For a while, I've always thought about being a writer. Perhaps not as serious as now, but enough for me to write fanfics about anime and boy bands I liked so much. I carried out the desire on Tumblr, and then found myself here, on Fanfiction. I didn't think I owned the sophistication or creative mind to write a story. But then I made this story here, and it's done enough to convince me that perhaps I could give writing a try.
I've been having troubles throughout these last few years. I'm not the same person I was 3 years ago when I started this story. I've grown a lot, learning about love and experiencing things that I lacked when I was in high school. But through all the pain and obstacles, I always knew I could come back to this story and at least provide smiles when I couldn't smile myself. To think that this story is coming to an end is baffling. It's taken so long!
Thank you to everyone. Every single fav, follow, review, and read means the absolute world to me. As I write this, we're currently at 115,000+ views. That's insane! To the new readers, and the re-readers: you guys are honestly so kind, and I'm so honored that you found my story worthy of reading. I will never stop shipping Obiyuki so I hope you guys won't stop, either.
Parting with this story is gonna suck. I'm gonna miss it, even though I've delayed it so much and have taken so long to finally get to this point. Thank you all for appreciating this 3 years in the making. I'm glad to have made people's days, or at least make you guys smile. Thank you guys for everything. Til the next story!
EPILOGUE
Three Years Later
"Obi, wake up! We have to get ready to go!"
"5 more minutes, love, please!"
"I see a bucket of water in your future, Obi!"
"I'm up, I'm up!"
It was early morning for the married couple as Obi listened to the sound of boots pounding against the floor and all sorts of pots and pans being used and cooked on. Obi rose from their large bed, the cotton sheets and blankets begging him not to leave. But alas, the amber-eyed man rose and felt the cool wood under his feet as he walked to the bathroom to get ready. He ties his long, black hair into a small ponytail. He kept in mind to go quickly; he didn't want to upset the Mrs. more than he already has.
Speaking of the devil, Shirayuki smiled when she heard the shower curtain get pulled from upstairs. In a nice tan dress, she flowed around the kitchen comfortably. The scent of cherry-wood smoked bacon and poached eggs danced around the house as Shirayuki prepared a lovely plate of breakfast on the counter with a side of pear juice. "Akane, your breakfast is ready!" She smiles and winks down at the small infant before her.
The 2-year old girl had a bashful smile on her face, looking up eagerly at her mother to feed her. She had those big round cheeks like her mother, but the most clear genes she received was that long head of apple-red hair. It was much longer than Shirayuki's at that age, and it was much more of a velvety color. But, to manys shock, Akane owned a pair of big, yellow eyes that weren't as intimidating as her fathers, but they definitely captured more eyes. She was absolutely lovely.
"C'mon now, let get you fed," Shirayuki hums, placing the young girl on her lap while sitting on the seat she was previously on. She takes a small spoon, scoops up a bit of food, and brings it close to Akane's lips. "Open up!"
Akane eats, laughing through her chews as her father finally came downstairs to join the party. "Daddy!" The girl spits out some of her food as she reaches out for Obi, completely disregarding Shirayuki. Obi rushes over and picks the girl up, holding her carefully as Shirayuki drops her arms in defeat.
"Look who's up before me!" Obi teases his daughter, "don't you look beautiful. Who got you looking so good? I need to know so I can look this amazing."
"Mama did!" Akane squeals joyously.
Obi looks over at Shirayuki, who squeezed the spoon in annoyance. "Let's have you finish breakfast, okay? Before mama punishes daddy." He takes the spoon from Shirayuki and helps Akane finish her breakfast. Shirayuki mouths a silent 'thank you' before taking the opportunity to clean up the dirtied dishes. Obi eyes his wife's actions, wondering about his own breakfast, but looked around the counter to see his breakfast, served and ready for him to eat with a side of orange juice.
"You better not have split any crumbs on yourself, Akane," Shirayuki groans, "I spent ages trying to find that dress for this day." It was a nice white dress, with a black bow around the waist. "Obi, you better get started on your own plate."
"I am," Obi says with a mouthful. He gives Akane her final bite before wiping her mouth with a napkin and pushing her plate aside. He then pulls his closer and starts using her spoon to eat it. "There's no rush, we're still fairly early." Shirayuki rolls her eyes before revealing a letter and tossing it to Obi. "What's this?"
"A letter from Zen," Shirayuki answers, "it came 10 minutes ago, sent by one of his guards."
