A/N: This story is long, and will most likely update slowly. Also, points if you get the occasional references in the chapter titles. Now onwards, True Believers!

The next day

Sakura nonchalantly approached the safe house where Tadashi was staying for the moment, enjoying her walk in the early morning air. She had just finished up a few errands, one of which was telling her father the actual story of the fire, and informing him that she was getting married soon. Her father was more than overjoyed, as he had become rather fond of the idea of Tadashi becoming his son-in-law. Which was fortunate, as before the two had started dating, his stance on the subject of a boy dating his daughter had been, in his words, "I want grandbabies, but I also want to murder any boy that comes within thirty feet of you." Thankfully, he had swiftly taken a liking to Tadashi, though there was still the occasional threat of serious bodily harm if he dared hurt his precious little Sakura in any way.

After unlocking and going through the back door, she opened the safe in the wall of the room, typed in the 8-digit code on the keypad inside, and stepped through the doorway, which had been heretofore hidden by a large cabinet, as soon as it opened. Once safely inside, with the hidden door safely back in its place behind the cabinet, Sakura let out a quiet giggle. Tadashi was sprawled out, fast asleep on the couch. His hair looked like it could use a shower and a combing, and he had obviously been exhausted by the time he reached the safe house, as he was still in the same ash-stained shirt and jeans from the day before.

Sakura, after shrugging off her jacket and removing her shoes, padded softly over to the small kitchenette, intent on making some breakfast, seeing as Tadashi had almost certainly not had breakfast yet, and she was feeling a bit peckish.

As the tender hiss of bacon frying became audible, and the scent of eggs being cooked began to permeate the air, Sakura heard Tadashi stir. After he groggily arose from the couch, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he seemed to register Sakura's presence in the room. Padding over, he wrapped up Sakura in a gentle hug from behind.

"Good morning, sleepyhead." said a smiling Sakura.

"Good morning to you too, blossom. What time is it?" asked Tadashi, kissing the top of her head softly.

"It's about 8:30 in the morning."

"What are you doing up this early? You've stated many a time that you are not a morning person."

Sakura rolled her eyes and smirked good-naturedly.

"I had some errands to run."

"Such as?"

"Oh, just getting a few food items from the store, telling my dad that you're alive, and that, yes, he's definitely invited to the wedding, provided he wears his old superhero suit. Though I doubt that'll be a problem. In fact, he seemed especially excited about the suit part."

"Ah."

"Anyways, you are desperate need of a shower. So how about you grab a quick shower and put on some clean clothes while I keep making breakfast."

"Mmkay. You're the boss." replied Tadashi, a playful smirk evident on his face. He then softly released Sakura from his embrace.

"You darn well bet I am. I've got a spatula and I'm not afraid to use it." joked Sakura with an equally playful smirk. This earned a laugh, albeit a slightly nervous one. Tadashi knew that while she was joking at the moment, she could quite easily carry out on her threat, given the chance. With that as motivation, Tadashi quickly made his way over to the bathroom.

After Tadashi had showered and put on clean clothes, and the pair had eaten breakfast, the two sat and talked for a while.

"You know, it's kind of a weird feeling, knowing that I'm your fiancée – oh gosh, I get such a giddy feeling every time I say that!" exclaimed Sakura.

"Believe me, I'm in the same boat. My brain is still sort of processing the fact that you said yes, honestly." responded a faintly red-faced Tadashi.

"On a less happy note, I have to attend your funeral in a week."

"That sounds like fun." said Tadashi sarcastically.

"Trust me, it's even less fun than it sounds, as I'll have to give an award-worthy performance to make it convincing."

"It can't be that bad, can it?"

"Yes it can. It'll be a room full of geniuses. They won't be as observant as usual, but they're still geniuses. They're still going to be sharper than your average person."

"Ah. On a completely different note, we should redesign my suit, like you suggested. I mean, I like the facemask and goggles of the old disguise, but everything else needs a change. I'm thinking maybe a long coat, like down to my ankles with an adaptable fabric for both that and the suit, so it doesn't rip when I change."

"I like that idea. Though at this point, anything's better than what you had been wearing."

"Okay, then if that's settled, then I think we're good. See you soon, blossom."

"Same to you, dragon." responded Sakura as she gave Tadashi a goodbye kiss.

-o0o-

One week later…

Sakura let out a heavy sigh as she shrugged on a dark, formal trench coat and put on a black wide-brimmed hat. Today was going to be anything but easy. She got in her car and started it up, the trusty little Miata purring to life. Miatas had been a favorite of her mother's, and Sakura had inherited her love of the spunky little vehicles. Setting off, Sakura tried not to let her thoughts stray too far into sorrow or self-pity. There was a time and place for that, and this was neither. She had the performance of a lifetime to put on, and by golly, she was going be convincing!

