Too Good To Be True
Amari: Age 21
Pushing herself down the busy streets, Amari tried to cover up her face before the sounds of heavy steps and camera flashes followed behind her, causing the girl to curse to herself as they continued their stalking. "Ember, a word please!"
Bakugo shook her head though, still focusing on the tall building before her. Just a little more and then she'll be safe. Ugh, these reporters were like piranha today.
And of course that was probably because tomorrow was one of the most anticipated dates for her and everyone else around the country. In fact, every single new outlet and gossip magazines has been covering the details for months.
It was true. Everyone in some capacity, whether they liked it or not, knew about the wedding that would be taking place tomorrow, and now the entire country was gushing to no end about it.
Amari knew it made sense, knowing that she was marrying into one of the most important and influential families in the hero world but that never made the paparazzi any easier.
Yeah, it had been years since her whole "villain scare" but the girl still didn't really love the idea of cameras in her face. Call it personal trauma or whatever.
Finally reaching the doors to her agency, she heard the loud clicks and sounds before everyone seemed to bombard her at once, fans and reporters alike.
"Ember, are you feeling nervous? Are you ready for the big day tomorrow?"
"Have you seen Todoroki yet? Do you two have any plans before the wedding?"
"Ember! How does the rest of your family feel about the arrangement?"
As the crowds started to circle in, Amari felt herself getting smaller and smaller, already reaching for the doors behind her in order to escape this personal hell. It seemed she was never going to get out of the spotlight. Lucky her.
Although that was before large crimson wings landed seemingly in front of her, blocking her body from the crowds as Keigo grinned widely. "Now now, I know you are all excited but let's not overwhelm our favorite chickadee here. She's got enough to worry about as it is…"
Opening her mouth at the save, the cameras went wild before the girl felt one of his feathers grab onto her clothes, already pushing her towards the door in front of her. "What are you…"
Yet Keigo only smirked, throwing her a wink before replying playfully. "I got this kid. Go ahead and get inside. Your best friend Keigo is here to save the day!"
Then without another word, the bird turned around as microphones were shoved in his face, the hero gladly accepting them a moment later. "Now where were we? Ah yes, I was just gonna tell ya about how proud I am with our little Ember. She's really growing up before my eyes, like a little baby bird learning how to fly. It makes me tear up just thinking about it..."
He sniffed a fake tear before Amari couldn't help but shake her head in exasperation, a small smirk under her breath as she pulled open the doors next to her a moment later. "Could you get any more cheesy..?"
In fact, she couldn't help but sense the family from the situation, remembering that the last time he had saved her from the reporters like this was back when that stupid bird had tried to use her to get close to Dabi.
Funny how things changed, right?
Silently thanking him for his sacrifice, Bakugo then shut the door before resting her back on her surface and finally letting out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding "Forget the villains, it's the reporters that are gonna be the death of me…"
Amari felt her body slide towards the ground before someone entered the space, his brow turned in confusion and disappointment. "Do I even want to know?"
She couldn't help but twist her head up at that, recognizing her brothers disapproving stare. "Oh, Hey Katsuki. Sorry, Keigo just saved me from getting eaten alive out there. Let me tell you, they've been brutal today. Looks like I still don't know how to face them.."
Pushing his hands into his pockets, Katsuki vaguely looked towards the flashing blurs before sighing to himself, already reaching to help his sister off the floor. "Well, start by getting off the damn ground, idiot. Someone is here to see you.."
At his words, Amari looked in the direction of the empty hallways before trying to recall some kind of meeting she had set up for today. "Wait, who is it?"
Yet Katsuki only scoffed, letting go of his sister's hand after she was finally standing up again. Well, whoever it was, he seemed annoyed about them for whatever reason. "Just hurry up and go to your office already."
Dusting herself off, the girl couldn't help but become extremely curious about his statements. Who could it possibly be? Her, Keigo and Katsuki were the only ones in the office today, everyone else was on patrol. "Uhh okay?"
Amari then turned towards the hallways before making her way to her office, wondering what would await her on the other side of the door. Well, they seemed important to say the least. "Hello? I'm coming in.."
Pushing the wooden door open a moment later, Amari stepped inside only to find Todoroki Shoto turned around, his back facing her as he gazed towards the picture of the two of them on her desk.
It was the one that they had taken at that cat cafe six years ago, the girl still finding the picture with his mug shot stype face absolutely hilarious. "Shoto, what are you doing here? Didn't we agree not to see each other until the wedding?"
Her voice caused the boy to turn around, Bakugo catching sight of the single white rose with the gold ribbon attached to the stem in his hands. "I tried to honor our wish, but it seems that tomorrow turned out to be far too long. I wanted to see you now."
Although after he spoke the words, Todoroki's eyes fell just slightly, the rose in his hand lowering towards his side. Maybe she'd be mad for not honoring their promise? "I'm sorry, was that incorrect? I can leave if you want. I just thought..."
He stopped speaking when Amari put a hand out to stop him, her fingers gracing his chest before he noticed the light pink hue on her cheeks. "No no no it's okay. I'm glad you're here. I missed you too.."
Wrapping her fingers around the stem of the flower, the girl couldn't help but smile. "You got this for me? Oh Shoto, you didn't have to do that. You know, you're not obligated to bring me flowers all the time like this.."
