Helpful terminologies:
Montsuki - a Japanese traditional wedding attire for the groom which is comprised of kimono, hakama and haori;
Haori - a traditional Japanese hip- or thigh-length kimono-style jacket, worn over a kosode
Hakama - loose trousers with many pleats in the front, forming part of Japanese formal dress.
San san kudo - a formal and ritualized drinking of a small amount of sake which is a ceremony of binding. (it is simplified for the purpose of this fiction)
Sakazuki - a part of a sake set which is a flat saucer-like cup.
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4 days after the attack on Liberio & World War Declaration on Paradis
Only two days after the remaining Warriors' post-mortem meeting on the assault towards Liberio, they were summoned again by Commander Magath with an immediate sense of urgency. Within three days, the military finally received the confirmed devastating number of deaths caused by the Colossal Titan's transformation blast up the coastal area north of Marley, the Attack and Founding Titan's ambush in central Liberio, all with the support of the Survey Corps of Paradis Island. There had been 1,594 confirmed deaths after the tragedy that befalls Liberio following Willy Tybur's declaration of World War against the Devil's island.
Yet, it was still not as many as the thousands of lives lost on the day our Warriors breached Wall Maria nine years ago.
That voice deep inside Reiner's brain chided at his attempt of masking a sense of indifference.
They too lost not one but two Titans of their own - the Beast Titan due to Zeke's defection to their enemy's side and the Warhammer Titan. The attack decimated the whole Tybur family, including Lord Willy Tybur's sister, the former holder of the Warhammer Titan which was now in Eren Jaeger's possession.
Reiner remained calm as he settled next to the Cart Titan's holder, Pieck on one side of the discussion table. He was really devastated when the exact number of casualties were reported but the only thing on his mind right now was just how soon he can launch a rescue mission to Paradis in order to bring Gabi and Falco home from beyond enemy lines. The idea was shot down by Magath two days ago but maybe, just maybe if he mentioned it again today, Magath would have had a change of mind.
The small meeting room was only big enough to hold a medium-sized table where the Warriors were seated in the same arrangement two days before. It didn't escape their attention that there seemed to be an extra chair on the other head of the table, prompting Porco to point it out to Magath.
"We're expecting a guest, Commander?"
"Yes, but we will worry about that later."
Reiner ran a hand through his hair in frustration as he pleaded, "Magath, please, the longer we delay this rescue mission, the higher the chance that Gabi and Falco will be dead."
His immediate superior shook his head. "Reiner, look around you and outside the windows. We have no resources to be salvaged, piles of bodies to be buried and extracted from the rubbles. As much as I want to give you the sanction for this mission, our duties as Warriors are to clean and rebuild Liberio and extending humanitarian relief. Just because all of our families fortunately survived the assault, the aftermath is affecting our economy and morale. Gabi and Falco are important but they are not our priority at the moment. If Gabi is anything like you, Reiner, she would be able to survive on Paradis for one more week as you did nine years ago."
Reiner's thin, pale lips tightened in a straight line. He averted his gaze to the nearest window next to him as if indirectly holding everything out there responsible for Magath's indecisive stance against his young cousin's rescue.
"Listen carefully, none of the higher officials survived Eren Jaeger's assault. You'd think the other nations are ready to be at our beck and call for help right now? I'm afraid not. Our discussion may not be monitored right now but here is where the opportunity presents itself for us to slowly take over the military governance by the main government. As of today, due to Zeke's treason, Reiner is the new War Chief effective immediately and this decision received the support from the current proxy government officials."
All of the Warriors stared at each other upon the sudden news by their immediate superior before all eyes instantaneously landed on Reiner, whose eyes looked like they were about to pop out of his sockets.
He was as shocked as everyone else. He did not see that coming. The younger him would be gloating and basking in his fresh promotion but now, he couldn't even bring himself to feel the slightest content. It was indeed one of the things he has in his bucket list yet checking it off no longer have the sense of fulfillment he'd been seeking for in his life.
Magath continued, "Although it is a cause of celebration, it has to be at the back burner for now. Now, onto the next order of business." He fished out a thin set of papers with an elaborate symbol consisted of a circle overlapped with three blades forming a triangle on top of the front page, with a strong cursive penmanship of its title: Private & Confidential Press Circular. From the royal Azumabito Family of Hizuru, East Sea. For The Eyes Of The Following Recipient: Commander Magath of Liberio, Marley.
