I think I have one or two more parts after this one so we're almost at the end, friends. Thank you to everyone who stuck around and read this story of mine. I'm slightly sad thinking that the end is nearing us, and I'll be taking a short break from writing. I think I've dragged this out so long because I'll miss this story and my readers a whole bunch aha. Thank you to all the reviews, the favs, and the followers that make me smile upon notification. Thank you for reading countless hours worth of this story, as it shows my writing progress from high school until now, in university.

Thank you all for not judging me on anything. Thank you for critiquing me, and helping me become a better writer. Thank you for making me feel not as alone as I think I am. Thank you for having me be able to come back here whenever I feel sad or demotivated. I'll make an even more emotional authors note upon the last chapter.

This chapter is quite long, by the way. My treat. x

EIGHTY-NINE - The Day Has Come

Torou,

I hope this letter finds you well. When we last saw each other, you asked why I was so upset to see you. You asked me why I changed so much ever since I changed my way of life. You asked me why my Master and doing things right had drawn me away from who I used to be.

I told you I couldn't answer those questions right then because the answer I'd give you wouldn't do them justice. I wanted to really think about my words, and choose them carefully. And, given time, I think I have the right answers to all your questions.

Let's start with why you believe I was upset to see you. I was not upset to see you. It just so happens that every time I do see you, you force me into some trouble or antics you're doing that either lead me into injury or near death. Not that I mind, but due to the fact that I was busy fulfilling an order, I didn't want to be tangled up in the sorts of situations you'd get yourself into. I was far too busy to entertain you, and for that I apologize.

As for my change in life, I think it was long overdue. I never wanted to be a criminal, Torou. I never asked to do or see the things I had to do. All these actions and events built me up to become the monster I never wanted to be. If I knew that all it took was missing 2 arrow shots, I would have done so a long time ago. Instead of an arrest, I was taken under the wing of the most respectable Prince and his two aides. I was forgiven by the woman I was supposed to kill, and with time, they became more than my co-workers. They became my friends, my family.

I consider myself lucky that Master put me on a better path. He was giving me assignments, showing me why he does the good he does. He showed me that there was more to life than just getting what you want. It's learning that you can have more things that don't require you to cheat and steal to get them. They require patience, and a good heart. I have made bonds and friendships that are priceless, and I wouldn't want it any other way. My Master will always be the man I aspire to be. Hardworking, confident, and strong.

Thank you for watching my back all these years, Torou, but I will never be the same Obi you met me as. I've been given an amazing opportunity, and I don't think I can ever go back. I hope that one day, an opportunity like that will cross paths with you. I'm not sure you'll particularly like it at first, but it's better than being on the run, constantly having to fight to survive or have a meal in your stomach every night. Maybe you'll find a Master of your own.

I didn't mention this earlier, but my final note will be on 'Little Red.' Her name is Shirayuki. It's laughable when you told me she gave my heart reason to work right, even though she did not belong to me. You were right; she did not belong to me. As I'm writing this letter, I'm in wedding garments, patiently waiting to get married with her. It's funny how time does its work, ay?

Anyways, I simply wanted to write to you to answer your questions I could not answer before. I told you to hold me to these curiosities until I've made it to this point. And well, seeing as you won't really be finding me, I figure I'd do you the favor of answering without being asked again. Before you ask how I know where you are, you must remember that I am still as sharp-minded as ever. I find you without trying to. But don't worry, I won't be telling anyone where you are. Fact is you'll be gone from that one spot in a few days time anyways.

But, if we do ever meet eyes once again, I'll treat you to a hot meal, or maybe just an apple. It's a gamble, who knows. Until next time, if there is one,

Kind Regards-

"5 minutes!" Obi lifted the quill from the scroll when Kazuki's words rang into the tent. Obi looks back and smiles at the young boy, nodding before allowing him to dismiss himself. Zen hung out to the side, sat on the burgundy couch with his own fancy garments. His silver hair was actually properly done, and he wasn't wearing his formal, Prince attire. He wore normal dress clothes, as it is Obi's special day and he should be the eye-catcher today. Obi looks back to stare at his best man and smiles.