"I see." Shirayuki goes over and picks Akane up from Obi's hold, pulling her close to give her eskimo kisses. Obi uses his free hand to open the letter and reveal the note. He reads it quickly, emitting a simple "oh" before continuing to eat.
"Well?" Shirayuki asks, cradling the young girl in her arms, "what's it say?"
"He wants us to hurry up," Obi chuckles, "but he's also given me a mission to go to in a few days. That Master, always sending me off somewhere."
"What do you have to do now?"
"Apparently I'm off to Wyndin," Obi says, tossing the letter aside, "Prince Izana finally married Lady Haki, so Zen wants me to send him the wedding gift he got for them. Says it's too big and too important for a bird or guard to bring it over."
"Our Highness finally got married?" Shirayuki's eyes widen in surprise.
"It still baffles me that we got married before they did," Obi jokes as he finishes the last bite of his breakfast. "Did you eat, beautiful?"
"I did," Shirayuki hums, "I gave you two the leftovers." Obi rolls his eyes after she sticks her tongue out at him jokingly. "Button up your uniform, we seriously need to be out of this house." Obi obliges before he cleans his own plate and grabs his shoes by the door. Shirayuki waits by the door, completely dressed and ready with Akane holding her small doll close. Obi rushes to open the door for his ladies before locking it behind him and taking Akane from Shirayuki's arms.
"So, how did it go with Garak the other day?" Obi hummed. "Did she accept Ryu's request?"
Shirayuki smiles with a wink, "I woke up before the sun and started cleaning out the spare room. We have a lot of books and vials to bring home." Proceeding their wedding, Shirayuki and Obi actually asked Garak to become Ryu's adoptive parents. Garak wasn't sure what to think, seeing as Ryu has always been independent and solely saw Garak as an obligated caretaker. She told the couple to propose the idea to Ryu and give it a long bit. To everyone's surprise, Ryu actually began asking constantly for Garaks permission to move in with the married couple shortly after their proposal. He longed for a family, and got along with Akane almost too well.
"Ah, so half pints finally coming over," Obi chuckles, "maybe now we'll finally be able to climb that tree together!"
"Akane!" Mitsuhide cheers as he snatches away the small child from Obi's arms. The three finally make it to the castle, and meet up with the fellow aides. "How's my favorite niece?"
"Good!" She giggles out. Mitsuhide puts the girl on his shoulders and walks her around, having the child laugh with glee. As Obi stays near him to moderate, Shirayuki and Kiki hug and have a small chat.
"I still can't believe you cut your hair again," Kiki says with a small smile as she reaches for Shirayuki's hair. It wasn't above her shoulder, but her hair had previously gone down to her thighs. She chose to cut it just above the arch of her back. "I liked the long hair."
"It was too heavy," Shirayuki groaned, "having that weight, plus a baby on my stomach wasn't good for my back. Nor my feet." The two ladies laugh it off before Kiki sighed and patted her stomach.
"You're smart," Kiki agrees, "I'm gonna be at that point in a few months' time." Shirayuki eyes down at her stomach, and looks back up at Kiki. With her eyes wide, Shirayuki grabs Kiki's hands and begins to tear up.
"Y-you're-!" Kiki nods. "Kiki! Congratulations!" Obi overhears Shirayuki's excitement and pats Mitsuhide's back. "Oh my goodness, what wonderful news! Such good things are happening today."
Kiki smiles widely, "I'm hoping to get a girl, like you." She goes over to take Akane from Mitsuhide, who immediately deflates when his arms are childless. "She's so precious, look at you."
"Auntie Kiki," Akane hums as she wraps her arms around Kiki's neck. The child grew tired quickly, as she had just eaten and woken up very early today. Kiki rubs her back and rocks her back and forth, allowing the small child to fall into a small nap.
"I'm so sorry, Kiki," Shirayuki says with a giggle, "do you want me to…?"
"No, it's quite alright," Kiki insists, "this is good practice for me when, you know." Shirayuki couldn't argue with that. She looks around to see the Wistal staff smile and wave at her and Obi. Since the married couple moved away, they're not seen as often around the house. The only times are when they arrive for work, and leave from work. Even Mitsuhide admitted that he missed Obi around when he was drunk off his rocker from his own wedding with Kiki.
"You're finally here." Everyone turns to see Zen and his mother walk down the corridor. Shirayuki eyed him for a while, seeing that he's completely changed for this day.
He's decided to grow out that white hair of his, growing almost as long as Izana's. His azure blue eyes were much lighter than before, seeing as he's been sleeping better again and his focus has changed. But he was wearing attire that wasn't like usual. It wasn't his usual Prince attire, but rather it reminded Shirayuki of a proper leader. A King, if you will.