Their immediate superior flipped the customized press kit open, tearing away the wax seal of the royal family in the process and began to read its contents out loud.
"To our treasured ally, the house of Azumabito sends our deepest condolences and sympathy for the recent tragedy that struck Liberio. Rest assured that Hizuru will always hear your plight for assistance and support."
"In the light of events, the Hizuru empire is very pleased to share the news of the recent discovery of the long-lost descendant of Lord Azumabito, making her the last generation of the great ancient shogunate that was responsible of Hizuru's prosperity, wealth and strong international alliances. Her young Highness's recent coronation will prove to be a blessing that will guide our nation during its darkest times."
"The young Highness, whose name will remain undisclosed for security measures, openly expressed her regrets on Marley's time of crisis and wishes to extend her intentions to lend a needed helping hand to the victims."
"Rich in tradition, the Hizuru empire honors the long-standing alliance with the Marley government. Our representative would be present to personally relay our humble assistance and the conditions."
Porco huffed in response. "As always, everyone wants something in return for a little help."
Pieck hushed her longtime friend's words, expressing her disappointment. "Porco, we should listen before we decide. The Commander is right. We have no resources to rebuild, let alone for defense. We're vulnerable right now. In fact, I don't think we even have anything to offer Hizuru in return."
"The Miss is right, officers." A low, hardened voice interrupted their discussion. An older pale man, dressed in a dark blue plain suit stood tall against the doorway. His aged but muscular form approached the center of the room where the Warriors were seated. From the manner when he greeted the younger Warriors with a small, respectful bow and his very distinctive facial feature could only confirm that the new visitor came all the way from the country in the East Sea. His steadfast, solid figure and the gold military emblems, as well as symbolical insignias adorning his suit, would only reinforce his extremely high position of a well-respected army battalion.
"Pardon for coming in unannounced, Warriors of Marley. I'm just an old man who's trying to be relevant again in the current days." A low chuckle accompanied his good-natured, unguarded voice.
All the younger officers stood up in respect to the newcomer's presence and responded with Marley's military salute. Even Porco, who was initially wary showed a sense of respect from his gesture.
"Warriors," Magath broke the ensuing short silence, "this is Admiral Tadaoki Hosokawa, the greatest leader of the mighty naval fleet from Hizuru. One of the East Sea's best veterans."
Reiner had a starstruck look upon his face. Admiral Hosokawa was a legend he had heard so often way even before his younger self enlisted into the Marley Warrior recruitment program. Rumored to be a descendant of the great naval figure in history, Mori Motonari, Hosokawa was like an ancient warrior whispered among aspiring young soldiers even amongst those across the seas.
"Your Excellency, may I introduce you to one of our best assets, Marley's new War Chief, Reiner Braun. His proven experience on the battlefield and his loyalty to our government make him the best strategist we have."
"Magath, there's no need for formalities. Haven't we been longtime friends?" Hosokawa laughed before turning his attention to Reiner. "I have heard of the tragedy that had claimed the life of your previous War Chief, Zeke. Although I've seen you in battle, young man. You are the holder of the Armored Titan, aren't you? You are very impressive. That is why we would never make ourselves one of your enemies. At least, not for long."
Reiner accepted the hand Hosokawa extended, his face brimming with indescribable pride and honor. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that he would be commended by a legend.
Hosokawa seated himself on the empty chair, resting his arms on the table and leaning his face against his clasped hands. After addressing Porco, Pieck and Colt, he began his introduction.
"Madam Kiyomi Azumabito sends her personal condolences on the recent tragedy that has befallen Liberio. I believe you have been made aware of the contents of the royal Azumabito family's press release. The Hizuru empire realizes the need for us to come together during this trying times and therefore, is very keen to reinforce our existing alliance with welfare assistance for the survivors and victims' families, emergency resources for the rebuilding and reconstruction of civilians' homes and temporary sea, land and air military defense in exchange for an eligible young man from Marley, preferably from Liberio to join our newly coronated princess in holy matrimony in six days time."
