author's note:
aaaaa here comes the wedding and umi planning to propose! dw i wont make umi propose at nozoeli's wedding. i absolutely hate it when people propose at someone else's wedding especially if the bride n groom doesnt know lol
i have this headcanon about the girls choosing their maid of honor and best man, that they mainly decide on alternating the girls since they're all knit closely together.
Responses for Reviews:
MakAndChiz: here's the wedding!! sorry for the delay ;; and yes, jealous koto is the best! i love how you portrayed jealous koto as well in ur oneshot uwu
Hiei's Curry: rin has innocent intentions, nya! lolol but regarding samurai umi, yes im working on a oneshot similar to that :D
CyberAkumaTv: or, yknow, just..surrender to the birb ;)
With all that said, lez go!
Disclaimer: I do not own Love Live.
Chapter Thirty: To New Beginnings
Once Eli was composed (well, even if she wasn't, the wedding had to go on) and had her final retouches, as well as hearing a few words of encouragement and congratulations from the groomsmen, Eli was finally prepared to walk down the aisle.
"Took you long enough, we're delayed by five minutes.." Maki mumbled, signaling the music to start playing.
"Umi, Eli, go ahead now. Try not to trip!" Nico reminded them.
"Congratulations again, Eli." Umi whispered to her friend before they straightened their backs, preparing to walk down the aisle.
"Thank you, Umi."
As the 'doors' opened, Eli walked on the left, while Umi walked on the right. The blonde gave a small smile to her relatives, then continued to hold a solemn expression, all while mentalling telling herself 'don't screw up, don't screw up' again and again.
And finally, the two embodiments of blue stood at the left side of the altar while Honoka walked in shortly after, taking place at the right side of the altar.
After that, by couple, the remaining groomsmen and bridesmaids walked down the aisle, parting at the altar to take their respective sides. Then, the flower girls -- the younger cousins of both Nozomi and Eli -- began to scatter down petals down the aisle, and for a moment, Eli was about to panic thinking they'd mess up.
But surprisingly, they managed to excel in their roles -- possibly because Nozomi-nee promised ice cream at the reception.
"Eli-nee, harasho!" The little blonde held her thumbs up at Eli with a grin, before she was led away by the wedding planner.
"Psst, Eliana!" Eli still called out her attention, and when the little blonde looked back and saw her Eli-nee giving a thumbsup, she couldn't help but giggle.
And finally, Kotori began to walk down the aisle, holding little Umiko, who was surprisingly doing well, tossing the petals on the ground.
"Quite the luck you got, Umi," Maki teased the bluenette, who was smiling ear to ear.
"Umiko-chan, look, Papa," Kotori whispered to her daughter, who instantly grinned upon recognizing her papa in a suit.
"You look amazing," Umi whispered Kotori, who stood on the right side of the altar. She gazed at Umiko, giving a small wave to her little girl "and you look adorable, my little princess."
"She should be here anytime soon," Eli muttered to herself, straightening her position and clearing her throat.
The music began to play the bridal march, and multiple hotel staff opened their umbrellas, blocking the attendants and everyone else from seeing Nozomi.
"And now, we welcome the bride."
Like a scene from a fairytale, doves were released the exact moment the umbrellas moved,
and suddenly, Eli found herself tearing up upon seeing Nozomi in a white dress,
a sight she'd dream of seeing since that faithful day they both confirmed their love to be mutual.
Underneath the veil, Nozomi smiled brightly as she held back the tears. Walking down the aisle seemed to take ages, but in all honesty she didn't mind -- after all, this was a moment she wanted to memorize, to etch deep in her mind.
But of course, all paths lead to one destination, and for Nozomi, it's always that once-icy blonde she knew since first year highschool.
All paths would always lead her back to those blue eyes she adored since then.
"You look beautiful," Eli smiled at her, but soon held a serious expression upon facing her father "Thank you for your blessing, Uncle."
"Please take care of my daughter, Eli," Mr. Tojo seemed to hesitate letting go of his only child's hand, but still, he shook Eli's hand before letting the blonde take his daughter "And please, call me Dad from now on -- we're a family, aren't we?"
"Indeed, Dad. Thank you once more," Eli gave a 70 degree bow, which Nozomi soon mimicked. Once Mr. Tojo took a seat, Eli was finally face to face with Nozomi, and with a grin, she continued "Shall we?"
