76. A Day Of Light
For You have been a refuge for me,
A tower of strength against the enemy.
King David, 61st Psalm (traditional attribution)
Truth be told, Izuku hadn't attended many wedding's before, so he wasn't really sure what to expect. There had been a rather desperate scramble over the course of the evening before and this morning to make things ready, and Izuku couldn't help but feel that they weren't really quite right. But then again, everyone seemed happy, so at least that was right.
The flower bouquets for the two brides were wildflowers, gathered from the hills and valleys surrounding their mountain fastness. The guests were just a bit grungy, most of them dressed not in their finest, but whatever was cleanest and least worn. Many wore police uniforms or hero costumes, which led to an odd blend of bright and somber colors. Most were patched and repaired at this point, but everyone was putting their best face on it.
There were, of course, cakes prepared for everyone, much to Mei's unabashed delight. They were hardly uniform, but each was exquisitely decorated, Lunch Rush and his staff having slaved away until just before the afternoon ceremony to prepare them. The rest of the food was laid out in a buffet, an odd pastiche of whatever happened to be easy to prepare and set outside in the pleasant spring weather.
The only traditional part of the wedding, if it could be called that in Japan, was that they had a bonafide minister in a clerical collar and gown to officiate. Shiozaki's father turned out to be a Christian priest of the Neo-Lutheran variety, which didn't mean much to Izuku. Still, he'd been happy enough to perform the duties, relieved to be called upon to bring joy once again instead of performing rites for the dead.
The two brides were not dressed in white gowns; Hari had on a yellow sundress with a pink cherry blossom print, while Emi was wearing a borrowed sky blue evening gown. Both had their hair done up in an elaborate style with flowers mixed amongst them.
Mei, to her irritation, had been guilted into wearing a dress by her sister, and was standing beside her as her Maid of Honor. Izuku, to his embarrassment, was also in the wedding party. Though he wasn't nearly as embarrassed or flustered as Bakugo, who had been selected as the Best Man for Togata.
"You're the next bearer, Katsuki. How could I not choose you?" Togata had laughed when he'd told an astonished Bakugo.
It had taken a rather scathing look from Uraraka, but Bakugo had agreed without protest. Now both Bakugo and Izuku were dressed in their hero uniforms, with flowers pinned to their breasts, standing with Togata, who was looking increasingly nervous.
"What if she changes her mind?" Togata was whispering to Bakugo. "I mean, it was all so sudden! I think I'd die if she didn't come, Katsuki! I only asked her as a joke, what if she was joking?!"
"Jesus Christ, will you calm down? It was her idea you moron, she dropped you into this, not the other way around!" Bakugo hissed, grinning through clenched teeth as they waited beneath a trellis of vines, grown by Shiozaki of course.
"Just relax. Maybe we'll get lucky and they won't show," Mr. Aizawa said.
Togata turned to him, his face pale as his Adam's apple bopped comically when he swallowed.
"Relax kid," Present Mic whispered, his voice low and hoarse. His voice was still recovering as his quirk returned. He was dressed in a borrowed, ill-fitting suit, but he was still proud to be Aizawa's best man. "He's just kidding."
"Oh, right, a logical deception," Togata giggled, still sounding nervous. He looked at Izuku and elbowed him. "Well, at least one of us is calm?"
"Oh, n-n-no, I'm t-t-terrified," Izuku whispered back, a smile still plastered on his face. "T-t-he only reason I-I-I haven't r-r-run is that t-t-they're l-looking at you, n-not me."
"See, that's a sentiment I can understand," Amajiki muttered. He'd been Togata's friend for years, and was currently busy examining his feet. At first, izuku thought he was upset that he hadn't been selected as the Best Man, but he'd later learned he'd actually been Togata's first choice and turned it down. He'd only ended up joining them because Hado had bodily dragged him onto the stage before joining Hari's side. Apparently, there was at least one person in the world who had stage fright worse than Izuku.
