-there mask that he'd never seen on you before. He noticed the faint hesitation as you considered each word before speaking, picked up on the subtle shift in your body language when your mother would ask about something you weren't sure how to answer. When that happened, you gave yourself the span of a breath before answering with a smooth neutral response that offered nothing of your own thoughts on the subject.
It was a strange dance that exhausted him just watching.
By the time the pair returned to their room, it was well past 10 and the day of travel weighed heavy on both of them.
Shinso was lounging on the bed in his pajamas when you stepped out of the bathroom after your shower. Your hair was piled on top of your head in a messy bun; a few strands had fallen loose and now hung damp around your face and neck. The scent of your soap followed after as you walked past the bed to the drawer where you'd stored some of your bathroom products so they wouldn't clutter up the counter.
He'd done his best not to stare, but that little pajama set captivated him the moment you stepped into the room wearing it. Soft lilac satin fell comfortably over your curves, little grey buttons up the front held the cute collared sleep shirt together while a simple lace detail along the hem of the shorts drew his eye before he could stop himself.
A flush heated his cheeks when you stooped to tuck whatever had been in your hand back into the drawer, the entirely too short (they aren't) shorts rising just enough that he had to look away before it became an issue.
Just as you were turning around, he directed his attention back to his phone, the email he'd been reading completely forgotten when you walked in. Schooling his face back into his usual neutral bored expression, he glanced up again when you paused on your side of the bed.
"Promise to stay on your side?"
There was a hint of laughter in your voice that finally made Shinso look you in the eye.
He'd been friends with you for so long at this point that it was immediately clear you were uncomfortable, or maybe nervous. Either way, you had your 'I'm trying to be serious face' on, which meant you expected the same from him.
He huffed a laugh of his own, "If I remember correctly, you were always the one who couldn't seem to stay on your side."
With a scoff, you threw back the thin blanket and sheet before sliding in beside him and muttering, "It's not my fault I move in my sleep."
Another laugh escaped him at your grumbling.
"I promise," he eventually conceded as he set his phone aside and turned out the light. "I'll stay on my side, and if you want, we can request more pillows so you can build a wall."
That earned a chuckle from you.
It was almost an hour after you'd joined him in bed and Shinso was still staring at the ceiling. Your breathing had evened out not long after he'd turned the lights off. The soft rhythm of your breaths should have been enough to lull him to sleep too.
Instead, his heart was pounding so loud he was shocked you hadn't woken up. No longer than 20 minutes after you fell asleep, you'd immediately rolled over to his side of the bed and looped your arm across his torso. A contented sigh was the only change in your otherwise even breathing, and Shinso did not want to acknowledge what that sound did to him.
It was going to be a long week.
Tuesday
The following day ended up being much busier than you had anticipated. You were up before Shinso, which didn't surprise you at all. Rather than linger in the room, you rose and began your usual morning routine before throwing on a pair of leggings and a thin long-sleeve shirt. The sun was still low, barely lighting the sky above the nearby mountains when you slipped from the room and made your way to the park for a run.
You usually preferred lifting or sparring, but the hotel didn't have a gym and you weren't about to ask a stranger to fight you.
By the time you returned to your room the sun had fully risen, chasing the lingering morning chill from the air. Your skin was sticky with cooling sweat and you'd been fantasizing about the shower in your room from the moment you'd stepped into the lobby. What you hadn't been expecting, was to walk into your room to find Hitoshi lounging shirtless on the bed, a mug of steaming coffee held in one hand while he read something on the laptop propped up on his legs.
Shinso was one of the heroes you always found to be deceptively in shape. His costume hung loose off his form, giving him plenty of room to move with little to no restriction, which was perfect for his combat style. However, that often led to you (and others) forgetting just how built your best friend actually was.
It took more effort than you were willing to admit to pull your gaze away from the hard lines of muscle across his abdomen and chest. Thankfully, he didn't seem to notice your moment of stunned staring, his eyes having never left whatever he was reading.
The two of you offered quick mumbled 'good mornings' before you retreated to the bathroom to rinse off - desperately trying to ignore the heat in your cheeks.
45 minutes later, you and Shinso joined your parents for breakfast in one of the hotel's restaurants. The food was perfect, the coffee was hot, and you were on the verge of finally feeling settled when your mother broke the news that she needed your help with getting the rooftop bar ready for the evening's 'Welcome Party.'
You didn't try to hide the groan that scratched at your throat on the way out.
A chuckle rumbled out of your father's chest, taking you by surprise, "My thoughts exactly."
Before you could stop it, a small smile tugged at your lips knowing your father shared your feelings for the frivolity of it all.
"Oh, stop it," your mother playfully pushed at his shoulder, an exasperated laugh lacing her words. "You don't even have to help, 'Mr. Businessman'."
When you were young, this flirtatious warmth used to embarrass you. Now, you only felt a pang in your chest when you saw the love still bright in your parents’ eyes even after decades of marriage. Deep down, it was something you'd always hoped to have one day.
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
Shinso’s deep voice pulled you from your thoughts. The question was directed at your mother, but his eyes lingered on you for a heartbeat before he turned to look at her.
"That's very kind of you, Shinso! But I think we can manage. We won't be the only ones working." She paused, giving him a considering look before her eyes flicked to you for a moment. "But if you'd like to keep us company, you're welcome to come along - so long as you can stay out of the way."
An unrestrained giggle left her when your father shook his head at her antics.
"I can do that." Shinso nodded, his indigo hair shifting slightly with the movement. "Plus, then I'll be close if you decide you need a hand."
It was almost three in the afternoon by the time the rooftop bar was organized and decorated exactly to Muto's specifications. Seasonal blooms were used in simple centerpieces for the tables, soft string-lights had been hung across the open space, and servers in crisp black uniforms were beginning to arrive in preparation for the evenings event.
True to his word, Shinso sat quietly at one of the tables off to the side with his laptop catching up on paperwork while he had the downtime. Occasionally, your mother or one of the other people helping would request his assistance reaching something a bit too high for them or moving a piece of furniture to a new location at Muto's request. The older women would 'ooo and ahh' over 'how strong and handsome' he was, causing a faint flush to color his cheeks as he looked away with a sheepish smile.
For your part, you had a hard time looking away too. Anytime he reached above his head the hem of his shirt would tug up above the waistline of his jeans, revealing a thin strip of toned muscle and warm skin beneath.
Every time it happened you had to force your gaze elsewhere with a shake of your head. Where was this coming from? You and Shinso had been friends for years. He was the person you trusted most in this world. How could you suddenly find your best friend attractive?
You were leaning over the little vanity space in the room, carefully applying a final sweep of lipstick. The dress you'd chosen was elegant in its modesty - the dark grey fabric clung to your body in all the right places, highlighting the parts of yourself you liked the best. A square neckline held up by two-finger width straps made your neck the perfect place to show-off that necklace you bought ages ago and never had a chance to wear. Matching earrings hung from your ears, peeking out from beneath the loose up-do you'd spent far too long styling.
Each part of your outfit had been painstakingly picked out to make sure no one could try to accuse you of upstaging or showing off. It wasn't that you thought that would happen, but you wouldn't put it past Muto or her friends.
It wasn't until you heard the deep rumble of Shinso clearing his throat, that you realized he'd come back into the room.
His hair was half pulled back, giving him a more mature appearance you only saw when he dressed for important events. A dark, nearly black, navy button-up - whose sleeves strained against the concealed muscle beneath - was tucked into grey slacks. You heart stuttered for a moment before you caught the faint look of worry? in his eyes.
"This okay? Wasn't exactly sure what the dress code was."
There was a hint of trepidation in his voice as you gave him a once over - using his question as an excuse to fully appreciate the view in front of you.
Stepping forward, you smoothed an imaginary wrinkle at his collar as you spoke, "You look great, Shin."
A crooked grin stretched the corners of your mouth, genuine and soft, as a faint pink hue colored his cheeks from your words.
He didn't understand how you managed it. The welcome party had started at 6, though the pair of them had arrived at 5:30 to assist with any last-minute adjustments. Thankfully, there had been few, if any that required your specific attention.
Then other guests began to arrive.
Shinso was used to crowds, used to handling interviews and enduring various hero functions. Those had nothing on the party the families were throwing now.
You handled it all with a grace and dignity he could do nothing but at admire. Every time someone approached the two of you, you'd smile and offer a bow before introducing him as your partner. If it was someone you knew well - of which there were many - you'd follow the same introductory steps before launching into conversation as you caught up with people you likely hadn't seen in years.
Hours passed, the sky darkened and those soft lights they'd hung earlier illuminated the space in warm light. Servers floated through the space with practiced ease, drinks and hor d'oeuvre's balanced with care on trays held aloft as they worked the floor.
You were across the rooftop from where Shinso was leaning against a railing, cool glass hanging from the tips of his fingers. A soft smile decorated his face as you almost seemed to dance from person to person.
He so rarely had the opportunity to see you in your element like this. Unlike himself, you'd always been a people person. It wasn't that you always wanted to be around people, but when you were, you made it seem so easy. And that ease was something Shinso had come to truly appreciate about you. You were almost always able to make people feel comfortable in your presence, a skill he was infinitely grateful for when you attended various events with him.
Soft music drifted from a nearby speaker, muffling some of the chatter from the guests scattered across the rooftop. For the first time in a long time, Shinso felt himself relaxing as he settled into the imaginary reality that this could be his life - if this relationship wasn't fake. It was impossible to ignore the way the thought ripped through his chest.
