Right let's try this again!
This might take everyone by surprise but yes This is a rewrite of Vows of Truth Chapter 1. This story will cover both chapters and will have a new first night to accompany it. Other stories I've worked on will be referenced here as well as other stories that haven't been published yet. This heavily leans into the Silence of the Butterflies theming as well as a long distance follow up. This is still a sequel of Traditionally Unorthodox however. This story does have a companion piece in Family Communication. So please give that a read.
She did the final buttons of her dress shirt, hoping that it looked exactly how it was planned. The rest of her bridesmaids were scattered around the room making sure their dresses and make up was all done. She looked over at the ladies of the Investigation Team but was flanked by Mitsuru as well. She took in a deep breath and looked at herself again in the mirror, still unsure what to make of herself. It was the big day where she was finally going to tie the knot with the love of her life and she wasn't getting second thoughts, no she was just nervous. The pearl white dress shirt matched her suit trousers, the sheen so clear that light reflected off it with ease. Her makeup was light outside of detailed blue eyeliner and the soft rose pink lipstick which brought them out. Her locks were braided at the sides and tucked in behind her ears making it so her face was clear, a new look she didn't think could work until Rise convinced her when she decided to cut her hair back to the length it was in her teenage years. All finished off with a pair of white formal shoes, comfortable to wear but carried the same ability to reflect light as her suit trousers. All complimented with a set of cufflinks each wrist having the one pair of the gods of creation. A gift from Marie herself, who didn't elaborate if they had something magically embodied in them when questioned.
"What are you thinking there Naoto-kun?"
Rise's question pulled her attention as she looked back at one of her closest friends. All of the bridesmaids donning full length sapphire dresses (This was their choice, not her own, she wasn't really fussed about the colour scheme considering how much of a simple person she was when it came to looks), all of their hair elegantly done, Rise and Yukiko having a high tied bun with various assortments of jewelled clips and hair ordainments. Rise, being the usual wizard of anything to do with looks and make up, provided her skills for everyone in the group before instructing Yukiko on how to do hers with very strict orders.
Chie and Mitsuru's hair was kept down with the head of the Kirijo group having it curled slightly allowing her vibrant ruby mane to bounce slightly with each step. All of the ladies other than Chie opted to wear heels with Chie sticking to flats, unable to handle being on that sort of footwear for longer than 30 minutes.
"I'm alright I do wonder what Souji-kun is expecting of me, he told me he didn't mind but…" Her voice trailed off. Thinking of the discussion that she and Souji had in preparation for the wedding and figuring out all of the small details, her mind flowed back to the aspect of attire and she was hesitant to ask him. In hindsight that was never going to be the issue. She wasn't against wearing a dress but Souji pushed her to wear what she was most comfortable in and what was right in her heart. Without a doubt she told him she wanted to wear a suit. She took the silver tie that was hanging over the chair and quickly did it up like she had done a thousand times, however this time it felt way too different, something about the occasion made her pause for a second before finishing her Windsor knot.
"Are you sure you are doing ok Naoto, I've not seen you hesitate so much." It looked like Mitsuru was going to reach out but at the last second decided not to. Naoto smiled softly and shook her head as the memory continued to play in her mind.
Without hesitation he agreed, more than happy to see her dream come true. Being married on her own terms, in her own way. Yeah it might look weird to anyone who sat on the fringes of their relationship but to the ones who knew her well, she wouldn't have it any other way. Giving a small sigh, the four other ladies in the room looked on in concern as Naoto slipped on her cobalt blue waist coat, the intricate flower designs spread all over it, the garment completely handmade by Kanji. With the small family crest of the Shirogane family by her left breast in lighter blue thread to complete it.
"That looks great Naoto-kun, where did you get it from?" Naoto blinked for a second, looking down at the target of Yukiko's curiosity, the Sleuth pulled at the waistcoat for a moment.
"Oh Kanji made it, it took him a week but it was a special order from my family, it was one of the special requests from the extended family if I was going to do this. They were going to go with a different tailor but I said I would only do it how they wanted if Kanji did. Hesitantly they agreed but he did an amazing job with it so it's not like they could complain."
"Yeah it looks amazing."
"The amount of detail is insane!"