"I've waited years for this moment, you think I'd say no?" Nozomi giggled.
"We are here today to witness the love between these two young ladies.."
The wedding itself took an eternity, even after the vows were said, the officiant had more to say and to be honest.. Eli just wanted to lift that veil and kiss her already, goddammit.
While the groomsmen and bridesmaids (plus little Umiko in Auntie Honoka's arms) sat in the front row seats minutes after the wedding began, Umi and Kotori still stayed standing with the bride and groom as rehearsed in multiple practices for the weddings. Umi was the one who handed Eli the ring for Nozomi, while Kotori was the one who handed Nozomi the ring for Eli.
"And I now pronounce you.. err, wives. You may now kiss your bride."
Finally. With much eager and excitement, Eli took off Nozomi's veil, and the two giggled as they shared looks at each other.
"Have I told you how beautiful you are?"
"You'll be able to say it everyday from now on.." Nozomi smirked, pulling Eli's necktie so she could finally kiss her.
The crowd clapped, shouting congrats and other words of encouragement. When the kiss began to.. err, deepen, Honoka covered Umiko's eyes with her hand.
"Bueh?"
"Auntie Eli and Auntie Nozomi are just happy and in love but, um.. your papa won't allow you to see a kiss that long."
"Ueh.."
"Save it for the honeymoon, you two!" Nico exclaimed, causing the two to break apart, only for Eli to plant another chaste kiss on Nozomi's lips.
"You're mine now, Ayase Nozomi."
"Always have been, my dearest wife~"
"Congratulations, nya!"
"Ueh- Hanayo, you're crying?"
"I-I can't help it..!" Hanayo choked, dabbing away the tears welling up with a tissue she brought (and hid in the purse.)
The rest of μ's laughed for a moment, and Nico gave a comforting pat on Hanayo's back. Suddenly, Eli wrapped an arm around Nozomi's waist possessively, before throwing a punch to the air.
"I got a wife! Ha!"
"Elicchi..!" Nozomi playfully hit her wife's chest, smiling brightly.
Soon, the wedding photographer asked the bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honor and best man to huddle closer to the bride and groom for a photo. Then, per family, the relatives of the bride and groom were called for photos.
And in every photo, both Nozomi and Eli smiled brighter than anyone has ever seen before.
Reception, 11 PM
At the beginning, the reception was full of emotional speeches from relatives and friends, as well as toasts to the newlyweds.
Now, though.. Honoka and Rin brought out their bluetooth microphones and took the places of the emcees, and (while drunk) began reminiscing about their highschool days.
"Man, can you believe it?! It feels like it was yesterday when I..when I started μ's, and now there's a μ's baby from Kotori-chan and Umi-chan," Honoka stood at the middle of the stage, almost in tears (Rin was crying already) as she slurred her 'speech' "And the μ's parents are married! It's like..in a blink of an eye, little Umiko would be graduatin' college, and we'd be old, wrinkly grandparents!"
"Tsubasa-san?" Kotori giggled to her best friend's partner, who just sighed with her arms crossed.
"I'm used to it at this point.."
"Can someone get those two off the stage?" Nico groaned, taking another shot of 'at-this-point-I-don't-know-but-it's-Russian' tequila "Before you know it, they'll be singing Garasu no Hanazono."
"Ahem, ahem.. anyway, nya! We're gonna perform.. uhh.. Garasu no Hanazono, acapella, nya!"
"Oh my.." Nozomi chuckled, patting her wife's back "There, there, Elicchi.."
"Those two..!"
"Where's Maki-chan, by the way?" Kotori asked, carrying a sleepy Umiko with one arm "We'll go back to the hotel room soon, darling.. Just hold on a bit, yes?"
"Somewhere getting more lemon slices and alcohol for Eli," Umi returned to the table, handing a bottle of water to Kotori "Do you want to go back to the room now? Umiko looks tired.."
"Umi! Kotori!" Yui, now heavily pregnant, approached them. Kazuma tagged behind her, but Yui instantly swatted her husband's hand away when he tried to hold her arm "Kazuma, I'm pregnant but my god, I can take care of myself."
"Yui, dear--"
"Anyways, do you want me to bring Umiko back to the room with me? You two should probably stay a bit longer, but this little darling seems tired already."