She lightly touched the petals of the rose in question, noticing that Todoroki always seemed to bring her flowers like this. They were always the same kind of flower too, the ones that meant eternal loyalty.
And don't get her wrong, she absolutely loved it but the girl didn't want him to think that this kind of thing was mandatory, like he was forced to do it.
Yet Todoroki only shook his head before lightly bringing his fingers up to touch one of the blonde strands of hair that was covering her face. "I have to admit, the reason I do it so often is slightly selfish.."
Twisting her brow in confusion, the man then pushed the hair out of her face, his fingers trailing across her cheek as he did so. "I just love the expression on your face whenever you see them. It never fails every single time to make my heart feel strange, a good strange."
The pink hue on her cheeks started to grow at his words, Amari turning her head in order to calm the sneak attack he just gave her, his fingers detaching themselves at the motion."O-Oh I see. Well, that's not a bad thing then, if it's a good strange that is..."
Seeing her so flustered, Todoroki felt a small smile slip onto his lips before continuing calmly. "Every single time I see it, it makes me realize how lucky I am to have you as my wife.."
Amari couldn't help but take in the last part of his sentence, shoving down her embarrassment before covering it up with a small happy giggle. "Shoto, I think you forgot we aren't married yet. You can't say that until tomorrow.."
Twisting his brow in thought, Todoroki then nodded his head in acceptance before grabbing onto one of her hands and bringing it up to his chest. "So does that mean that after tomorrow I have permission to say it for the rest of my life?"
He looked into her eyes so innocently before Amari couldn't help but smile back, a small nod to her head. She didn't know why but just the very idea of Shoto calling her his wife or his bride made her all giddy inside. "I suppose you can, if you'd like..."
Giving her hand a small squeeze, the boy answered warmly. "I want nothing more. In fact, I've been dreaming of calling you my bride for years, as embarrassing as that may be.."
Although Amari responded by giving him a squeeze back before twisting her lips into a teasing smirk. "You wanna know a secret? Ever since our classmates made that stupid comment about me becoming your wife, I've been thinking about it too.."
Todoroki couldn't help but raise his eyes at that, never hearing that piece of information until now. He always thought it was just him that thought about these things. "Really?"
Nodding back slightly embarrassed, Amari replied. "Y-Yeah, but anyways.."
Hurrying to change the conversation before she had a heart attack, the girl focused her attention back towards the rose in her hand. "How are your vows going? Have you finished them yet..?"
It was something the two had agreed on together, both of them wanting to right their own vows for each other so that their words could really mean something special.
Laughing to herself, the boy couldn't help but notice the large stack of crumpled up paper in the trash can next to her along with a familiar notebook on the desk with all the pages ripped out. "I see you've been working on them as well.."
Amari then followed his gaze towards the overflowing paper in the trash before the girl practically kicked the metal bin under her desk a moment later, laughing with anxiety "Whaaa this? Nah nah, this isn't about that. I was just uhh...doing...agency things.."
Her lie was so painfully obvious that even the girl realized it, Bakugo slumping her shoulder a moment later. "Ahhh Okay okay you got me. It's just hard, okay? I mean, trying to find the right words for the most important day of my life? How can I do that...?"
And that was true, in fact Amari had torn out two whole notebooks trying to figure out what kind of words to say to Todoroki on their wedding day, what she could possibly use in order to explain her love for him.
The two had been through so much, it was like just words weren't enough to describe how much they cherished each other. "I just want everything to be perfect.."
Pushing her hands into her face, she paused when the girl heard Todoroki's small laugh echo from the corner, causing Amari's eyes to turn towards him in disbelief. "Hey, don't laugh at me! This is serious.."
Yet the boy could only shake his head, a small smile appeared as he covered his face with his hand before noticing how frazzled she was being with this. "I'm sorry, I just find it cute how much you're thinking about this."
Frowning in response, the girl crossed her arms. "I just want to make you happy, to give you what you want.."
Stepping closer, his gaze then turned soft. "Amari, it doesn't matter what you say. I don't need any fancy well written words. As long as it comes from you then it's already everything I could ever want..."
Although his words still made her slightly anxious, causing the boy to shake his head before trying a new tactic in order to calm her the best way he could.
Reaching forward, Todoroki then cupped her cheek lovingly, a reassuring look in his eyes. "Hey, don't worry beautiful, I already know everything is going to be perfect. Do you want to know why?"
Pouting her lips together, Amari then looked at him in silent wait. "Why?"
Smiling at his soon to be bride, the boy hummed lovingly. "Because no matter what, I get to marry the woman I love more than anything else in this world. And tomorrow, I finally get to call her my wife and cherish her for the rest of my life…"
Todoroki then brushed a finger across her cheek before finishing. "I think that's pretty perfect to me, what do you think?"
Pushing his head closer, Amari couldn't help but smile under her breath as their lips almost touched.. "I guess you're right."
The man then lifted his hands until it was resting on the back of her head before dipping his head down into a loving kiss a moment later.
Just then, a loud bang on the glass door next to them caused the couple to break apart before turning to find Katsuki frowning a couple feet away. "Alright, You've distracted her long enough icy hot. Now get out so that she can finish those reports.."
Pointing towards the large stack on her stack, Amari couldn't help but groan, turning to her brother immediately. "Ugh, I hate that you're right. If I don't get these done then Keigo's gonna have my head.."