Zen was there, entirely focused on the scroll in his hand. His thumbs rubbed against the parchment softly, azure eyes dragging themselves left to right on each sentence. "What're you reading there, Master?"

Zen scratches the back of his head, chuckling, "Prince Izana sent me a letter earlier today. Mother redirected the bird from the kingdom to over here and I'm just now reading it."

"Oh?" Obi hums. "Is all well?"

Zen nods, "must be well. Says that Haki is assimilating quite nicely, and the people are happier for the change in rulers. The Knight Family have been atoning via community service. He's also decided to rename the kingdom to 'Wyndin.' Quite the name, huh?"

"That's great news!" Obi cheers. "The name is also fitting with the rest of the castles. Wyndin… sounds pretty good to me." Zen nods in agreement before tossing the scroll aside. The Prince then eyes the table Obi was sat at and nods his head towards it.

"You've been scribbling for a while over there," Zen comments, "what are you writing?"

Obi grins, "I'm actually writing a letter…" Obi looks down at the paper, crinkling his nose while looking over the end of the letter.

"To who?"

He then picks up the quill and dashes lines through the last two words, "to an old friend." He changes the end to 'Your Friend, Obi' and begins to prepare its sendoff. He grabs a piece of this black ribbon and snips it off to tie around the rolled up scroll. Tying it into a decent bow, he plays with it in his hand before whistling a bird over to the tent. The bird swoops in within seconds and waits as Obi attaches the letter to its collar.

"How do you know where to send it to?" Zen asks. Since these birds work optimally with bells, other ways of delivering letters with them are a bit foreign.

"These birds are smart," Obi hums, "they rely on scent and sight as well." Obi then digs into his pocket to reveal a long, gold earring with an orange gem in the center of the circle piece. He offers it to the bird, allowing it to capture its scent. "Return this to her as well. She'll appreciate it." The bird takes the earring and flies away, having Obi chuckle before leaning back into his chair again.

"That earring… that's one of the earrings that woman had when she walked to our table, back at the inn," Zen says curiously. He looks over at Obi, a look full of questions, "when did you get her earring?"

"We met again when I went to deliver your wedding invitation to Miss Haruto," Obi says with a chuckle. "I can't even remember how it ended up in my possession. But life is mysterious, and I suppose there are questions we won't get answers to."

"I suppose you're right." Their small chat quickly comes to an end when Kazuki returns to their tent.

"It's time," the young man informs, looking at Obi with an excited smile. "Your Highness, you must come out first."

Zen nods, "understood." He rises from the couch and quickly walks over to Obi, who was also standing up from his seat. He gives him a pat on his shoulder and smiles, "are you ready?"

Obi nervously chuckles, "nope!" Zen rolls his eyes before fixing up the collar of Obi's dress attire. Obi couldn't help but be in awe over Zen's kind gestures and actions. Fixing it to perfection, Obi smiles, "I'm quite terrified, Master. My legs feel like they're ready to give out."

"Oh really?" Zen raises an eyebrow, shaking his head. "Well, tell them not to. You have a beautiful bride expecting you at the end of the altar, and I'll be damned if she finds you on the floor." The two share a laugh before Zen puts his hands down and gives him a confident nod. "Take a deep breath, alright? Everything's going to go just fine."

Obi breaths as instructed and smiles, nodding in agreement. "Alright." Zen heads on his way out, but Obi stops him before doing so. He grabs Zen's wrist and smiles widely, having Zen notice that his aide was already watering in his eyes. "And Master… I just wanted to thank you."

"Thank me? For what?" Zen asks.

"For changing my life the way you did," Obi says, forcing himself to remain composed. "I wouldn't be so lucky, standing here right now if it weren't for you taking me in as one of your aides."