"You have got to be shitting me," Bakugo grumbled. "Izuku, I watched you literally face down the third scariest son of the bitch on the planet. Chicken Lips, for crying out loud, you fought off a damn BATTALION yesterday. Grow a pair you two!"
"Yeah, but the PLF battalions don't have cameras," Amajiki muttered, and Izuku agreed vehemently. "And I don't have chicken lips today. I had calamari for breakfast."
"I am not changing your name based on your damn breakfast," Bakugo snapped.
"Quiet," Aizawa suddenly growled. "They're coming."
Izuku straightened as the Wedding March began to play, and the crowd turned to watch as the bridal parties approached. Upon seeing Mei, a smile bloomed on Izuku's face, and he felt himself relax. She grinned to see him too, forgetting herself and waving excitedly, until a muffled curse from her mother made her wince and resume a more decorous contenance.
Mei took her place on the stage by Hari, still smiling, and Hari took Togata's hands as Emi took Aizawa's.
"It brings me great joy to see these two couples, who have come today to be joined in Holy Matrimony," Mr. Shiozaki said. He was going bald, brown thorny vines forming a circle about his head, with a few more vines dangling from his chin. "But, before we start, we must remember those who cannot be with us today."
Aizawa looked to the side, and for a moment, deep pain filled his eyes. There was a chair set there, with Mr. Kan's name on it, along with a single white lily. There were empty places in his bride's entourage as well, and, most painfully to Izuku, a place for All Might in Togata's.
The crowd quieted, safe for a few stifled sobs and muffled gasps of pain. Mr. Shiozaki looked up to the sky, tears running down his cheeks. "Oh Heavenly father, we ask for your peace, and grace. For those who are not with us, we ask for mercy, Lord. Welcome them into your embrace. Bring justice and restoration to this land. Give our leaders wisdom, our heroes strength and courage, and a swift end to war. Amen."
After much wiping of eyes and blowing of noses, the wedding ceremony resumed. It was short, and sweet, with little fanfare. Izuku's attention wandered, looking to the peaks before him, then glancing to the mountain behind them. There were patrols and watchers out there, people who had foregon the wedding ceremony to ensure the safety of the participants. A part of Izuku worried that the PLF would find a way to ruin it regardless. Kurogiri was always a concern, though he had been strangely silent for over a week now. Izuku hoped that Stain had assassinated him before dying. That would have been a heavy blow to the PLF, and it would explain their lack of mobility that had characterized their lightning raid on Tartarus.
But there was time enough for those sorts of worries later. Vows were exchanged, and everyone cheered when it was time for the kisses.
And then it was time for a party. Izuku had half worried no one would be in the mood to celebrate, with the war and trauma they had all been through, but instead everyone seemed almost desperately determined to have a good time. Mei wasn't the only one to gleefully dig into the cake once it had been cut, and there was a great deal of laughter and congratulations to go around.
Chairs were cleared away, and Izuku was surprised to see Bakugo haul out a drum kit, followed by Yaoyorozu with a keyboard, Tokoyami with a bass, and Kaminari and Jiro with guitars, his electric, her with an acoustic. They quickly set up on the stage, with Kaminari and Jiro using their quirks to make impromptu speakers.
"Um, hello everyone," Jiro said, her voice sounding slightly nervous. "We're the no name band, I guess. No, Katsuki, I am not calling us the Explosion Murderers!"
"Electric Mayhem?" Kaminari suggested.
Jiro gave him a flat look. "I swear to God, you are doing that on purpose."
"Maybe?" Kamanari replied, a mischievous grin on his face. He turned to the crowd and raised one hand in a puppet like gesture, going, "Wakka wakka!"
"I wanted to be called This Present Darkness," Tokoyami complained.
"Yeah, that's super depressing, so I guess we're the Electric Mayhem! And, by request from Big Sis Hari, we're going to be starting things off with 'Sweet Victory.' As translated by Momo and me."