Both Yukiko and Chie gushed, which only made Naoto smile a bit. A small colour formed in the Detective's cheeks in embarrassment. But she was more than happy from all the work Kanji put in. He was there when he went with them to pick out their suits together. And suggested what could work and what didn't especially with the colour schemes they were going for. He worked on the adjustments and even for alternatives in case it didn't work.
"Yeah Kanji and Souji worked hard on getting all the right details. I can't wait to see what Souji looks like."
The Sleuth said whimsically making all the other ladies in the room blush considerably at Naoto's rare open display of affection and want for her significant other. But the bride shook it from her eyes as she went to the closet that had her suit jacket in it. Taking out the hanger that had the protective suit sleeve in it, she unzipped it and pulled it out.
"Man that's bright," Chie pointed out while the Sleuth nodded in agreement, carefully hanging up the jacket, she did another once over in the mirror knowing this was the point of no return.
"You can do it Naoto-kun, he's the love of your life and you've both head over heels for each other for so long, this will be a walk in the park." Rise reassured, putting a gentle hand on her right shoulder.
"Yes, I've not seen a couple so attached. You two were made for each other." Said Yukiko, who placed her hand on the Sleuth's other shoulder.
"I agree with those two, you guys have helped hold us together, this should just be another day to you guys." Chie praised.
"I've worked with you two long enough that this is only a formality, in both your minds you've already been married."
The words of all four ladies rang in Naoto's head as she gave a small smile. They were right, this was just a formality but it was nice to celebrate their feelings openly for each other with everyone else. And it's even better to spend a day where she didn't have to worry about how she looked while she embraced her lover.
"Thanks everyone, your encouragement is invaluable…" Turning to them, a glowing smile on her face. The support from everyone else gave her a warm feeling in her stomach, that familiar feeling she got whenever she was with these four.
Taking another deep breath, she lifted up her suit jacket and slipped it on. Rise and Yukiko quickly came to her assistance and finished each suit jacket button, doing each one, button by button, Naoto couldn't help but blush under the close contact of her two friends, with Rise even looking up and giving her a cheeky smile.
The Idol took a step back as Yukiko took over, finishing up the final touches to the buttonhole on the jacket pocket as they were delicate and Yukiko was the only one in the team who had various skills in flower arrangement.
"Once I'm done with yours I'll go and get Souji-kun's one done. I'm sure he's just as nervous as you are now. He likes to put on a face but we know him well enough…" The owner of the Amagi Inn said as she expertly put the pin through the breast pocket, making sure it was steadfast and secure. Tapping Naoto on the shoulders after, she helped straighten out her jacket before looking pleased with her work.
The heir to the Shirogane Estate shuffled her feet awkwardly under the intense gazes of her four friends.
"You'll knock it out of the park Naoto-kun, you really have nothing to worry about." The other three nodded before Yukiko took up a maroon handbag and walked towards the door, her heels clicking as she headed there.
"I'm going to check on Souji-kun to make sure he's ok and get his flowers done, once I'm done we can do your bouquet Naoto-kun and we should go, we don't want to leave them waiting too long. All the guys were almost there with only Souji-kun and Kanji-kun sticking around. This shouldn't take long though." Yukiko was about to close the door behind her before Chie shuffled quickly in chase.
"I'll go with you, I wouldn't mind getting a bit of a walk about before we start."
"Sure Chie, let's go."
With that they both slipped out of the door leaving the room with only Naoto, Rise and Mitsuru. Letting back a breath, Naoto leaned back against the vanity desk of the mini resort that was attached to the venue they were using for the wedding. Luckily the ceremony was still over an hour away. She kept telling herself it wasn't a big deal but her extended family was coming to this and that alone brought the drama she didn't need.
"Naoto-kun you there?" Rise waved her hand in front of Naoto's face, pulling herself out of her mind.
"Oh sorry, just stuck in thought…" Sighing, the Idol stood next to her, also leaning on the desk.
"You know Naoto-kun, I think you shouldn't swear about all of the other stuff going on, I know there has been a lot of drama that you don't want to talk about…" Naoto turned her head to the side, not wanting to look the idol in the eye. "…But all you need to do is concentrate on the man you have in front of you and how much he loves you and everything will be fine, sure they still don't approve of him as your partner but this isn't up to them to decide…"
She jabbed her best friend in the side with a finger causing her to flinch.
