Koros admired himself in the fitting room, surrounded by mirrors on all sides. He chuckled, staring at the red dress shirt which poked out from his grey suit. The top few buttons were open, allowing for just a few of his chest hairs to poke through. Pleased, Koros strode out of the fitting room to where Sycamore was waiting, sitting on a bench outside of a little enclave in the back of a tiny suit store. Sycamore lifted his head to see Koros and he straightened in his seat, horrified.

"You look like an eighties gangster," said Sycamore. "No. And what did I tell you about a tie?! You just going to walk up next to the altar with your chest hair sticking out?"

"Ah come on," said Koros, grinning. "It's a good look for me. Don't be such a prude."

"I'm trying to make everything as perfect as I can for the wedding. Which includes making sure you don't walk in looking like a pimp who got the wrong address for his hotel."

"Ahhh you wouldn't know fashion if it wrapped itself around your neck."

"Sounds more like you're just jealous that I'm the best man and you're not," said Sycamore, managing a sneaky grin of his own.

"Uh huh," said Koros. "Honestly, not too bothered. You were his friend first, I guess."

"And I didn't try to kill him once. Or…" Sycamore swallowed when he recalled back to a white beam emanating from a gun a long time ago. "Well, that didn't count."

"What."

"Nothing, nothing. Now, the combo you have going on is fine, but for starters, put your damned buttons in, and get a tie! It won't kill you to wear a tie for one day."

"Ughhh it'll just take away from the aesthetic."

"You dress like a hobo and rarely fix your hair. What on earth do you know about aesthetic."

"I see why Fubuki likes you, you picky motherfucker. Bet you help her pick out every dress she wears."

"Not at all, she'd look good in an inner tube. Now go get a tie!"

Koros threw his hands in the air. Just as he turned around, Secter emerged from the dressing room opposite Koros's. He was clad in a classic tuxedo, fitted to his waist and legs, a white, ruffled undershirt visible between the black suit. The suit had a glossy sheen to it, as if someone had taken a car buffer to the fabric. A bow tie sat right at his neck, as dark and shiny as the rest of the outfit. Secter strode out, and both Koros and Sycamore eyed him, judges for the biggest day of his life.

"Bit plain," said Secter. "And I'm not a fan of the bow tie. But hey, classy, isn't it? And fits well."

"It does," said Sycamore. "That's definitely your size. But hmm…you're right it is a bit plain, even if it's certainly more catered to the event than Koros's outfit."

Secter glanced over at Koros. He dropped his shoulders when Koros grinned at him.

"Are you going to a coke deal?" asked Secter, trying not to laugh. "What the hell are you wearing?"

"Hey!" said Koros. "I look good in this!"

"Sure, if you were going to some sleazy bar outside town," said Secter. "Koros, look." He turned and placed both his hands on Koros's shoulders' who raised an eyebrow in response. "I want you to think, really think, about how you want to look at the wedding. Remember it's not just for you, but for me too. Personally, I don't care too much if you want to go looking like a coke dealer, but do remember that when we go back in twenty years and look through the scrapbooks, you'll be the only one to look like a coke dealer."

Koros narrowed his eyes and rubbed his chin, deep in contemplation. Secter didn't like just how long it took for him to think about this.

"Just look at it this way," said Sycamore. "In twenty years, don't you think you'd be embarrassed that you made that choice?"

Koros glanced at him.

"Oh what am I saying," said Sycamore. "As if you'd care."

"Nah, alright, alright," said Koros. "I get what ya mean, ya prudes. I'll find something else."

"If you really like what you have, it could work if you buttoned up and got a tie," said Secter.

"That's what I said," said Sycamore. "You were so close, Koros! Like baby's first suit." He snickered.

"Ah fuck off," said Koros. "I've worn nice stuff before."

"A collared short sleeve shirt doesn't count man," said Secter.

"I hate you both," said Koros. "Secter, suit's nice but that bow tie makes you look like a goody two shoes dumbass. Which…on second thought, that's totally fitting for you."

Secter took his hands off of Koros and sighed.

"Go get a tie you scruffy bastard," said Secter. "And learn how to shave while you're at it."

Koros started to turn back towards his fitting room.

"Ah what's it matter for you anyways," said Koros. "Least for your suit, what's more important is how pleased your girl is when you take it off afterwards."

"The more stuff you have on it, the more complicated it will be," said Sycamore, chuckling. "Or maybe she's into that."

"What?!" asked Secter, looking down at Sycamore. "You too?!"

Sycamore kept snickering, putting his hand up to his mouth as if his laughter could be made secret.

"Heh," said Koros. "I don't think you want to start that kind of talk, Sycamore."

"Hey," said Sycamore. "It's rare to have the tables turned on one of you two, normally the teasing is on me."

"You're the main one who gets bothered by it," said Koros. "Though hey, look at Secter over here, getting a little red are we?"

In truth, Secter's cheeks were a slight shade of red, but he just shook his head and ignored Koros. Turning back towards his dressing room, where a number of other suits hung from the wall, he started to head back in.

"Ah fuck off," said Secter. "And for your information…" He glanced back at his two skeptical friends and managed a tiny smile. "She prefers to be rough with the undressing."

"Wooooah!" said Koros. "Secter, my man! Whatever happened to keeping that stuff personal, and respecting boundaries and all that?"

"Hey, a little detail here and there won't kill anybody," said Secter. "Just uh, don't tell her I said that."

Koros chuckled as he headed back into his dressing room. With him out of the way, Secter refocused his attention on Sycamore.

"So," said Secter. "You already have your suit, huh?"

"Yep!" said Sycamore. "It's at home actually, but I can just teleport it right on…"

Sycamore's original clothes, a dark blue collared shirt and light pants faded away in lieu of a new outfit, which appeared right onto his body. Now he wore a dull silver suit with a sky blue collared shirt underneath, complete with a black tie with tiny greenish blue stripes flickered across it. He wore black dress pants, also fitted tightly to his legs and complete with a single divot all the way down towards the ankles which pointed up to the ceiling.