But the smile on his face didn't falter as his eyes continued to track you across the bar - the warmth that radiated from your own grin, the way your face brightened every time you laughed.
He was so focused on where you were, he almost didn't notice the older woman who now stood beside him in comfortable silence. Various introductions from earlier in the evening flashed through his mind until he remembered you introducing her as Fukuda's grandmother. The elderly woman had embraced you as if you were one of her own, the strength of her grip apparent before she then pulled Shinso into a hug of his own.
Finally dragging his eyes away from you, Shinso looked down to see her already looking up at him with a knowing glint in her eyes. He'd barely opened his mouth to speak when she beat him to it.
"It's been a long while since I've seen her this happy," Fukuda's grandmother shifted her gaze to where you were chatting animatedly with a small group.
His eyes lingered on your longer than he'd intended, so when he looked back to the elder beside him, she was once again watching him with eyes far too sharp for someone of her age.
"My husband passed a few years ago," she began, waving him off before he had a chance to offer his sympathies. "Despite that, I would recognize that look on your face anywhere."
She paused, assessing him.
"It's the same look my husband used to wear, even before we were married."
Shinso didn't know how to respond to that. His stomach twisted uncomfortably as his heart hammered in his chest.
She gave him a soft smile as she patted his shoulder, "Take care of our girl. She's one of the good ones."
Wednesday
The lights in the salon felt too bright as you sat in front of the technician. Your toes were tucked under the little fan at her station, the cool air sending a chill up your legs when the polish dried. Of all the activities your mother had told you to expect, being stuck with Muto and her bridal party for a morning of getting your nails done was absolutely the one you'd dreaded the most.
Shinso had tried to talk you out of going before you left, insisting you didn't need to torture yourself just because Muto had 'asked' for you to be there.
But you knew better. You knew that if you refused to go, or didn't show up it would just make everything worse. She'd be able to use that against you anytime your families were together at various events, and, in all honesty, you didn't want to give her the satisfaction of knowing you'd bailed.
So, there you sat occasionally answering questions from the technician, but otherwise just trying to think about literally anything other than the vicious, barely vague comments coming from Muto's friends.
Of course, the bitch didn't have the balls to say anything herself. She'd rather let her friends do the trash talking.
You took a deep breath, letting the air fill your lungs almost to the point of pain before you slowly let it out. Images from the night before flickered to life behind your eyes, reminding you that their hate was not the reality you had to live in.
Instead, you let the warm feelings of conversation with old friends and the support of your parents surround you. You thought back to the enthusiastic hugs and easy chatter, the way the cool night air helped soothe your overheated body, and the way Shinso's large hand felt like it belonged when he rested it against the small of your back.
Or the way you'd woken up this morning with your back to his chest and one arm loosely holding you around the waist. A flush warmed your face as you remembered how carefully you'd had to get out of bed to avoid waking him. Though would that have really been a bad thing? To both of you waking up in each other’s arms?
Your breath caught in your throat as the thought raced unbidden through your mind. Heat flooded your system in embarrassment when you realized you'd just thought that about your best friend.
Shinso was here to help, nothing more.
The thought hurt more than you expected it to. He'd always been the person you went to when life felt like it was too much, just as he came to you when the stress of his own life threatened to overwhelm him. You two knew each other better than anyone else.
Because you're friends. Because anything more could ruin everything.
Swallowing hard, you pushed last night from your mind and focused only on the gentle efficiency of the tech currently applying the final layer of color to your fingers.
By the time you made it back to the hotel your body was heavy with exhaustion. Your thoughts had been running in circles despite your best effort to keep it under control - not to mention the echo of each and every hurtful comment Muto's bridal party threw your way. It stung more than you wanted to admit, especially considering you hadn't even been the one to ruin the relationship with Fukuda.
He'd cheated. With Muto.
Shinso wasn't in the room when you got back - for which you were thankful. It meant you didn't need to worry about embarrassing yourself when you flopped face first onto the bed and let out a long, drawn-out groan.
"Went that well, huh?"
The deep voice of the purple-haired hero rumbled out from the direction of the bathroom where he stood toweling off damp hair.
Without raising your head, you forced out a tired "Mhm."
The room was quiet for a moment, heavy with the words you wouldn't say. Until he spoke again.
"C'mon, we're going out."
You hardly had a chance to breathe before Shinso was hauling you off the bed and dragging you back out into the summer heat. The air was heavy with humidity, leaving your skin feeling sticky despite the breeze. Thick bands of clouds moved quickly overhead, occasionally offering respite from the blinding sun.
Voices filled the area with excited chatter as the two of you wandered through Odori Park. The annual summer festival usually lasted for most of the season. The long park had been transformed into a massive beer garden with various stalls and vendors selling different beer, food, and miscellaneous other goodies. Large tents had been set up to offer a break from the heat, with long tables and folding chairs arranged around them for weary festival guests to rest their feet.
It was well into the afternoon now, and the two of you had been walking and chatting for a couple of hours, the familiar ease of his presence settling the anxious energy from the morning surrounded by Muto's posse.
At some point while you'd been wandering, Shinso's hand found yours, his fingers loosely lacing with your own without a word. Your heart felt like it was going to fly from your chest with how fast it was beating, while you tried desperately not to show any other reaction. Hitoshi carried on as if nothing had happened, his deep voice continuing on with a story of one of his more recent missions.
Pausing under one of the many tents for some shade, you fell into silence as your gaze tracked lazily around the area.
A breeze kicked up, bringing with it the scents of savory food. Much to your embarrassment, the delicious smells set your stomach rumbling, a sharp reminder of the fact that it was well into the afternoon and you hadn't eaten since breakfast.
Shinso gaze dropped to you, an amused smirk playing at his lips, "Hungry?"
You gave his shoulder a playful shove, "Not my fault somebody dragged me out before I had a chance to eat."
He chuckled, his heavy frame barely moving with your push, "Alright, my bad. How 'bout I make it up to you and buy us something to eat?"
Faking a swoon, you threw one hand to your forehead in a dramatic gesture, "Oh, my hero!"
There was a heartbeat of silence as he stared at you… before the two of you doubled over in laughter - his deep rumble felt almost like it was vibrating through your bones with his proximity. By the time you caught your breath, you were wiping tears from your eyes, only to look up and catch Shinso already watching you. Deep amethyst irises observed you with an unguarded fondness he rarely let show.
Heat rushed up the back of your neck as his gaze held yours.
As if he suddenly realized he'd been staring, Hitoshi cleared his throat, "I'll - uh, I'll go get food. Find us someplace to sit, yeah?"
Unable to form the words, you simply nodded before he turned his back and walked toward one of the stalls the two of you had been eyeing.
With a shake of your head, you turned away from where he'd gone, searching for someplace to sit down. Not far from where you stood were a handful of tables situated beneath the shade of a few large trees. Most of the seats were vacant, so you took the opportunity to claim places for yourself and Shinso.
You were about to sit down when the sound of your name drew your attention to someone walking up behind you.
A broad smile broke across your face when you recognized the elderly woman approaching. Despite the way your relationship with Fukuda had ended, you and his grandmother had remained close. The older woman had been one of your biggest supporters from the moment your relationship began, and it meant the world to you.
"Baachan (grandma)! It's so good to see you!"
Bending forward just slightly, you stooped to wrap her in a warm hug. Despite her age and seemingly frail appearance, there was a strength to her embrace that grounded you in a way very few could.
In fact, the only other person had just gone to get food.
"Magomusume (granddaughter)," the older woman's voice was rough with age but still full of fondness and warmth. "I'm so glad to see you away from all the wedding nonsense."
You released her with a laugh, "Just a few more days, Baachan. Then we can all get back to our own lives again."
She gave you a warm smile, but there was a heaviness around her eyes you didn't recognize.
"I'm sorry you got dragged into all of this, Magomusume." There was true remorse in her voice, it made your chest tight. Then, just as suddenly, she leaned forward as if to share a secret, "But I always knew you were too good for Shinji."
She gave you a conspiratorial grin that made you laugh - truly laugh, in a way that felt like it lifted years of heartache from your soul.
"Thank you, Baachan," you were tempted to follow up with something else, but couldn't think of anything to add. Fortunately, Fukuda's grandmother wasn't done.
You looked down at her to see her gaze fixed somewhere on the other side of the park. Following her eyeline, you felt your heart stutter when you realized she was looking at Shinso. When you finally pulled your eyes away, you found her observant eyes already locked on you, a knowing smile curling her lips.
"I haven't seen you this happy in a long time, sweetheart." She reached over to wrap a warm dry hand around yours, giving it a little squeeze. "You two are good for each other, I can see it in the way you light up when he's nearby."
Heat flooded your face, competing against the already heavy heat of the day.
"Obaa-"
She cut you off, "You don't owe me or anyone else an explanation, Magomusume. Just know that you will always have my support. And, if I may offer an old woman's hard-earned wisdom? Hold tight to the ones who love as deeply as you do."
Thursday
Despite the chaos surrounding him, Shinso was only half-aware of the too-loud conversations being shouted over the pounding bass. This was the third bar they'd been to so far tonight... although bar might be the wrong word for this place. It wasn't quite a club, but it wasn't just a bar either.
The space was crowded; bodies packed the makeshift dance floor that he was actively keeping as far away from as possible. Fukuda and the rest of his wedding party moved like predators amongst the other patrons - something Shinso was sure to keep a close eye on.
Fortunately, they had all respected the "no's" when given, which relieved some of the pressure in his chest.