"…It's only up to you. And don't lose sight of that."
Mitsuru rounded on Naoto's other side.
"Also you two have fought to the bitter end to be here. Don't let others influence you and make sure you keep hold of him. He is very dear to you and after everything I think you two deserve your happy ending…"
Naoto let the words sink in as she nodded.
"It's not that I'm worried about whether the elders approve of him. Even if they all decided not to turn up I'd still marry him. It's just that I'm sad they haven't seen how good of a person he is. I'm still unsure of the reasons why they don't approve, it's always vague but at least Grandpa likes him."
The Detective shook her head.
"He's been super supportive of the whole thing. But worrying about these things is pointless, it's not like we will change as people after today, no?"
Both Mitsuru and Rise shook their heads in tandem.
"Didn't think so, I should finish getting ready…" Turning back to the vanity mirror on the desk, she gave herself one last glance over. She had to admit, she looked pretty damn handsome herself. She had a custom bra made for her to hide the size of her chest to make it easy to fit into her suit. Probably a good call all things considered.
She reached for the table and picked up her white gloves and slipped them on, temporarily hiding her engagement ring. She turned to her friends and brought them into an impromptu group hug, temporarily shocking both the head of the Kirijo group and one of the most popular idols in Japan. After a moment they hugged back.
"Don't you dare go teary eye on me Shirogane Naoto; I'm not doing your make up again." Rise admonished, making Mitsuru laugh.
The Sleuth only shook her head against their shoulders.
"I promise I won't,"
"Good."
…
"I'm sorry this has come up so late my boy but I've been trying to shield your relationship from the family for some time. I wanted you and Naoto's relationship to bud without any interference from others but the wedding was the final straw for them." Matsuda lamented looking at the young man before him and one of his best friends. He stood in a very formal Japanese garb, and decided to go traditional to balance the couple's modern aesthetic.
"I understand Matsuda-san; it wasn't your fault at all."
Trying his best to comfort the eldest Shirogane wasn't on his to-do list on the day of his wedding, but this is what the universe had in store for him. Souji was already dressed in is crystal white wedding suit, but his waistcoat was in gold, with various designs of Japanese mythological creatures stitched into it like a collage, His shoes were a midnight blue, contrasting colour to Naoto's pure white and while he didn't do much with his hair, he put extra care into keep it neat yet natural.
"I know but as the current head of the family it's been difficult, ever since the passing of my son and daughter in law it's always been a point of contention within the family who the heir goes to next but I convinced them that Naoto will be a prime candidate. Well they've been hoping she would marry into someone with as much drive to carry on the legacy, but you are someone unfamiliar to them and it's not something they are comfortable with." The older man sighed but Goto patted him on the back.
"I'm hoping that none of them will disagree with the wedding because not only would that be a disaster for you two young ones, it will bring the whole family into disrepute."
Kanji visibly winced but Souji just shook his head calmly.
"I figured that would be the case with how little Naoto told me about her extended family. I'm assuming they've been on her back lately about the whole thing?"
The elder Shirogane nodded.
"Yes, ever since the engagement was announced they've been by passing communications with me and focusing it on my granddaughter. Asking for information, background detail checks and even education experience."
"Man Senpai that isn't cool,"
He huffed indirectly at Kanji's words before he shrugged.
"Yeah, with a family of detectives and investigators this isn't a surprise. I'm assuming they have a folder a mile high on my information?"
Matsuda nodded.
"All within an hour."
"Figures…"
There was a soft knock on the door alerting the four men in the room as they turned to it. Opening it up slowly Yukiko stepped through with Chie in tow.
"Are we interrupting?" Yukiko asked pensively as Souji was talking with two considerably older men with Kanji standing by his side. It seemed to be cordial so Yukiko pressed forward.
"Nah you were not, just finishing off some ceremony things…" Souji said as the four men in the room looked at the two approaching ladies. Kanji instantly blushed looking at Yukiko and Chie.
"Those dresses look a hell of a' lot better than I thought," She said without thinking, causing the two in question to blush in kind.
"Geez Kanji-kun, a little too on the nose…" Chie mumbled where Yukiko only shook her head.