Bakugo then turned back to Todoroki before giving him a small smile. "Sorry about that. You came all the way over here for nothing.."
Yet the boy didn't seem to mind though, already grabbing his jacket before leaning forward and pressing a warm kiss on her lips. "I wouldn't say that. I got to see you."
Because it was so unexpected, a heavy blush appeared on her cheeks at the action before Todoroki pulled away, now turning for the door. "I suppose the next time we see each other is when you walk down the aisle. How strange to think that.."
Nodding back, the realization hit the girl all at once. "Yeah, it does feel strange."
That's when Todoroki couldn't help but smile to himself, trying to imagine what that feeling would be like but finding it rather impossible.
"I can only imagine how beautiful you'll look..."
"Come on Amari, I'm dying to see my new little sis already!"
Fuyumi couldn't help but whine from her spot in the corner, Bakugo's mother giving an amused chuckle at her impatience. The group had been waiting for the girl for only a couple minutes but it seemed like forever.
From the other side of the door, Amari giggled before fixing the veil on top of her head. "Alright alright, I'm coming. Sorry, these shoes were hard to put on.."
Pushing back the curtain in front of her, heeled footsteps appeared before Fuyumi and Mitsuki completely stopped moving, looking at the woman before them as she made her way towards the mirror to finally see herself all put together.
Once she was there, Amari opened her eyes before immediately feeling an onslaught on emotions pour into her all at the same time.
It was like seeing herself had finally confirmed the reality of the situation.
Throughout her entire life, Bakugo had been conditioned to never wish for too much, to never dream like other children her age. Her reality was that she was going to die, and there was no fixing it.
That's what the girl had always forced herself to believe, that the world was cruel and it didn't want her to live.
And while most young girls had dreamed of their wedding or their partner or their future a thousand times, Amari never once had that luxury. The furthest she had ever allowed herself to think was the day that Katsuki called her his sister. Everything else meant nothing, it had to mean nothing..
While other kids were daydreaming about their lives, Amari was told she was useless. She was beaten down mentally and physically, she was told that she wasn't wanted, that the only way she would be worth something was to die for a noble cause.
Never once had she allowed herself to think about marriage or her future, because that was always just cruel. She didn't even want to think about it because that was like a slap in the face, to see the real reality that had been given to her.
No one was going to want her anyways so what was the point in dragging them down with her? Why would she make someone else suffer her pain if they were just going to leave in the end? Why try so hard to be seen when she was only a burden on everyone around her?
That's always what she thought.
But looking in the mirror, Amari saw the woman she thought she'd never be, the woman that had survived and found everything she thought she'd never have.
She could finally allow herself to think, she could finally dream just like she had always wanted to as a child, she could finally say to herself that she was worthy enough to be loved.
That's right, staring back at Amari was the single most untold miracle that she thought she'd never have...
She was actually getting married.
Pushing her hands across the champagne and gold colored dress, the girl felt tears build up into her eyes, lifting her hand to her mouth to suppress a sob before Fuyumi and Mizuki raced over to her. "Is there something wrong?"
Amari's mom placed a warm hand on her back as well, worried for her daughter's change in emotions so suddenly. "Oh my sweet baby. Talk to us, it's okay we can fix it.."
Although the girl only shook her head, hiccuping as she spoke through her tears. "I-I just thought I'd never get this far...I'm so happy..."
Feeling their expressions fall immediately, Amari's mother began to wrap her arms around her daughter before holding her close. "Oh sweetie, it's okay...let it all out.."
Bakugo felt her body shake as she cried, feeling all of her unkempt and unsaid emotions pour out a moment later. "I-I just always thought I'd die before any of this...so I didn't let myself think of it...I couldn't let myself think of it...and now...now I can..."
Mitsuki felt her heart break at her daughter's words, knowing that she had lived through hell and back without her mother ever noticing. Her baby girl had suffered for years and she had been so blind through it all.
That was something that the woman would always regret, never realizing how badly Amari was calling out for her, never realizing how much she was hurting.
And the words she was speaking now, it made her mother realize that Amari was always trying to push down these feelings of fear because she knew it would break her completely if the girl looked too close, if she realized one day that she could never have a normal life.
It was horrible, the way she made herself cope with the pain.
Shaking her head, Bakugo's mother felt tears make their way into her eyes before rubbing her daughter back softly. "Baby girl I'm so sorry...I'm sorry you had to think like that...but it's okay now...now you don't have to do that anymore..."
Amari pushed her head further into her embrace at that. "It still doesn't feel real...it feels like everything is too good to be true...like I wasn't meant to have it...like it's going to be taken away from me again..."
Amari then tightened her hands onto her shirt before glancing over to Fuyumi's glassy tear filled eyes with devastation. "I-I'm not supposed to be here...I know I'm not...but I can't help but be happy that I am...is that wrong...is it awful that I feel grateful..?"
Knowing immediately that she was talking about Toya, the woman pushed a hand to her lips before taking a step closer towards Amari and shaking her head.
She knew what she was trying to say, how it destroyed Bakugo to know that Toya was supposed to be the one standing here today, that if he didn't interfere and save her then things would've been different.
And it was true that Fuyumi missed her brother, mourned for him in many different ways but there was a reason Amari was standing here today. "No, it's not wrong at all. Toya wanted this for you. He wanted you to live. Don't be sorry for that. Our brother saved you for a reason, remember? You don't have to feel guilty."
