Let this moment be the first chapter:

[rainbowmaster]

[It took him forever to find the perfect ring.

He and Tatara had been going out for a while now, enough for the younger of the two to consider proposing. Sure, it took months to even muster up the courage to talk to Izumo of all people - the right hand man of HOMRA was terrifying when he was all smiles - to help him with ideas for a ring, but Izumo did help out in the end.

Was it considered getting his blessing, too?

Either way, Johan found a ring after much searching and he is beginning to have second thoughts as to whether or not he should go through with it, after all.

It’s okay, Johan. You can do it.

Johan held back a grimace upon hearing Amethyst Cat’s voice in his head, but took a deep breath and nodded. With that, he sends a text to Tatara, asking if they could meet.]

Comments

[heartshutter]

[ Some people just fit together.

Or at least, that’s what Tatara would attest, given his experience. He’d never expected to find that person some say is fictional -- that “One” most people search lifetimes for and still never find. Perhaps it’s because he’d never actually looked that he’s gotten so lucky; but either way, he’s blessed to have the most free-spirited, but still doting partner anyone could ever wish for, and has been for a while now.

They’re happy: Young lovebirds who always greet each other with chaste kisses, and can’t seem to go anywhere in public without their fingers inevitably tangling at some point or another; the light of one another’s lives. So of course, an ask to meet is answered positively: ]

Sure! Your place or mine?

[ He’s already getting dressed. ]

[rainbowmaster]

[Being able to fit together, like the missing piece of a puzzle, always sounded like a blessing.

After experiencing it himself, he knows why now. Their relationship wasn't even rocky; it was a smooth transition that neither of them seemed to even realize. Hand holding, affectionate physical contact like resting their foreheads together - it was all natural to them that they didn't even realize it.

When they did, it was just with a casual easygoing smile that no, it doesn't matter. They didn't really need a label to define their relationship; it was always just the matter of being comfortable with one another, after all.

But reading that text from him makes him swallow.]

I was thinking of meeting up at that cafe that you like.

[heartshutter]

[ They’ve always been that way, right from the start: Uncommonly close without even acknowledging such, attached to one another without realizing. It began with a friendly conversation between two strangers, and before he knew it, Tatara was looking up at this young man from below, where he’d fallen unabashedly head-over-heels for him.

They’ve kept that same love alive all the while, nurturing it, watching it grow just a little more by the moment. Every day is a new day; every meeting just as exciting as the last, stirring up little butterflies. There’s never a bad time to see one another, never a bad way to spend an evening, so long as they’re together. Even if they’re doing nothing but letting a television drone on in the background, both of them too wrapped up in one another to care about anything else.

But in this instance, it’s... an actual date he seems to be after? Sneaky Johan. He could have just said so!

Tatara’s about to ask what the occasion is, but does that really matter? Do they really need a reason to meet at a café? Absolutely not! So, curiosity is staved off for now, in favor of getting dressed just a little faster. As he does so, he sends a reply: ]

Ooh, are you asking me out on a date, Johan~? ✿*,(*´◕ω◕`*)+✿.*

[ He’s got to poke a little fun, at least. But, a moment later: ]

Be there in a half hour. <3

[ And he'll hold to that time, because it's Johan. ]

[rainbowmaster]

[So close to the point where it's begun to become hard as to know where one began and the other ended. They were still two different people, but their hearts were practically one at this point. Falling in love was never the plan; then again, when does anyone ever plan to fall in love? The thought is nice, but falling should be natural.

Their love is something one would only see in the movies. Through the hardships, through the tears and smiles - they've managed to overcome it all to reach this point.

But the moment he sees the reply, Johan couldn't resist the urge to cover his face and practically sink.

He loves you, Tatara, but why are you like this?]

We practically go on a lot of dates already.

[Why you gotta tease him over the phone. He'd rather you tease him in person okay.

But then he smiles.]

I'll see you there.