Magath shook his head in disbelief. "I'm sorry, I must have misheard you, Lord Hosokawa. In exchange for all the assistance, Hizuru requires a man to become the princess' husband? Like, any man?"
"Preferably someone around her young Highness' age, she is turning twenty years old in four moons after all."
The other three younger men were already giving each other looks of confusion as if Admiral Hosokawa had just lost his grip on his sanity.
The older man continued, "Hizuru has always been a good supporter of the old Eldian empire, an Eldian from Liberio would be a preferable candidate. It will prove to the other nations that Marley and Hizuru are united and this alliance will be carried on by the future descendants of the princess and her Eldian consort."
"The terms and conditions of our proposal are as the following. When an agreement has been reached today and a candidate has been chosen, the first wave of emergency resources such as medical and edible supplies will be arriving from Hizuru by sunrise tomorrow at the south coastal area that is unaffected by the attack."
"Secondly, after a successful wedding procession in six days time, Hizuru will be providing lumber, masonry and the resources necessary to fix all damaged homes and reconstructing main buildings that were destroyed by the attack as well as contributing to the building of a new shelter for children and women who were affected with loss on the seventh day from now. The princess herself personally insisted on this second phase. She is indeed a strong advocate for orphans and widows affected by wars. On top of that, a group of military aid team consisted of 200 trained soldiers will instantaneously be under Marley's command."
Hosokawa continued, "Thirdly, the final and ongoing phase would be the birth of the firstborn child and the consecutive children hereafter. Upon the conception of the first child, Hizuru will provide partial temporary defense on land, air and the seas. Full military artilleries and land soldiers will be transferred into Marley's permanent ownership upon the successful birth of the first son, who will carry the Azumabito family name. The reason for this is, the Princess is the last descendant of the great noble bloodline of the royal ancestry, which we have extremely high hopes to preserve and continue. It is a part of our culture, tradition and identity."
Magath asked, "But, Admiral, what if the consort happens to be infertile?"
"After 12 months, should the princess be displeased or no conception has occurred, the Hizuru empire deserves the right to reassign another Eldian of an equivalent rank to be the princess' next consort. However, I must assure you that the longer it takes for an heir to be born, Marley would also be vulnerable and open to any other attacks during that period."
The only woman present inside the room, shook her head in disbelief. Pieck hasn't even met the royal figure yet but she was already harboring sympathy for the princess, who happened to be the same age as she is. No woman deserved to be treated like a human factory whose purpose was only to breed and raise children to further a nation's political agendas.
Porco nonchalantly asked, "Is the princess beautiful?", causing Pieck to hush him, in fear of upsetting the Admiral.
However, on the contrary, and much to everyone's surprise, Hosokawa let out a hearty chuckle and a rather cryptic response. "Young man, I could personally vouch for the Princess' beauty and strength in person. If it wasn't more important for our alliance and if all of my sons were not already married, I would be the first to offer one of their hands to our princess. She is a young woman worth a thousand soldiers if not more, easy on the eyes but requires nothing less than a sacrifice for those who dared to seek her conquest. She is our very own warrior Princess, deserving nothing less than another Warrior's hand".
A woman worth a thousand soldiers.
A sudden throbbing irritated the inside of his head, causing Reiner to shut his eyes in reflex. He felt like an old memory just flashed inside his brain, but this time he was wide awake instead of sleeping. What was that? Why did Lord Hosokawa's words trigger something inside his memories?
Shaking his head, Reiner realigned his focus back to their conversation. This alliance would be that golden chance for him to execute his retrieval plans but memory flashes aside, he had another concern of his own as well. It seemed that their newly-elected War Chief was having mixed feelings and this did not escape Hosokawa's perceptive gaze.
"A coin for your thoughts, War Chief Braun?," Hosokawa interjected, causing everyone's attention to drift back to the young military veteran.
"Your Excellency, I apologize if this would be a bit out of line, but I was wondering, would it be a concern to the Hizuru empire if the consort candidate happens to be a Titan shifter?"
The other male Titan shifter narrowed his gaze towards his now immediate superior, before exchanging questioning looks with Pieck who was sitting on the opposite side.
The grey-haired naval leader shook his head. "We are aware that a person who holds the power of the Titans would have a constrained lifetime but no, it would not be a concern to us, as long as the three aforementioned conditions are fulfilled."