Although the words were said, Amari still found it hard. She felt like the life he had given her was not her own, that she shouldn't have been standing here after what Toya had gone through. "I miss him...he should've been here too..."
Nodding back, Fuyumi placed a warm hand on her new sister's back. "I know..but don't blame yourself because he's not. You deserve to be happy Sis, you deserve this day, okay?"
Bakugo couldn't help but detach herself from her mother at that, wiping the tears from her eyes before thinking about Fuyumi's words all at once.
Was it really okay to be happy even though she had taken Toya's place, was it okay to be thankful for this day she thought would never happen?
Giving her a reassuring smile, Mitsuki added. "She's right. Me and your father are so proud of you, of how strong you've become. You grew up to be such a wonderful young woman all by yourself..."
Her mother then carefully wiped the tears out of her daughter's eyes. "And you deserve the entire world because of that, okay? You're worthy of so much more than you give yourself credit for. Don't ever forget that."
Hearing her kind words, Amari felt herself relax before nodding her silently as Misuki finished with her arms crossed. "And if you do end up forgetting, I'll kick your ass young lady."
Amari couldn't help but crack a smile at that, picking up on her Bakugo nature before laughing to herself with a lighted chuckle. "Thanks Mom."
Then Bakugo turned towards Fuyumi before locking eyes with her new sister in law, and a slew of emotions passed between each of them. "I really needed that."
Noticing the atmosphere had improved, Mitsuki then clapped her hands together before helping her daughter away from the mirror. "Good, now let's get those finishing touches done. How does that sound?"
Amari felt her lips curve upwards at that, catching the sight of Toya's ring in her vision before closing her eyes in newfound acceptance.
"That sounds perfect."
Pacing back and forth, Katsuki stood outside of the dressing room before checking his phone for the hundredth time, wondering just how long it took his sister to get ready. It seemed like he was waiting forever...
Although his prayers were answered when the door opened a moment later, Amari appearing with a small smile. "Hey Katsuki, sorry it took so long..."
And taking one look at his sister, Bakugo couldn't help but stare, finally seeing her in her wedding dress for the first time since she had told him about the damn thing months ago.
To say it suited her was an understatement. In fact, it was like the entire dress radiated Amari energy, with gold accents and sparkly touches all throughout the attire as well. It was like she was made to wear that dress, and even Katsuki couldn't deny that she looked beautiful...
His twin sister, the one that had followed him for his entire life, the one that always stood beside him even though he was an asshole, she was finally growing up before his eyes, wasn't she?
He paused his own thoughts when a hand waved in front of his face, the girl twisting her brow in confusion. "Helloooo? Is anyone in there?"
Blinking in surprise, Katsuki pushed her hand away a moment later. "What?"
Amari couldn't help but frown though, turning around in her dress before lifting up her hands in excitement. "I asked you how I looked. Although with a reaction like that, I'm not sure I wanna know.."
Katsuki knew that his silence probably came off as disgust, the boy being too shocked to even say anything before shoving his hands in his pockets. "You look.."
Pushing further, the female Bakugo leaned in. "Let me guess, like an idiot?"
And that's what she expected him to say, or at least some variation of the phrase as that was usually how Katsuki liked to compliment people.
Although she certainly was surprised when the boy let out a heavy sigh before fixing a gentle expression towards his sister. "You look perfect."
Widening his eyes at his out of character words, Amari couldn't help but blink in surprise. "W-What did you just say?"
Yet Katsuki only groaned before pushing his sister's head down a moment later, irritation in his voice. "Ugh, I'm not saying it again! Come on, let's go already. You're going to be late for your own damn wedding..."
Grabbing onto her hand, her brother began to push her down the hallway before Amari couldn't help but smile at her brother's previous words. She knew they were only a fleeting moment but it was something she'd never forget..
Although that's when she seemed to remember something else, giving into his request to ignore his previous comment like he wanted. "Oh! Wait, hold on there's something I wanted to ask you..."
This caused Katsuki to stop, his hand still attached to hers. "What is it now?"
Watching her grow even more nervous, Amari began to scratch the back of her head, giggling to herself in newfound anxiety for whatever she was about to ask him. "Right so, feel free to say no and everything but I talked it over with our parents and I uhh...well I was thinking...that if you wanted to...you could uhh..."
Bakugo couldn't help but feel a tick of annoyance in his throat at the habit that he always hated from his sister, the one where she was too afraid to spit out what she actually wanted. It seemed that hadn't changed in the slightest.
Shaking his head, Bakugo then grumbled before his anger seemingly spilled over. "Ugh you're doing that annoying ass thing again where you beat around the bush for hours. Just spit it out already...!"
Amari shut her mouth at that, realizing what she was doing before giving him a small smile. "Ah am I? Sorry, I guess I'm just nervous."
Closing his eyes in annoyance, Katsuki then groaned to himself before trying to be patient with the girl as it seemed that whatever she was going to ask was really important. "What is it?"
That's when Amari took in a breath of her own before speaking towards her brother softly. "I was wondering if you could walk me down the aisle?"
Widening his eyes at her words, Katsuki couldn't believe what he was hearing. Weren't parents supposed to do that crap? So why in the hell was she asking him then? He must have heard wrong. "What?"
Although the girl only smiled awkwardly in response. "I already talked to our parents and they agreed. I know it's a little unconventional and weird but then again so are we, right..?"