[heartshutter]

[ Indeed, these two are the type that make others jealous; the ones whose romance never seems to flicker or fizzle, but swells and grows with time. As they grow, together.

It’s so silly to think about, sometimes. They’ve never even officially labeled themselves as in a committed, monogamous relationship -- “boyfriends”, more or less -- and Tatara still knows without a doubt that he’s got no desire to be anywhere else, with anyone else. Honestly... he could spend his life with Johan, just like this, and never feel unsatisfied. For someone as previously wayward and detached, that's nothing short of an amazing thing.

And on that note, yes, he’s right -- in a context where “date” is as loosely-defined as their relationship status, they do date. A lot. Still, he’s got to be playful on occasion. But don’t fret, there’ll still be some teasing in person. He’s got energy for both.

With that last message received, the elder is on his way. Where? To his favorite hideaway: A kitschy little place, (and he does mean “little” -- as in, blink and you’ll miss it), with décor some would call “messy” or “cluttered”, but Tatara considers it part of the charm. And, among that scenery, look at that -- there’s a table for two with their names on it. ]

[rainbowmaster]

[They don't need a label as long as they have each other. Johan knew for sure that he hadn't really considered anyone attractive before, so this was wonderfully new to him. Spending his life with one person - just this person - is enough to make him happy.

Even when Tatara makes it a life mission to tease him as much as possible.

Johan recalls the first time they stumbled upon this little place and it was certainly quite the place he isn't surprised to know how much Tatara actually grew fond of it. It's nothing big, nothing popular, but it fits in his tastes enough that it didn't take Johan long either to fall in love with it.

After all, it's become their go-to place whenever they want to simply enjoy each other's company.

But he does get there first and immediately claims that special table for two. His knee is bouncing in an obvious attempt to still his nerves and simply make himself calm down. Everything will go along just fine. His Spirits assure him that Tatara would most definitely say 'yes', but there's always that part inside of him that will hold that little doubt that he might reject him instead.]

[heartshutter]

Sorry I’m late!

[ He’s not actually late; but he’s later than Johan, which still counts, in his mind. Regardless, Tatara slides easily down into the seat across from his partner before reaching over the tabletop for a hand, aiming to lace their fingers as always before.

The cliched words “how are you?” are on his tongue when he notices the younger’s rigid posture... and is that his knee bouncing beneath the table...? It sure is.

That’s unusual. More than just that -- he’s never actually seen Johan in such a state before. He’s a carefree sort -- one of the many things both sides of the pair have in common -- so seeing him in this state is... unusual, to say the least. What about this meeting could have him so on-edge like this?

Tatara pauses. Johan wouldn’t... bring him here to break up with him, would he...?

He almost laughs out loud just at the idea. These two are forever, and they both know it; there’s no way they’d split up. Only death could part them -- and for a limited time, at best.

Still, that doesn’t mean something isn’t off about his other half, and that alone is enough to knit the elder’s brow somewhat, a concerned look firmly rooted in his features. ]

...Is everything okay, my love?

[rainbowmaster]

You're not late.

[But feeling their fingers lacing together has him relaxing and his knee stops bouncing.

It's not like him to outwardly show his nervousness, not with how he usually acts around the older man. At the same time, he could still feel the trepidation coiling in the pit of his stomach as if it wanted him to throw up or something. He swallows a bit before he gives Tatara a smile.]

No, nothing's wrong.

[It doesn't help that Johan can easily be considered as one of the worst liars in the history of liars.

He gently squeezes Tatara's hand, relaxing a bit more before he gives him a smile.]

Really, nothing's wrong.

[heartshutter]

Aah, I know. But I was later than you, so, sorry about keeping you waiting.

[ He’ll let that be it on that topic, though. And the other as well, even though something is indeed still off. Tatara can feel it like a sixth sense. But, at the same time, Johan’s still squeezing his hand like nothing in the world could be bothering him, and that nervous, restless bouncing quells.