"Urgh boys…" She huffed with no real sting behind it, only leaving Kanji to laugh awkwardly. "Anyway I came here to finish off the buttonhole for Souji-kun; I don't have long though because I've got to do the finishing touches to his wife after."
Souji nodded and turned to the two men,
"Could I have a minute?" The two nodded as they watched on with interest as Yukiko tended to the groom as Chie made small talk with Kanji.
"Even though they are in their twenties, it's amazing that our future rests in the hands of people like them. I still can't believe they are the group that brought my granddaughter out of her shell…"
The other old man with a clipboard looked on, a small smile on his face.
"Come on Matsuda-san. You should know better. She is in good hands. Look at him, I've not met him for very long and I'm already enamoured with how he upholds himself and others around him. He has done a lot not only for them but for the world, if anything from your granddaughter's logs are to be believed."
Matsuda sighed as he pinched his nose for a second.
"I know you are right. I just hate it when the rest of the family gets involved and having them on your back."
The other old man laughed heartily.
"Yes but isn't that why you asked me to take the service?"
"Yes Goto-kun but it doesn't make it easier, I've been delaying them meeting Souji-kun here for a while but it doesn't simplify the situation. It hasn't helped since Kirijo-san got involved, now it just feels like it's between a rock and hard place."
He put a hand to the shoulder of the current head of the Shirogane family.
"It will work out, the ceremony will be great, just let the kids have their fun, if they need to be blissful about family politics for the day then let them. It really has nothing to do with them and if they are in love and they are both sensible then you have nothing to worry about."
"Yeah…" He looked back at the four young people conversing, laughing at a joke Kanji made. "…I really have nothing to worry about."
Souji walked towards the two men, his now white suit complimented with blue and white decorated flowers for his buttonhole. Matsuda couldn't help but smile at how their flower scheme was so them. The door to the room closed quietly as the two ladies left without fanfare.
"Sorry about that, we can continue now." The conversation before had a formal atmosphere to it but meeting with his high school friends gave the air a much more casual feeling, Goto and Matsuda couldn't help but notice his tone was a lot lighter too.
"Of course young man, we'll go through these questions then catch up with Naoto-chan after." Souji nodded as Kanji reasserted himself at Souji's side.
…
Just outside the bridal area, the constant hum of the crowd gathering in the bottom hall made Naoto nervous, she quickly checked her watch for a quick update on Souji's location and according to that his location hasn't changed. Knowing he was still in the building made her breathe in relief. He hadn't hightailed it or kidnapped by her extended family yet and at this point it was too late for either of those to happen.
"What are you doing out here?" Yukiko asked as she walked towards her with Chie bin tow.
"I just wanted some air…" They both frowned.
"You can't have anyone spot you, if they happen to come up here to use one of the other bathrooms you'll be in open sight. Come on…" Forcibly she pulled Naoto back into the bridal room with Chie closing the door firmly behind them.
Yukiko had a small huff.
"Right, let's get your bouquet done as well as the final parts for your hair." She opened up the box which had a set of flowers that matched the button holes of the two that were due to be wed. Carefully taking it out of the packaging she revealed the bundle of flowers that Naoto would take down the aisle with her.
"Wow those are beautiful…" Muttered the Sleuth who looked on in awe,
"Yeah Naoto-kun is right…"
Yukiko puffed out her chest in pride for a second before turning to one of concentration, observing if the details were correct.
"I made sure they match and added things from the specifications of your family Naoto, I didn't realise they were so picky…" Gently lifting them out of the wrapping she handed them to Naoto who took it with care.
"Right one more thing…" She reached into the box to rummage for something. "This is a present from both me and Chie. I hoped you would like it…"
Out of the box she pulled out a flower covered hair accessory, almost shaped like a tiara. Blue and white flowers bloomed from the intricate wiring that were complimented in pink petals in between them. Taking it out of the platform it was on in the box she took it and placed it on Naoto's hair carefully.
"Also there are some very, very small clips for a veil if you like but it's not necessary at all…" Yukiko said matter of factly as she made sure it didn't catch on to any of Naoto's braids while fitting it in. After some minor readjustments, Yukiko hummed an affirmative, seemingly pleased by her work. The Sleuth took a reactionary breath in and realised something really quickly.