Katsuki couldn't help but look at her like she had five heads though. "Why in the hell would you want that?"
Fixing her dress in her own nervous nature, Amari plainly softly. "Because you're the most important person in my life Katsuki. I love you, and if anyone is going to do it then I want it to be my brother."
And as he listened to her explanation, the boy couldn't' help but let his expression fall all together. Did she really trust him with something that important, did she really want him to give her away?
Of course Katsuki had his own mixed feelings about this already, knowing that if he did this then that meant giving her hand to that damn Todoroki and risking him losing his twin.
He didn't want that, he didn't want to take that chance, he didn't want to give her to Todoroki just yet. He wanted Amari to stay his sister forever.
But after listening to her words, Bakugo couldn't help but feel immediately guilty for his own terrible thoughts. His sister was finally happy and she was asking him to do such an important thing for her.
How could he say no, even if he was utterly terrified?
She trusted him, she wanted him to be a part of her ceremony and that was something that made Katsuki second guess his own fears. The two of them had come so far, had struggled for years and made it out alright in the end.
If that was the case then maybe they'd be able to make it out of this too?
And as much as he hated it, Katsuki knew he couldn't ruin his sisters happiness or her wishes. "You're such an idiot.."
Twisting her brow in confusion, Amari replied rather dejected. "So is that a no then?"
Although that was when Bakugo closed his eyes for a moment before re-shoving his hands into his pockets. "I never said it was a no."
Widening her eyes at his words, Amari couldn't help but lean forward in excitement and hope. "Wait, so you'll do it? Really..?!"
The boy could only grumble to himself though, seeing the happiness in his sister's expression as he made his choice. Yeah, screw his feelings, she was more important. "All I have to do is walk, right? Well, come on let's go.."
After realizing that he was in fact serious, Amari couldn't help but twist her lips into a warm smile before racing forwards and hugging her brother with everything she had. "AHH Thank you thank you thank you Katsuki! You're the best!"
Looking down at his sister, Katsuki then placed a warm hand onto her head before sighing. "Whatever. You're damn lucky Amari."
The girl could only nod back though, squeeze her arms even tighter. "I know I am. I already know I have the best brother in the whole world.."
Burying her face into his chest with a happy giggle, Bakugo felt her joy seep into him before his lips curled up into a smile of his own. "Damn right you do."
That's when Amari pulled away, holding onto her brother's hands before looking at him with a gentle expression. "Katsuki, I know you're worried about this. But even if I change my name, I'll always be your sister. I'm not going anywhere, okay?"
Pointing towards his chest, the girl added playfully. "So sorry to disappoint, but it looks like you're stuck with me forever dear brother."
Amari then began to laugh at her own joke before glancing towards the clock on her right and quickly realizing that they really were going to be late if they didn't hurry. "Ah crap! We have to go. You're right, I am going to be late to my own damn wedding. Come on Katsuki..."
Turning around, the girl began to walk away as Bakugo took in her last statement, knowing that just a few words was enough to make his heart at ease already.
All of that fear, all of that worry for his sister leaving him, it was like it had disappeared the minute she acknowledged all of those things out loud.
How stupid was he to even think that? That's right, Amari wasn't going anywhere.
Seeing that her brother had not followed her, the girl then turned around before fixing a concerned gaze on the boy in front of her. "Katsuki, are you ready?"
Her question had multiple meanings to it, most of them unsaid as Bakugo locked eyes with his sister all once.
Was he ready to let his sister go? Was he ready for her to start this new chapter in her life? Was he ready to trust everything would be alright?
And for the first time since her engagement, Katsuki confidently took a step forward, knowing that whatever came next the two of them could face it together as Bakugo's.
"Yeah, I am"
Taking a deep breath, Amari tried to calm her nerves as she stood outside the doors to the rest of her life, Katsuki noticing her fidgeting like crazy with the white rose bouquet in her hands. "What are you doing idiot?"
She couldn't help but jump at his voice, turning to her brother before giving him a slightly anxious smile. "Ahhh sorry, it just feels real right now. I'm just trying not to freak out, that's all."
And as much as the girl had tried to ignore it, the moment that she had been thinking about for the last couple years was finally here, right behind these doors. Shoto was waiting for her, she just knew it.
It was scary, so incredibly scary yet somehow exciting and Amari didn't know how she was supposed to act in this kind of situation. It's like her emotions were at war with each other.
Although her fear multiplied tenfold when the people in front of her started to disappear through the doors a moment later, signaling that it was almost her turn.
Squeezing the bouquet, she took another shaky breath. "Anddd it's not working. I'm still freaking out..."
Katsuki seemed to notice this as well, watching her terrified fidgeting before shaking his head roughly before speaking so only she could hear. "Idiot, you've faced villains and this is what you're scared about?"
His sister couldn't help but sigh at that, lifting her head towards the music that was playing. "Yeah, I know. It's dumb. I shouldn't be scared but I can't help it..."
Narrowing his eyes, the blonde haired boy then shook his head, clarifying his words. "I didn't say it was dumb."
Amari couldn't help but twist her eyes in confusion at his words. She originally thought he was just trying to make fun of her but maybe that wasn't the case though? He just called her feelings valid, even if they were silly.
She then watched as Katsuki stared towards the doors with an unreadable expression before slightly slipping his hand into hers. "Listen, you're not doing it alone."