Was he afraid his elder partner wouldn’t show? Was that it? No; Johan should know better than that. There must be something prompting this level of worry, though. And given the effort it’s seeming to require for him to keep normal composure, it must be something big.

Nevertheless, Tatara flips open the menu and reads through, idly running his thumb along Johan’s joined hand. ]

Did you order yet?

[rainbowmaster]

You did get here on time. I was just early.

[Arguing for the sake of arguing, even though they're both aware that there's no winner to be had. He knows for sure that Tatara can tell that something isn't right with him, not the way he seems almost restless just by sitting here. It's not as if something would go wrong--

Okay, maybe.

Johan, no. Don't think that.

Feeling Tatara's thumb along his hand makes his worried thoughts cease into pieces and he feels almost stupid for thinking such things. It's normal to be nervous, but Johan feels as if he's just a restless ball of energy that needs to be calmed down before he ends up hurting someone - mostly himself.

But he shakes his head.]

Not yet. I wanted to wait for you first.

[heartshutter]

You were! [ Hazel eyes flick up from the menu briefly, lips below curling upward into a gently teasing smile. ] ...For once.

Glad to know you’ve stopped getting lost trying to find this place.

[ All kindhearted ribbing, of course. He wouldn’t change or trade anything about Johan if he could -- even his terrible sense of direction, despite the problems that sometimes causes. He loves this man, heart and soul, through and through. Sometimes it’s to the point where his heart feels so full and light that he thinks it might burst; that he might break, in the happiest of ways.

It all just further proves that, for all the wrong turns and poor decisions Tatara’s made in his life, somewhere along the way, he must’ve done something right.

Humming unconsciously to himself, the elder eyes the small plates section, pursing his lips thoughtfully for a moment. ]

How hungry are you? Would you like to share something?

[rainbowmaster]

[He pouts.]

I'm not that bad.

[He blames his horrible sense of direction on his Spirits. At least, that's what he'd like to say, but even with Tatara teasing him, it is also a natural reaction to just pout. If it wasn't for Tatara to often steer him in the right direction, he's sure he would often get lost.

But getting lost in love with Tatara was never a decision he could regret making.

Johan nods.]

We can share. Is there anything you wanna eat in particular?

[heartshutter]

[ At that pout, Tatara softly laughs. He can’t help himself! You’re... pretty much that bad, Johan.

But at least there’s a warmth in his eyes when he next looks back at his other that preemptively states what leaves his lips: ]

I love you.

[ And he means that -- all joking, (and wrong turns), aside.

Another thoughtful hum afterward. ]

Hmm... I haven’t made pasta in a while, and we know theirs is pretty good here. We could do that, if you don’t have something else picked out!

[ He’s flexible. Tatara’s here for the company -- what they eat is an afterthought, honestly. ]

[rainbowmaster]

I love you, too.

[Even if it's said sulkily, there's still a smile on Johan's face as he looks at Tatara.

He lifts their linked hands to kiss Tatara's fingers.]

Pasta is fine. I don't have a preference.

[When has Johan ever been picky about what he eats? With the way he's grown up, he's learned to not be overly picky with food if he could help it. Besides, it's honestly a lot easier to eat without having to argue over what to eat.]

You usually pick out the good ones to eat, anyway.

[heartshutter]

[ They say that planning a wedding is stressful -- stressful enough, in fact, that some don’t even get there in the end. But for Tatara Totsuka, it’s been most everything but. If anything, his clanmates have been more panicked about the affair than the groom-to-be himself.

...Or should he say bride? He definitely looks the part, once finally zipped, given what he’s wearing. Much to the bafflement of HOMRA’s other members, of course. Once, there was a comment -- “I still don’t understand why you need to wear a dress, Totsuka-san.” To which, Tatara answered easily, and with a small wink, “That’s because you weren’t there to see his face when I offered.” It’s as simple as that. (Plus, Anna had said “Tatara is pretty”, so what more does he need? Not a thing.)