Beside him, the sound of ice against glass pulled his eyes from the mass of bodies. Inoue Tanemori, another 'friend' of Fukuda who'd been invited to the pre-wedding activities but wasn't a groomsman. He was apparently another friend of the family who was here purely for the optics of it all. He and Shinso had bonded immediately when Fukuda and his best man started to down shots before they'd even left the hotel.
"How is that fun?" Inoue's deep voice cut beneath the noise to reach Shinso.
With a shake of his head, amethyst irises drifted back to where one of the groomsmen was holding himself upright against a half-wall - even stationary he swayed like the floor was about to fall out from beneath him.
"No idea. But I'll bet they're gonna try and get us to 'help' them to the next bar."
Irritation flashed across Inoue's face, "Absolutely not. If the fuckers can't walk themselves, I'm leaving them on the sidewalk and they can call for help."
A huff of laughter left him as he took a sip from his drink. There was a faint heat in his cheeks from the alcohol, but nowhere near enough to impair his judgement.
Just as he opened his mouth to say something else, his phone vibrated - your contact lighting up the screen with an old picture of the two of them still back in school. His arm was wrapped around your waist, holding you partially upright while you were nearly doubled over mid-laugh with a bright smile on your face. It was his favorite picture of the two of you. A candid one of your friends had managed to catch that Shinso had practically begged them to send to him.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Inoue raise a brow at the slight upturn of the corner of his mouth.
He looked up to meet the other man's eye after he unlocked the screen, "My girlfriend got roped into the bachelorette party."
With a nod, Inoue shifted his gaze back to the room around them - while Shinso fought desperately against the way his heart felt like it had been dunked in ice water from at the words he'd just uttered. Every time he was forced to call you his made his soul yearn for it to be true.
Refocusing on the screen, he finally took the time to read your messages.
Fudō: This is awful. All they wanna do is gossip about people I've never heard of.
Ugh! Tell me why they JUST decided to make this a bar crawl?! I didn't wear the right shoes for that!
A couple more messages followed, more general complaints that didn't require a response. He knew you weren't really expecting one either - rather you were using the thread as a place to vent. Something the two of you did often. Until he read the most recent message and he couldn't stop the cold chuckle that slipped out.
Fudō: SHIN! Where are you guys???
Muto wants to know! She thinks Fukuda might be CHEATING!
She wants to try and catch him!
Inoue's head snapped to lock on him, "Didn't like that sound."
It wasn't a question, but his tone made it clear he was hoping for an explanation.
Quickly sending the name of the bar to you, Shinso locked his phone before gesturing toward where Fukuda and the other guys were still prowling.
"Apparently the bride-to-be doesn't trust Fukuda. They wanted to know where we were so that she could come check on him."
An amused spark ignited in Inoue's eyes as he listened, "Oh this is gonna be interesting."
Tipping his head back to the dance floor, Shinso looked over to see Fukuda's mouth locked onto some random blonde's. She had one hand threaded into the hair at the back of his head while the other looked to be grabbing in a desperate attempt to bring their already flush bodies closer together. Hitoshi wrinkled his nose at the sight, not just the overt display, but the fact that in less than two days Fukuda is supposed to be getting married.
For a moment, he considered taking a picture - sending it to you so you can share it with Muto.
Then he remembers that saccharine sweet smile the woman had leveled at you the night at the bar, the way her lips spoke to something only you knew, and whatever it was, delighted her.
So, he didn't, he kept his distance, falling back on familiar habits he picked up through his Pro work as he let his mind drift.
It was the third morning he'd awoken beside you, only this morning was different than before. In that time, he'd come to realize you had an unconscious tendency to snuggle with whomever you shared a bed with.
He'd barely slept the first night, drifting in and out of consciousness at the slightest sounds and movements from you or the building. That morning, he was still laying on his back while you had your arms wrapped around one of his own, your face tucked into the warmth of his shoulder. He was acutely aware of how the softness of your chest pressed against the hard lines of muscle in his arm.
The second night was better... and worse. They chatted for a while after returning to the room. Shinso couldn't get Fukuda's grandmother's words out of his mind.
"It's the same look my husband used to wear, even before we were married."
Years. What started as respect when they were classmates had become more over time. A quiet ache he'd made sure to bury so far down not a single soul knew but him. Yet, when he agreed to be your 'fake boyfriend' it was like the act had allowed that tightly kept secret to sneak through in ways he'd never considered.
So that night, when you'd rolled over and curled against him, he'd lifted his arm at the first sign of your shift - letting you settle before he gently wrapped his arm around you. When he woke before you the next morning, a peace he hadn't felt since before the War settled low in his chest when he felt the soft rise and fall of your breaths against his hold. The even movements lulling him quickly back to sleep.
A too-loud giggle drew his gaze away from where he'd been maintaining a subtle watch over the bar's interior. One of Fukuda's groomsmen was getting comfortable with a woman in a neon pink top and miniskirt. His hand was drifting up the girl's side, her flushed cheeks speaking to the heat of the room and the alcohol she'd enjoyed.
Disgust turned his stomach as he looked away - letting himself settle back into the warm memories from just this morning.
Gentle movement from where you lay trapped in his arms slowly roused him from sleep. Shinso hadn't even opened his eyes yet when you shifted again. Reflexively, he tightened his hold on you, pulling you more firmly against his chest - where he could feel the warmth of your breath fan against the fabric of his shirt.
Distantly, he felt more than heard the quiet chuckle that escaped you. But rather than acknowledge the fact that friends certainly don't snuggle like this, he chose to allow himself the quiet opportunity to hold you for as long as he could.
You didn't fight it, didn't say anything after your initial quiet laugh. Instead, you relaxed into his grip, your shoulders falling loose as you leaned forward to tuck your head more firmly into his chest. The soft scent of your shampoo washed over him, warm and familiar in a way that made his chest ache.
He didn't give himself the chance to reconsider his next action - only having enough forward thinking to be able to use the excuse that he was still mostly asleep if he had to - when he ducked his head forward to press a kiss to the top of your head.
Irritation boiled low at the back of your head as you watched the way Muto so casually threw herself at yet another poor unsuspecting bar patron. The woman got bored faster than anyone you'd ever met, meaning that what should have been a casual night of drifting lazily between two or three bars, had turned into the group now stumbling their way out of the fifth establishment.
Muto was dressed in all white, the minidress barely covering the swell of her ass was accompanied by nearly too tall white stilettos, a silky white "Bride" sash, and a small glittering tiara.
The rest of the group wore a wide variety of outfits with the bridal party wearing various shades of dusty blue dresses and the handful of other guests in whatever outfit they felt would draw Muto's ire the least. You'd gone with a simple mulberry dress that hit just above your knees. The skirt had two loose layers, one slightly longer than the other to offer a hint of volume while the bodice hugged your torso just enough to show-off your curves while not being skin tight. The neckline accentuated the slope of your neck with little sleeves ending just past the caps of your shoulders.
You'd worn your hair loose, though made sure to tuck a couple of extra hair-ties in your bag in case you or someone else might need one. The soft clack of your heels acted as a metronome as you guided the swaying party in the direction of the bar Shinso had told you the guys were at. Thankfully, it was only a little over a block away.
"I'm telling you!" Muto's loud voice seemed to almost echo across the already busy sidewalk, "I just know he's probably all over some whore!"
You winced at her word choice as several others on the street shot your group dirty looks. Lifting your eyes with an apologetic shrug, you couldn't help the little bit of pleasure you took in her paranoia. It wasn't hard to remember how you'd felt when you found out about Fukuda's infidelity in your own relationship.
A part of you wanted to be a good person and hoped for the best for their relationship because deep down, you wouldn't wish the hurt you experienced on anyone... even them. But there was that little petty part of you that quietly hoped the two of them would get to experience the karma they had so righteously earned.
You knew that Fukuda wouldn't really care if he got caught, he never had. You also knew that the whole reason you agreed not to share the real reason the two of you broke up was because he desperately wanted to stay in his family's good graces. His grandmother, who still adored you, was the matriarch as well as the person who could decide whether he'd have a place in the pages when she passed.
The vibration of your phone drew your attention away from the still stumbling and shouting bride-to-be.
Shin: Doing alright? This place is getting crowded.
I hate it.
A small smile cracked across your face when the second message appeared. You could almost see the look on his face as he sent it, could almost feel the way his chest would vibrate with a low growl as he complained.
Me: Be there soon. I can see the door.
Fair warning. She's still screaming, so this is probably gonna be loud.
You glanced down one more time to see the little thumps down reaction appear next to your final message and had to bite back a laugh.
Just a few minutes later, your group burst through the doors of the packed club. Dim light added to the somewhat hazy atmosphere as the bass seemed to vibrate into your bones. Heat from the interior and the lingering effects of what you'd drank earlier immediately had your skin feeling somewhat sticky and uncomfortable.
"Where is he?!"
Muto's screech cut through the pulsing music, drawing eyes from around the room.
You took a step back and away, gaze scanning the crowded room for a familiar pair of violet eyes. It didn't take long after Muto's outburst for his tired stare to find your own.
"You better not be with some fucking bitch, SHINJI!!"
Another shout sliced through the air, now pulling the attention of one of the bartenders who shot a confused look to a burly man dressed in black leaning against the wall not far away. From the corner of your eye, you noticed the face of your ex suddenly appear within a group of still writhing dance floor patrons. His eyes were wide, cheeks tinted pink from heat and alcohol as a woman you didn't recognize tried to pull on his arm.
"If you want to avoid whatever chaos is about to ensue, we should leave now."