The band started to play a rather old sounding rock opera, and Togata and Hari went out onto the floor to dance. After about a minute, Togata suddenly blinked, whispering something to Hari, who laughed and nodded as they continued to dance, swirling about the grass as people cheered and whistled.
Izuku leaned over to Mei, frowning, as he couldn't recall ever having heard the song before. "Do you know what this is from?"
Mei looked at Izuku with a puzzled expression. "Yes, so do you! It is from 'Spongebob.' Hari says that this was when she fell for Togata for real, so that is why she asked for the song."
"Oh. I guess I was asleep for that part," Izuku admitted, but it did make him smile.
After that, it was the Aizawa's turn. Mr. Aizawa ran up onto the stage before the band started playing, handing Jiro and the others sheets of music.
Jiro glanced at the page, then did a double take. "Wait, are you sure, Mr. Aizawa? This definitely isn't the love ballad you guys asked for earlier…"
"Trust me, she'll think it's hilarious," Mr. Aizawa said, then walked back down, taking his brides hands and assuming a formal dancing pose.
"Wow, you are lucky you're my favorite teacher, because there is no way I'd normally sing this," Jiro said, shaking her head.
Kaminari laughed, grinning lecherously. "If you won't, I will!"
"Just shut up and play it!" Bakugo barked. "It's his wedding, and funeral I guess!"
"Yeah, yeah, fine, I'll do it," Jiro sighed. "This is...ugh, 'Bring it! Sailor Uniform.'"
As Jiro began to sing, there were gasps from the crowd, Izuku included, at the racy, risque nature of the lyrics. Izuku half expected Emi to haul off and slap her future husband, but instead she was laughing hysterically as they danced, completely inappropriately to the beat, a slow waltz.
When Jiro finished, she gave first the now laughing Kaminari a disgusted look, then glared at Mr. Aizawa. He, however, was too busy being thoroughly kissed by his new wife, who continued to giggle as they left the stage.
"How did you know that was my favorite anime?!" Emi laughed, slapping Aizawa on the back.
"It seemed appropriately juvenile and delinquent for your tastes," Aizawa answered, his expression totally neutral.
"Oh, wow, I guess I married a real charmer! At least you-wait a second. How did you know about Lucky Star? Oh my God! Everyone! My husband's totally a closet Otaku!"
Aizawa did his best to look offended, but a slow grin crept over his face, and he shrugged. "Well. A man's got to have a few hobbies."
"Yeah, ok, well, now we're going to play some REAL music!" Jiro declared. "Alright boys and girls! Just like we practiced! Blues riff in B, watch for the changes, and try to keep up!"
Kaminari immediately began to play a fast guitar riff, as Jiro launched into what Izuku recognized as "Johnny B. Goode" from her personal playlist. To his surprise, he found himself standing, extending a hand to Mei. "Dance with me?"
"Yes!" Mei agreed, and they went out into the clearing with quite a few other couples, including her parents and many members of Class 1A. Hado somehow managed to drag Amajiki out onto the dance floor as well, and despite his apparent nervousness, he seemed to enjoy himself just as much as Izuku did.
It was soon abundantly clear that neither Izuku or Mei had the slightest clue how to dance, as they were constantly stepping on teach others toes and fumbled and stumbled more than a little, but it was fun and exciting, so that hardly mattered.
Most of the songs that the band played were upbeat rock songs from the Before Times, a not insubstantial number of them in English. Jiro did bow to current trends and play a few current hits from Japan, but Izuku knew her well enough to know that she was definitely a fan of rock and roll. They did play a few slow songs, during which Izuku wondered if it were possible to lose a toe from the number of times he and Mei stepped on each other, but neither of them complained.
"Um, alright, we've got just one more for you," Jiro said after over an hour of playing. "It's, um, a song I wrote myself, a while back. We've practiced a couple of times, but…"
"But it's freaking amazing and you're all going to love it!" Kaminari declared. "Come on, Ears, you got this!"