Fifteen minutes later, she pulled into the parking lot of the church where the memorial service was being held, and parked. As she was exiting the car, she nearly hit Fred with the door by accident.

"Oh, I'm sorry Fred! I didn't mean to almost smack you with the door."

"I'm fine, you probably just didn't see me there."

"Ok. Want walk in together? I would really appreciate the company."

"Sure." said Fred in an extraordinarily subdued manner, for him at least.

As they walked the slight distance to the church, the two friends struck up a quiet conversation about the most meaningless things, such as the weather, or the price of marshmallow crème, just to keep their minds off of heavier things. It was a slight relief from sorrow, and they welcomed it gladly. They continued talking once they stepped inside, and their conversation stopped only as the memorial service began.

When the service reached the point at which friends and family were invited to share about Tadashi's life, Sakura was one of the first to rise from her seat and make her way to the microphone.

When it was her turn, she began, "My name is Sakura Yang. Many of you may know me. I was Tadashi Hamada's girlfriend of three years. I knew Tadashi better than most, and I can say with certainty that he was one of the kindest, most selfless people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, and there will never be another quite like him. He helped people even in their darkest moments. It was one of his greatest strengths. He truly embodied the scripture, 'Greater love has no man than this- that he lay down his life for his friends.' It's what killed him. H-he-" at this point, Sakura had to take a second to compose herself. Once that was sufficiently accomplished, Sakura continued, albeit with an audible hitch in in her voice, "He saved my life in the fire, but in return, h-he lost his. I will never be able to repay my debt to him for saving me. Also, I discovered a few days ago that he was planning to propose to me, and I know in my heart of hearts that I would have unreservedly said yes, and now, I-I'll never get that chance. Thank you for your time." Sakura returned to her seat, ugly tears threatening to stream in rivulets down her face.

After the service ended, and the empty coffin lowered, Sakura returned to the now seemingly empty church, her face now as dry as the Mojave Desert.

"Come to confess your sins?" came the familiar voice of one Tadashi Hamada, who was currently leaning against the open doorframe.

"I don't know, what would you have me confess to?" responded Sakura, her voice as silky as chinchilla fur.

"Hmm…..the grand theft of my heart, perhaps?" countered Tadashi in an equally smooth tone.

"I have no control over that, but anyways, it is good to see you, my dragon, and may I say you are looking very fine today. The new costume design suits you quite well," said Sakura, her eyes sliding up and down Tadashi's form approvingly.

"I'm glad you like it, as I wasn't quite sure what I ought to wear to my own funeral," joked Tadashi.

"It has been fun talking, but I ought to be going," said Sakura as she moved towards the door. When she reached the door, she found Tadashi blocking the path.

"I'll let you through, but only if you give me a kiss," said Tadashi, a low purr emanating softly from his throat as he lowered his mask.

"Alright, if you insist," responded Sakura before she leaned in and placed a tender, yet chaste kiss upon Tadashi's lips.

After they broke apart, Tadashi moved aside as promised, and said, "See you soon, blossom."

"You too, dragon."

At the same time, in the cemetery, Hiro was staring sorrowfully at the cloudless blue sky that had been beaming happily down on the warm earth all day. He barely registered the crunch of grass next to him as Go-go sat herself down.

"If you're here to try and cheer me up, don't bother," said Hiro flatly.

"That actually wasn't why I was here. I just-"

"Spit it out already," said Hiro harshly.

"Alright. I just wanted to say I know all too well what it's like to lose a sibling, especially an older one."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I had an older sister, Minwa. She was the one who raised me, since our folks didn't care much for us, especially our so-called 'mom'. As soon as she could afford an apartment, she took me with her and moved out. We were on a bit of a shoestring budget at first, but we were happy. A couple years ago, when I was seventeen, she was waiting for a bus when a guy came up to the crowd waiting for the bus, and started spraying bullets. Twenty people died instantly, and twenty-seven more were hospitalized with severe injuries. Minwa was one of the ones hospitalized, and she died two days later from her injuries."

"I heard about that. The Haidari bus stop Incident, right? Where did you go after that?"

"Yep. I came to live with my Nana here in San Fransokyo."

"Thank you for telling me. That honestly helps a lot, and I'm sorry I snapped at you."

"It's alright, I forgive you. How about I give you a ride home?"

"Really? Thank you."

"You're welcome."

A/N: Sweet cheese and crackers, that took ages! I apologize that it took me almost four months to properly update. This is one of the last super-long chapters, and updates from this point on should be a tad bit more manageable. As always, let me know what you think in the reviews, and cookies for those who get the references I sometimes make. I am accepting submissions for OCs, so you can tell me about them in the reviews, where I've put some guidelines for the OCs, so hopefully you all are able to see the guidelines. Let me know if you can't. See you soon, True Believers!