"Mm.. we'll pick her up in a few, then. We won't take too long. Thank you, Yui-nee," Kotori handed Umiko carefully to Yui, smiling as she noticed the little one had indeed fallen asleep "Sleep well, my love."
"Here's her bag, please change her outfit when she wakes up. We won't take too long," Umi gave the baby bag to Kazuma, and planted a soft kiss on Umiko's forehead "You were such a good girl today, I wonder what toy can I buy for you when we get home?"
"Umi-chan, stop spoiling her.."
"I don't want to hear that from someone who is currently teaching her 'onegai'."
"That is--!"
"Alright, alright.. We'll be going back, then. Little KazuYu are tired, too!" Yui laughed, eyeing her stomach "These two have been so active since the day started, kicking here and there.. now they've finally stopped."
"Eheh, it can really startle you from time to time, no?" Kotori chuckled, to which Yui agreed to.
"And their cravings can really startle you from time to time too, no, Umi?" Kazuma sighed, to which Umi nodded to with a frown, remembering the times Kotori's cravings would literally wake her up in the middle of the night.
"Don't forget the mood swings.." Umi added with a sigh.
"What is that supposed to mean, you two?!"
"Nothing, nothing at all, dearest.. let's go now, shall we? Umiko might wake up due to the, um.. performance they're having right now."
They turned their heads to the stage, where the two orange-heads were singing (or shouting?) the lyrics of Garasu no Hanazono, all while the rest of μ's and Tsubasa stared at them in shame.
"Ah, you're right.. we'll be off, then!"
And just like that, another pair of guests went back to their hotel rooms. Umi wrapped an arm around Kotori, planting a soft kiss on top of her head.
"Whoa! Wait, wait, I wanna have a shoutout! Shoutout to the next newlyweds, my childhood friends!" Honoka stopped singing as she pointed to Kotori and Umi with a grin "Kotori-chan caught the bouquet earlier, remember?!"
A few hours earlier..
"Time for the bouquet toss! For all the single-ladies and all the ladies who are dating but aren't married yet, huddle up, huddle up! It's a perfect opportunity to tell your partner it's time to get married!"
"Alisa?!" Eli stared at her younger sister in disbelief.
The young blonde, now 19, followed the rest of the maidens and huddled up in the middle, while Nozomi stood on the stage with her back facing the maidens.
"Nee-chan, I'm 19 now!" Alisa pouted.
"Are all the maidens here?!"
"Kotori, won't you join them?" Umi asked her girlfriend as she fed Umiko puréed carrots, smiling as the little bluenette showed no hesitation "That's my girl. Veggies are good for you, okay?"
"Bueh!"
"Well, it's best if I stay here with you two, no? Besides, I'm sure other girls would want to catch the bouquet!" Kotori reasoned. They were seated near the stage along with the other μ's members, but the remaining ones at the table were Maki, Rin and Tsubasa -- their respective partners either went or were dragged along (Hanayo was dragged by Nico..)
"I'm not even close to graduating, so I'm just sincerly hoping she won't catch it yet.." Maki sighed, watching Nico get all worked up.
"Maki-chan's got four years left nya, Kayochin and I will graduate this March! Ha!" Rin, now slightly tipsy laughed "Go catch it, Kayochin!"
"..well A-RISE's fandom knows about Honoka, but I feel like it is too early to settle down.. Ah, not to offend you two, of course..!" Tsubasa (who attended the wedding as a guest, though was offered the role of groomsman, she objected, saying she wasn't too close for Eli to call her that) waved her hands in front of Kotori and Umi, who just chuckled.
"It is true that settling down early seems taboo, but I think of it as a great idea if you're mentally ready. Sure, there are others my age who are partying in clubs, hooking up, so on and so forth.. while I'm here changing diapers but ah," Umi wiped away the remnants of carrot on Umiko's cheek, letting out a small smile when the little bluenette grasped her hand with her smaller hands "the joy this little girl and Kotori gives me is something I'd never want to change."
"True.. Alright then, Honoka~!"
"Yeah, Tsu?"
"Catch the bouquet!"
"I got ya!"
And finally, Nozomi tossed the bouquet. The maidens were scrambling to get it, and upon realizing none of them got it, they got confused.
