Archive of Our Own ^beta

“You really took me by surprise when you told me you were thinking of proposing to Toko. Even today, I'm not sure I understand.”

The one who spoke was Makoto, the former ultimate lucky student and current symbol of peace, helped Byakuya to get dressed for the ceremony, as the best man was expected to do.

“Don't think too hard about it. There's no deeper meaning to be unraveled.”

Makoto smiled, a bit uncomfortable.

“You won't convince me that you're marrying Toko only for a lack of better options.”

A frown creased his forehead.

“Then believe whatever you seem most likely in that hollow mind of yours, I'm done here.”

He removed himself from Makoto's presence. The Future Foundation’s headquarters was quite large, with offices, dormitories, and a small shinto temple way in the back. It was exceedingly small - true… -, but it would serve well its purpose.

It's been three long years since the last six students of Hope's Peak Academy escaped the dreadful killing game. Between the never ending workload and the struggle to live in some resemblance of normalcy, the year flew by. Despite his shining leadership, his role in the foundation was below par with his unmatched skills, working directly under Kirigiri to reconstruct the world. After their collective efforts, society was finally starting to stabilize. Here and there they still had to stop a new killing game, but it was working and Byakuya got to the point of feeling at ease, at last.

A few weeks before, Kyoko sat beside him after a successful raid of a terrorist’s hideout.

“You've worked hard. Good job.” She said, handing him a bottle of water. Which he took with a pointed look.

“Don't condescend me. I'm always working hard.”

“Yeah, I know. Just wanted to talk with you.” She was calm, a relaxed smile in her face.

“What about?”

“Just curious. You have been que chatty with Toko lately.”

He paused. That may be true but he had no particular reason that would explain why that was. In contrast to her vulgar and crude manner, Toko was quite well read and could talk in length about mythology and social science. Toko's takes weren't as refined as his, that was obvious. But he took his in talking with her.

Since the incident in Towa City, she started to be less obsessive, which greatly improved his opinion of her. It was refreshing to talk without the constant sexual remarks. Even if it did happen from time to time.

So he explains exactly that to Kirigiri. Her face remained neutral, a weird glimmer in her eyes. Almost if she was laughing at him.

“I don't doubt that you think it's only that but that doesn't explain the numerous nights that you call her to sleep in your bedroom. I can't say I would believe you if you told me those we're pijama’ parties.”

His face got beet red in a matter of seconds. He should have expected to be caught eventually.

“I will not comment on it.” She laughed.

“It's okay, your secret is safe with me. I just wanted to say that, despite Toko's general unpleasant personality, I don't think it's a good idea to play with her feelings like that.”

“She is well aware of her standing. I have already told her that as the last standing Togami I have a duty to revive the Togami's customs. My father, the last head of the cooperative, had sixteen children with the best woman there was, all around the world. I must strive to achieve his greatness.”

Kirigiri stayed in silence for a few minutes.

“Don't you think it's your one chance to do what you want instead of what's expected of you?”

Her words stayed within him. An uncomfortable knot in the pit of his stomach. Toko was an eager partner since the middle of the killing game. And he always left their private encounters quite satisfied. He couldn't even remember when he started to desire her more. Uncontrollably even.

He knew his feelings had developed to something more profound. But it was inimaginable for him to act on it. What Kyoko said opened a door of possibilities in him.

His family had trusted him to carry the Togami's name. They had released him of his obligations the day he was locked inside the school for life. Kyoko was right after all. Byakuya, unbeknownst to him, was attempting to forge the same chains his family had over him, all over again, their spectral expectations a weight he had no reason to carry.

So Byakuya relented and called Toko to his room once again. His chest pounding his chest but at the same time a strange calmness downed upon him.

She was right in front of him. Cheeks flushed as her usual perverted smile. How did he stoop so low as to love her? Love was indeed a most irrational matter. Toko moved to remove her top, a single wave of his was enough to make her stop in her tracks.