Satisfied with Hosokawa's explanation, Reiner nodded with understanding.
Hosokawa stood up and said, "If there are no other concerns, I believe it's best if I excuse myself. It has been a pleasure to sit here and meet the great Warriors of Marley." He moved across the room and shook Magath's hand firmly. "I trust we would receive a decision by the evening?".
"Of course, Lord Hosokawa. You will have my word by sunset", answered Magath with a respectful salute. He waited for several seconds until he heard the distinctive sound of the closing door.
He advised the younger soldiers, "We've all heard from the Admiral. If we agree to their requests, Liberio will be rebuilt much quicker, our military forces will be improved and upgraded within a month or two. This could be to our advantage."
Reiner agreed. "We can even launch a rescue mission for the children's retrieval and the takeover of Paradis within a week after the wedding." In Reiner's mind, if this alliance could make Gabi and Falco's rescue a top priority and at a sooner possibility, well, nothing else mattered to him.
"Sir," Colt, the silent observer throughout the whole affair, reminded everyone of his presence. "I volunteer. I want to bring my brother home and I want to rebuild Liberio for our people. So, I would like to volunteer myself as the consort candidate."
Magath seemed to be giving Colt's suggestion a serious consideration. However, the older man later shook his head. "Colt, despite the fact that you're younger than the princess by two years, you're still a Warrior trainee. It would potentially be disrespectful to Hizuru's good faith if Liberio sends a Warrior candidate as her consort instead." He directed his gaze towards his immediate right-hand. "Reiner?"
Understanding the meaning behind Magath's explanation, he responded. "We should accept Hizuru's proposal and only a Warrior would be a respectable candidate as the royal consort."
Porco interrupted his words, "No offense, man but are you fuckin' serious right now? Just because Hizuru's asking for a dick-" Pieck glared at him and he nervously corrected his choice of wording,"-husband, I meant, husband, so we just give them what they want? Am I the only one here who thinks Hizuru's up to something? And I can't fuckin' put my head on it right now. And I don't like the fact that it's down to either you or me, since well, you-know-who defected."
Pieck cautioned Porco's opinion but nevertheless, made her concerns known. "Reiner, as much as I don't really agree with how Porco worded everything, he's actually right. Hizuru's planning to give out more things than they're getting in return. Don't you think it's a bit suspicious?"
Reiner's mind drifted into nothingness as he stared down at the shiny surface of the polished table, unable to offer any justification to his comrades' concerns.
Magath exhaled a long breath. "If we turn down Hizuru's proposal, what is our next step? Could we rebuild Liberio on our own? How many more people would we lose in the next 24 hours because we have insufficient emergency and medical assistance? Eighty-seven to ninety-three percent of our troops have already been decimated in the attack, we have less than ten percent remaining soldiers for defense right now. If a long time ally is offering a lifeline, we could at least consider the helping hand." If only the Tybur family patriarch was still alive, they would never find themselves in such a dire situation.
"If anyone should make the sacrifice, it should be me." Reiner broke his earlier silence before continuing, "As the new War Chief, I understand the responsibility that comes with it. As much as Gabi and Falco need to be retrieved immediately, I understand now that my duty to our people here takes precedence over everything else. If wedding and bedding a princess would benefit the Eldians in Liberio during our times in need, then I will lay my heart and everything that I have on the line to carry my duty. If everything goes well, we could leave for Paradis the very next morning after the wedding."
He only has less than 22 months left to live and Hizuru only needs heirs whom he will provide in exchange for his people's safety, security and future. His people have been oppressed for so long that he knew he could achieve something better with another sacrifice he was about to make. Just as long as he keeps his eyes on the bigger picture.
Porco shook his head, his words dripping with unintentional sarcasm. "That's pretty fucked up to me, man. In normal circumstances, I would applaud you for your bravery but knocking up the princess on your wedding night and leave for a suicide mission the next morning, is really stupid. Not that I would volunteer either." He lifted his hands in surrender.
Colt couldn't agree more. "Mr. Braun, don't you think that might be too hasty? Wouldn't it be better for us to gain Hizuru's utmost trust before we proceed with the rescue plan? What about the Princess' feelings?."