The rest, he’s had a remarkably casual attitude about. Things would be perfect because they are perfect for one another -- that’s all there is to it. It could rain or hail; the wind could topple their outdoor venue; party members could get lost or not show at all, and so long as the man waiting for him at the altar is the one he loves, all will be well. Everything will have worked out.

So he’s all smiles and slightly-pink cheeks as the men, (who have no idea what to do with so much lace and chiffon), fumble around him, ultimately giving up once Tatara waves them away, saying everything is fine. Insisting even, to disperse some. Thus, he doesn’t even notice his own trembling until there’s a tug on one of those many myriad lengthy layers of fragile white, and a pair of wide, innocent eyes framed by silvery hair staring up at him.

“Tatara is trembling.” Nothing gets by Anna.

Dress pooling around him, he crouches before her. “Aah, a little; but it’s fine -- it’s a good thing! Today is a very special day. I’m excited, that’s all.” She nods. “I promise,” he adds, then pauses for thought. “Say, Anna -- would you like to come with me?”

Mikoto was supposed to do the honors, but Tatara would be a fool to believe for a moment that he wouldn’t love to be off the hook from that, lazy a creature as he is. She nods once more, and he smiles brightly. “Then it’s settled! You come with me, and I’ll show you what to do, okay?”

Right on cue, he can hear the music chime in. Time to go.

Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life. ]

[rainbowmaster]

[The wedding day has finally arrived and Johan would be absolutely lying if he said he wasn't nervous about it. Of course he was. Tatara has been his one and only, the only person he's ever felt romantic feelings for, and realizing that today is the day where they vow to be together always -- it's finally sinking in. He doesn't regret a single thing, though he does hold back a whine as he thinks about the older man being in a dress.

Of course Tatara had to tease him continuously about him wearing the dress.

He fiddles with his suit a bit, continuously adjusting everything until Judai, finally having enough, slaps his hands away and assures him that everything will be fine.

"You guys already made it this far. Try not to get too nervous, yeah?"

Johan could only nod, smiling when Judai swings an arm around his shoulder and brings him into a side hug.

"So just smile and be happy!"

Laughing softly under his breath, he grins at Judai gratefully before the other man pulls away just as the music begins to play. His eyes look out at the room, taking in the sight of HOMRA sitting on one side and his friends on the other, but his eyes became locked to the doors in the back where Tatara will be walking through, feeling his heart begin to pound in his chest.]

[heartshutter]

[ Yes, he teased Johan endlessly about ”the dress”, but it was all in good fun. Few things manage to make the younger man stumble and fluster quite like mention of it, and Tatara’s too mischievous a sort to not leverage that at least every now and again. ...Or fairly often.

Out front, the first two rows of seating are vastly different between the two sides of the center aisle. On one, all of HOMRA has gathered, its members each having their own unique response to this whole affair. Kamamoto’s clearly given his best attempt at formalwear, his silk bowtie and shiny cufflinks classy notes to an ensemble that nevertheless struggles to contain his bulging gut. (Hey, it’s not his fault he got sized for it before the temperatures dropped, okay?!) Yata may or may not be giving him more grief about it than usual to detract from the known fact that, before all is said and done, he’ll be in tears.

A row ahead of them, Izumo looks on in dire need of a cigarette. The space next to him is reserved for a certain someone otherwise detained for the time being.

...Which means Johan might be a bit surprised, then, to see Mikoto emerge from the back, sauntering up to the front row and lazily draping himself over a bench seat, empty-handed and empty-armed. Wasn’t he supposed to walk his clansman down the aisle...?

After a gap perhaps just long enough for one to think something amiss, the door opens at last to reveal Tatara, a vision in pure white, alongside a little girl in shades of crimson. Instantly, hazel eyes meet teal in a metaphorical rush of butterflies in the elder’s stomach. There he is: The love of his life, handsome as the day they met, and every day thereafter.