"Who got it?" Nozomi turned around. Upon realizing who caught the bouquet, and who is supposedly going to marry next, she laughed "Fate has its own ways, no?"
Kotori, with her great reflexes, caught the bouquet with ease. She stared at the bouquet in her hand, and laughed to stunned Umi.
Well, to be fair, Umiko has been tossing things and Kotori learned to catch them in time..
"Seems like we're next, Umi-chan." Kotori giggled, inhaling the fragrance of the flowers "So beautiful.. Ah, everyone, I'm sorry--"
"Kotori-chan and Umi-chan are next! Hooray!" Honoka cheered.
"About time!" Eli shouted.
The girls began congratulating the couple, with Kotori just dismissing it and Umi chuckling.
"I guess it's time we start preparing, Umiko," Umi whispered to her daughter.
"What'd you tell Miko-chan, Umi-chan?" Kotori asked, setting the bouquet down on her lap to lightly pinch Umiko's cheek "You look very adorable today!"
"Nothing, nothing.."
Present
"Honoka, you are causing too much of a ruckus--! Get down!"
"I'm comin' down in a bit, Umi-chan!" Honoka slurred. Still holding the mic close to her mouth, (to the point that everyone in the venue could hear her breathing) she scanned the venue, looking for her sister. And lo behold, Yukiho and Alisa were together, hands locked. Upon seeing that, Honoka bawled "Yukiho! Alisa! Oh my god, we're really getting old now!"
Shortly after Alisa graduated from Otonokizaka, she pursued college in Russia, and only came home recently for Eli's wedding. Of course, Yukiho took that chance so the two could finally start dating, even if they would be in a long-distance type of relationship. Though the two older sisters pretended to be angry at first, they were glad -- at least they'd be sisters-in-law.
"Onee-chan--!"
"It feels like yesterday that Yukiho's loud crying would wake me up while I was in kindergarten!"
"Eli, aren't you gonna do something- Eli?!" Maki stared at Eli in disbelief. She was crying too!
"It's.. it's true! Alisa and Yukiho are all grown up, and Umiko is already half a year old.. We're getting old!"
"Elicchi, that's enough tequila, love.." Nozomi giggled, taking away the shotglass from Eli's hand.
An hour later
"Congratulations again, Eli-san, Nozomi-san. And I.. would like to apologize on behalf of my girlfriend for the ruckus she made," Tsubasa sighed as a drowsy, almost asleep Honoka leaned on her shoulder "I told you, you're weak against alcohol.."
"Tsuu--!!"
"Thank you for attending, Tsubasa-san! Please send our regards to Erena-san and Anju-san!" Nozomi smiled. Eli, her wife peacefully slept with her head against Nozomi's shoulder, and the guests were leaving one by one.
Most senior guests and parents with children either went home or went back to their hotel rooms shortly before the 'party' began, while the adults and teenagers stayed to celebrate the newlyweds. Half an hour ago, though, they began to leave as they were either too tired or too drunk to stay and party more.
That, and because Nozomi and Eli needed to head back to their home to prepare for the early morning flight to Europe for their honeymoon. After the two worked hard in their jobs, they were given a paid full month leave for their honeymoon, and they planned to use it travelling across Europe and making memories as a couple before creating more memories with their future child.
The remaining people left were μ's and the staff, who began cleaning up the mess left behind. Yukiho and Alisa went back to their hotel room just a few minutes ago since Alisa had a bit too much to drink ("Truly a Russian.." Yukiho sighed.)
"Alright, so far, no one left their belongings. If there is one found though, I instructed the staff to leave the items at the front desk, or contact the person if there's a name or number on the item," Umi returned from checking all of the tables with the staff. Her hair was a slight mess, and her necktie was slightly more crooked -- and despite the airconditioner being on, due to helping the staff and due to alcohol, droplets of sweat began to form on her forehead "It's getting quite hot, no?"
"Umi, for the love of God, please do not strip. We've had enough for today. Also, I found a cart to put Nico in," Maki returned from the backstage, pushing around a sleeping Nico in a push-cart "Told her to lay off of alcohol, but.. Agh, whatever."
"I've got no intentions to strip."
"You shouldn't, that's a sight only I can see," Kotori murmured. She wore Umi's suit jacket since it became quite windy, similar to Hanayo wearing Rin's.