"Woah, nice!" said Secter. "Looks good on you man."

"Thanks," said Sycamore.

"Reminds me a bit of your old suit…"

"Heh," said Sycamore. "Fubuki and I talked about it, and I made it custom. I like to think it's kind of…symbolic in some ways."

"Hmm…"

"Obviously, the silver suit reminiscent of my old one, but the new undershirt…like a new beginning I guess, the sky instead of the dark shirt I used to wear. And the colors of the tie…well, I think you can guess."

"Fubuki and you," said Secter. "And Tatsu and I?"

"That's right," said Sycamore. "And it all matches, looks real sharp. Something to be proud in."

"I like it," said Secter, amazed at just how much thought Sycamore had put into his outfit. "Perfect for my best man."

Sycamore held his head high.

"From that silly suite to this," said Sycamore. "Just how far I've come…"

"You should be proud of yourself," said Secter. "I know I am."

"Ah thanks," said Sycamore. "But really, you're the man of the hour here! Secter, think about where you started as opposed to where you are now."

Secter recalled back to his first day on the world, landing amongst piles of trash. Now he was about to get married to the woman he loved with all his heart, surrounded by his closest friends. What a strange and amazing thing life could be.

"Quite a change," said Secter. "Lot happened in less than a year, but I couldn't be happier."

"I'm glad," said Sycamore. "Now go on! There's some more picks in there, but I'm especially curious about that black suit with the grey undershirt, you look good in fitted black."

"It's not half bad," said Secter. "Fuck, I'm so excited to see what Tatsu gets."

"Wish I could tell you," said Sycamore. "But it's going to have to be a surprise."

Koros emerged back from the dressing room, now with his undershirt buttoned up and a single red tie with grey stripes crisscrossing over it hanging from his neck.

"There you go," said Sycamore.

"Woah, you change while I was gone?" asked Koros. "Looks good."

"Thanks," said Sycamore. "Bit symbolic too!"

"If you say so," said Koros. "But alright, what do you two think of the new look."

"Tie's a bit ehh," said Secter. "But otherwise, definitely better than before."

"You two so damned picky," said Koros.

"Hey," said Secter. "This wedding is only happening once."

"Unless you renew your vows!" said Sycamore. "Fubuki was talking about that, said she wanted to go to as many weddings between you two as she could."

"Hah," said Secter. "Cute. But for now, we'll focus on the first."

"Oi," said Koros. "Sycamore's been in charge of food n shit, anything you want me to do?"

"I want you to show up and have a good time," said Secter. "Don't you worry about a thing."

"Uh huh, I see how it is," said Koros.

"Told you he was jealous," said Sycamore.

"Shut it," muttered Koros.

"Koros, you're my friend, and you've stuck with me through thick and thin," said Secter. "You'll be right at my side with Sycamore when I'm up there at the gazebo."

"Gazebo eh?" asked Koros. "You going for ah…what's it called…"

"Riverside," said Secter. "You'll get a nice view of the sunset, all the main group will have a room, and Tatsu and I already have a honeymoon spot planned, not too far either."

"Ooh," said Koros. "Bet you'll have lots of fun there eh?"

"Planning on it," said Secter. "A private little vacation."

"You deserve it," said Sycamore. "Now go on, try that other black one!"

Secter nodded and strode back into his fitting room, shutting the door behind him.

"He's a great guy," said Koros. "You're right, he deserves all this shit."

"Without him, where do you think you'd be?" asked Sycamore.

"Dead. You?"

"Probably also dead."

"Heh. We both owe em eh? You better make sure those people get fed."

"Not worried about that," said Sycamore.

"You gonna take a little vacation with your honey too?"

"Yeah," said Sycamore.

"She gonna give you a good time?"

Sycamore sighed.

"I'm sure we'll both enjoy ourselves. And yes, Koros, I'm sure sex will be involved."

"Heh heeeeeeh you sly dog," said Koros. "Ah, gotta get me back in the saddle too. Nothing like you though, I'll bet Fubuki ties you up so much you become more leather than man."

"She doesn't," said Sycamore, dipping his head and rolling his eyes. "Not like you'd believe me anyways."

"Hey, I just like to tease," said Koros. "Agh, gotta visit the post office after this…"

"Post office?"

"Sending a package."

"Why not just teleport it?"

"Want to make it look more…natural, if that makes sense."

"It doesn't, no."

"Look, it's for someone I had a…quick thing with. Haven't seen her much since but I know she has a lot on her plate. So, made a little thing for her to lighten the load."

"Why not just go talk to her?"

"She…she's nice and all, but not a long-term match."

"…just because you don't want to be in a relationship with her doesn't mean you can't talk to her."

"Yeah I know I know, but I'm bad with goodbyes. And you know…opening up about things unless it's someone close."

"You hardly open up to Secter or I," said Sycamore. "Yet I feel like we both know you inside and out anyways."

"You've been through similar shit, just with different takeaways," said Koros. "Though I feel like you've met people like me."

"I have," said Sycamore. "But you're stronger than most of them. Look where you've made yourself, what you've become now."

"Heh, thanks," said Koros. "You're a damned good friend, Sycamore."

Sycamore smiled and looked down at the ground.

"Thanks," he said.

"And yeah, I'm better," said Koros. "Still got some of the same problems, but better. Want to stay here til I die, or decide to die, so that's a start."

"Good," said Sycamore. "Hopefully you don't decide that for a long time."

"You better stay with us a long time Koros!" shouted Secter from the fitting room.

"Oh," said Koros. "Forgot he could hear us."

"He will!" Sycamore called back.

"Plan on it," said Koros. "No running off this time, I have too many people to take care of now."

Secter opened the door from his fitting room, and Sycamore stood up. This was the first good sign.

The second was Koros outstretching his arms and shouting.

"Well well well!" said Koros. "Look at this guy!"