Zen chuckles, appreciating Obi's kind words, "when I met your eyes that first day, I knew that I could find the best of you. All you needed was an opportunity, and a little guidance." He then playfully places his fist against Obi's chest and smiles, "you've proven to be a great aide, and an even better friend. I'll see you outside, alright?"

"Yes, Master," Obi utters quietly before Zen follows Kazuki out the tent, leaving Obi alone to let out his small pang of emotion. He could only question just how lucky he was to have met Zen, and be welcomed into the Kingdom of Clarines. From being sent to kill someone, to becoming that person's lover, and becoming a Personal Knight to one of the most respected Prince's in the land. His luck was astounding, for he would have been either assassinated upon capture or sent to the dungeons to rot forever.

But, he couldn't think about that right now. Any more thoughts about his luck and he might just run out of tears before the wedding even starts. Emitting more deep breaths, Obi fixes his face and steps out the tent, meeting and being walked by a few members of the tribe towards the altar.

"Shirayuki, dear? Are you ready?"

The mentioned woman glanced back upon hearing her father's soft words, a small smile trying desperately to contain itself. Mukaze was peeping through the curtains of the tent, but he was in complete awe when seeing his daughter in her wedding dress.

It was a beautiful dress, ever so fitting for the young herbalist. She was in a white, sleeveless corset that pressed against her curves lovingly. It didn't push her bust up, rather it covered it nicely without making it obvious. The skin of the dress wasn't puffy, but it was ornate with all sorts of flowers that were dipped in some sort of white paint. The petals were still open, and moved the way flowers would against the wind. The dress was split on her right leg, starting just before her knee to reveal the lower rest of her leg. Glass heels hugged her feet, and she had been rubbed and coated in a lotion that made her skin glow.

Goosebumps danced all around her arms as the hair stylists were doing the finishing touches of her hair. It was a simple ponytail, with a ribbon similar to the style she had when she still lived in Tanbarun. Her hair grew long enough that they were able to tie it up and simply curl the ends of her locks. Her face was then gently pulled back for her makeup to be completed to perfection.

A few minutes later, all the artists stood back and smiled at their work, allowing Shirayuki to face her father properly. They pulled her front locks from the ponytail and cut it shorter to have it hug her face kindly. Not much makeup was applied, but her lips were this lovely shade of red that wasn't overbearing nor went unnoticed. And with those emerald eyes bigger than the moon, she greets her father kindly, "I think I'm ready now."

Mukaze steps in fully, unable to truly take in the beauty that was his daughter. He walks over, offering his hands as Shirayuki places hers on top. "Just look at you… you're so beautiful, Shirayuki."

She blushes, "thank you… it was all thanks to these kind souls for making me look so amazing on my best day." She thanks the stylists as they nod before dismissing themselves out of the tent and towards the ceremony area.

"Today is the day I have to give you away," Mukaze hums quietly, his left hand holding onto hers tightly, "the day I never thought I'd see coming."

Shirayuki giggles, "it had to happen eventually."

"Didn't think it'd happen so soon, but well…" Mukaze is close to tears but keeps himself together. "You've grown up to be such an amazing woman. If your mother were here, she'd be a crying mess right now."

"I'd be a crying mess right now as well if I hadn't had my face done," Shirayuki insists, the two laughing at her words. "I think she's watching over me right now, probably crying already."

"I bet she is," Mukaze agrees. He then walks next to his daughter, having her wrap her arm around his like they're supposed to. He could feel her shake against his bicep, clearly nervous. "Are you alright?"

"Y-yes, I'm just nervous…" Shirayuki stutters quietly. "I suck at walking in heels…"

Mukaze uses his available arm and reaches over to rub her exposed shoulder. "It's going to be alright. I'm going to walk you down, so if you're close to falling, I got you." Shirayuki nods, taking a deep breath. "Let's not keep him waiting any longer, okay?"

"Mhm," she nods, holding her father a little tighter before he begins to lead her out of the tent and towards the ceremony.