Staring back, the girl remained silent as her brother continued just loud enough so only she could hear. "Every step of the way, I'll be with you every step of the way, you got that?"
Amari couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion enter her throat at his words, knowing that her brother was going to lead her towards her future, that he was always going to be there for her. It brought a comfort she didn't know she needed until now.
Giving his hand a small squeeze, the girl then nodded her head, the confidence flowing through her. "I love you Katsuki."
And that one little phrase was enough for her brother to feel his own emotions build up before he shook away any remnants of tears. "Yeah yeah, me too. Now come on, get your ass moving. Todoroki's waiting for you, right?"
Smiling to herself, Amari then pushed her head back towards the closed doors before replying with her tone full of emotion. "Yeah, yeah he is.."
Katsuki then lifted his arm so his sister could hook her arm through the center as the music began to change and the doors in front of her started to open.
This was it, it was finally time.
As the music began to change, Todoroki turned towards the end of the room, his eyes fixated on the doors and trying to imagine what it would feel like to finally see the love of his life enter.
And while he was waiting, the boy couldn't help but picture it over and over again, even as his sister and Eri threw little small white petals down the aisle, all he could think about was the person just a couple feet away from him.
When the doors did finally open though, he vaguely watched everyone around him stand before Todoroki fixed the white rose on his jacket pocket, his gaze glued towards the vague sight of gold entering his vision.
And although he had imagined what it would be like a thousand times, it seemed that still didn't prepare Todoroki for the large amount of emotions that quickly entered his throat the moment he finally saw her.
The two locked eyes almost immediately before he watched her lips curve up into a small smile before Todoroki took in everything about her, soaking in every last detail with his mouth dropped open in utter awe and admiration.
To say she was beautiful was an understatement as the boy couldn't help but stare silently at the woman that was going to be his wife, who loved him entirely.
It almost didn't feel real.
Todoroki couldn't help but wonder if what he was seeing was actually the truth. Was this perfect girl really going to be his wife, was he really this lucky to have such a stunning woman by his side, to choose him out of everyone else?
He must have really done something right in order for that to be true.
So much so, that the boy felt tears work their way into his eyes before he quickly blinked them away, not knowing how they had gotten there but not rejecting them either.
He just didn't know what to do, he was just so overwhelmed with happiness and shock at the moment.
And it seemed Amari felt that way as well because the minute she started walking with her brother at her side, he saw the slight glimmer of tears in her own eyes as well.
She looked so perfect, so beautiful, and he couldn't contain how much he loved her, how much he cherished her as he silently thanked the heavens for being able to keep her for his entire life.
Moving down the aisle, Amari felt her brother's steps beside her before she glanced around her only to find the smiling and crying faces of everyone she loved watching her as she approached.
The first person she passed was Deku and her classmates, all of them cheering and crying as she walked by, their voices causing the girl to giggle under her breath at the energy.
The next was Shinso with Aizawa next to him, the man holding out a small camera as he recorded his adopted daughter while she threw the white rose petals on the floor as she went down the aisle.
Smiling at the display, Amari then noticed Keigo towards the center of the room, his eyes lining with tears as he tried to pull himself together watching his little chickadee grow up while fixing his tie and holding the book in his hands.
The two had asked for him to officiate their ceremony on the night of their engagement and because of that the bird seemed to take his job very seriously, a small smile of pride on his face as she approached.
And right next to him was Endeavor and Rei, the man giving her silent nod of approval before noticing the empty chair to their left, knowing that Amari had saved that seat for Toya.
Gripping her flowers even tighter at the thought, the girl then moved towards the front as she eyed her mother and father's happy tears before she felt a hand on her shoulder, Natsuo grinning proudly. "Hey Sis, welcome to the family."
Fuyumi then turned to join him before Amari finally turned her gaze back to Shoto who was moving to meet the two of them at the bottom of the small steps.
She felt Katsuki's hand tighten at the action before the two finally reached each other, Todoroki's gaze staring at the girl with such untold admiration and love. "I was right, you do look beautiful."
Blushing slightly, the girl smiled before Amari's brother turned to the boy before lifting his sister's hand up with a small scowl "If you hurt her, I'll kill you."
And most people would have seen that as an insult but for Todoroki it was seen as something of a mutual understanding, the boy nodding his head. "I would expect nothing else Bakugo."
Taking that as a silent promise, Katsuki then looked down at his sister's hand before pushing it over to Todoroki and laying her palm on top of her love, finally giving his sister away. "Take care of her, you bastard."
Todoroki then nodded in response before placing his other hand on top of Amari's, keeping her safe before replying with a gentle expression. "Always."
Staring at the boy, Bakugo then closed his eyes as he tried to push down another way of emotion before punching Todoroki in the shoulder once, the strength of the hit light, but the emotion through it completely transparent. "Good."
Amari couldn't help but smile at that though, the two staring at each other before Katsuki started moving towards his seat. She was proud, knowing how much courage and strength it took to do what he just did. "Thanks Katsuki."
He only nodded in response though, moving away before Todorki led her up the steps in order to stand together at the front of the room. "How are you feeling? Are you okay?"
The fact that he was checking in on her was sweet, the two moving across from each other before Amari answered honestly. "Yeah, I guess I'm just overwhelmed. I mean, we are really doing this..."