"I can smell the flowers…"
"Yup…" The soon to be manager of the Inn pulled away to give the bride some space. "They are aromatic, the scent is supposed to be calming and help you both relax. Don't worry it won't set off anyone's hay fever…"
Naoto's smile grew a little. "Thanks I love the look of it…"
"I'm glad, anyway it's almost time. I expect Souji-kun and the others are helping greet guests currently so we should go out there soon…" Yukiko looked around for a second. "Where is Rise-chan and Mitsuru-san?"
She glanced at Chie who only just shrugged.
"Not seen them-"
At that time two ladies came through the door, both of which had proud looks on their faces before they noticed everyone looking at them.
"S-Sorry about that…" Rise tried to excuse, wanting to hold back a fit of giggles. The Detective eyed them suspiciously, always on edge when the Idol had 'that' expression but this wasn't the time to ask her to elaborate.
"I see we are just back in time before the ceremony starts, we need to get Naoto to the person doing the service and administration before then. So shall we do that now? I can go look for him and bring him here?" The suggestion was met with a quick round of agreements before Mitsuru slipped back out to find him.
…
It took a few minutes but Mitsuru was successful in finding the person taking the service and brought them up to the bride to be. Opening the door slowly, it only had Naoto in there, as all the other bridesmaids waited outside.
"Ah Goto-san, I haven't gotten to say hello to you since you arrived, I want to thank you again for doing this for me." Naoto said gleefully as she gave a hug to another one of the family friends who she spent time with her grandfather when they were younger. He gave her a hug in kind.
"I'm so glad to see someone I consider a niece do so well for herself, grown up to be a fine young lady and carved her own path for herself. No wonder Matsuda-kun is so proud of you."
Blushing heavily under his praise, she turned away.
"I'm not that special, I've only grown up in the ways you, Yakushiji-san and Grandpa taught me. I wouldn't be who I am today if it wasn't for you and the others who looked after me." He only nodded but laughed nonetheless.
"Well even if that was true, we all need to make our own choices, and considering I've spoken to what will be your husband in about 30 minutes, I think you made some damn fine choices, regardless of what the rest of the family thinks."
Naoto only sighed.
"Yeah family politics is the last thing I needed right now, and when I proposed to Souji-kun it wasn't something I considered." Folding her arms, the persona in her mind discussed her inner thoughts amongst themselves as she racked her brain on what she was trying to say. "It's frustrating because I could have gone through them first but here we are. At least they were able to attend; I do hope they can behave…"
Another hearty laugh came from Goto.
"As long as your grandfather is alive and kicking, they won't interfere."
Naoto nodded, pleased by the welcoming attitude he was bringing.
"I really do hope so…"
He put a hand on her shoulder; she placed her own on top of it. Feeling the experience just from his aura.
"Just trust in him and your own judgement." The Sleuth took a deep breath before finding a moment of clarity.
"You are right; I should have more faith in him and myself."
Goto took that with a response with a small grin and let go, happy with the effect he was having on the young detective.
"Yeah, it's true. Anyway let's get on with this questionnaire so we can get you back to your soul mate."
…
Souji stood at the head of the isle, with Kanji and Yosuke at his sides With Teddie already sitting on the second row. All of them in dark blue suits with Yosuke and Kanji had gelled back making them look as sleek as possible. In the crowd, several of his friends dotted around on his side the aisle. Towards the back he saw Margaret and Marie conversing, the latter being to make sure the weather was great for the occasion.
"You nervous Senpai?" Kanji asked somewhat shakily. "I'm totally not nervous…"
Yosuke could only grin,
"Why are you shaking like that? You aren't the one getting married."
He looked over at Souji, raising an eyebrow in interest.
"What about you partner, I'm sure it's been tough getting everything ready. Considering how fancy this place looks, I think you are more worried about that."
The former leader couldn't help but laugh while firmly planting his hand in his pockets, the crowd at this event was considerable, while he himself didn't have such a large family there were members of the Shirogane Estate that he hadn't seen before. It also had the air that he wasn't entirely welcome from them especially when he greeted them at the door. Souji shrugged it off but it didn't seem entirely right, it seems Naoto's hypothesis about their behaviour wasn't unfounded at all.