Shirayuki was immediately met with applause and flower petals as she was walking down between members of the tribe praising and congratulating her. Petals of red and white were being tossed at her, cheering for her as Mukaze carefully guided her towards the ceremony. The wedding was planned before night came, so lanterns were lit and hung all over while the sunset was providing the last bit of light above them.

It was quite lovely. The center of the village had been built around a very large tree stump. On the stump had several seats, lined in rows while ornate with gold ribbons and red roses. Flower petals danced all around the floor and the air as there was a red carpet licking down between the seats and ended at the altar. Occupying the seats were the villagers and invited guests, already in tears before the ceremony officially started. It was the very definition of beauty if one ever asked for it.

When Mukaze finally guided her down to where it was all to take place, Shirayuki's eyes finally met with Obi's. And truly, Zen was shocked that Obi hadn't fallen down right then and there.

She's the most beautiful woman Obi has ever seen in his life. There was nothing that could compare to this feeling of absolute happiness and adoration for this red-haired perfection. He could feel his heart so full and heavy, kicking against his chest as the beats were racing. Mitsuhide and Zen stood beside him, nudging one another as they looked at how fixed Obi was on his fiance and bride-to-be. He honestly was ready to pass out right then and there from the emotions, but Zen patted his back to calm him down.

As Mukaze walked Shirayuki towards her fiance, the villagers could not contain their happiness. Shouts of love and best wishes were thrown every which way at them as Shirayuki couldn't keep herself from smiling. She held the skirt of her dress, careful not to step on it as Mukaze guided her safely towards Obi. Being right in front of him, Mukaze takes Obi's hand and gently places Shirayuki's on it. He closes their hands between his before bringing it up and kissing it.

He takes his seat at the front as Obi helps Shirayuki up on the step where they were supposed to be. She glances back to see Kiki, dressed in a very navy blue dress with her blonde hair out and a smile warming her face. "You look gorgeous," Kiki whispers at her, having Shirayuki thank her with a smile before also giving a wide smile to Garak, her bridesmaid. Garak winks before gesturing for Shirayuki to face her fiance. She obliges. Obi was still in the process of taking in her beauty, practically speechless.

"Hi," Shirayuki whispers, squeezing his hands.

"Hi," Obi whispers back, the two smiling ever so widely. They turn to the pastor, who was a known reverend back in Clarines, nodding readily at the man to begin.

As the pastor spewed his lengthy wedding speech, Shirayuki and Obi couldn't help but daydream about one another. Obi was absolutely infatuated with her right now, getting drunk off her beauty as she stood before him. Truly, how was he so damn lucky right now? He was about to be this woman's husband. He was about to willingly sign his life away to this woman- this one girl who swept him off his feet without even trying.

Shirayuki, too, was in disbelief. Standing before her was the nuisance who tried to kill her long ago. It almost feels like decades since that day- she can't even recall it well anymore. All she knew now was that the man before her is everything she's ever wanted. Someone with such redeeming qualities, committed to his work and keeping his heart filled and open. Someone who makes her feel safe and warm without even having to touch her. And now she was here, on the most important day of her life, looking her absolute prettiest to give herself completely to him.

"You clean up well," Shirayuki teases in a whisper, having him roll his eyes at her.

Obi smiles warmly, "you don't look too bad yourself."

The pastor goes on for several minutes now, reciting the same speech he must for weddings. Everyone listens attentively, with a few of them giving the happy couple their prayers with eyes shut and hands pressed against each other. But it was finally when he came to part one of the excitement: their wedding vows.

"If the groom will," the pastor begins, "may you recite your speech to your lover and your loved ones here?"

Obi went pale, but nodded as he fished out a piece of parchment from the inside pocket of his attire. Everyone laughs softly at his nervous actions as he unravels the paper and looks Shirayuki in her eyes. Holding it confidently in his hands, he glances back at Mitsuhide and Zen, who give him a thumbs up and a silent cheer. Clearing his throat, he finally begins.