The deep rumble of Shinso's voice behind you would have startled you if you weren't so used to his ability to move without being noticed.
With a quick nod, you gave him a relieved smile before replying, "Good call. I don't really wanna get kicked out just cuz they're being obnoxious."
As if on cue, another indignant shriek cut through the air.
"I SEE YOU WITH THAT LITTLE BITCH!!"
Laughter bubbled up from your chest as you leaned against Hitoshi's strong shoulder. The two of you had found your way to a quiet little bar a couple blocks from the hotel. Local beers sat nearly empty on the table in front of you as he filled you in on the 'horrors' he'd endured earlier in the evening with the groomsmen and their friends.
Warmth bloomed in your chest as he quietly chuckled beside you, shifting his own weight to bump against you in a familiar gesture.
Alcohol had lowered some of the guard you usually kept up, even around your friends, and that is what gave you the confidence to loop your arm through his as you sighed.
"Ya know, I don't think I would've been able to do this without you."
The sudden almost somber tone of your own voice took you by surprise. You felt him stiffen and a sharp spike of fear coursed through you as you worried you overstepped - though, with your words or your hold you weren't sure.
He huffed a breath and leaned into you for barely a heartbeat before he relaxed back into his original position.
"You woulda been fine. Just probably wouldn't’ve had as much fun."
You looked up to find him already watching you, a faint dusting of pink on his cheeks as he gave you a cheeky grin. Breath caught in your chest just long enough that you know he noticed, but didn't call attention to it.
Just before you had a chance to reply, your server appeared at the table. Her soft pink hair was cut in a cute bob that accentuated the sharp line of her jaw and high cheekbones. She gave you both a smile, her gaze lingering a little longer on Shinso.
"How do we feel about another round? Or do you need anything to eat?"
Straightening, you pulled away from the purple-haired hero beside you - a tightness in your chest suddenly making it a little hard to breathe. This is fake, you reminded yourself, letting Shinso handle the server as you tried desperately to rebuild the walls you'd painstakingly built after Fukuda broke your heart; only for Shinso to have slowly broken them down over the last few days.
He's your friend after all. He'd do this for anyone in the group. Though a little part of you whispered that that wasn't true.
After paying for your drinks, the two of you left. The evening air was colder than you expected it to be for this time of year, a light breeze raising goosebumps along your arms as you reflexively wrapped them around your abdomen in an attempt to stay warm.
You'd barely gone more than more than a few steps before the heavy weight of something warm and soft was draped over your shoulders. Warmth immediately returned to you as the lingering heat from his jacket soaked into your bare skin.
With a glance to your side, Shinso was staring straight ahead, his hands tucked casually into his pockets while his sleeves were pushed up just below his elbow. You're not sure when it happened, but sometime in the last few years, your gangly awkward best friend had become a walking magazine shoot.
What had been hidden beneath his usual soft leather jacket was a dark navy sweater, the collar of a white shirt beneath gently folded along the neckline. Grey slacks clung to the muscle of his thighs, tapering at the ankle where they fell to hide the top of the dark boots covering his feet.
You hadn't even realized you were staring until he cast a quick glance at you from the corner of his eye, "You've been quiet."
Embarrassment flashed hot in your chest as you looked away, instinctively pulling his jacket a little tighter around you. It wasn't exactly a question, but you also knew he was looking for an answer. Hitoshi would never force you to talk about something you didn't want to, though he always made sure you were aware he was willing to lend an ear if you needed it.
The only difference was... this time your conflict was about him.
Your best friend for years. The one person in this world you trusted more than anyone else - who'd had your back countless times, just as you'd had his. And the more you thought about it, the more you considered what exactly it was that he meant to you - the more you realized those feelings had begun to shift. Subtly at first, like the slow erosion of sand as the waves reshaped the landscape over the ages.
He was still waiting for a response, you just didn't know what to say. So, you gave him a half-truth, hoping he wouldn't press you on it but knowing he probably would.
"Just thinking."
A hum vibrated low in his chest, "About what?"
You were less than a block from the hotel now and your feet were aching for the chance to relax against the soft mattress. But the sound of excited voices carrying from the massive park nearby pulled your focus. Light filtered through the trees and you could see lanterns lit along various pathways leading deeper into the midnight darkened park.
Instead of answering his question, you nodded in the direction of the voices.
"Wanna go see what's happening?"
He gave you a long, considering stare, a slight furrow between his brows the only indication of his confusion at your refusal to answer his question. Normally, you'd tell him everything. As far as you could remember, you'd only ever kept one secret from him in all your years as friends. Although, now that was two. Because you knew you couldn't risk ruining your friendship just because you couldn't keep a handle on your emotions.
The silence stretched for a moment longer before he nodded, giving you a simple, "Sure."
As the pair of you turned, venturing deeper into the park, more voices joined the ones you'd heard before - layering together in a drifting mass of excited squeals and murmured words. After just a few minutes of walking, the two of you emerged from the treelined path to find yourselves at the edge of a rather crowded pond-side clearing. Numerous little groups were scattered about, some small families, others looked to be groups of friends, and still others were couples - all sitting or standing beneath the open sky.
It wasn't until two children ran past you with enthusiastic smiles, nearly yelling about how the fireworks would be starting soon, did either of you realize that tonight was one of the many events included in the Summer Festival you'd attended yesterday.
You turned to Shinso, about to ask if he wanted to stay to watch the show, when the low thud of a firework echoed through the open air - followed quickly by a loud bang and a flash of light. Both of your eyes snapped to the sky, where a shower of multicolored sparks rained down over the pond.
Soon the fireworks began in earnest, incredible displays of blues and purples almost seeming to form into the shapes of blooming summer flowers. Bright orange and red that danced across the open sky. Every color you'd ever imagined wove effortlessly through trailing sparks and almost blinding bursts of radiant hues.
Without thinking, you instinctively leaned into Shinso's strong form beside you. His arm immediately draped across your shoulders, pulling you more fully into his side. The heat radiating off of him seeped through the leather of his jacket, warming your chilled skin and sending goosebumps along your arms and legs.
At some point, you stopped watching the brilliant explosions and turned your gaze to him - the way the light flashed across his cheekbones, the way the glittering color reflection in the violet of his eyes, the softness in his face that he only ever let you see.
As if he could feel your stare, Shinso's eyes moved to you. The softness remained, his jaw loose and his eyes almost half-lidded in relaxation. He shifted slightly, turning your shoulder just enough to tuck you firmly against his side.
The fireworks continued to thunder and flash but neither of you were watching - too lost in the way the flashing sparks reflected in each other's eyes.
His free hand drifted upward before his thumb brushed ever so gently along your cheek. The heat of his touch stole your breath and left a tingling trail behind.
Violet eyes dropped to your lips, instinctively making your tongue dart out to lick them. Had it not been for the flashing lights, you might have missed the faint reddish hue that colored the apples of his cheeks when his eyes met yours again.
The movement was subtle, natural, as he leaned toward you.
Your heart thundered in your chest, loud enough you were certain it would put the fireworks to shame.
He moved slow, giving you the chance to pull away. But you didn't, too lost in the heat of his gaze and affection of his hold.
Until a final bright burst of light plunged the area back into darkness and the cheers of the surrounding spectators pulled you both back to reality - his lips barely a breath away from your own.
The walk back to the hotel was quiet and a little awkward. Shinso couldn't stop his eyes from drifting to where you walked beside him, the dark leather of his jacket practically swallowing you with how big it was.
He couldn't get the way you'd looked at him out of his head - like you wanted him. The tips of his fingers still tingled from the touch of your skin; the ghost of your warmth lingered in the back of his mind. It had been so perfect, the moment everything he'd ever longed for.
Then reality had to return like a cold slap to the face.
Applause filled the air; groups of spectators began to rise and disperse. He'd taken a step away from you, clearing his throat.
"We should head back, it's getting late."
It was too dark to make out your expression, so maybe he imagined the hint of disappointment he heard when you replied.
"Oh, yeah... good idea."
When they finally made it to the room, you shrugged off his jacket with a quiet 'thank you,' before disappearing into the bathroom. A few minutes later, he heard the shower start and blew out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
His chest felt tight and his stomach was tied in so many knots it was a wonder he was still standing. Yet all he could think about was how you'd looked at him - how you could actually see him when no one else bothered.
By the time he finished his shower, you were curled up with your back facing his side of the bed. You were quiet, your breathing even and deep. A quiet satisfaction nestled into his too tight chest that you trusted him enough to sleep so easily.
For once it wasn't you who cuddled into him.
Rather, when Shinso eased into bed, he simply rolled toward you before looping his arm around your middle and pulling you firmly against his chest before he pressed a light kiss to the top of your head.
The soft scent of your soap seemed to almost envelop him as he drifted off. His imagination running wild with the desire to be able to hold you every night.
Unbeknownst to Shinso, you hadn't fallen asleep yet.
Friday
Shinso was gone by the time you woke up the next morning. His side of the bed was long cold when you reached over to slide your hand along the sheets. You didn't get a chance to worry or panic though, when you checked your phone to find a message from him.
Shin: Need to get some work done before tonight. Didn't want to wake you.
Text me before you come down for food and I'll get you coffee.
Butterflies rose unbidden in your stomach as you read his message. It would be a good idea to get some work things handled this morning since the only thing the two of you were required to do today was attend the rehearsal dinner this evening.
Once you'd finished getting ready, you pulled your computer from your work bag and made your way down to the hotel cafe.