"Geez Master," Obi says, jokingly fanning himself while glancing away, "if I knew you were getting this dressed up, I would have been able to contain myself better."
"Obi, you never fail to annoy me," Zen says with a glare, having Obi chuckle it off before he and Shirayuki bowed to the royals. "C'mon now. If you keep bowing everytime you see me, I'm going to banish you from the kingdom."
"You'd never," Obi waved away his threat.
"Try me," Zen growled. While Obi nervously laughed at his angry Master, Haruto walked over to Kiki to ogle down at the young, red-haired girl. She rubs the girl's soft cheek with the back of her fingers, smiling warmly as Akane napped soundly in Kiki's arms. Haruto could only smile even wider, being put at ease from the child's slumber.
"You make me envious, Shirayuki," Haruto jokes, "I've always wanted to have a daughter." Shirayuki utters a quiet 'oh' as Haruto adores the beautiful little girl asleep in Kiki's arms. "It's unfortunate she'll wake up from the cheering in a few minutes." Shirayuki nods in agreement. She then looks over at Mitsuhide with a questioning look.
"Mitsuhide, has my father arrived yet?"
"Here's right here."
Everyone turns around to see Mukaze and Garak walking up the corridor, drinks in hand with gleaming smiles on their faces. Shirayuki shakes her head with an empty sigh as Obi walks over to greet the two. The father and son embrace in a 'manly' hug before Obi turns to receive a drink from Garak. It was extra happiness all around that Mukaze covered beautifully. They all try to take a toast with the glasses in their hands but Shirayuki coughs annoyingly, catching Obi's attention.
"Obi," she growls, clearly upset that he was drinking so soon, and so early.
Obi cowardly chuckles before returning the untouched cup of alcohol to Garak, "it's too early to be drinking, Miss Garak, but I appreciate you thinking about me and bringing me a cup."
Garak snorts and coos at Shirayuki, "it's barely half the cup, Shirayuki. Could he not at least have a sip?"
Shirayuki nods, clearly not changing her mind on this matter. She then coughs towards her father, who finishes his glass before turning to his daughter. "I hope you realize Obi isn't the only one in trouble here." Mukaze nervously rubs the back of his neck, giving the empty cup to a nearby maid before going over to embrace his daughter.
"Lighten up, dear," Mukaze insists while hugging her, "it's Zen's big day- we're celebrating on his behalf."
"Everyone was to celebrate after the coronation," Kazuki appears from behind, his sandy blonde locks sitting right on his shoulders. "You started early for no reason aside from wanting to drink."
Mukaze turns around and glares down at the boy, scolding him quietly while the rest of the gang laugh. Garak takes the chance to empty her hands of the cups to another nearby maid before going over to Haruto to hold the slumbering child. While everyone's laughter settles down, Obi hears footsteps coming from the stairs of the tower near them. Shirayuki notices and looks towards where Obi's eyes were resting, her eyes completely wide to see Izana and his now-wife step down to their level.
"Your Highness!" Everyone except Zen and Haruto bow as Izana was quick to have them stand straight once again. "Our Lady." Haki smiles warmly when everyone soon greet her, having her as well wave her hand for them to raise once again.
"This is quite the crowd you've brewed up here, little brother," Izana comments, his hair so long that Haki has turned it into a very long braid. His piercing blue eyes were still haunting, but there was a sort of intense warmth that wiped away the intimidation. "But it's about time for the coronation to start."
Zen nods, watching as Haruto waves at everyone before passing by her older son and daughter-in-law. She gives the two a warm smile before going up the stairs from which they just descended from. Obi grabs Akane from Garak and presses a kiss on her forehead. Shirayuki looks over at Garak with yet another look of curiosity.
"Where's Ryu?"
"He should be on his way up," Garak hummed. She looks around before shrugging. "Might you wait here for him, Shirayuki? I have to stand by the royals in case any of them fall sick." Shirayuki nods, having Obi look over at his wife worriedly.
"I wanted to walk you down to your position in the crowd before working around the perimeter," Obi begins quietly. Shirayuki giggles, walking up to the man to have their child between them. Reaching up, she presses her supple lips against his and gives him a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry about it, I'll be perfectly fine," Shirayuki insists. "There's guards all around." Obi nods, pressing a kiss on her forehead before handing Akane to her.
"Be safe, you two," Obi finally says before walking over to Zen. He pats his shoulder, giving it a firm and reassuring squeeze. "I'll be seeing you soon, Master. The next time I do, it'll be us having a drink while you're the official King of Clarines."