Secter's suit was trimmed, tight, fitted right to his muscled torso and longer legs. It was glossy black like the tuxedo was, but somehow more pristine, less flashy yet more refined. Instead of reflecting light, it seemed to absorb it, catching the attention of both his friends and a couple of passing shoppers. The undershirt was a dark grey, melting in the back of the folds of the suit but providing contrast for Secter's fair and in some places scarred skin. The tie was a mix of the two colors, blending the best of both worlds into a sleek, shimmering slice of fabric which pointed down towards Secter's stomach. It wasn't too fancy but it was just elegant enough, perfect for a man who was both a handsome badass in his own right but was also not quite refined enough for a tuxedo. A tailored suit for a dashing and confident dork.

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" said Sycamore. "Told you Koros, told you that was the one for him!"

"Looks damned good on you," said Koros.

Secter grinned while dipping his head at the ground, trying to hide his rising embarrassment at all the attention he was getting.

"I like it," said Secter. "Fancy, but not so fancy it looks off on me. Brings out my chin too."

"Tatsumaki's gonna be all over you," said Koros. "Sycamore, you were right, this was a good choice."

"This the one?" asked Sycamore.

"I think this just might be," said Secter, flipping over his sleeves to investigate them. "Wish I could just go home and show Tatsu right here and now, but I guess I have to keep it a surprise, eh?"

"Ah she'll see it soon," said Koros. "So, we good here?"

"We good," said Secter. "Let's buy all we need, Koros you sticking with what you've got on?"

"I'll get a different tie," said Koros. "Then we can go."

"Gotta drop off that gift eh?" asked Secter. "Think I know who it's for."

"Bet you do," said Koros.

"Real sweet of you," said Secter.

"Yeah, yeah," said Koros.

"Fubuki will hear about this," said Sycamore. "She'll be real proud that you did that."

"Yeah I hear she's still been talking to them," said Koros. "You've got a catch Sycamore."

"She's the best," said Sycamore.

"Hey, maybe one day we'll be picking out suits for your wedding eh?" asked Koros.

Sycamore chuckled and scraped a single foot on the ground.

"Maybe one day," he said.

"Alright imma get a tie," said Koros. "Then we can hit it."

"Sounds good," said Secter. "Sycamore, thanks so much for helping me with this, and Koros, for bearing with our…fashion statements."

Koros waved him away, smirking as he went back into the dressing room.

. . .

Fubuki sat on a padded bench, surrounded by walls of peach and a series of mirrors. It was a high-end place, just as Fubuki had told her sister a few days ago, and sure enough, Tatsumaki had been rushed by an employee with a plethora of options. She disappeared into a fitting room not long ago, and Fubuki shivered as she imagined Tatsumaki coming out draped in a beautiful white dress. She almost swayed in her seat, knocking her knees together and she waited. How long was it going to take?

Another minute passed. Fubuki couldn't take her eyes off of the door which led to the dressing room, the rest of the store separated off from the place she was in. She could hear the voices of people chatting excitedly back in the aisles beyond. Their voices just amplified her own excitement as she pictured a sweeping hall with all of her friends, waiting for Tatsumaki to walk down the aisle…

"Ah…" breathed Fubuki to herself. "Sis…it's going to be so amazing…" Her chest ached as she tried to hold back tears.

I haven't even seen her yet, thought Fubuki. If I'm this bad now, I'm going to be sobbing at the wedding…

There was a rustling sound at the edge of the dressing room. Fubuki started to stand up, her breath catching in her throat.

Oh my God oh my God oh my God it's happening, she thought. Sis is coming out, she's coming out!

"Sis?" asked Fubuki.

Something scraped against the back of the door, followed by Tatsumaki's voice, low and muffled.

"Alright alright, move out of the way," she said. "I'm heading out."

"Yes Miss Tatsumaki, you look fantastic!" said the fitter, no doubt hovering around Tatsumaki as she tried to open the door to leave.

The door opened, and Tatsumaki took her first step forward in her new dress. It was glaringly white, laced with ornate patterns all over her collarbone. Shaped to her torso and waist, it slimmed down until it hit the tops of her legs, where it fanned out into a cone with shimmering layers of fabric laid out on top of one another. Tatsumaki's hair was up in a bun, slicked back onto the sides of her head and tied up with a black hairband.

Fubuki clasped her hands to her mouth and squealed. Tears flowed out from her eyes, and she bolted upright, watching her sister walk forward with shiny eyes.

"Sis…" said Fubuki. "Sis, oh sis!" Fubuki's voice crumbled as she stumbled forward, her cries echoing out from her fingers. Tatsumaki's face turned bright red and she smiled at seeing the absolute mess Fubuki was turning into.

"You're getting married, it's really happening…" blubbered Fubuki. "Can I hug you? I want to hug you, but I'm worried I'll get tears on the dress…"

"Of course you can," said Tatsumaki. Her own eyes were starting to burn.

Even with the quiet gasp of protest from the fitter behind Tatsumaki, Fubuki lunged forward and wrapped her arms around her big sister, lifting her up a couple of inches off the ground. Tatsumaki hugged her back, shocked at Fubuki picking her up.

Fubuki's tears landed in Tatsumaki's hair, Fubuki softly sobbing onto her scalp.

"I'm so happy for you," said Fubuki. "Oh God I'm so happy for you sis, this is so amazing, you're so beautiful and happy…"

Tatsumaki squeezed her eyes close, failing to stifle the tears which billowed out under her eyelids. She sniffled onto Fubuki's chest.

"Thank…thank you sis," said Tatsumaki. "You like this one?"

"You look so beautiful…" said Fubuki, crying uncontrollably. "I knew…I knew I'd be a mess when I saw you in your first dress, but it's all so much, you're finally getting married to him, it's going to be the happiest day of your life…" Fubuki stuttered her last word, sputtering it out like a teary machine.

Tatsumaki grinned, tears flowing down the front of her face.

"It will," said Tatsumaki. "And sis, I love you so much, I'm so glad you're here to spend this moment with me."

"Anything!" said Fubuki. "Anything you want, anything you need! I'll be there for all of it, I love you too sis!" Her cries were louder now, and Tatsumaki could've sworn she heard the chattering in the other side of the store die down, possibly the result of eavesdroppers.