Shinso was already situated at a table against a wall, his own cup of coffee within easy reach while a fresh one sat across from him.
You hadn't said a word before his eyes flicked away from the screen to meet yours. Warmth flooded your chest and you tried to ignore the resurgence of those damn butterflies.
Plopping down in the chair across from him, his gaze returned to the screen as he let out a soft, "Mornin'."
After setting up your own computer, you took a long sip from the still warm coffee he'd ordered for you - that was, of course, exactly your usual.
"Morning... and thank you for this, Shin." You lifted the cup as you said it.
He just dipped his head slightly in acknowledgement, "No problem."
For the next few hours, the two of you worked with a quiet familiarity that could only be accomplished through years of learning the other person's habits and eccentricities. Like the way Shinso would occasionally tap the blunt end of his pen against the table when he had to think carefully about how he worded a response, or the way you'd seem to almost completely space out in the middle of answering an email, only to suddenly snap back to attention as if nothing happened. Though the refreshed energy with which you typed said otherwise.
It took everything in you not to lose focus as your mind kept drifting to the way he’d held you last night. By now you were getting used to waking up in his arms. But when he’d climbed into bed and gently pulled you to him, you didn’t have the heart to reveal that you were still awake.
Then, when he’d kissed the top of your head, you thought your heart might have stopped for a moment before it began thundering anew.
Eventually the outside light shifted to that of late afternoon and the alarm you'd set on your phone chimed to tell you it was time to get ready. A soft groan drifted from your lips and you could feel Shinso's smirk before you saw it.
From where your head rested in your hands you let out a muffled, "Don't."
Which earned you a low chuckle before he responded with, "Wasn't gonna."
The rehearsal dinner was being held at an elegant restaurant not far from the hotel. While it was well within walking distance, your parents had insisted on the four of you taking a car - for which you were thankful.
There had only been an hour or so of mingling before the wedding party finished and joined the group gathered for dinner, and your feet were already miserable. The heels you'd chosen were classy and beautiful, the color matching the dark grey-blue of your dress perfectly, but they were incredibly uncomfortable - a fact you had forgotten when you packed them for the week.
Thankfully, just when you were considering whether to take them off or not, the wedding party arrived. The groomsmen came first, loud voices echoing through the previously pleasant space. They were everything you remembered Fukuda's friends to be and then some - you could already feel the dull throb of a headache building. Then came the bridal party, with saccharine smiles and narrow conniving eyes. They were every girl's worst nightmare in high school all grown-up.
After everyone found their seats and the ruckus had been brought back to a manageable level the speeches started.
You were bored, barely listening when Fukuda's father began some overly heartfelt story from your ex's childhood; which was followed closely by Muto's mother giving a speech that was laced with false emotion and over-the-top dramatics.
At one point, Shinso leaned toward, whispering quietly, “I thought the speeches were supposed to be for tomorrow? Does this mean we’ve gotta endure this all over again?”
The faint whine and teasing smirk that danced across his lips had you biting back a laugh as you swatted his arm softly.
When the maid of honor began to speak your stare must have gone blank because the feel of Shinso's hand on your leg snapped you back just in time to hear Fukuda's best man introduce himself. In the farthest corner of your mind, you vaguely remembered him. When the two of you had dated, he had been at the fringes of Fukuda's group, making you idly wonder what had changed over the last couple of years for him to suddenly be considered Fukuda's best man.
His speech started like the others giving funny anecdotes here and there about their friendship and history together. You were ready to zone out again, lose yourself in the comfort of your own head and Shinso’s hand on your thigh, when words you'd never wanted to hear clanged through your head like an off-rhythm drumbeat.
"...still remember you introducing her to us three years ago!" He laughed, loud and bright, like the words he'd just uttered weren't yet another dagger shoved into the scars of your heart. "Never thought she'd stick around this long! But look at you now! I can't believe we’re here getting ready to celebrate your wedding! Congrats guys!"
Polite applause filled the room, a few lingering chuckles interspersed amongst the clapping.
Yet you barely heard it. Your heart thundered in your chest, the rush of blood in your ears muffling everything.
You'd never asked when they started seeing each other - hadn't wanted to know.
Except now you did and it felt like the wound was being pulled apart at the seams all over again.
Three years.
Fukuda and Muto had been together for three years. Which meant that they had been seeing each other for almost the entirety of your relationship with him. The whole time. Every late night at the office, every business trip out of town, every single excuse he'd ever given you came crashing down as understanding gripped your chest.
He'd never wanted you. Never actually meant the sweet words he'd whisper in soft moments. It was all an act. To appease your families? To quell his own curiosity? You weren't sure you wanted to know that either.
Then you made the mistake of looking up.
Only to meet the smug smirk of Fukuda as he watched you rapt amusement – slowly clapping with the rest of those in attendance.
Shinso never claimed to be a genius. But even he could do simple math. And the way you locked up beside him during the best man's speech had every alarm bell in his head ringing on high alert.
He turned to you, ready to ask what was wrong, what you needed; only to find your face a careful mask of neutrality. Had he not known you for so long, not spent years learning your expressions and moods, he would have missed the utter devastation that raged in your eyes. He might have missed the way your breathing paused for just a moment, only to pick up a little faster than it had before.
Replaying every word from the speech, he broke it down piece by piece as he tried to pinpoint exactly what triggered this reaction.
In the same moment understanding flooded his mind, from the corner of his eye, he saw the flash of fury that morphed your father’s expression into one of cold hatred.
Their eyes locked, your father's gaze asking one question, had he known?
Shinso shook his head once, purple hair shifting against the nape of his neck.
Your mother caught the exchange, a confused scowl creasing her brow. Hitoshi watched her lean toward your father, her voice silent as she whispered in his ear.
He didn't need to see her reaction, it would be the same as his, as your fathers. The blood in his veins screamed with the desire to act – to do something, anything to ease the pain you were clearly trying desperately to bury.
You were still frozen beside him, the quick shallow breaths that escaped you the only indication of your inner turmoil.
Leaning toward you, Hitoshi kept his voice low, only loud enough for you to hear, "Fudō."
The nickname was at least enough to draw your attention back to him and out of your head.
"Do you want to go?" He fought to control the anger in his voice, the effort leaving his throat feeling a little raw.
You swallowed hard, your throat bobbing with the movement.
"I'm okay, Shin," the smile you gave him was faint and didn't reach your eyes. He could see the way the corners of your mouth trembled slightly. "Just been a long week is all. I'm tired."
Violet eyes locked with yours and he watched as the realization that he knew dawned on you. Your mouth pressed into a thin shaky line.
Applause flooded the room again as Fukuda and Muto finished giving their own thanks to those that had traveled to attend. Most of the room rose to their feet in some form of false ovation.
Shinso took the opportunity to snatch your things from your chair and quietly guide you out of the room. Anger simmered low in his chest, begging for an outlet.
As soon as the banquet room doors shut behind them, you deflated. Your shoulders fell and curled in on themselves, your back hunched slightly as if trying to hold the pieces together, and the wobbly shake of your legs was enough for him to give up trying to guide you. Instead, he simply scooped you up, one arm behind your back while the other cradled you under the knees.
He'd just made it to the doors, intent on getting you back to the hotel when someone called his name. A quick glance over his shoulder showed your father hurrying down the hall they'd just come from. His face remained that mask of cold anger, but his eyes were creased with worry.
"I'm taking her back to the hotel," Shinso's tone left no room for argument.
Your father nodded, "Good. I've already called our driver. He'll be here in a moment."
The sound of your father’s voice seemed to snap you out of the frozen shock you'd been stuck in.
You pushed gently against Shinso's chest, silently asking to be put down. He hesitated for only a second before gently returning you to the ground - reluctant to part with your warmth and unsure of how steady you'd be on your feet considering you nearly collapsed just moments ago.
As soon as you were standing on your own, Shinso took a step back when your father rushed forward. He watched as your father gripped your shoulders firmly, stooping to look in your eyes. The anger that had been lining his features melted completely when he took in whatever expression was on your face.
"Are you alright, sweetheart?"
Hitoshi looked on as you relaxed under your father’s grip.
With a gentle nod, you murmured a soft, "I'm alright. Promise."
The older man pulled you into a tight hug. Shinso noticed the deep breath you took, noticed the way your shoulders shook on the exhale.
Now that the initial shock of the situation was wearing off, the anger in his chest began to rise. He wasn't angry with you, not really. But he didn't understand why you hadn't told him, hadn't told anyone the real reason the two of you broke up, and he could see the same questions reflected in your father’s eyes as he held you.
The door to the hotel room closed softly behind you. Shinso hadn't said anything the entire ride back and his silence had your stomach twisting into knots. You knew he was angry; you could see it in the set of his jaw.
So instead of waiting for a lecture or an argument, you decided to apologize first.
"Shin," his gaze snapped to you the moment his name left your lips. The fire in his eyes set your heart racing, "I'm... I'm sorry I wasn't honest with you. I’m sorry I never told you."
He let out a deep sigh, running one hand through his hair like it was the only thing keeping him grounded in the moment.
"Why? Why didn't you tell anyone?" His tone wasn't accusatory; it was confused and a little hurt - that almost made it worse. "You didn't even tell your parents. Did you not trust them?"
He paused before meeting your eyes again.
"Did you not trust me?"
The question came out as a heartbroken whisper that made your chest hurt.
"No! No, Shin that wasn't it. I trust you more than anyone." You took a step toward him, "Fukuda asked me not to. Begged me, really."