Tatara can’t help but beam back at him on-sight, everything in him feeling full and warm and electric with excitement over saying their vows at last. It echoes in a subtle trembling, only picked up on by Anna, whom he’s hand-in-hand with. In a dress of comparable formality but in shades of red, she sprinkles flower petals she seems almost momentarily captured by from a wicker basket, leaving a trail behind them.

As they make their way down together, Tatara changes adoring glances from her, to his family, to his soon-to-be husband, cheeks unwittingly darkening. Once they reach the end of the seating rows, once more he kneels before her, quietly thanking her before wrapping her in a hug. She moves to sit with Izumo and Mikoto, and Tatara joins Johan at the altar, smile brighter than the sun.

They did it. They found each other; found a love eternal. The stuff of fairytales. Tears of joy are already gathering as the elder extends a hand for his partner to hold, murmuring under a breath as the music fades: ]

I can't believe I get to marry my soulmate...

[ It's the happiest ending anyone could have hoped for; as though this is his karmic payback for everything he's ever endured, and then some. ]

[rainbowmaster]

[It was absolutely breathtaking seeing Tatara walk in.

Johan knows he made the right choice in calling the older man his precious gem, the way even Rainbow Dragon approves of the sight of the man walking down towards him with Anna. He made quite a mesmerizing sight; a pearl wrapped around only in the finest of cloths, eyes of hazel that seems to shine brighter than any other gem Johan's laid his eyes on. It makes him happy, a bubble of pleasure inside of him as he comes closer.

He can hear Judai whisper something excitedly, something that almost makes Johan blush and glare at his best friend, but he manages not to do that.

As Tatara joins him at the alter, Johan can't resist the urge to smile back, so happy - so so so so happy to have him with him.

He takes the older man's hand, lifting it up to brush a kiss against his fingertips.]

I love you, Tatara. [It's a whisper, shared between just them.

Through it al, through all the ups and downs and downward hurdles life has tossed at them, they've finally managed to make it this far. This chapter in their story isn't ending, but a new book is waiting for them, just ready to be written.]

we can skip past the vows, if you want!

[heartshutter]

[ Through all that life threw at them, they persevered; and for every trip, stumble, or fall, they only seemed to grow stronger. Tatara knows, soundly in his soul, that the man standing across from him now is the one he was meant for; the one he was gifted to spend eternity with. If any additional affirmation of that was necessary, it comes in the form of a soft kiss delivered to his hand, a reminder that Johan truly does treasure him from head to toe.

Every day, he’s just a little more grateful for this love he’s found -- one worth living and dying for; worthy of proclaiming out loud for the world to see, even if right now, that world solely consists of them. Friends and family, (found or otherwise), have gathered around them, sure; but in this moment, all Tatara sees is Johan.

The light in those bright and honest eyes is so bright it might as well be direct sunshine. He really is overjoyed, isn’t he?

Well then, that makes two of them. ]

I love you, too. [ Because Tatara would never not return it, even if this specific timeliness warrants a soft chuckle thereafter. ] But there’ll be plenty of time for saying that in just a few minutes.

[ And every day, day after day, for the rest of their life together after that.

Perhaps Tatara spoke a bit too loudly, however, as the man prepared to do the honors looks to the blond with a bit of a gently chiding expression, asking, ”Are we ready to begin?” ]

Sorry, sorry! [ A squeeze of his soon-to-be husband’s hands. ] Yes, we are.

gently skipping

[rainbowmaster]

[Johan smiles, giving a nod to the man.]

We're ready.

[and the ceremony commences, the man proceeding with the rites, the usual procedures and even asking if there was anyone who'd want to give a reason as to why the two should not be wed. There were no protests, not from anyone, and even Yata was beginning to sniffle from the attempt of holding back tears at it all.