"Alright," said Tatsumaki. "You've got to help me though, help me pick out the right dress. Has to be perfect for the ceremony you know…"

"You already look gorgeous," said Fubuki. "You like that one?"

"I'm iffy on the patterns."

"Ah," said Fubuki. She took a step back from Tatsumaki, her eyes so blurred she could barely make out the patterns anymore. Her face was reddened, and her eyelids puffy. "Yeah, I thought you would wear something to show off your shoulders, actually."

"The next dress does that. I…like the next one quite a bit."

"Ooh! Then put it on, put it on! I have to see!"

"Alright, alright," said Tatsumaki. She took a deep breath.

This was it. To Tatsumaki, it still felt like a total shock. So much had happened in less than a year, and here she was getting married of all things, to the man of her dreams. From someone who was afraid of what others might do, to someone who couldn't wait for what the future held with the others she loved. Such a change in a tiny timeframe, but now Tatsumaki was in the best period of her life.

"I'm going to try the other one," said Tatsumaki. "Did you bring the tissues like I told you to?"

"I did," said Fubuki. She reached into the pocket of her dress and retrieved a single crumpled tissue. Dabbing it at her eyes, she backed up towards the bench.

"I'll be back out in a second," said Tatsumaki.

She retreated back into the fitting room, the fitter grumping about the tiny dark stains on the front of the wedding dress. Tatsumaki ignored her and shut the door behind her.

Back to waiting. Fubuki's head swam with thoughts, her mind woozy like it was drenched in a dream. She sat thinking about all the tiny details and possibilities for the wedding, just how happy her sister would look as she walked down the aisle, Sycamore and Secter in their finely trimmed suits, the shining down through stained glass windows! It was almost too much to take, and Fubuki swooned in her seat, continuing to wait for her beloved sister.

Not long after, Tatsumaki came out, her entrance spectacular. Fubuki stood up again, almost out of instinct more than anything else. The tears came rushing back, but Fubuki didn't bother rubbing them away. She clasped her hands into a ball in front of her heart, setting them down next to her chest.

"You look…" said Fubuki, her voice a breathy whisper. "You look so beautiful sis, I think this is the one for you…"

It was a simple dress in truth, well-fitted much like the black dress Tatsumaki normally wore. It twisted up her body like a fabric tornado, a slight shade darker than white and ending right before her collarbone to expose her shoulders and neck. The bottom fanned out into a fancier ornate pattern near the ankles and feet, complimenting the simpler design of above. Elegant yet ornate, sexy but not too revealing either. Tatsumaki raised her bare arms and brushed back at her bun, raising an eyebrow at her blubbering sister.

"You like it?" asked Tatsumaki. "I…like this one too, a lot actually."

"It's so good," said Fubuki, starting to sob again. "I'm sorry sis, I can't…"

Tatsumaki smiled, her heart going ablaze to see just how much her sister was cracking apart upon seeing her in her special dress.

"It's alright, really," said Tatsumaki. She glanced down and swirled the bottom part of her dress, pushing her lower lip out in a sign of approval. "I like this one though, it fits me really well, shows off a bit up top, but it's not so simple that I'd be mistaken for a bridesmaid. Speaking of which, we need a dress for you!"

Fubuki collapsed back onto the bench, crying into her hands. Shocked, Tatsumaki rushed over to her sister as quick as her dress would allow, needing to grab the bottom of it and pull it up to move faster. She made it to Fubuki and hugged her tight, her sister returning the embrace.

"It's perfect," said Fubuki. "It's all going to be so perfect…"

"We've made it," said Tatsumaki. "The big day."

"Your big day," said Fubuki. "I just can't…I can't express just how happy I am for you. You've found your soulmate, you deserve it, you deserve it so much…"

"Thank you sis," said Tatsumaki, whispering into her sister's hair. "Thank you."

"You do, you deserve it…"

"You'll have your special day eventually too," said Tatsumaki. She smirked as she kept her head over Fubuki's. "Maybe even to Sycamore…"

"Hah," said Fubuki. "That's for a ways in the future…"

"Well even still," said Tatsumaki. "Time to get your dress."

"Something that matches yours," said Fubuki. "Same design!" She looked up at her sister, tears in her eyes yet beaming brighter than the sun.

Tatsumaki laughed. "We'll find something. Come on, let's check."

The two of them got up and were approached by the fitter, who directed them to a dress not unlike Tatsumaki's but lacking the ornate designs at the bottom in favor of a silky sheen of fabric. It too twisted upwards like a tornado but with fewer folds, and a slightly duller color than Tatsumaki's.

"Try this one," said Tatsumaki. "Looks like mine huh? You trying to copy me sis?" She gave Fubuki a wry smile.

Fubuki sniffled. "We're sisters."

Her words made Tatsumaki choke up. "We…we are. Now…go try on this dress before I start crying."

Fubuki chuckled and took the dress to the fitting room. Not long after she emerged, looking as beautiful and bright as Tatsumaki knew she would be. Fubuki spun around, giggling as she watched her dress swirl around her. Tatsumaki got up from her seat, raising a hand to her mouth to stifle her laughter.

"You look amazing," said Tatsumaki. "Just wait until Sycamore sees you."

Fubuki stopped her spinning, waiting for her dress to catch up with her. The dress spun around, wrapping over her legs in a swirl of cool fabric.

"He'll love it," she said. "I love it."

Tatsumaki felt like sinking down to her knees and crying, shedding tears of joy quietly onto the floor. She kept her posture, lowering her shoulders as Fubuki met her gaze.

"I've never been this excited," said Fubuki. "Not since…not since Sycamore and I got so close…"

"It's going to be one of the best days of our lives," said Tatsumaki. "But come on! We still have a lot of stuff to plan, and…I need to find a ring for him."

"Oh!" said Fubuki. "Let me help, let me help!"

"Of course you can help," said Tatsumaki, chuckling. "Take your time with that dress, make sure it's the one you want. Then we can go…I'm happy with mine."

"I am too," said Fubuki. "Next up, ring shopping!"

Tatsumaki nodded.