He shook his head in disbelief, "So you just let the guy who cheated on you, who broke your heart, dictate what you told people??"
"There's more to it than that."
"Then please explain. Cuz from how I see it, you let the bastard that hurt you get away with it. And that's not the you I know."
A long breath left your chest feeling empty and painful. Turning around, you moved to the bed, sitting down before you carefully pulled your shoes off - gently massaging your sore feet as you did.
"Fukuda is an only child," from your peripherals you saw Shinso sit down on the small couch as he listened. "So, he’s set to inherit everything when his grandmother passes. Our families have been close for generations, and his mistake could have caused an irreparable rift between them."
A scoff pulled your eyes away from where they'd been focused on the carpeted floor. A reluctant half-smile tugged at your lips from his reaction.
"Growing up, it was always just assumed that the two of us would end up together. So, when he finally asked me out after college, it just felt like the natural next step." Hurt flared in your chest as you remembered how happy you'd been at the time, only to have it all come crashing down. "When I found out he was cheating, it hurt… more than anything before. And when I confronted him, he just laughed."
Your eyes fell back to the spot on the carpet you'd been fixed on earlier.
"He told me it was my fault. That I was too focused on my career to be a good partner, that no one would ever be interested in someone who’d rather work than settle down." A hollow laugh came out more like a sad breath, "And it was embarrassing. To know that I'm somehow not enough and too much at the same time. That's why I didn't tell you, Shin... I was embarrassed and afraid."
There was a beat of silence.
"Afraid of what?"
His voice was closer than you were expecting. Your head snapped up to meet the amethyst eyes boring into you.
As much as you wanted to look away, you couldn’t seem to move your gaze from his, "What if you realized the same thing he did...? What if you left too?"
The words were barely more than a whisper, laced with heartbreak and vulnerability.
Something flashed across his face too fast for you to identify. Finally, your eyes dropped again, heat crept up the back of your neck as the knots in your stomach tightened now that the truth was out in the open. Squeezing your eyes shut, you tried to ignore the way your heart thrummed an erratic beat in your chest and focus on breathing.
"Fudō."
The petname only made your heart beat faster. You're not sure when exactly you fell for your best friend, but you were terrified you'd just ruined it all. Hitoshi was the most important person in your life. You don’t know what you’d do if he left too.
"Hey, look at me." The order was accompanied by a gentle touch under your chin, tipping your head back.
Your eyes flew open in shock, only to find Shinso crouched in front of you. His face was serious, a faint frown pulling the corners of his mouth downward. There was such a fierce intensity in his gaze that the racing of your heart stuttered causing your breath to catch.
His eyes dropped to your lips before they met yours again, "I'm not going anywhere. Got it?"
You nodded as much as you could with the hand still holding your chin up.
"Whatever that fucker made you believe, whatever awful shit he put in your head is wrong. You're worth every bit of time and effort he never gave you. You are not too much, you are exactly enough and he wasn't worth your time. He didn't deserve you."
Tears pricked the corners of your eyes from the sincerity of his declaration - as one slipped free, trailing slowly down the side of your face, his other hand reached up to cup your cheek. His thumb brushed softly against your skin, catching the tear as he wiped away its lingering trail.
"Hitoshi..." You weren't sure what you wanted to say, only that his name slipped from your mouth before you even realized you said it.
His eyes dropped to your lips again, this time lingering just a little longer than before. When his amethyst gaze slowly drifted back up to meet yours, there was a simmering heat that loosened the knots in your stomach, only to immediately be replaced with a flutter of desire you hadn't expected.
Unconsciously, your hands lifted to grip the front of his shirt. Your fingers twisting gently into the fabric in an effort to steady yourself... or maybe pull him closer.
His lips met yours with a tenderness that had you melting beneath him. The hand that had been tilting your chin moved to mirror the other, his strong fingers now holding your face in something remarkably close to reverence.
When he pulled away, he shifted just enough to rest his forehead against yours.
"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that."
You let out a breathless laugh, the heat of it ghosting across his lips.
When your mouths met again, it wasn't the same sweet longing that had softened the first one. He kissed you with a hunger, a need, that stirred a desire of your own, sending heat to settle low in your belly.
Your fingers still gripped his shirt, which meant that you felt it immediately when he shifted, rising from his crouched position. His lips never left yours as he guided you to lay back against the soft mattress the two of you had been sharing for the past few days.
A soft whimper escaped when his tongue trailed along the seam of your lips, before pushing in to press against your own. Your dress shifted upward to accommodate where he was now positioned between your legs, his chest almost flush against your own - close enough you could feel the way the erratic beat of his heart matched your own.
His kisses seemed almost like he wanted to devour you, swallowing down every little sound you let out before he finally broke away to give you both a chance to breathe.
Soft lips pressed against your cheek, the tip of your nose and your forehead before traveling down along your jaw and neck, sending a shiver down your spine.
"Shin," you gasped when he bit the spot where your neck and shoulder met, only to kiss the hurt immediately after.
He leaned back, half-lidded eyes wandered across what you were sure was a rather disheveled sight.
"Beautiful," the word left him like a prayer.
Need flared in your chest, as you looked up to where he stood between your legs. His tie was loose, the top two buttons of his dress shirt open to expose a peak of the strong muscle beneath. A light flush colored his cheeks, almost matching the faint tint of your lip gloss shining delicately where it smeared from your kisses.
Sitting up, you let your hands press against his firm abs, dragging upward until you reached the knot of his tie. With deft fingers you pulled it free, tossing it loosely in the direction of the dresser before returning to slowly unfasten the buttons of his shirt. You looked up, locking eyes with him as you did, watching the way his pupils expanded the lower you went, until you pulled the hem of his shirt free from where it had been tucked into his slacks.
The fabric fell loose around his torso, leaving his now bare chest clear for you to slowly trail your hands upward - feeling every ridge and coil of firm muscle as you went.
As soon as your hands found his shoulders and tugged him down, whatever restraint he'd been holding snapped. A groan that was closer to a growl rumbled through his chest as his strong hands found your waist and nearly threw you to the center of the bed.
Faster than you expected he was above you, his shirt gone - tossed somewhere in the same direction as his tie.
His lips met yours in a flurry of teeth and tongue that only further fanned the flames of desire burning low in your belly and dampening your core. Without breaking away, he lifted you up just enough to run a hand along your back - seizing the zipper of your dress and pulling it down. A low whimper fell from your lips that he eagerly captured with his own.
Faster and with more ease than you'd ever experienced before, your dress soon joined his shirt somewhere on the floor.
He paused above you, violet eyes drinking in every inch of exposed skin. He tracked the way your chest rose and fell with quick breaths, the way your legs squirmed slightly as a sudden wave of self-consciousness overtook you under his hungry gaze.
Leaning forward he captured your mouth again. The movement was less hurried this time, like he was trying to see what sounds he could draw from you as his bare chest lowered to rest against yours. Not enough to feel trapped, but enough to feel the pressure and weight of him. His hands danced along your exposed skin, raising goosebumps in their wake as his finger roamed and touched – like he was trying to memorize every inch of you by feel alone.
A gasp left you when his hips rolled once in a testing, almost teasing manner, grinding against your clothed and dripping clit in a way that sent sparks racing up your spine. Another roll, this time more sure, pressed the hard length of him firmly against you.
"F-fuck," he broke away from your lips, his arms trembling slightly with restraint as he held himself above you.
You reached for his belt, tugging at the leather before one of his big hands wrapped around your wrists, stopping the movement.
Worry made your throat tighten, had you misread him? Had you overstepped and now he was going to stop before he did something he’d regret?
Before your thoughts could spiral any further, he pressed a soft kiss to your cheek. Your eyes flicked up to meet his. The heat and lust they held was enough to take your breath away.
"Are you sure?" His voice was wrecked, desire and restraint adding a rasp to his already sultry tone. "We can stop if you want. I'm not gonna take advantage just because you're hurting."
The worry and genuine care in his voice was enough to squash any lingering doubts in your mind.
"You're all I want, Shin." You watched as a shiver raced through him at the use of the petname. "All I've wanted for a while... I just didn't want to mess this up."
The words left you in a whisper, your mind more clear than it had been in a long time.
He swallowed hard, your eyes dropped to watch his throat bob with the action. When you looked up again his expression had shifted. The desire was still there, still warring with lust; but now a fond tenderness softened his sharper features.
He released his grip on your wrist, moving his hand to gently push a bit of hair that had fallen into your face out of the way.
"You're all I've been able to think about for years," he murmured. "Every time I tried to convince myself to let you go I couldn't. You're everything, Fudō."
Your lips met in a gentle kiss that quickly morphed into a burning dance of tongues that left your mind a little foggy with lust.
Soon the rest of your clothes, and his, found new homes across the room, leaving the two of you bare before the other.
You couldn't stop your eyes as they roamed, taking in every dip of muscle, every silvered scar that shone as proof of his dedication. Until they fell lower and widened slightly at the heavy bobbing weight hanging between his legs. You'd felt his size earlier, but seeing it now made your mouth water while simultaneously filling you with nerves.
A low chuckle echoed from his chest, pulling your gaze back to his face - a smug smirk pulling at one corner of his mouth.
He leaned forward to press a quick kiss to your lips before trailing more along your jaw to your ear where he gently bit. The feel of his teeth sent a wave of need straight to your core and you could feel your own slick begin to drip and cool despite the heated air. He kept his mouth moving, interspersing kisses and bites across your neck and shoulders.
Just as you opened your mouth to beg for more, the feeling of a rough thumb against your clit made you gasp.