Throughout it all, Johan could not bear taking his eyes off of his husband-to-be, the way he simply looked radiant right now and realizing each and every second just how much he loves the man.

Everyone was beginning to be touched, the way some of the girls on Johan's side were dabbing at their eyes to prevent tears from escaping as the man asked them both to say their vows. It was short and sweet, both of them knowing that they didn't need to tell a story to say how much they love each other - how much they wanted to be together.

Life through all sorts of things at them, and not once did they falter.

They made it through.

They made it.

So, once that was all out of the way, the man proceeds to ask:]

Do you, Tatara Totsuka, take Johan Anderson to be your husband?

i am cry ;v;

[heartshutter]

[ Of course there would be no objections. All along, something in Tatara’s actions, the way he looks at Johan and presents him to others, has come with a hint of pride -- as if to say, Look at this wonderful person I’ve found, perfect just for me.

Indeed, this funny, silly, endlessly sweet man is the love of his life -- now and always. In his heart is where Tatara has made his home; by his side is where he belongs. Sure, they might seem an odd couple to some, but there is no greater love to aspire to than this they’ve found, shared. That they’ve made.

Now, they get to carry it through for a lifetime. Feels like a privilege, really; like a reward for all the things they’ve both endured in their lives before meeting one another.

They are each other’s happy ending.

So, at that long-awaited question, Tatara takes a breath, and--

he can’t believe he’s actually getting do say this-- ]

I do.

[ Hazel eyes echo those words at full volume as he looks back at Johan: I am yours, from now until eternity.

And now Yata and the girls aren’t the only ones getting a little misty. ]

happy tears at least?

[rainbowmaster]

And do you, Johan Anderson, take Tatara Totsuka as your husband?

[Johan smiles as he regards his most precious person in front of him.]

I do.

[He can almost hear someone sniffle, his smile only widening.]

I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may now kiss each other.

[Johan didn't hesitate, immediately leaning in to press his lips against the older man's. It seems as if the action finally prompted some sobbing from the crowd. (Hilariously, it turns out to be Yata sobbing from the intense and wonderful emotions.)]

[heartshutter]

[ Tatara meets him halfway, just like he always has, to share in a kiss that seals their final pact to each other. They belong to one another now, from here to eternity.

As they turn toward the crowd when their union is officially announced, surely Johan can see the wetness built up in hazel eyes, tears that broach the waterline, but don’t fall. Rather, he laughs instead, a heartfelt sound that bubbles up from his chest just to have some sort of outlet for the warmth and fullness that makes him feel as though he might burst if he doesn't find a release for it.

As it wanes, beneath the applause of the teary-eyed onlookers, Tatara bumps his shoulder against Johan’s gently, and one of those stifled tears shakes free at last. ]

I didn’t think I could ever be this happy. [ He confesses with another small chuckle. ]

Thank you for being mine, Johan.

[rainbowmaster]

[Johan sees it all, feels the way it has his heart squeezed with affection. It makes him bump his shoulder back against his, gently squeezing his hand.

He grins.]

I should be the one saying that to you.

[After all, how long did Johan have to withstand the unnerving glares sent to him from Mikoto, the endless bouts of questions from Izumo, and the general death threat from Yat and the other HOMRA members if he ever dared to hurt Totsuka.

But of course he doesn't hurt him.

He'd never hurt Totsuka.]

[heartshutter]

[ Of course he wouldn’t. Tatara knows -- even in the deepest reaches of his heart -- that Johan would never, ever hurt him. There’s nothing quite like that unwavering, unbreakable faith. And for someone as ever-detached as the Red Clansman to have adopted it in the first place, let alone maintained it over years, is nothing short of a miracle.

Laughing at the rebuttal as his shoulder is bumped, Tatara gathers a bit of his dress up in his free hand. ]

It’s fine, it’s fine! [ He’ll let you have that this time, Johan. Flashing a playful smile at him, then: ] You owe me a first dance, don’t you, husband mine~?