"That's the plan," Zen chuckles. The young Prince waves Izana, Haki, and his two aides away, insisting they go upstairs and wait for him there. He then turns back to Obi and smiles warmly, "thank you for coming today. You, and Shirayuki, as well as the little one."
"Are you joking?" Obi says with a quiet chuckle, "we weren't going to miss it for the world, and you know that." The two quickly hug before quickly detaching. "You feel rather shaky, Master. You nervous?" Obi teases with a wink. Zen rolls his eyes and shoves the man away.
"Get out of here." With that dismissal, Obi blows Shirayuki and his daughter a kiss before rushing away to his post. On his way, he meets with Ryu, who was officially a teenager and still behaved as his nonchalant self. "Half pint, get over there already. Shirayuki's waiting for you."
With his hair still shabby, Obi ruffles it a bit and watches Ryu nod before rushing over to see his fellow court herbalist. The young man goes over and his eyes wide to see a sleeping Akane in Shirayuki's arms. He walks over slowly and quietly, as he is still weary and unsure how to act around babies. Shirayuki whispers the boy over, having him greet her with a side hug before ogling up at the young girl.
"Akane, Ryu is here," Shirayuki wakes the girl calmly. Within seconds, the child is quickly up and wriggling out of her mother's arms to greet Ryu. Since her birth, Ryu had been a very active person in Akane's life. He spent a lot of time with her, from letting her nap in his bed while he works to babysitting her whenever Shirayuki and Obi were too preoccupied with work.
"Nii-sa!" Akane giggles as Ryu struggles to scoop her up in his arms. It was endearing to know that Akane saw Ryu as her older brother. She anticipates that Akane will also learn from him, and inherit his intelligence. Shirayuki smiles down at them before looking up at Mukaze.
"Papa, can you stay with these two?" Shirayuki asks quietly.
Mukaze nods happily, "of course I can. Garak invited me to sit by the balcony and watch from there. Ryu was already positioned to be there as her support, and Akane barely ever makes a sound."
Shirayuki nods, bidding them farewell as the four make their way up the stairs as well. She giggles when she sees Akane immediately napping in Ryu's arms as he carefully brings the child up the stairs. She then turned over to notice that she was now alone with Zen, who was looking soberly at her. He walks up to her slowly, noticing her eyes locked with his own. But still, a smile resided kindly on her lips.
"I'm sorry you guys had to wake up so early for today," Zen apologizes, realizing how early it was and knowing that the two of them were now responsible for a child. "My mind slipped from excitement to realize how early I planned the coronation."
Shirayuki shrugged and giggled, "don't worry about it, Zen. We don't mind one bit. We're more excited than you are about today. It's crazy to think you're going to be the King of your kingdom."
Zen's bones felt like jelly. He never imagined that he'd ever become King, seeing as his brother was destined for it, and they aren't many years apart. But yet here he was, attending his coronation to take his fathers place to reign the greatest kingdom there ever was. He didn't know how to calm his heart down, but what he did know was that this wouldn't have been possible with all the people around him. His family, Kiki, Mitsuhide, Obi, and Shirayuki. These people, without even realizing, have made a significant impact on his life, and he didn't even expect it.
He felt sad, looking at Shirayuki like this. His ex-lover, the woman who he had plans to marry and have kids with, has married another and instead had another man's child. Zen knew that for many years, he would regret listening to his mother and losing the very thing that made him sane. However, today was not the day to look back and torture himself. Today was his day.
"If only I had a Queen beside me," Zen begins quietly. Shirayuki grins somberly, knowing who he was talking about. "But alas- maybe one day, a Queen will be knocking on my door."
"Perhaps," Shirayuki said with a small smile, "afterall, you said it yourself." She flicks her hair to the side, allowing it to dance and flow in the air. "'The only one who should decide which path to follow is yourself.'" She walks up to him, her emerald eyes still being able to suck the air from his body and winks at him. "I chose my path, and you've chosen yours. I'm sure she will come along and join yours, too, if you let her."
Zen chuckles, shrugging, "I'm not too optimistic about it, but thank you for the reassuring words, Shirayuki." He then looks over at the stairs, with two guards appearing to remind him that there was a coronation about to happen. "Go downstairs and find Obi. I think he's done checking around and joined the crowd."
Shirayuki nods, "see you in a bit, King Zen Wistaria."