Shoto couldn't help but share her feelings though, giving her hand a soft squeeze. "I can understand completely. But just like always, I'm right here with you, okay? We will do this together."
The girl couldn't help but nod at that, turning to face Keigo who lifted his wings in pride, his own eyes lining with tears as he clutched his notes for the ceremony. "Oh chickadee, I'm so proud of you."
Reaching forward, the hero then wrapped his arms around her small frame before Amari smiled into his chest, clutching his suit jacket with unsaid emotion. "Thanks Kiego."
Keigo then pulled away before looking between Shoto and her, his voice speaking to them so incredibly soft, so that only they could hear. "You ready?"
That's when Todoroki and Amari locked eyes before sharing a hidden conversation, the two smiling at each other before the girl replied for them. "Yeah, we are.."
His feathers began to twitch in joy as Amari and Todoroki joined hands, the bird finally turning towards the audience and speaking proudly. "Friends and Family, it is my honor and joy to unite these two together today..."
Pushing his hands up in explanation, the hero chuckled. "I think I can speak for everyone when I say that this was a long time coming, that these two kids were made for each other. I've seen it myself, and I'm so happy to finally be able to make this official, just like they deserve."
Keigo then turned to his past trainee before speaking gently. "Chickadee, would you like to go first?"
She knew what he meant immediately as she watched Keigo pull an old notebook out of his pocket before handing it to Amari as she clutched the cover lovingly.
Todoroki couldn't help but widen his eyes at the sight, recognizing the object immediately. It was the same notebook she had hidden from him during their training camp, the one that she had written the ways to say she loved him.
That girl, she kept it all this time..
Flipping the notebook open, Bakugo's eyes caught on the page labeled Ways to Tell Shoto I Love Him before smiling to herself and turning to the newly written ink as she spoke. "I have to be honest, when I first bought this notebook I never thought it would be used for this..."
The girl then chuckled to herself before locking eyes with Shoto, pouring her heart out to him without a second thought. "When I sat down to write these vows, I found myself staring at the page for hours, wondering what kind of words I could say that would explain how I feel, about how I could even begin something like this. And no matter how hard I tried, nothing felt right. That is, until I figured out why.."
Taking a deep breath, she continued. "You see, the truth is that when I was a kid I had never thought about this kind of thing before. The whole idea of getting married and finding someone to love me, I just thought I wasn't good enough to have that, that I would be dead before I even had the chance to experience something like that. So standing here, you can see how surreal it feels to me right now."
Shoto's eyes couldn't help but sadden at that, giving her hand a silent squeeze of support as he let her continue. "My life was never about trying to survive, it was always about worrying those that I would leave behind. I would write unopened letters to my family, apologizing for what they were going to go through in the future, I would distance myself from everyone so that others wouldn't be burned by my passing. I had accepted it, the fact that I wasn't meant for anything but an early death.."
She then felt her breath turn shaky. "But then you came into my life. I approached you because I was lonely, because I needed a friend. Looking back on it, I guess it was kind of selfish, but I'm so glad I did it..."
"Because for the first time, someone wanted to stay by my side, and for the first time, I realized I didn't want to die. I wanted to keep on living if it meant seeing your face every morning, if it meant hearing your kind words over and over or seeing that small smile of yours you gave me every so often. "
"You gave my life a meaning I never knew I could have. I no longer dreaded getting out of bed in the morning, I didn't slip into the background and hide my face for others sake, I longed for the days I had school because that meant I could see you. Even the smallest things that seemed pointless before, you made me love them all."
"And I'm sure it didn't seem all that important to you at the time, these little trivial things. But they meant so much to me, they made me finally experience what it was like to love myself, to truly love myself finally."
"So much so that I became even more selfish. I wished for more days with you, I wanted a future and forever. I thought about what it would be like on our wedding day, what kind of mother I'd be. All of these things, they were something I never thought I would ever want, something I thought I could never have."
Feeling the tears poured down her cheeks, Amari twisted her lips closed for a second before forcing the words out, each of them filled with so much meaning and love. "B-But now, through some kind of miracle I'm lucky enough to have everything I could have ever wanted. And that is something I will never take for granted."
"I-I'm just so happy to be here, to become your wife and join your family. I'm so grateful for getting to this point, for loving you the way that I do. The fact that I can live in this reality, it's just too good to be true."
Twisting her lips into a small smile, the tears blurred her eyesight before Shoto leaned down and kissed the remaining liquid away from her eyes as whispering lovingly in response. "I love you."
Amari tried to surpass a sob at that, nodding silently as all her admiration and pushed down feelings of happiness and pride escaped. "I love you too. G-God, I love you so much..."
Chuckling slightly at her words, Todoroki then pulled away before reaching into his pocket and pulling out his own piece of paper, the boy unfolding it silently as he spoke.
"Amari, I think you are aware by now that I'm not the best with words. I don't understand many jokes and my upbringing has left me extremely and dramatically different then everyone else. As a child I would see other kids my age and wonder why I couldn't be like them, why I couldn't be normal. Truthfully I hated myself for being so different."
"I would hear other children whisper about me in the hallways, about how inhuman I was, and even though I would ignore them I couldn't help but feel like there was something wrong with me. That no one would ever love me the way I was now. With my scar and my lack of understanding, I just expected to always be alone."