Two fingers trailed through your slick folds pulling another whimper of need from your lips.
"All this for me?"
He didn't give you a chance to respond before he was pushing two fingers into your soaked cunt.
A loud moan ripped from your chest at the stretch of the thick digits. Slowly he began thrusting them in and out, spreading and scissoring them in just the right way to hit every sensitive spot inside you.
Your hands flew to the sides, gripping at the sheets beneath you in a desperate attempt to ground yourself as pleasure burrowed deeper.
A choked gasp pulled another smirk from him when his fingers hit that perfect spot deep inside.
"Right there, Fudō?"
"Y-yes. Shin please," desperation laced your tone. You were so close, no one had ever made you cum this fast.
"Shh, no need to beg, love. I'll take care of you."
With a few more careful swirls of his thumb against your clit and sharp thrusts of his fingers against that sensitive spot, your back arched off the bed as pleasure crashed through you like a wave. Your mouth fell open in a silent gasp, your eyes fluttering shut, as he kept working those skilled fingers, dragging your pleasure out for as long as possible.
"Fuck, that's it. Keep cumming for me, love."
Just when it was becoming too much and a soft whimper left your lips his movements stopped before he slowly withdrew his fingers from your still occasionally spasming pussy. The sudden feeling of emptiness left you feeling hollow and wanting more – needing more.
You blinked up in time to see him pull the fingers that had been inside you from his mouth, heavy-lidded eyes locked on you.
"Think you can go again, love?" His voice was thick with desire, but there was a softness to it too. You knew that if you said no, he wouldn't question it. There would be no pushback or argument - he'd simply accept it and take care of you.
And that only made you want him more.
"Hitoshi," the fog of lust in his eyes lifted as you said his name. "I want you."
Just as fast as the haze had cleared, it came back with a roaring vengeance. Your eyes dropped to where his heavy hand reached down to grip his thick cock, smearing the leaking precum down the shaft as he bit back a groan.
You moaned when he dragged the weeping tip along your still dripping folds - every nudge of the head against your clit setting fireworks off in your mind.
"Last chance, love," his voice was strained and tight.
You didn't respond. Instead, you wrapped your legs around his waist, pulling him closer. A moan left his kiss swollen lips when you did, his eyes narrowing dangerously on you when you arched a brow with a playful turn of your lips.
The only warning you got was when he locked eyes with you, pulling your attention away from where he'd been teasing you.
"Big stretch, baby."
The blunt head of his cock pushed forward in one smooth motion until he was fully seated inside you. The stretch of him burned in the best way, pulling a strangled moan from you when you felt the tip barely kiss your cervix.
Your legs were still locked around his waist, holding him close while your pussy fluttered around him, eliciting another low groan from him.
After giving you a moment to adjust, he finally shifted, "Gonna move now."
As he drew his heavy cock back your hands shot to his back, fingers gripping the firm muscle of his shoulders in a desperate attempt to stay present in the moment. A sharp thrust forward had your nails digging in, drawing a hiss from the purple-haired hero on top of you.
"Damn, you're so tight..."
The next few thrusts were testing and careful until he was sure you could take it. Then it was like the floodgates had been opened. Quick heavy thrusts buried him deep, letting you feel every vein and ridge.
His head fell forward against your shoulder, hot breath dancing across the skin of your chest and raising goosebumps that only made you more sensitive to the brutal pounding of his cock into your tight heat.
"God, you have no idea how long I've wanted this. Wanted you," the words were rough and choppy, coming out in uneven breaths with every harsh thrust of his hips.
A moan left your lips that he quickly swallowed down with a kiss.
"You're all I've been able to imagine for so long, love."
Every word he spoke, every rough movement of his hips as his cock dragged along the sensitive walls of your cunt pushed you closer to the edge. Unconscious spasms rolled through your soaked pussy, pulling another moan from the man above you. His fingers gripped your hips with enough pressure you’re certain there will be bruises.
"Gettin' close," he growled out, the sound vibrating through his chest and into you.
You could feel it, the way his length jumped and twitched almost in sync with the pulses racing through your pussy.
"Me too, Shin. Please, feels so good. Don't stop."
His pace sped up, egged on by your begging and the drag of your nails across his back.
You were so close, the coil in your belly ready to snap at any moment. The buildup alone was enough to take your breath away. But with him, with the person you trusted most, you weren't sure you were ready for the pleasure he was drawing from you.
"Fuck, Fudō. I gotta pull out. Gonna cum."
Your legs tightened instinctively around him, "No! Please. Wanna feel you..."
A shudder ran through him at your pleading. His pace faltered, hips moving in jerky uncoordinated thrusts that made him hit that sweet spot deep inside over and over.
Your vision went white as the coil he'd been winding tighter and tighter finally snapped. Tremors of pleasure raced through your body, locking your legs around his hips as you pulled him down, crashing your mouth into his.
He moaned against your lips as your cunt spasmed around him, pulsing hard against his sensitive shaft.
You felt him jerk once, twice, a third time before his hips slammed into yours pushing him as deep as he could go. His cock jumped and pulsed, a warm heat filling you in tandem with the slowing waves of your own orgasm. The walls of your pussy feeling as if they were trying to pull his very soul from his body.
With a shuddered gasp, Shinso nearly collapsed on top of you, catching himself with shaky arms on either side of your head so he didn’t crush you. Soft lips peppered gentle kisses across your chest and neck as the two of you slowly came down from your highs.
Eventually, your breathing slowed along with your heart. You could feel the mix of you both slowly dripping from where his softening dick was still nestled inside you. Pushing gently against his chest, Shinso seemed to snap out of wherever his mind had wandered.
"Need to clean up, Shin."
He let out a tired, breathless laugh, "Stay here. I'll take care of you."
Leaning forward, he pressed a soft kiss to your lips before pulling out, drawing a groan from both of you. Less than a minute later he returned from the bathroom with a warm cloth, gently wiping down your sore center with a tenderness you'd never seen from him.
When he returned to the room after taking care of you and himself, he tucked you both under the covers, pulling you into his chest. You burrowed deeper into his hold, breathing in the smell of him as his arms held you a little tighter.
"Gotta run to the pharmacy in the morning," his voice was tired but warm.
"Mmm, what for?" You asked through a yawn that made him chuckle.
"Finished inside ya, love. Don't think either of us are ready for kids right now."
You smiled against his chest, "I'm on birth control, Shin. We're good."
Despite the hum he let out, you could hear the way his heart stuttered before returning to its usual pace. The low rhythm combined with the slow trailing of his fingers along your skin quickly lulled you into the gentle embrace of sleep.
Saturday
The morning of the wedding started with a clap of thunder so loud you shot up in bed with a start. Beside you, Shinso let out a low groan, his hand moving to rub sleep from his eyes before he cracked them open to look at you through the foggy haze of sleep. Rain lashed against the window as another gust of wind pushed the heavy drops.
"What time is it?" Shinso's voice was heavy with sleep, the deep rumble seeming to almost reverberate through the mattress.
Now that the initial shock of the crash had worn off, you laid back down, glancing at the clock on the bedside table as you did.
"Early, just after seven."
He groaned, rolling onto his side before he looped his arm around you to pull your back into his chest.
You let out a soft laugh as he did. The heat of him radiated through the thin material of your sleep shirt, further calmed the rapid beat of your heart. As soon as you relaxed into his hold, he tucked his head into the crook of your neck, his lips pressing against the soft skin there.
Another flash of lightning was followed almost immediately by a rumble of thunder so loud it shook the building.
You wiggled deeper into his hold, pressing yourself firmly against him as your eyes fluttered shut in an attempt to go back to sleep. The breath caught in your chest when his hand moved to entangle his fingers with yours. Rough callouses scratched pleasantly against the smooth skin of your hand as they came to rest against your stomach.
He let out a long sigh, the heavy weight of him at your back relaxing further into the mattress now that he'd found a comfortable position.
The storm continued to rage outside, thunder crashing every minute or less, preventing any attempt at returning to sleep... at least for you. Behind you, Shinso had somehow managed to almost immediately return to the land of dreams, the deadweight of his arm a comforting touch as your mind finally began to process all that had happened.
Shifting your weight to adjust a painful catch in your side, the dull throb between your legs was a stark reminder of the night before.
Images immediately flashed through your mind of what had led to you and your best friend finally confessing to one another. Every quiet moment, every gentle touch, every too long look over the last few years finally clicked into place in your mind. The culmination of which had led to him helping you escape that awful dinner where your closest kept secret was revealed.
You knew it wasn't the end of the world. In fact, very few people outside of Hitoshi and your parents - if any - would be conscious enough to have done the math and realized what the best man had so casually admitted.
Yet the weight that you had been carrying ever since the breakup had finally lifted. You didn't have to lie or omit just enough of the truth to avoid prying questions. He had unknowingly freed you from a burden you hadn't realized cost you so much. For the first time in years, it felt like you could actually breathe.
As you did just that, Hitoshi's hold around your middle tightened in his sleep - unconsciously pulling you closer.
A soft smile graced your lips before your heavy lids finally closed again.
The ceremony had been... okay. Too over the top, too glamorous for Shinso to actually enjoy any of it. He'd felt out of place the moment he stepped through the doors of the venue. These people were not his people - in a way, they weren't yours either. Not anymore anyway.
After the storm broke the two of them had been woken to a quiet knock at the door to their room.
Considering Shinso was only wearing the boxers he'd put on at some point in the night, you'd been the one to answer the door.