Peering back on his side, his mother and father waved at him with Ryotaro and Nanako who were sitting next them waving at him as well, all bright smiles for the occasion. Souji subtly waved back trying not to bring too much attention to himself.
"And to answer your question Kanji," He looked on and gave a wry smile. "I'm very much nervous, but I can't let them know." His eyes dated to the side of a larger contingent sat on Naoto's side of the aisle and his two male best friends nodded slightly in understanding.
"Also the reason that Kanji is nervous is because he did quite a few designs and decision making on the outfits today. The drapes and tapestries were also all Kanji's family. I understand his plights."
"Yeah man, my Families' name is on the line…"
Yosuke could only sigh.
"Point taken, I hope-"
A soft arrangement of 'Waltz of the Flowers' began to play…
"Can everyone please stand for the bride!"
"Here she comes…" The former leader muttered, almost making Kanji jump out of his boots.
"God damn it man…"
The soft music continued to play as the four bridesmaids began to walk down the aisle. Quite a few gasps came from the crowd as the ladies started to appear. Each of them had their own set of flowers, their blue dresses seemingly going on forever with the red carpet absorbing any noise their heels would make. Almost like it was coordinated, the four looked up at the boys at the front and waved with Rise even shooting Souji a quick wink. Kanji and Yosuke blushed over completely and shuffled awkwardly in place. Souji could only grin, giving a gentle wave back.
"Man, they look hot," Kanji blurted in a whisper.
Yosuke nodded quickly.
"Yeah tell me about it…"
"I think so too,"
His two best friends looked at Souji incredulously.
"Aren't you getting married?"
He cocked an eyebrow at the in defiance,
"But I'm not dead yet though."
As soon as Chie was half way down the aisle, Naoto started to walk down, all of the eyes in the hall were on her with an arm looped with her grandfather's while they shuffled together down the red carpet flanked by Yakushiji-san, with a pretty flower bundle in her free hand. While Naoto was in her suit like before, now she had an over cloak that was pinned to the front of her suit jacket. The white outer layer flowed down her back down past her feet, similar to how a wedding dress would. But from where Souji was standing, the inside had the trademark flowery Shirogane style embroidery in a midnight blue, a complete contrast to the rest of the suit like she had the night time in her control. The visual tricks it played with her waist coat almost made her seem otherworldly, the faint aura of Izanami pouring out of her that even Izanagi inside him couldn't ignore. The soft scent of her tiara-like head ordainment flowed through his nose, Izanagi's memories of his wife instantly played in his head. The flash backs knocked Souji for a loop for a second but recovered quickly just before Naoto was in reach.
The bridesmaids waited at the top of the altar-like stage as Naoto turned to her grandfather and gave him a big hug before they traded a couple words which only made the two laugh before she turned to Yakushiji and they did the same.
"Man Naoto-kun looks so cool…" Kanji whispered to Yosuke who hummed in agreement.
"Yeah the vibe I get from her is so different than usual, almost out of this world."
Kanji nodded,
"Yeah I get that too."
It took a moment for Naoto to get to the stage when she looked at Souji in wonder as she reached out to him. Souji took her gloved hand in kind; the velvet feeling was nice to touch as she stepped towards him. Even with the makeup light, her blush shone through without resistance. She couldn't help but bashfully smile at him and she wanted to do nothing more but to kiss him while he was there. Her Persona couldn't help but drive her to be impulsive but she did her best to hold back, there will be much more time later. Before she could even say anything both their watches bleeped.
'1m'
"My love…"
Naoto's voice was whimsical,
"You look amazing Naoto…" He whispered, his expression was somewhere between proud and in wonder, "Very handsome indeed…" He mouthed not wanting to make too much noise.
She only blushed deeply, squeezing his hands accordingly on her own.
"You are very dashing yourself." Even with her gloves she could feel the spiritual energy flowing through them resonating with her own.
Gotoi Hikari looked on, happy that the couple had been reunited. He looked over at his two good friends sitting on the front row of the Shirogane side and Matsuda shot him a thumbs up.
The music started to fade into the background…
Goto coughed, before taking a deep breath.
"Everyone may now take their seats!"
His voice boomed in the hall, cutting through any chatter that was still happening. In an orderly fashion both the bridesmaids and the groomsman took their seats on the front row. Naoto shuffled in place, making sure she was facing her soon to be husband, making sure nothing else matters.