"Although when I was waiting to be called during opening ceremonies, I had never expected for such a strange girl to speak to me in such a way..."
Giggling through her tears, Amari recalled the day where she embarrassed herself in front of him before he continued.
"Originally I brushed it off until we found each other meeting many other times as well, each interaction not leaving her disgusted like I had originally come to know, but rather interested in my life. It was strange, she was strange, and yet somehow so fascinating to me..."
"I had never met anyone like her before, and I found myself drawn to her, wanting to learn even more about the strange girl that was Bakugo Amari. She was brave and fearless and amazing in every single way. It was almost hard to believe that such a wonderful girl had chosen me as her friend, had wanted to stay by my side unlike everyone else in my life."
"She was never bothered by my past or my scars and when I broke down she was always there to piece me back together. She became on the forefront of my mind and when she confessed her love to me at the sports festival, it made me feel something I had never experienced before. It made me feel like perhaps maybe I was wrong all along, maybe I didn't have to be alone..."
"And after being inspired by her strength, I found my own. I did things I never thought were possible, I mended relationships that I thought were hopeless, I fully accepted my quirk, I began to love my imperfections for the sole reason that she did as well. "
"She changed my life in so many wonderful ways, and I don't know what I ever did to deserve it but I'm thankful regardless for having her in my life, for continuing to have her in my life. She is my everything, my world and I love her with everything I have."
Smiling proudly, the boy then finished gently. "Standing here today, I am honored to become her husband and cherish her for the rest of my life."
Squeezing her hands, Amari felt even more tears appear in her vision. She never knew that her presence had that kind of effect on him. Sure, she knew he loved her but Todoroki was always kind of quiet on how everything happened from his side, well until now that was.
And hearing his declaration, the way that she had changed him for the better, it made her so undeniably happy. She never thought that what she was doing was much, but it seemed like it had been the exact opposite.
The two then turned to Keigo who wiped away his own tears, before clearing his throat, obviously getting too wrapped up in their vows and forgetting that he was a part of the ceremony. "A-Ah right, the rings..."
Just then Eri hopped up onto the stage before lifting up her basket and pulling out a small box as she handed the object towards Amari happily. "Here you go Sissy! I kept it safe for you..!"
Smiling back, the girl then accepted the box before patting the girl on her head, her height almost reaching Bakugo's height after her recent growth spurt. "Thank you Eri."
The girl giggled happily before Amari took out the gold band meant for Shoto before Keigo spoke towards the crowds once more. "Alright chickadee, repeat after me okay?"
Nodding back, Bakugo graced Todoroki's hand before the bird continued proudly. "I give you this ring as a symbol of my everlasting love to you..."
Slightly blushing at the words, Amari then slid the ring onto his left hand before locking eyes with her soon to be husband as she smiled. "Shoto, I give you this ring as a symbol of my everlasting love to you.."
Keigo then nodded his head before adding. "And do you take Todoroki to be your husband, to cherish and love in friendship, in strength and in weakness, to love him faithfully, today, tomorrow and forever?"
His words had a new sense of meaning towards him, Amari knowing that she had accepted those things long ago, her eyes growing misty once more. "I do."
The collective cheers and awww's were overheard before Keigo gave Todoroki her ring as he spoke. "Alright kid, your turn."
Nodding silently, Shoto then lifted up Amari's left hand before slipping the ring onto her finger before humming with pure love and happiness. "Amari, I give you this ring as a symbol of my everlasting love to you..."
Bakugo felt butterflies enter her stomach at his touch before Keigo spoke. "And do you take chickadee to be your wife, to cherish and love in friendship, in strength and in weakness, to love her faithfully, today, tomorrow and forever?"
Smiling in response, Todoroki then lifted her hand up before kissing the surface silently, his lips speaking against her skin as Amari blushed. "I do."
Keigo couldn't help but beam at that, his wings lifting up in celebration before taking a shaky breath in order to pull himself together. "Then it is my greatest honor to now pronounce you husband and wife.."
Amari couldn't help but widen her eyes at that, the words pouring into her as the hero hero finished. This was real, was she really Shoto's wife? "You may now kiss the bride."
Taking in a shaky breath, the girl then turned to Todoroki as it seemed he was also in disbelief. She couldn't help but laugh through her tears and that, a goofy smile on her face as the boy leaned down.
Their lips touched a moment later, Amari smiling through her tears as she held onto her husband for dear life, never wanting this moment to ever end.
Everyone then began to cheer and clap as the two pulled away, the couple staring at each other with absolute awe and wonder before Shoto chose to speak first. "Does this mean I can call you my wife now?"
Cracking a smile, the girl recalled their conversation from yesterday before grabbing onto his hand a moment later. "Only if that means I can call you my husband.."
Just the very title caused Todoroki to blush before looking down at his feet, a small smile plastered on his face at the idea of spending his entire life with the woman beside him.
"I'd like that."
Hello yes, I'm crying. I feel like a proud parent oop. The two fluffy children finally got their happiness like they deserved. Also I hope you like the song I added in there. I thought it could use some extra feels.
Also did you notice how Bakugo doesn't just call him icy hot anymore. Nah, he uses his actual last name because he accepts him. He said it for the first time in the engagement chapter. Just a little easter egg.
There's only two chapters left in this book before it's actually over.
Next Chapter: Shinso needs some love, doesn't he? Let's give him some happiness too.