Quiet murmurs reached him past the partition that blocked the door from the bed, the voice of an older woman the only thing he could make out aside from your own. When you returned to the room, he sat up, holding his arms out in an invitation.
He had to ignore the little thrill that went through him when you cuddled up against his chest without a second thought.
It was your mother who'd been at the door. They were hoping to have a chance to talk before the events of the day, which meant the two of them would need to get up soon if they wanted to have time for breakfast before getting ready.
Luckily the meal and conversation went well. Your parents apologized for not realizing something more had happened between you and Fukuda. Which they quickly followed up with letting you know that you absolutely did not have to attend the wedding or reception if you didn't want to.
You'd turned to look at him then, your eyes wide with a question. He'd just shrugged and rested his hand against your thigh under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"It's your choice."
After some consideration, you'd decided you still wanted to attend. Not for your ex and his soon-to-be wife, but for yourself and those that you were still close to - namely, Fukuda's grandmother.
Who, Shinso observed, had been noticeably absent from the wedding itself.
He was sitting at a table in the reception hall, music thrummed through the air - not loud enough to be intrusive, but enough to get people up and enjoying themselves. You'd vanished a little while ago, telling him you wanted to catch up with some friends you hadn't had a chance to see yet. Of course that wasn't an issue, you were your own person and could make your own decisions.
Though, that hadn’t stopped him from admiring the way your dress hung beautifully off your hips. The rich midnight blue accentuated your skin tone and made the light shining in your eyes that much brighter. He hadn’t been able to keep his eyes off you from the moment you’d let the soft fabric cascade down around your curves. At one point you’d even swatted him away when he got a little too handsy right before you were supposed to leave the hotel.
Now though, sitting at the table alone, boredom was beginning to set in.
His gaze trailed lazily around the room hoping to catch you somewhere amongst the crowd when a gentle tug at the sleeve of his shirt drew his attention away from the rest of the venue.
Standing beside him, in a tiny, poofy lilac dress, was a little girl who couldn't have been older than six or seven. Her hair was pulled into two little pigtails that were tied off with matching lilac bows and she was looking up at him with wide, almost star-struck eyes.
"Are you Hero Nighthide?" Her voice was so quiet he could barely hear her over the humming bass. But the moment his brain registered the fact that she'd called him by his heroname, it brought a small pleased smile to his face.
"Mhm, yes I am. And who are you?" He leaned forward in his chair, giving her his undivided attention.
Her little mouth dropped open in shock, eyes somehow growing even wider as she looked up at him.
"I'm Hino Kinami," she whispered, voice full of awe.
He was about to respond when she spoke again.
"You're my favorite hero!" The words left her in a quiet reverence that warmed him to his bones.
Most of his work was undercover, behind the scenes dirty work that other heroes either couldn't or wouldn't do. Thanks to his Quirk, those missions were something he almost always undertook. It wasn't that they were all secret or off the books, though a few were. It was more that it just wasn't as exciting as heroes like Dynamight or Shoto.
They were his friends and former classmates, but they couldn't do the things he could. Just as he couldn't do what they did. It was why he wasn't on the charts; his work was too quiet, too similar to Eraserhead.
The fact that this child knew him and admired him to this degree, was something he never thought he'd experience.
Before he could continue down the winding path of his mind, another tug at his sleeve pulled him back to the present.
"Mr. Nighthide, will you please dance with me?"
Shinso melted.
You looked up from your conversation with a couple of friends you hadn't seen in a while, only to feel your heart stop before it immediately kicked back up at a frenzied pace. The voices of your friends fell to the background, no more than a dull hum at the back of your mind.
Across the room, under the shifting light of the dance floor, Shinso had a little girl balanced carefully on the tops of his boots. Her little hands gripped his tightly as a wide gap-toothed smile lit her face with pure joy. The purple-haired hero leaned down to listen to something she said before you could see a soft grin spread across his lips.
The voice of your companions still droned on in the background when he glanced up and caught your watchful eye.
He flashed you a rueful smile, the sharp glint in his eyes sending a shiver down your spine.
You're sure you would have stayed staring at each other forever, had a sudden loud voice not pulled your attention to someone moving behind you.
"What do you mean she's not paying?!"
An older man you recognized as Fukuda's father pushed his way through the crowded room, his voice too loud in the enclosed space.
"What does that even mean? 'She can do math.' WHAT math?"
His face paled as he froze mid-step. Almost unconsciously, his eyes flicked to where you stood, meeting your own before immediately looking away as his cheeks darkened. He didn't speak again before walking deeper through the crowd, and when he did, his voice was low enough you couldn't make it out when he finally disappeared.
You looked back to see Shinso watching you, a question written all over his face, 'the hell?'
With a shrug you gave him a smile that had a flush rushing to his face before you returned to your friends, slipping back into the conversation as if nothing had happened.
Warmth thrummed through your veins, the echo of the love you felt from the person who'd been beside you the longest. You'd never trusted anyone as much as you trusted Shinso... and now you wouldn't ever have to.
Kinami-kun had finally wandered off to find her parents, though Shinso had kept a close eye to make sure she actually made it. It was an unexpected turn of events, but he wouldn't complain about having the chance to meet his 'biggest fan.'
His mind kept replaying the way you'd looked at him from across the room - like no one else in the world existed except for him.
How many nights had he lain awake wishing for exactly that? Too many to count.
But now you were his, and he was yours. And unless you told him to get lost, he had no intention of leaving your side.
He was still lost in thought, his eyes naturally drifting to where you had your head tipped back in a delighted laugh. Humor and joy shone brightly in your eyes, warming even the darkest places of his soul - when he felt a presence approach and stand beside where he sat lounging at the table.
A glance to his side revealed the elderly form of Fukuda's grandmother, who had once again sought him out despite the busy event.
Clearing his throat, he said the only thing he could think of, "It was a pretty wedding."
He winced internally at the half-hearted compliment but hoped she wouldn't take it as an offense.
She scoffed, her eyes narrowing on someone across the room.
Following her gaze, he blinked with a startled realization that she was glaring at Fukuda and his new bride. Glancing back at the older woman, her jaw was set in a tight line, the muscles ticked beneath the skin as if she were chewing her words before speaking again.
When her eyes returned to Shinso, they softened immediately, "Don't forget what I told you."
He never could, her words had given him the confidence to actually step up and take care of you the way you deserved.
A gentle, withered hand rested against his shoulder for a brief moment, "And never stop looking at her like that."
His eyes immediately jumped to you on the other side of the dance floor. He felt his face soften before he could even acknowledge it. But when he turned his head to respond to her, she was gone.
A little while later, after you'd returned briefly for a drink of water and a kiss, Shinso was standing not far from the bar when little Hino found him again - this time dragging her parents with her. The conversation flowed easily, they apologized for their daughter's enthusiasm, but he just waved it off.
Kinami-kun was holding onto his leg when his gaze drifted back to where you were standing, deep in conversation with Fukuda's grandmother. He carefully watched the play of emotion across your face when a tug at his pant leg brought his attention back to the little girl still clinging there.
"Who is she?" Her voice was still quiet, despite her clear comfort in his presence.
He looked up again, a small loving smile turned the corners of his mouth up before he answered.
Do you ever think about what the start of ME1 must have been like for the Council. Like, the human embassy is being annoying so they picked one (1) human to send on a few milk runs to make sure her 100% political appointment wasn’t gonna blow up in their faces. That’s it.
They’re sitting there like “what’s next on the docket. ah yes, the job interview for the diversity hire”
and then she kicks down the door and the first words out of her mouth are “THE REGIONAL MANAGER IS WORKING FOR A CULT OF BILLION-YEAR-OLD MACHINES TO WIPE OUT ALL LIFE IN THE GALAXY, THIS WAS REVEALED TO ME IN A DREAM”
and everyone acts like YOU’RE being unreasonable for politely reminding her that this is a wendy’s.
The best part is later that day she comes back with “THIS UNVERIFIED RECORDING A RANDOM STRANGER GAVE ME PROVES THE REGIONAL MANAGER IS WORKING FOR A CULT OF BILLION-YEAR-OLD MACHINES TO WIPE OUT ALL LIFE IN THE GALAXY!”
And they’re just like, “damn, she’s right”, and appoint her the new regional manager on the spot without asking a single question.
But it doesn’t end there. The diversity hire’s ship fucking explodes and she dies. Super dead. They checked. “Fragments of the armor she was wearing found charred on the planet surface” kind of dead.
Two years later she strolls into their office, apparently perfectly healthy, and opens with “THE BUG MEN FROM A BLACK HOLE ARE IN ON THE CONSPIRACY AND THEYRE TURNING PEOPLE INTO GOO TO SUMMON SATAN. I LEARNED THIS FROM A DELIRIOUS CHILD. AND THAT IS WHY I JOINED A TERRORIST CELL. ALSO CAN I BE THE REGIONAL MANAGER AGAIN THANKS.”
They let her be the regional manager again. What else were they supposed to do?
You know the parable about how the foolish man built his house upon sand and the wise man built his house upon rock and it’s always about having a sturdy foundation well there is also the fact of location which is that the sand probably used to be rock except it’s been eroded to sediment because it’s a FUCKING FLOODPLAIN
flood Plain perfec t size for put town in to b\uild! inside very Soft and Comfort town safe happy put town in Floodplain. Put Town In Floodplain. no problems ever in flloodplain because good Shape and Support for town roads weak of big town citizens. Afloodplain yes a place for a town put town in floodplain can trust floodplain for giveing good place for town. friend flood
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