Jiro blushed and nodded. "Alright. Here's 'Hero, Too.' I'm dedicated this one to Iida and Koda, and all the other heroes who can't be here today."
As Jiro sang about the dream of being a hero, Izuku felt himself start to cry as he danced with Mei.
"Izuku? Are you alright?" Mei asked, sounding worried.
"Yeah, I just...it makes me think about back then, you know? When I met you. It's what you told me. I could be a hero. It seems like so long ago…"
"It is not, but at the same time, it was," Mei agreed. "We were kids back then."
"We're still sorta kids now," Izuku laughed, shaking his head to remove some of the tears.
"No, not really," Mei told him. "You are the World's Greatest Hero. I am the world's greatest inventor. We are saving people, and making the world a better place. Not getting scraps out of a dumpster and trying to get into UA. Plus, if we were kids, what we have been doing together lately would probably be very bad. I do not think kids should try to get to third base. Or blow up bridges and kill bad guys."
Izuku nodded, feeling a sense of loss and longing. "Yeah. I guess. Do you...do you ever regret it? You know, what we've done."
"Of course not! I would not have you as a friend, and as a boyfriend, or have so many people who are my friends now. We would not have made so many super cute babies. I would not have a new baby sister, and she would still be in the bad place. I love Eri very much, and she is a good helper too. Do you regret it, Izuku?"
Izuku considered it, looking down for a moment at this metal hand, resting on Mei's shoulder as they danced. He felt nothing through that hand, but at the same time, he knew what it held was precious. "No. The price we had to pay to realize our dreams was heavy. I regret a lot of things, mostly the deaths of our friends. But not for a moment would I have changed our path. If I hadn't met you, if we hadn't decided to become heroes and inventors together...what would have happened to the world? There would still be evil men. Someone has to stop them."
"Yes. And that is what we will do," Mei agreed. "And also, make super cute babies!"
"Do you mean inventions?" Izuku asked, smiling faintly.
"Only a little. Only three years, four months, and two days. Then we will make a new super cute baby of our very own," Mei promised. "Hari told me I definitely had to wait until she and Togata made one. I think that is fair, besides, I want to make sure it is a good idea. I remember babies being very smelly."
That made Izuku laugh. "I don't know! I've never really been around babies much. I guess you have more experience with them."
Mei nodded, her expression going grim. "Yes. We will have to make sure it is a girl. Eri is much nicer than the brats."
"I'll see what I can do," Izuku chuckled. "I suppose I'm in charge of the selection process, but I think you sort of have to take what you get. I'm sure they'll be cute either way."
"Hmph. Girls are better. Except for you, Izuku. Hmmm. Togata is also not so bad. I will have to gather more data. Perhaps Hari shall have to have more than one, to increase our sample size."
"Sister, I love you dearly, but I am so not having a dozen kids just for you," Hari said sweetly.
Izuku jerked, realizing they had moved closer to Togata and Hari as they danced. Togata, for his part, had a flaming red face.
"Um, kids?" Togata managed.
Hari rolled her eyes. "Togata, we're going to have kids. What did you think we'd been doing? Sheesh, I am not talking about this in front of my sister. We'll talk later."
"Kids?" Togata repeated, his eyes going wide as they danced away. Hari kissed him though, and he seemed to suddenly decide that having kids was, in fact, an excellent idea.
When the band at last finished, everyone clapped and cheered. There was a bit more congratulations for the couples, but then it was time to clean up. Chairs and tables were cleared away, what little food that remained was taken to the kitchen to be reused later; they had little enough to spare that waste wasn't going to be an option.
Both couples had rather short honeymoons, as while they were given the rest of the day to be alone with one another, tomorrow they would have to resume their duties. As for Izuku, he couldn't afford to take even that much time off.
Author's Note:
Don't ask about third base, I don't know.