"And when it comes my time," said Fubuki, winking. "You'll help me with everything too, won't you?"

"Sis I'll be there at your side until the day I die," said Tatsumaki. "You know that."

Fubuki started to tear up again.

"I know," she said. "I know."

Smiling, Tatsumaki hugged her sister one more time before the two of them changed back into their normal clothes and made their purchase.

. . .

Blue studied the ship over, inspecting it one final time for any cracks or lasting damage. Satisfied again, he sighed and rubbed a single armored hand over the side. The group of people that had stalked around his home were nowhere to be seen, Blue totally alone out in the desert. Turning around, Blue could make out the shimmering skyline of the buildings far away, a city rebuilt from the tragedies of before. It almost made him smile, that finally the denizens of this world could be at peace.

Hunching his shoulders, he started to head around to the other side of the ship to where the door was located. A series of flashes went off in his brain, firecrackers through his subconscious. He grabbed the rifle off his back and spun around just in time to see Koros, Secter, and Sycamore all standing behind him, Koros crossing his arms while Sycamore and Secter raised them in an offering of peace.

Blue shook his head and let go of his gun. Idiots.

"Could have told me," he said.

"We said we'd tell you goodbye before you left, didn't we?" asked Secter. "Looks like we caught you at just the right time."

"I said it'd be today," said Blue. "But yeah, good timing."

"You have a plan where you're going?" asked Sycamore, his voice tinged with concern. He was all too aware of what happened to most Soulless who left the Nothing without a plan and a home.

"No," said Blue. "I'll wander. I'll hunt people who hunt me. I'll make sure no other Supremacy bastards so much as take a whiff towards your home. That's about it."

"Shit," said Koros. "I'd almost go with you if I didn't have other obligations here."

"No, you stay," said Blue. "Wouldn't tolerate you sticking around anyways."

Secter snickered while Koros narrowed his eyes.

"I take it you two are preparing for the big day?" asked Blue.

"Just went suit shopping," said Secter. "Going for a ring next, think Tatsu is too…"

"Lucky," said Blue. "Never got to see my wedding day."

An awkward silence befell the trio. Blue didn't seem to take it too seriously.

"Some advice," said Blue. "Weddings can be stupid expensive, don't spend too much on it unless you really feel something is worth it. And go to the venue before you decide, just because someplace looks nice doesn't mean it is. Also plan out a schedule, for food, guests, everything. Make invitations. Keep an eye on drunkards."

Secter glanced at Koros, who was already glaring at him.

"Thanks for the advice," said Secter, turning back to Blue. "We've been keeping a schedule and itinerary, doing the best we can to check everything…"

"Weddings are complex," said Blue. "To set up. The event itself should be simple. It's your night, yours and hers, everyone should be working to make you two happy as opposed to the other way around."

"Oh don't you worry about that," said Sycamore. He grinned and jabbed a thumb into his chest, proud as can be. "I'm on the case to help set the whole thing up, it'll be a night to remember for the rest of their lives!"

"If you can handle Verdus and I," said Blue. "Then you can handle a wedding. Good luck to the rest of you, enjoy your lives."

"Blue," said Secter, taking a step forward.

Blue raised an eyeline, mentally prepping himself for some big speech Secter prepared.

"Yeah?" he asked.

"Thank you," said Secter. "For all your help. For sticking around. For what you still plan to do."

"Ah it's nothing," said Blue. "Wanted those fuckers gone, and you all deserve better anyways. Feels nice to do something more positive for a change."

Secter smiled, remembering a certain sentence Koros had said to him once.

"I'll bet it does," said Secter. "But thank you, again, for everything you did. Keep in touch, especially if you plan to stick around."

"You have my communicator channel," said Blue. "Don't call me a lot."

"Tell me if you see Blast up there," said Koros. "If you do, feel free to kick his ass."

"I don't know who that is but alright," said Blue.

"He's just an asshole," said Secter. "Ignore him."

"Thanks for looking out for us," said Sycamore. "Good luck out there."

"Thanks," said Blue. "Have fun with the wedding."

Koros gave him a nod of approval as Blue began to turn back to the ship. He rounded the vessel, with Secter and his friends backing off to avoid the dust storm that the ship would kick up. Soon the ship started to lift off the ground, dirt billowing beneath the silvery craft. Secter eyed it as it went, wondering just where the hell Blue was really going to go.

Inside the cockpit, Blue trained his eyes on the sun. It glared through the glass, but he didn't dare blink. Beyond the atmosphere, there was no telling what lay in store for him or what he would do, where he would go. In truth, it probably wouldn't matter. He'd fly around, keep his eyes open. Despite his record, he doubted there would be many after him, there was just too much happening in the Nothing and too many killers for him to be singled out. Maybe he'd find someone new, start a new life and even a family one day, settle himself down as opposed to wandering aimlessly like the random psychos he had grown to know so well…

The thought of it made him smile. Blue glanced back down at the ground as the ship lifted close to the clouds, and he spotted three dots staring up at him from below. They were rooting for him, even if he didn't fully deserve it. Blue chuckled.

"Good luck to you bastards," said Blue. "Enjoy your lives, your peace. You deserve it."

He cocked the controlstick upwards, and began to rocket further into the sky. The stars were close, and bright.

. . .

It had been almost two weeks since the clothes shopping, and Secter was beyond excited to show Tatsumaki his suit and the ring he had picked for her. Nothing explicitly forbade him from showing her either, but he wanted it to be a surprise. He struggled with it far more than Tatsumaki had, who only gave a sly smile or grin anytime he asked her for hints on how her dress looked or what she had picked out for him. A number of times he had almost let slip the details of his suit, which of course Tatsumaki picked up almost immediately. Like usual, she perked up the second he let a secret slip on accident, turned to poke him in the chest, gave him that same sultry "well look what you did you cutie," look, and teased him to no end. God, he loved her.

Secter sat on the couch, a silver buttoned-up shirt on with khakis over his legs. Ori slunk over his knees, purring softly as he settled himself down. Secter cooed at him, petting his head and stroking his back.