(Nico previously complained, Maki said she couldn't control shit. Now, though, as the raven-haired girl slept, Maki covered her with her own suit jacket and ignored the cold wind.)
"A-Ah, Eli-chan, Nozomi-chan, I'll be off with Rin-chan.. Congratulations again!" Hanayo approached them. While Hanayo was only slightly tipsy, Rin was.. well, drunk. Thankfully, she was still able to walk and only needed assistance since she couldn't see her path clearly..
"Thank you for attending, Hanayo-chan, Rin-chan. And Rin-chan?" Nozomi stifled a giggle upon seeing the cat-like girl's head perk up with a grin as she heard her name "Thank you for the performance and the lovely rendition of Garasu no Hanazono from you and Honoka-chan."
"You're welcome, nya! Make lots o' babies!"
"Rin-chan!"
"Well, you're not wrong with that.." Eli slurred without opening her eyes, snuggling closer to Nozomi "..that's what we'll do anyway."
"See, Kayochin?! At least Umiko-chan will have a friend!"
"..we're going..!" Hanayo sighed.
Maki, Nozomi, Kotori and Umi just watched their two friends leave the venue, with the redhead stifling her laughter.
"The fact that Eli woke up to confirm it.."
"..proves that Eli-chan has been waiting this long, no?" Kotori giggled, but soon yawned "Today has been quite busy.."
"Kotori-chan, thank you for preparing the bridesmaids' dresses and my gowns. I really don't know how to repay you! Well.. I know I've already paid, but still! Everything is just so stunning.."
"It's okay, it's okay! I'm glad you loved it! And, well.. perhaps a little playmate for Umiko-chan?"
"You betcha!" Nozomi winked, to which Kotori laughed to. She let out a sigh and took out her phone (which was in her mother's care the entire day) to check the time and message notification, then she lightly woke up Eli "Elicchi.. the driver is waiting, we need to head back home to prepare for the honeymoon."
"Hng.. already..?" Eli slowly opened her eyes, and smiled upon looking at Nozomi "My wife."
"You're drunk, Elicchi.."
"For everyone's sake, get a room."
Nozomi laughed after hearing Maki's interjection, ignoring Eli's embarrassed groan.
After a while, the remaining members parted ways at the hotel -- with Maki and Nico going to their own room, Eli and Nozomi going back to the bachelorette room to change clothes. Kotori decided be the one to pick up Umiko (Mama bird missed her little one) while Umi went back to their hotel room, preparing the bed for Umiko.
"Yui-nee? Kazuma-nii?"
"Oh, Kotori.." Kazuma opened the door. Umiko, wide awake, was strapped in the baby carrier that her Uncle Kazuma was wearing, and the poor uncle seemed so tired "You're back..!"
"Eheh, was she too much? I'm sorry, she seems to like to stay up more these days."
"No, no, it's just that.. it seems like Umiko has been missing you two, she's a little fussy."
"Ah, must be cause of her teeth-"
"I told you! I was right, Kazuma!" Yui yelled from the bed.
While Kazuma returned the little bluenette to her mother, Yui was busy fixing Umiko's baby bag, and to be honest, was a little sad that Umiko would be returning to her parents.
"I'll miss you, bubby.."
"Dear, we'll see her tomorrow, no? And you need rest, for our little duo," Kazuma chuckled as Yui bid 'farewell' to her niece.
"Bue bue!"
"Is that how you say bye bye? Aw, you're so cute.. I really can't believe my sister made you. I can't wait to see you as a big sis, Umiko!" Yui cooed.
And finally, after a few minutes, Umiko and Kotori were back at their own hotel room. Umi, now in her pajamas, smiled at the two warmly.
"And why is my princess still up?"
"You spoil her a lot, don't you, Umi-chan?" Kotori laughed as Umi took their daughter from her arms "Makes me jealous.."
"Hm? There's no need to be jealous, though? Don't I spoil you a lot, too?" Umi asked innocently, ignoring the fact that little Umiko pinched her cheek and wouldn't let go "Or should I spoil you more?"
"Don't tease me, I might get tempted!" Kotori exclaimed as she made her way to the bathroom.
As she stood in the bathroom, freshening up, she smiled upon hearing the cheerful giggles from her two favorite people in the world.