"Finally, the day has come that I can finally upgrade you from 'lover' to 'wife,'" Obi begins, receiving laughter from the crowd. "It's been a long time coming, but alas we're here. The woman before me is one of the strongest women I've ever met in my life. Since day one, she has expressed little to no fear and refuses to turn away from a challenge or an obstacle, no matter how hard it was. Shirayuki doesn't back away from a fight, which can either be really good, or really bad. But she has never gone back on her word, not even when she should or they seem impossible to do. I think that's what first really allured me to you."

"When we met, we met under very unfortunate circumstances," Obi begins honestly, "it's not something I like to talk about very often, and I won't go into detail about it. I will say, however, that even with those circumstances, she didn't dismiss me. Surely, she was mad, but she was willing to see the change in me if it came. I was taken in by my Master and his aides, the people who then became my lifetime friends and family. My relationship with Shirayuki finally took lift when Master assigned me to be her Personal Knight, to protect her from harm if and when it came."

"Since then, I've been lucky enough to watch her do the things she's passionate about," Obi says through a cheeky smile. "I've watched as she carefully studies herbs, placing them in labeled vials and scribbling down her notes on her wrist. I've learned as she nurses patients to health, telling them their condition and assuring her medicine will make them feel better soon. I've listened to her rant away about what she learned in the books she's been reading, or what her fellow superiors have been showing her."

"I never imagined I'd find myself with the most intellectual woman the land has to offer," Obi admits, tears finally welling up in his eyes. "I wasn't this lucky before. I was an orphan, unwanted and abandoned by my parents and taken in by criminals. I hit the streets every night, hoping to get enough money for a piece of bread or a bowl of porridge. I had nothing, and I didn't think I'd amount to anything more. I was a criminal, a no-good bastard who had no guidance and was raised in the streets. I was a heartless mutt."

"Of course, Master here still addresses me as a rapscallion," Obi jokes, with Zen playfully glaring at him, "but ultimately, it is he I must thank for this day to even exist." He glances back at the Prince with a smirk. "I'm standing here, ready to marry the love of my life because my Master helped me turn my life around. I've become a good man- a better man, that is hopefully worthy of you and everything you have to offer, Shirayuki. I will constantly work to make sure you are loved, protected, and never alone. I promise that I'll never leave your side- not even for a moment. My entire life and everything I am is dedicated to you, Shirayuki. It's all yours, and I'm not willing to give it to anyone else."

His emotions were finally too much to handle, and he was giving out. His hands hold the paper shakily, the sound of it provoking a laugh from him. He puts it down and looks up at Shirayuki, who was a crying wreck before him. "Sh-Shirayuki…"

"Damn you, Obi," she whispers as she gently pats her tears off, "I just got my makeup done, and it's already ruined before we're even wedded." The crowd laughs and cheers for the two as they cry-laugh through it. "Oh my goodness, okay…"

The pastor gives Obi an approving nod, "your words spoke magnitudes, Obi. You've even got your bride in tears before the big event." Obi smiles, wiping his own tears away before allowing the pastor to pass on to Shirayuki. "And now for the bride, if you will…"

She nods gently, still trying to sniffle away her tears as she turns to face the crowd, "I just first want to thank everyone for being here today. It feels so good to know that I have so many loved ones and cared ones near me on my special day. A year ago, this would have stayed as just a dream but now that it's a reality, I'm quiet speechless." She then moves a little closer to grab Obi's hands. "I have everything I want to say in my head, so I won't be pulling out a piece of paper." Obi laughs at her before giving her a squeeze of confidence.

"Getting married was very far away from my mind when I started to pursue herbalism," Shirayuki begins quietly, "I was ready to dedicate my whole life to my career and just weave in marriage in the later years. When I became a court herbalist for one of the most well respected kingdoms, I did not account for the thrill that had come with it. I especially wasn't ready to meet Obi. Those eyes are the scariest thing the world has to offer." She gestures for him to look around and show everyone. "They're quite lovely, aren't they?"