"Awww," said Secter. "Ori you're the most adorable little cat…"

Ori settled himself down as Secter went to his phone, texting Sycamore and Koros about whether they were ready for tonight's get-together. It was a party they had been planning for, one which was really not too different from their normal meetings but with a different tinge to it. It was celebrating the end of Secter's formally single life.

Secter looked down to see Ori sleeping on top of his legs. He kept his little eyes closed, whiskers occasionally twitching when they settled down over the fabric on his pants, tiny white stripes over his otherwise boring attire. The cat yawned, exposing a tiny pink tongue.

Secter felt like screaming. He gasped before reaching over and scratching behind Ori's ear, his mouth gaping open in sheer awe of his pet's cuteness.

"You are so damned cute," said Secter. "Aren't you, my little baby cat! You're just the cutest little thing…"

Secter felt two arms wrap behind his neck, and a set of cool lips press into the back of his head. He relaxed immediately.

"Adorable," said Tatsumaki. "You're adorable."

"Tatsu," said Secter. "I love you."

"I love you too," said Tatsumaki as she kissed the side of his neck. "You ready?"

"Of course."

"Don't get too crazy."

"Hah, I'm not even gonna drink."

"I was mainly referring to Koros."

"Oh Sycamore and I already have a plan to drag him home the second he starts napping."

"A good plan," said Tatsumaki. She kept her voice quiet, as if worried about waking the cat.

"Tatsu," said Secter. He turned to face her, his eyes heavy and smile small.

"Yeah?"

"I love you, just so much," said Secter. "We're getting so close to the big day, and I just…I've never been this happy. Every day is the best day of my life."

Tatsumaki felt the tears coming again, her chest billowing with joy.

"I think constantly," said Tatsumaki. "Of all the things I want to do with you. All the memories we made, and are going to make. I think of the first day we met, of all the things we went through, the first time we had sex, everything we fought and succeeded over, every moment where I got close to you, when we kissed, me finally not feeling so afraid…"

"You're so beautiful," said Secter, choking up as well. "I…I'm so proud of what you've become, of what we've become. And it feels like a whole new chapter of our lives, like we're finally throwing out all that bad, toxic stuff we went through to focus on all the good. What makes us truly happy."

"You," said Tatsumaki. She leaned in to kiss him deeply on the lips, pulling his lips open to let her tongue in. They made out as the cat leaned his head down, Secter pushing Tatsumaki closer into his face and tilting his head to the side to get some movement into their kissing. They stayed like that for almost a minute, wrapping their tongues around each other's and massaging each other's lips with their own. Eventually Tatsumaki pulled back. "You make me happy."

"And you're the light of my life," said Secter. "The greatest person I've ever known."

"I know," said Tatsumaki. "So, you going to a club or something?"

"Heh, kind of. Little place, we got our own suite, will be good food and drinks, probably gamble a bit with the group."

"He's not bringing strippers is he?" asked Tatsumaki. She leaned back and crossed her arms.

"He better fucking not."

"He's the type."

"I know he is, and both I, Sycamore, and Fubuki all told him no. I'll be on the lookout with my powers if anyone…tries to interrupt us, but I don't think we need to worry."

"I can only imagine…" muttered Tatsumaki. "Some bitch trying to climb up you, and you trying to throw her off."

"Whoa," said Secter, grinning as he looked back at her. "Protective much?"

"You're my husband," said Tatsumaki. "I don't want some half-naked woman trying to feel you up."

Secter chuckled, which disturbed the cat. Ori yawned and stretched himself out before leaping off of Secter's knees.

"I don't either," said Secter. "Unless it's you."

"Ohh just wait until after the wedding," said Tatsumaki. She smirked as dirty thoughts pervaded her mind. "All day, we're going to be naked."

"Sounds nice," said Secter. "Massages, and then some more…intimate stuff."

"We'll have to figure out a travel itenary for the honeymoon," said Tatsumaki. "See a few places maybe."

"I've got some ideas." Secter got up, dusting his legs off for any loose cat hair. "But what about you, Tatsu? Also a club?"

"Nah, more of an eatery with a private booth. Just me and my sis."

"And she didn't bring any guys for your entertainment?"

"No! Secter!"

Secter laughed, leaning down onto the couch and propping his chin up with his hands. Tatsumaki pushed her lower lip out of him in mock spite.

"She'd never do that," said Tatsumaki.

"I know," said Secter, continuing to laugh. "Not in a million years."

"Though I'm curious what you'd do if you saw some guy hitting on me."

"I feel like you'd tell him off before I even got to him."

"I mean yeah," said Tatsumaki. "But what would you do?"

"Let him know you're taken," said Secter. "Preeeetty sure most people would be smart enough to back off seeing you or me anyways."

"It'd be cute seeing you all defensive," said Tatsumaki. "You love me, you want me."

"You know I do," said Secter. "But alright, I'm gonna head out. You leaving soon too?"

"In like an hour."

"Well have fun."

"Secter."

"Yeah?"

"This is the last week we're not officially married."

Secter sunk further into the couch, as if his very soul were melting and not allowing him to prop himself up anymore.

"I know," said Secter. "Excited?"

"I literally woke up shivering this morning," said Tatsumaki. "From thinking about everything that's going to happen next week."

"So that's what that was!" said Secter. "I thought you were just cold!"

Tatsumaki giggled.

"You must be excited too," said Tatsumaki. "You were twitching a bit in your sleep last night, was that related to…"

"Uh, kinda," said Secter. "There was a bit of the main event in there, but the rest of the dream was me on top of you in the hotel room."

"You big pervert," said Tatsumaki, grinning. "Even when you're asleep you can't stop thinking about me!"

"It was a really good dream, not gonna lie."

"Dork. But go on, don't be late! Sycamore and Koros are probably already waiting."

"Ah, you're right, you're right." Secter leaned over and kissed Tatsumaki on the cheek, just as she turned her head to give him better access to her face. After he pecked her, Secter lifted himself from the couch and headed towards the door, giving Tatsumaki one more goodbye as he slipped on a dark jacket and left.