"May I like to welcome everyone here today for the ceremony that is about to take place…" Goto called out with authority. The couple turned to him, hand in hand as silence took over the room after his words. Looking on at the audience he opened up his book, to go through the normal procedures but couldn't help but stop every moment or so to look at the aura of love the wedding pair had. It was almost mythical.
"I hope everyone can give the respect that the couple here due to wed deserves…" He looked on at the couple yet again, both of them nodding in affirmation. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the joining and the bonding of one Seta Souji and one Shirogane Naoto, heir to the Estate and family…"
The deliberate wording brought a few uncomfortable murmurs from the crowd but Goto ignored them.
…
In their mind Izanami stood next to Izanagi in the collective mind space of the pair, where each of their Personas conversed. Izanami couldn't help but look on from an outer body experience, memories of her own coming into play.
"Isn't it nostalgic my dear?"
Izanagi took a small breath before looking on, not wanting to dwell on such old matters but he couldn't help it, just this once.
"Yeah it is, but it feels different at the same time."
Izanami giggled, knowing what he meant. She couldn't help it but it felt appropriate for the time.
"Yeah they earned their happy ending however. Children of Man are a tenacious bunch."
That one popped a smile from Izanagi, knowing full well she has taken them on personally as well as teamed with them. Speaking from experience of both sides of the coin.
"Yeah they are, it makes you think things can end up differently. We are not always slaves to our destinies."
He sighed, frustrations sinking in.
"I wish it could have turned…" He was hushed with a lithe finger to his face mask. Izanami only shook her head, a soft smile that never waivered.
"There is nothing stopping us now, if our vessels can find peace with each other, there is nothing stopping us from doing the same. Just maybe…"
The image of Naoto and Souji holding hands at the altar was enough to reinforce what she was thinking.
"…Just maybe they are our happy ending…"
He didn't want to believe it; he couldn't see another loved one being sent to an eternity of damnation but…
…But maybe they've passed that test, Naoto has been able to find Souji both times and Souji was able to overcome the seemingly impossible. Maybe, just maybe this was time to have faith in the future.
"You might be right…"
Izanami couldn't help but grin, her red eyes glowing with satisfaction and mirth. It may have taken more than a millennia but for a short period of time, they may have just gotten what they wanted.
"Occasionally, I can be."
…
"The couple in front of us have been through it all, high school romance, forced separation, long distance, they've worked together and for each other and so much more." Goto looked on at the Shirogane contingent, hoping his words could convince them.
"So let us finalise this ceremony to make sure these two can live in peace and harmony. Before that, does anyone have any objection to why this couple cannot wed on this day?"
The silence in the room was uncomfortable as Naoto and Souji turned to the room, wondering if anyone would as they scanned the hall nervously. The Sleuth was expecting something from her family, as some people moved but didn't get up to say anything. The expression on her Grandpa's face was that he was just as tense as she was. After a couple moments or so, Goto coughed, signifying he was done waiting and was convinced no one would say anything.
"Well if no one has anything left to say, let's finish this ceremony and do our part to see them together." Turning to the couple,
"Seta-san and Shirogane-san, may you please face each other…"
Without a second thought the two complied, Naoto blushing heavily under her fiancé's intense but calming gaze.
"Would the ring bearer please bring the rings for us to complete this ceremony?"
With that Nanako hopped up from her seat and brought over a small gold velvet covered box. The kanji for both of their names transcribed around the side and gave it to Souji who gave her a small pat on the head and mouthed a thank you. She walked up to Naoto and gave her a massive hug which the Sleuth took in kind, her heart swelling with love at the younger Dojima's affection for her.
"Please take care of him, Big Sis." She whispered in her ear.
"I promise I will, until the end of the world I will and even beyond that I will." Naoto whispered back before kissing her on the cheek. Happy that the message got through, Nanako broke away and waited patiently for Souji to pull out the rings for the two of them.
"Seta-san, as we agreed from before, you had some words you wanted to say?"
"Huh, Souji-kun?" Naoto looked up in surprise, the minister's words throwing her for a loop. His face was apologetic knowing how much on the spot he put her and she didn't like that sort of attention.