Zen wanted so bad to say 'I love you,' but he was sure she already knew. She looked into his eyes as if the world was ending and he was the last person she wanted to see. With a small, but warming smile, Shirayuki waves at him before turning around and rushing downstairs to dissolve into the crowd. There she went; the lovely snow white with the red hair.
"Please, settle down everyone!"
Zen tried waving at the crowd of people, who were uncontrollably cheering as soon as he appeared into view. Shirayuki and Obi found themselves in a good spot in the crowd, looking up with smiles on their faces. The people of Clarines loved their rulers so much, the cheering felt endless and continued getting louder. But Zen was able to dissolve the cheering so he could finally utter the words he wanted to.
"It's making me really nervous, standing here in front of you once again," Zen begins with a shy grin, "the last time I stood here, I was introducing your future princess. But now I stand here alone, offering no Princess, or Queen for that matter."
The crowd 'oh'd quietly, with women putting closed fists in front of their mouths and men looking up wondrously at their Prince. Zen shrugs before resuming, "a long time ago, I met someone. Someone with an interesting personality and an admirable way of being. I told her that red is the color of fate." He easily saw Shirayuki in the crowd and smiled a little wider. "And before I knew it, that very someone was the best luck in fate I've ever had. Of course, in return, I've brought terrible sadness and hurt to that very person."
"I will never say that I am the greatest person for this position," Zen admits quietly, "I know that if it were up to any of us, my father would be standing here, and this would just be a regular speech of his. However, my father knew that after he stepped down, he wanted me to rule. This, of course, disrespects the regulations of how this works. First Prince Izana is supposed to be standing here, taking his place in this coronation. But, as you can see, that's not the case." He glances back at his older brother, who smiles curtly at him, giving him encouragement.
"But I stand before you today, after fighting several wars with my head and my heart. Many losses later, but I learned many lessons during this time. I learned to own up to my mistakes, and practice being a better person than I was yesterday. I learned more about love from friends, and people around me. It was tough, considering how stubborn I am," Zen chuckled to himself, "however, I do learn. I was practicing many virtues of integrity, self-control, and honesty. I was being dishonest with myself, and ended up being dishonest with you all."
"The Lady I was going to marry, and have her become my Princess ended up being a woman not worthy of ruling my kingdom. I was in denial, and simply complying because I figured she was the one for me. In the end, I was wrong, and she turned out to be a despicable woman whose aim was to hurt me, and you all." Everyone looks up worriedly at their Second Prince, whose eyes were dewy with a sheet of tears. But he sniffled harshly to keep tears from leaving his eyes. "Fortunately, my aides and good friends were able to uncover her true intentions, as well as her familys, and had them punished for treason."
"I will continue to make mistakes along the way, but I'm very grateful to have the right people by my side to fix those mistakes and become a better ruler for you all," Zen smiles down warmly at everyone. He looks over to spot Obi, who has one arm wrapped around Shirayuki and the other in the air. When squinting, Zen noticed that Obi was flashing him a thumbs up with his lift arm, and that usual rapscallion grin painted along his lips. With that reassurance, Zen smiled widely and glanced back at his family, "shall we start?"
Haruto and Izana rise from their seats, with Haruto holding the crown her late husband once wore ever so proudly. She recites the coronation speech, with Zen's right hand over his heart as he swears in oath. "And with all of that being said," Haruto concludes, "Second Prince Zen will now be addressed and considered as King Zen." Zen slowly bows before his mother, who removes his previous crown and replaces it with the crown his father once wore. He straightens up once again, receiving a cheek kiss from his mother and a warm shoulder pat by his brother.
"Cheers for the new King of Clarines!" Izana announces loudly, which causes the crowd to erupt in cheer and applause. As Zen is overwhelmed by the praise, he looks down to snatch his previous crown from his mother's grasp. She doesn't mind it and waves at the crowd happily. Zen glances back to notice Akane was now completely wide awake and in tears due to being woken up by such loud noise. To calm her, Zen quickly goes over and offers her his old crown.
"Play with this, little princess," Zen says softly, giving her the shiny, cold headwear. She takes it with her small hands and giggles, placing it on her head crookedly. She laughs joyously again as Ryu takes her hands and guides them to gently clap along with everyone else.
The crowd roars loudly around Shirayuki and Obi, who smile up warmly at Zen, who was clearly having quite a moment. Obi holds Shirayuki lovingly from behind, planting kisses on her head. Gently, Obi lowers his head to the side of hers, and whispers quietly in her ear, "I love you."
Shirayuki blushes, leaning her cheek against her husbands as she snuggles against his warm skin, "I love you, too."
FIN