He strode through quiet streets, pulling up his collar to keep from being recognized. Making it to the club with little in the way of trouble, Secter was guided through a neon-soaked and booming dance floor to a back room, complete with a large circular couch surrounding a single felt table. Sycamore and Koros were there, Koros wearing a simple crumpled t-shirt and jeans while Sycamore wore an outfit similar to Secter's, with a single button unbuttoned at the top. By the looks of things, they had both already had a drink in them.

"Hey!" said Secter, crossing his arms as one of the suited workers closed the door behind him. "Getting started without the man of the hour?"

"There he is!" said Koros, stretching his arms out. He was sprawled over the couch, kicking his leg up and down.

Sycamore launched himself from the couch and hugged Secter, nearly knocking him back into the door. Secter laughed and hugged him back.

"The bachelor is here!" said Sycamore. "Soon to be hitched!"

"That's right," said Secter. "Sheesh, you both already smell like alcohol."

"I only had a few sips, honest!" said Sycamore as he pulled away. He grinned, eying Secter up and down. "Looking good my friend, you excited?"

"More than I've ever felt in my life," said Secter. "Think about it every day."

"Well sit!" said Koros. "We're just shooting the shit, maybe gamble later, I don't fuckin know."

"Alright alright," said Secter. He went over to the couch along with Sycamore and sat down into the leathery fabric.

"Don't worry," said Sycamore. "If you want to do something else, let us know. This is your night after all."

"Last night being free until Tats has you chained up in her house forever," said Koros.

"Alright first off," said Secter. "Wedding's next week. And second off…"

"Yeah yeah," said Koros, waving his hand in the air. "You tie her up just as much."

"You're a little too interested in that for my tastes," said Secter. "Sounds like you need to get back on the horse."

"Good point," said Koros. "Don't got anyone in mind though, haven't been that close to Aya, she busy…"

Koros reached over to the table and slapped his hand on the counter.

"Sycamore!" said Koros. "My buddy! Where's the drinks?"

"They're right behind the couch," said Sycamore. "And bear in mind, the only reason I'm letting you drink is because it's a special occasion."

"Pfft uh huh," said Koros. "Drinks!"

Sycamore fetched two bottles of bile and shoved one over to Koros, who picked it up with glee. He chugged down nearly half the bottle, Secter watching in half-disgust.

"After tonight," muttered Secter. "We're gonna get you off the drinking."

"Fuck that!" said Koros. "Gonna get drunk on wedding night too!"

Sycamore and Secter both narrowed their eyes at him.

"After!" said Koros. "Obviously not during."

"Behave," said Secter. "Tatsu will kill you if you fuck things up."

"Heh I will," said Koros. "Trust me, I'm gonna make an effort for you two. You're well beyond worth it."

"Thanks," said Secter. "Glad to know you like us enough to behave."

"He's almost as mature as a high schooler now!" said Sycamore. "Who would've thought?"

Secter chuckled while Koros sat up straight.

"Well at least I can talk about sex without my cheeks burning up," said Koros. "Like a real adult."

"I can!" said Sycamore. "So what if I'm private."

"Ahhh you're like a little kid…" said Koros. "I always told Secter, Sycamore is the kid of the group…"

"He's more the teen than the kid," said Secter. "You're the kid who doesn't think he is one. And I-" Secter slapped a hand to his chest. "Am like the father to you both, making sure you two stay out of trouble."

"Literally!" shouted Sycamore, darting up from the couch and pointing at Secter with a smile on his face. "Literally I had to keep you from killing Koros back up in the Nothing, if anything, I'm the caretaker!"

"As if he'd stand a chance," said Koros. "And besides, without me, you two would still be up there!"

"And if it weren't for yours truly," said Secter. "None of us would've found each other or be where we are today."

"Your girlfriend probably pulled as much weight," said Koros. "She gonna strap you down when you get back home tonight?"

"Depends on what we're feeling tonight," said Secter. "Could go either way…"

"Whooooahoooo," said Koros. "And what about you, Sycamore? Bet you don't even go the other way."

"Please," muttered Sycamore, setting himself back down. "Not even there yet. Damned pervert."

"Hey you know me by now," said Koros. "This is to be expected."

"Nothing like grilling your friends about their sex lives," said Sycamore.

"You just don't know how to shoot the shit," said Koros. "I've had tons of friends who made sex jokes and mock each other for being impotent. You're just prudes! Prudes I say!"

"You just rely on it too much," said Sycamore, shaking his head.

Koros relaxed himself into the couch, somehow sprawling over it like an octopus. Secter had to shuffle away from one of his feet, poking into his legroom.

"Just wait til you get more drinks in you, then you won't give a damn," said Koros. "But now! Are we playing poker or not?"

"You'll both get totally destroyed if we do that," said Secter. "Takes a cooler head and a powerful charisma to prevail and well…" Secter shrugged. "You've found your guy."

"You're just arrogant because you're getting hitched," said Koros. "Gimme those cards mister bachelor, you're about to go broke. Tatsumaki's gonna have to punish your ass for coming home with an empty wallet."

"Or she'll be rewarding me for having one three times the size," said Secter.

"She'll probably just be too drunk either way," said Sycamore as he grabbed his own bottle of bile from the table. "She is going to a little party with Fubuki after all…"

"Damn, just her?" asked Koros. "Your wife needs some more friends. Girl friends."

"She's never been big on that," said Secter. "The two who tried…well you know it didn't work out so well."

"Eh Aya's not her type, I get," said Koros. "Himiko'd be fine though."

"Ah I let her be," said Secter. "If she wants to, she wants to, if not…"

"Then Fubuki will find more for her," said Sycamore, sarcastic. "Now allow me to deal."

Sycamore snatched up the cards and began to deal. Hand after hand they played, Secter snickering as Koros and Sycamore got drunker and their tells more obvious. Neither even noticed the little irritated glanced they gave their cards, Koros scratching his head when he wasn't sure if he wanted to keep playing a hand or not, Sycamore grinding his teeth when he got a poor hand, or both of them looking at each other when they wanted to team up to keep from Secter from winning again. In less than an hour Secter had already amassed a mountain range of chips, and Sycamore and Koros had only received feelings of defeat and more alcohol in their stomachs.