“We need to talk.” He said while sitting on his chair.

“Why? Have I done something w-wrong?” She stared at him with big watery eyes.

“I've been thinking. It's time for me to settle down and start rebuilding my family.”

Toko started tweaking at that. Her fingers gripping and pulling strands of her hair.

“No no no NO! I c-c-can’t believe it! After e-everything I have d-done for you, you're going to toss me aside to i-impregnate all the h-hot woman there's left! I c-can't forgive you!” She dropped to her knees, sobbing. He planned a surprise but with her on the ground, cursing his entire existence. All his purposely misleading words seemed unreasonably cruel now.

There were no proper words to get her to understand when she spiraled in self loathing like that. So he did the only thing he could think of. Byakuya lowered himself to her level, cupping her face with affection.

“The one I want is you. Promise to be by my side. After all this time, after everything I lost, you never left my side. I could go and seize other women if I wanted. But I won't do that, and that's because the only woman I desire it's you.”

“W-what…?”

“Toko Fukawa, I need you by my side. You're the one I want.”

An intense blush grew in her cheeks.

“Am I d-dreaming?” She whispered, pinching her arm. “I'm awake but it doesn't feel real. Those are some very surreal words you're spelling Master…”

Instinctively his arms enveloped her frail frame. His chin resting in the crook of her neck. This close he could feel her skin shiver.

“Stop calling me Master, I have asked you already.”

“But… But I don't understand…”

He placed a tender kiss over her lips.

“Toko, what I'm trying to say is.. Will you marry me?”

Her jaw swung to the floor, her eyes completely open in total shock.

“Yes… Yes! Of course I will Mas-, B-Byakuya. I will… I love you so much… Always had…”
The kiss they shared was one of longing, regret, relief and finding. It stang. It couldn't be more perfect. And yet, Byakuya peeled himself off her, holding her shoulders.

“Toko… I think there's someone else I must ask. Would you please switch to Jill?” She wasn't happy to do so.

Those were the events that led him to wait by the temple's entrance. All their friends waiting for them inside, Makoto and his sister stood beside Hagakure, who was the only possible officiant they could find. There was no music, no decoration, no flowers, no rings to be exchanged. Surprisingly, that didn't bother him.

Sure, he wished to throw a luxurious party, but Toko refused. Begging for a simple ceremony.

Beside him, Toko took his arm. She was beautiful. Still her, no makeup nor stylized hair. Her hair was down, a plain chiffon veil over it, and she chose a long white dress equally as plain. Nevertheless… It was quite elegant. He would have to thank Kyoko for helping Toko.

With their arms locked they entered the temple and stopped in front of Hiro.

“We're all together to... Uh... Celebrate? Yeah, celebrate... Love! We're all witnesses of love. Because only love can explain how a fiend and a jerk found each other in the supposedly end of the world. Uh... Forget that part..."

"Skip the pleasantries Yasuhiro." He growled.

"Whatever, dude." Hiro declared nonchalant. " Right. Byakuya Togami do you accept this woman as your wife? It's not too late to say you're being threatened to go through with this." He whispered the last part.

"I do."

"Okay... I don't think I need to ask, but Toko Fukawa do you accept this man as your husband?"

"Yes! I accept. I do. A hundred times, yes!"

Hiro raised his arms in defeat.

"Too late for me to ask this now, but does anyone here has any objections towards their marriage? No? Well... Lucky you, I guess. Hey man, you can kiss your bride now." He said before stepping away with a laugh of disbelief. Makoto looked happy to be there and Komaru cried for the realization of her best friend's dream.

Byakuya found Hiro's instruction fitting with what he was wishing himself. So he did just that.

After everything they went through. After all the difficulties they had to overcome. He could finally live as he deemed fit. No lies. No feelings tucked away.

With a kiss that exploded in his chest, he too promised to dedicate himself to her, just as she promised him so many years ago.

She was finally his. And he supposed he was finally hers too.