"Although Obi was assigned to protect me, our relationship developed to be more than that," Shirayuki says warmly, "as you can already tell, seeing as this is a wedding for us after all. But upon being at my lowest and trying so hard to keep my pain away from others, Obi had been the one to catch me. Through my tears and woe, he was the one to pick me up and take me back. I was barely living, and Obi decided to take it upon himself to be the one to bring me back to life. This man brought me breakfast every morning- he even fed me. He made sure I got out of bed, got dressed, and went to work even when I didn't want to. He kept me company when I was scared of being alone. Next thing I knew, Obi was occupying the void that resided in my heart."

"As many of you know, I was captured by pirates with Kazuki," Shirayuki recalls, shaking her head at the very memory, "probably one of the roughest things I've had to endure. I was informed that Obi was so restless and so mad at himself for letting me get captured, he wasn't like himself. He was cold and aggressive, just the way he was when he first came to Wistal Palace. When we were finally found and a fight ensued, Obi was hidden and ready. Managed to throw a knife at the cutlass that was against my neck. It was enough for me to be let go while Obi jumped in front of me, ready to take whatever blow that could have come to me."

"It was his eyes that could draw out fear," Shirayuki notes, "but his eyes never intimidated me. It could be perhaps he's never looked at me when he was angry or aggressive, but I've seen that look and it's never once made me scared. What's scary is how sweet he can be. He'll know when I'm hungry, and he'll know when I'm upset and need a hug. He'll know when I need to be outside, and whenever I'm too tired to walk anymore. He'll carry me upon asking, or not asking. How is it that you can read my mind without even trying?" Her voice gets quiet, practically itching to break due to the emotion.

"I've been more than ready to give myself to this man before me," Shirayuki says, confidently nodding as tears finally drew from her eyes, "I've been waiting for a ring to occupy my finger. I know I've been hesitant and feeling rushed about us, but I've been dying to get a house with you, and start a family together. Obi, I know you don't like your past and the things you've done, but I want the entirety of you. I want your past, and your mistakes. I want your insecurities and everything that you believe is a fault about yourself." Shirayuki pulls Obi a little closer, having his heart throb even harder from her words. "I've already broken all these walls. Don't worry about having to rebuild them; you won't have to."

Obi finally cracked, and quickly looked away from the crowd to allow tears to fall down his face. Mukaze chuckled, and spouted, "stay strong, son! You've got it!" Obi chuckles to himself as Zen pats his back to grab a hold of himself.

Obi bats his emotions away before facing the priest, "please let me marry this woman right now." The crowd is amused and in awe of how much the couple loved one another. Shirayuki was already crying more, attempting to pat her tears off with her hands. The priest nods, assuring the couple that he'll quicken his speech.

After several more words regarding the joining, the priest then looks up and smiles towards the end of the aisle, "if the ring bearer will please come and bring the rings over to our special couple." Garak looks down and beckons for Ryu to walk down the aisle, his face completely flushed upon it being his turn to do his job. The young boy looked dashing in his fancy attire as he walked down the aisle shyly. Many of the guests suspected that he was the son of Shirayuki and Obi, while others were just completely gushing over how cute he looked.

Shakily, he offered the box with the rings to Obi, who took them graciously. "Thank you, half pint," Obi says before ruffling his hair. Ryu shakes him away playfully, arguing that the hair stylists took a while doing his hair. Ryu then rushes over to his seat beside Mukaze as Obi looks back at Shirayuki and smiles. He takes out her ring and hands his over to Shirayuki. The two hold the rings, looking back at the priest and awaiting his line.

He stares at Obi and smiles warmly, "Obi, do you take this woman to be your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and to honor her all the days of your life?"

"I do," Obi says.

He then turns to Shirayuki, "Shirayuki, do you take Obi to be your husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him in good times and in bad, through sickness and in health, to love him and to honor him all the days of your life?"

"I do," Shirayuki forces through tears. Obi takes her left hand and gently places her ring around her finger. Shirayuki then does the same, but shakily puts it on his finger due to how much emotion was coming out of her. He chuckles and holds her forearms, trying to calm her down.