Ah, little did she know that Umi was already telling Umiko about their plans for Kotori's birthday.
Timeskip, September 10
"So.. you two brought me here, cause you two have woes?"
"What? I only want advice, she's the one who is ranting."
Maki was called by her two senpais to meet up at a nearby café, and of course, Maki couldn't say no to them after rejecting their invites for weeks straight. It was her only free time after all.
But eventually she did regret not saying no, after all..
Umi wants advice about proposing to Kotori. ("If she wants my honest opinion.. I think the chances of Kotori saying yes would be higher if Umi's shirtless." Maki thought as Umi explained the situation.)
And Eli has woes about becoming a parent.
Yes, you read that right -- a month after their one month honeymoon, Nozomi complained about not feeling well and contacted Kotori, who instantly told her to take a pregnancy test and visit Dr. Nishikino regardless of the results. After two positive pregnancy tests and an ultrasound from Dr. Nishikino, the two confirmed that they were indeed expecting and was due on February next year.
While their baby's gender is still unknown, they both had strong feelings it would be a little girl -- or at least, Eli was hoping. I mean, a little girl that looks like both her and Nozomi would be adorable, right? A little girl saying 'harasho!' in a Kansai accent..
"Earth to Eli? Hello?"
"I don't know how to parent..!" Eli reasoned so suddenly.
"Well, I'm not sure, you were in BiBi and dealt with Nico and Maki arguing.. parenting is sort of like that, I suppose?" Umi calmly responded as she took a sip of her tea "Now, I need ideas how to make this proposal better than what I've already planned."
"Okay first, that was offensive. Second, it's Kotori. Your plan sounds good enough for her to tear up."
"It's that horrible?"
"No, no! I mean, in a good way, you know.. Tears of joy type of way!"
"Wait, wait.. Umi," Eli sniffled, pouting "I'll give you tips on proposing if you teach me how to parent."
After Umi pondered about it for a few seconds, she nodded.
"Deal."
"You know, maybe I should've just stayed at home and watched a movie with Nico-chan.. What am I here for?" Maki asked, stirring her cup of coffee.
"Oh? Nico didn't tell you? She asked us to call you to hang out while Nozomi, Kotori and her buy things for the baby with Umiko," Eli replied, placing a straw in her second chocolate milkshake "Also because you've got your nose stuck in medicine books for weeks now, couldn't even make plans with you until this day came.. We missed you, you know?"
"Ah, that is true.. it has been a while since we were able to hang out."
"A-Ah, really? That's.. comforting to hear. A-Anyways, Umi's plan sounds perfect enough for me. What do you want to add?"
"Um.. flowers? Ah, anemones!"
"Add all possible flavors of cheesecake to the list," Maki added.
"It's her birthday, naturally there's a lot of cheesecake.. though I am thinking, maybe put the ring in the cake?"
"Are you kidding? You want her to choke? There are cases of proposals that went wrong after that happened, and being an heir to a hospital, we've seen them.." Maki sighed, shaking her head.
"That is true. And besides, you mentioned it's a Sonoda heirloom ring? That would be too precious to hide in cream cheese. It would look more beautiful in a velvet box, all while you kneel in front of her. That's almost every girl's dream."
"That is true.. okay, I'll keep note of that."
And so, the soldier trio spent the entire day, planning all about Umi's proposal to Kotori, while Umi would give Eli parenting tips here and there.
In short, they were planning for new beginnings. Even though Maki wouldn't admit it, she was keeping mental notes of both parenting and proposal tips -- she does plan to have a future with the one and only Nico, after all.
side-note:
finished this cause i was so terrified after watching a horror movie, i couldn't sleep :') apologies for the typos!
ahh, we're nearing the end. the proposal is coming and so is the wedding, so i'd say there's three chapters left until this book is finished.
once it's done, i will release a "part two" of this story, which is just a combination of many short stories of μ's as parents :DD i've got a few prompts for it already~ but it's still under planning, and i tend to ask my readers for help w/ choosing things on instagram, so if you ever want to participate, please send a follow request! and remember to send a DM so i can accept you faster~
do you guys have any idea how umi will propose to kotori? ofc, those on instagram already know, but still~
thank you for reading and ples leave a review!
here's to hoping i can finally sleep ;--;