"Sorry Naoto about this but I needed to get this off my chest…"
He took a deep breath before he started, preparing his louder than normal voice so the whole hall heard.
"Naoto Shirogane, as you know we as a pair have gone through a lot together, a majority of people wouldn't even know what we've been through to even be able to stand here today, let alone even me being alive. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart that even when the chips were down, even if there was no hope you came to find me, through the darkness and pulled me into the light. When there was no hope, when I had nowhere to go, you became my guiding light. I owe you everything and love you with every portion of my soul. I will dedicate my being to make you happy for the rest of your life, I swear it!"
Souji words, his tones and his fierceness completely took the Sleuth by surprise as she stood there holding his hands in complete shock.
The Investigation Team went quiet at the events he was referring to, with Kanji even breaking a tear at the thought of what happened and what Souji's declaring.
The words sunk in as Naoto did all she could to hold back, instead she turned on her coyness that came with the Shirogane family, the only safeguard from turning to an emotional wreck on stage. She shook her head.
"You owe me nothing Souji, you never have and you never will. I love you beyond the seas and stars. And that's all that matters…"
The silence this time made it feel like they were in their own world with nothing but them. They listen to the words the lovers traded.
"If you were going to say all of that you wouldn't need me," Goto said with a large smile on his face.
'If that didn't win over the family, I'm not sure what does.'
"Well Shirogane Naoto, repeat these words after me."
She nodded furiously, now wanting nothing more just to be bonded with him.
"I Shirogane Naoto, take you Seta Souji…"
"I Shirogane Naoto, take you Seta Souji…"
"…To be my lawfully wedded Husband"
"…To be my lawfully wedded Husband"
Souji could feel Naoto's hands start to shake.
"…To have and to hold from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health…"
"…To have and to hold from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health…"
Naoto's voice started to crack.
"…To love and to cherish, keeping myself only unto you until we are parted by death and joined beyond."
"…T-to love and to cherish, k-keeping myself only unto you until we are parted by death and joined beyond."
Goto then turned to Souji, who had a face of concentration.
"Seta Souji, repeat after me…"
"Ok…"
Souji's grip on Naoto's hand grew.
"I Seta Souji, take you Shirogane Naoto…"
"I Seta Souji, take you Shirogane Naoto…"
"…To be my lawfully wedded Wife…"
"…To be my lawfully wedded Wife…"
Souji took a deep breath,
"…To have and to hold from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health…"
"…To have and to hold from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health…"
Closing his eyes…
"…To love and to cherish, keeping myself only unto you until we are parted by death and joined beyond."
"…To love and to cherish, keeping myself only unto you until we are parted by death and joined beyond."
Goto looked at Nanako who was already getting teary eyed.
"With the rings please…" The couple pulled apart long enough for Souji to get the rings from the box while Naoto slipped off her gloves. There was almost a bit of a scramble from Souji almost dropping his, which made a majority of the crowd watching on laugh a little at his disposition.
"So do you Shirogane Naoto, take Seta Souji to be your lawfully wedded husband?" Goto clarified this as a final question.
There was no hesitation,
"God damn it yes I do!"
Souji took the hand of the Detective in his and slipped on her simple silver titanium band. It was plain and lacked design but the symbolism was all she needed for it.
Gotoi turned to Souji,
"Do you Seta Souji take Shirogane Naoto as your lawfully wedded wife?
The smile he had Naoto could only describe as radiant.
"Absolutely I do,"
Naoto slipped his ring on feeling him flex his fingers in reaction. Both of their gazes met, locked in a spell because something they've strived for years has just come true.
"I can now declare you husband and wife! You two now may kiss."
"You don't know how long I've been looking forward to this." Souji told her with glee as she could only smile back. That face of excitement he had only made her blood run hot for him.
"Me too, my love. Me too…"
Not needing to be told twice Souji pulled her forward planting a soft kiss on her rose-coloured lips. He felt her exhale against her as the tension washed away in both of them. His hands were around her waist slinking under her over cloak while Naoto grasped at his suit jacket from the front as they came together for an embrace that interlocked their present and future with each other.
It's the sort of event that makes the gods sing…
…As well as their watches…
He was simply a fool with fortune,
But this time, they both had the world…
…
…
…A very long time passed with Naoto…