The priest smiles widely, "then finally, by the power invested in me, I happily pronounce you to be husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

With those words, Obi slowly closes the gap between the two. Shirayuki looks up at him eagerly as she feels his large hands snake around her waist. She feels him push her closer to him, her chest right against his. He then brings one hand under her chin, pushing it up gently to press his lips down onto hers. A sweet, deep kiss seals the deal as the entire village jumps out of their seats with joy and the only thing to be heard are cheers and tribe calls.

Kiki joins Zen and Mitsuhide in applauding them. Kiki was in absolute shambles, crying as Zen would only glance in shock while Mitsuhide tried to calm her down. But it was such a happy moment that nobody could really contain their emotion. Mukaze was off his seat, also in tears to see his daughter finally wed to the man she was meant to be with. "You're crying too, aren't you?" He murmurs under his breath, his eyes looking up at the night sky as the moonlight kissed the now official husband and wife.

The altar was quickly changed into the reception as everyone was ready to party their hearts away. Tables and chairs were back to place, with plates and wooden mugs ornate per chair. Lanterns were at the center of the oak polished tables as people were seated or dancing in the center of everything. A small ragtag band began to play some folk music, while beer and chicken wings were being distributed.

"Aren't you hungry, Ryu?" Mukaze asks the young boy as he takes a large bite into some cooked bird leg.

Ryu shakes his head, "I'm all set, thank you." The timid boy looked beside him to see Garak downing her 3rd cup of beer.

"You sure can drink, huh?" Mukaze notices.

Garak winks, "when occasions like this happen, who can't drink?" She whistles at a server, who comes over to serve the court herbalist another beer. "Ryu, it's late. You can leave now."

"What if I want to stay?" Ryu talks back.

"You've been complaining before the wedding started that you wanted to go back to the cabin and study the herbs you found that's abundant in the Mountain Lions' village," Garak recalled. "Go on, you're getting tired anyways."

Ryu yawns almost on cue as he rolls his eyes and allows his dismissal. "Tell Shirayuki and Obi I said goodnight." Garak nods before waving the young boy off. A few guards guide Ryu back to the cabin as Garak moves over close to Mukaze.

"You must be proud," Garak hums, gesturing over at Obi and Shirayuki, who were dancing slowly around the more upbeat dancers around them. "Obi's a pretty great choice."

"He is," Mukaze agrees, popping out a chewed-clean bone from his mouth before throwing it on his plate, "I'm glad that she chose something so humble and kind to her. He's also very respectful towards me."

Garak nods, "Obi's surprisingly respectful for someone so mysterious. I wonder how that didn't send Shirayuki off at first."

Mukaze shrugs, "she's lived her whole life wondering where her mother and I were. When we finally saw each other again a year ago, she wasn't bothered by my absence. She accepted it, and was simply happy to see me again."

Garak hummed, raising her mug towards him, "you've raised a fine, and smart young woman. Congratulations." He smiles, picking up his cup before completing the toast. They hit their mugs together and proceed to down the alcoholic beverage.

Over at the table nearby, Zen watched as Mitsuhide gradually got tipsy. The aide accidentally tips his mug, but only a bit of beer has fallen out. He was quick to pick it up, "oops." He then picks up the cup again and downs the remaining amount. "This beer is quite nice. You should have yourself a cup, Zen."

Zen shakes his head and waves his hand, "no thank you. I've done enough drinking these last couple of months. I think a break would do me some good." After being a part time alcoholic due to his unfortunate love life, taking a break is the absolute best thing. "Drink double for me, though. I hate not having a toast for them."

Mitsuhide gives him a thumbs-up as he downs yet another mug of beer. As he does, Kiki returns from changing into her more casual attire and joins them at the table. Kiki rolls her eyes before pulling away Mitsuhide's beer and flicking his temple. "Ow- Kiki!" He rubs the side of his head while Kiki finishes his remaining beer. "Hey!"