"Fuuuhhhck," said Koros. "Feelin it." He held his hand closer to his face, the ace of spades and two of diamonds like blurred splotches in his vision. "The fuck am I gonna do with this hand…"

Secter held his arm to his mouth to stifle his laughter.

"Hey!" said Sycamore. He hiccuped and cursed at himself for already having drank so much. "Don't say things like that Koros, we're supposed to actually beat Secter in these hands!"

"Well now he knows we're teaming up!" said Koros.

"I've known for a while," said Secter, chuckling.

"Biiiiitch," said Koros. "Man's cheating."

"I warned you two," said Secter. "Reaaaally easy to tell how you're feeling about your hand when you're drunk."

"Not fuckin fair," said Koros. "Secter, why don't you drink up eh?"

"It has been a while…" said Secter. "But I'll pass. Not eager to get back into drinking before my wedding, Tatsu would be worried sick."

"Hey," said Sycamore. He reached over and slapped Secter on the back, enough to make Secter lurch forward. Sycamore was slurring his sentences, a slushy vomit of words coming from his mouth. "You treat her right Secter, you keep loving her like you do and don't make her worry, and she'll stay with you forever. I guaraaaantee it."

"Is that right," said Secter. "Christ, how much did you have to drink Sycamore?"

"Just…two and a half?" asked Sycamore. He pulled up his fingers and began to count, stopping as he held up three. "Uh, yeah."

"Fuckin lightweight," said Koros. "Would take me at least eight to get to where you are now."

"And you're at?" asked Secter.

"Seveeeen?" asked Koros. "Yeah, seven."

"You're about as drunk," said Secter.

"I'm sorry my friend," said Sycamore. "We…we should've been more considerate of what you wanted for your bachelor party…"

"This is what I wanted," said Secter. "Just us three hanging out, we don't have to go skydiving or something."

"Oh fuck that would've been cool," said Koros. "Well…eh I dunno. Being a Soulless kind of sucks the fun out of everything unless you pretend."

"Ahh Secter is too kind to us," said Sycamore. "All he wanted was to spend time with us…"

"Of course he puts our happiness right there with his," said Koros. "He's a goody two shoes." Then with a grin: "The best kind of goody two shoes."

"You're both welcome," said Secter. "Now deal the next hand, so I can whip both of your asses."

"Ah shit," muttered Koros. "He's right Sycamore."

"That's fine," said Sycamore. "Man deserves the money anyways. We planned this, eh?"

"Oh don't fuckin tell him," said Koros, laughing.

"No fuckin way you planned this," said Secter. "You two are just trying to play this off like it was some big scheme instead of you getting drunk and losing every hand to the grandmaster."

"No!" said Sycamore. "It was all staged…that's why we were drunk before you got here."

"More like tipsy," said Secter. "And you drank because you're losing money."

"Agh Fubuki's gonna kill me," said Sycamore. "Lost almost a hundred dollars."

"Pssht big spender over here," said Koros. "You gonna have fun with her when you get home?"

"Probably will be too tired," said Sycamore. "But ohhh I'm thinking about her now."

"Eww…" muttered Secter.

"Oh lay off it," said Sycamore. "Not like you don't do the same."

"You guys call me a pervert…" said Koros.

"She's just so beautiful and sweet…" said Sycamore. "Waaaaaay out of my league, but look at me now…"

"I don't know, seems like a good match for the illustrious Sycamore," said Secter.

"She's gorgeous," said Sycamore, burying his chin in his hands. He stared off into the distance like he was in a dream. "And adoring, and sweet. Ah, I can't wait to see her in her bridesmaid dress, she's going to be so happy…"

"And crying," said Koros. "She's gonna bawl."

"Ahhh she will," said Sycamore. He tilted his head towards the ceiling. From the look of him, he was ready to bawl himself. "And I'll hold her as she cries, and kiss her cheek…"

"It's nice to see you so happy," said Secter. "And trust me man, Fubuki loves being with you, I can tell."

"I know," said Sycamore. "Trust me, I know."

"Oooohoohoo," said Koros. "Ah, fuck, what hand are we on again? I've got like twenty bucks left…"

"Look if you wanna give up you can," said Secter.

"Bullshit," said Koros. "I never give up, you fuckers know that. Not since back in the days of my first regiment, and not anytime after!"

"First regiment?" asked Sycamore. "We don't know much about your army life…"

"Bet you can guess who I served under," said Koros. "Lots of hit and run, then when we finally got a bigger regiment I was on the front lines. Nearly died so many damned times…ah fuck the army."

Sycamore raised his drink while Secter brought a hand of cards into the air.

"Agreed," said Secter. "Fuck the army."

"Fuck the army," said Sycamore. "To our new life, to Secter's happy marriage!"

"Amen," said Koros. "To our new lives, to Secter's happy marriage…"

"To our new lives…" said Secter. He lowered his cards. "Thanks you guys, I don't know where the hell I'd be without you."

"You'd be a hundred dollars poorer my God," said Koros. "Fuckin hell, let's try and salvage this Sycamore."

Sycamore giggled.

"Will do my best," he said.

They played a few more hands and just like usual, Secter won almost every one. Feeling bad for his friends, Secter let them win the last couple of hands, giving them a few dollars and the last shreds of their dignity. Eventually Koros complained about the room being too hot, and Sycamore and Secter cut him off from drinking and brought him to a patio outside, a small, rustic area with stone tiling and black wire tables. They talked and mocked and laughed under the stars, the warm summer air refreshing to take in.

Secter looked over at Sycamore, who was drunkenly laying his head on the table. Koros was teasing him about Fubuki again, but Sycamore was too joyous to care. Secter smiled over at them before raising his gaze to the stars. He had made it. Every day he was happy, and perhaps somewhere up there, his family was happy for him too. The rest of his life was finally in his hands, and he couldn't be happier about it.