Kiki looks over and notices Zen without a full cup, "not drinking today?"

"Taking a break, as you've seen my relationship with alcohol these last few."

Kiki nods, agreeing with him as she looks over at the newly married couple. Mitsuhide quickly leans against Kiki, who is unbothered. "I feel quite happy today. I hope I'm not the only one that feels this way." She eyes Zen, who grins at the couple.

"Honestly," Zen begins quietly, looking down distantly at the table, "the nights before leading up to this one, I thought I was going to hate it. Even though I've accepted it, and given both of them my blessing, I can't really get rid of that feeling of envy and jealousy." Zen shrugs, chuckling a little bit at himself. "But I'm just as happy as you are. I'm happy that he brought back her smile, her joy."

Kiki nods, "it's good for both of them. They suit each other quite well. Shirayuki's kindness and welcoming traits counter Obi's intimidation and cold behavior. He's his best self so long as she exists by his side."

Zen takes in her words and nods, "y'know what? I'll have a toast to that." He whistles for 2 beer fills as the two pick up their mugs. "To Obi and Shirayuki."

"Cheers!" They smash their mugs together, a bit of beer spewing out as they down the cup of alcohol. The two shiver from the taste as they take a deep breath and laugh with one another. It was good, Zen thought. This feeling of overwhelming love and happiness. The joy coming from the situation was genuinely so good for his heart. He didn't even care about those small feelings of envy and jealousy. To see his best friends happily married to one another is truly the best thing he could ask for in life.

"Everyone gather around!" Obi's yelling suddenly puts the celebration at a halt. "The bride is going to throw the bouquet!" People (mainly women) rush over to the big empty space as a few of the villagers slide a chair over and help Shirayuki sit in it. Kiki gets Mitsuhide up as the three of them join the crowd to see who gets the lovely bunch of roses.

Facing away from the crowd, Shirayuki glances back slightly and shouts, "are you ready?" The crowd howls, waiting for her to throw it. She counts down from 3 before tossing the bouquet back, only for everyone to turn and see that Kiki had actually caught it. The blonde looks around, smiling small as she turns to look at Mitsuhide. Mitsuhide was as red as Shirayuki's hair, both from shyness and drunkenness.

Shirayuki winks at Kiki before she is then shocked when two men turn the chair over to face the crowd. Everyone was yelling at Obi with the word 'garter,' having Shirayuki completely flushed. She forgot she had her garter on, even though she had it custom-made before the wedding. Obi nervously chuckles as all eyes were on them, cheering for them to get the garter removed.

The removal of the garter is a very religious sentiment, taking meaning of a woman's purity. The married couple were overly flushed, as the two know they had already 'done it' prior to their wedding. However, as only they know, they will play it off for the crowd. Obi kneels before his wife as she extends her hidden leg over to him. Slowly, she pulls up the skirt of her wedding dress, receiving many ooo's from the crowd. His heart quickly came to a halt when he saw the garter.

The garter around Shirayuki's thigh was made with his scarf. With just a small bit of his scarf, a tailor had made a white, lacy design around it and made it so that it would stay tightly around her leg. Obi's hormones were instantly overwhelming him as he ogled the garter.

"Are you just going to keep looking or are you going to remove it?" Shirayuki teases, having Obi roll his eyes. Holding her calve, Obi leans in and starts kissing up her leg, towards her thigh. Passing her knee, he opens his mouth and gently holds the garter with his teeth. Slowly, he slides it down her leg and removes it entirely to have it hang between his lips.

The crowd cheers him on as Obi stuffs the garter in his pocket and lifts Shirayuki from the chair. He lifts her up into the air and spins her, before putting her back on her feet. Pulling her close, Obi presses his forehead against hers. "Hey," Obi whispers.

"Hi," she whispers back.

"I love you," Obi says quietly against her lips, "I love you so very much…"

"And I love you," Shirayuki murmurs, leaning up to press her loving lips against her husbands. The two embrace and kiss as everyone around them celebrate joyously through the night.