It puzzled him on how the others could be empathetic towards a person they have never even met in real life. "Colt, I'm pretty sure you're aware how the situation goes down. At this very moment, the Princess' feelings are the very least of my concerns. Sometimes, children can be conceived regardless of the circumstances. Even without love, because love takes time and that is something neither I nor everyone here has. As long as I fulfill the three conditions, Marley fulfills the end of our bargain. There was no clause mentioning that I need to care for her or the future child she will carry."
He knew something for sure: he didn't need to fall in love with his soon-to-be wife to lay with her and he didn't need to be around or even alive, personally to raise his unborn child.
He would know it better than anyone else.
He IS, after all, a living proof of manipulative conception, abandonment, neglectful parenting and an absent father.
What an irony indeed. He would definitely be a chip off the old block, just like his dirtbag Marleyan father.
However, his marriage would also cement the future security of his whole family. His mother would live a much better life than the one she is living right now.
Good ol' Reiner Braun, the ever dutiful son, who would continue to burn himself for his mother until there was no more left of him to give.
Furthermore, that child would be the crown prince or princess of Hizuru. He or she will be spoiled for life - unimaginable wealth, an endless number of guardians, governess and teachers that could replace a missing father. Heck, his unborn child's future would absolutely be even brighter than his own and that child is not even conceived yet.
Magath cleared his throat before he nodded in agreement. Political marriages and children are after all, regular occurrences in past histories. This pivotal alliance would definitely be written in the books and it would be equivalent to a glory for the Eldians in the future.
"Before we dismiss and I am required to personally deliver our decision to Lord Hosokawa, let me stress this for one last time: when the resources and supplies have come from Hizuru, we will come up with a new plan to infiltrate Paradis. But first, we have to prepare for another pressing matter: Reiner's wedding."
The meeting that day was disbursed with a lot of mixed reactions from all the attendees.
The next day, only after the Braun family house received an unexpected visit from the dressmaker and tailor from Hizuru, did Reiner realize he had not yet prepared his mother of the breaking news. Their family members had been extremely distraught over the recent attack and even more so for Gabi's abduction that the news of his forthcoming marriage - although untimely, had brought a tiny sliver of happiness and much-welcomed hope to their family.
"I'm so proud of you, my son," gushed Karina as she pulled him into her arms. She was beyond ecstatic that her son would not only be marrying ancient royalty but would also elevate their family's status to a higher degree, even more than anyone else in Marley. She was very glad that her only son had brought nothing but luck to her.
Sadly, as she basked in her own pride, she had truly missed the way Reiner's eyes closed in despair and with fear of the unknown that lies in waiting for him. 'There's nothing I wouldn't do for you, Gabi and our family, Mama.'
He was prepared to sacrifice, yet again, what was left behind of him for their future.
-o-O-o-
10 days after the attack on Liberio.
Wedding Day.
Their ship's journey across the sea from Marley to the peaceful country in the East Sea had been accompanied by clear skies, the distant caws and merry chirping of flying seagulls in the distance and the calm riding of ocean waves. Their entourage began their journey during sunset the day before and it was only a few hours shy from the morning sunrise.
From where he was standing, he could already see the coastal terrain of Hizuru shores, the outline of village settlements and the early group of fishermen moving out to make ends meet. Based on the information from Magath, Hizuru is an agricultural country, rich with natural resources that other nations in the world are dying to trade for. Even Pieck had mentioned that the sea delicacies from Hizuru are a hundred times fresher than the ones that were available in the wet markets of Liberio.
Reiner couldn't catch even a wink of sleep throughout the night. Like a traveler embarking on an unknown yet perilous journey, he spent the whole night watching the vast, dark ocean under the starry skies with an infinite number of questions running inside his head. With a cigarette stick in one hand and a bottle of hard liquor in the other, he drank the night away with Porco by his side, reminiscing together on the good old days like it was his last night of being alive. He was just very glad that he had Porco with him because if he was alone, he knew he might pull another unquestionably stupid attempt at taking his own life. He wanted to choose the coward's way out but even then he couldn't bring himself to do it at all. He was a fool, that was for sure.
Porco took a swig out of the beer bottle while resting his body against the railing of the ship. His hands then jutted out across the railing, hanging above the waters down below. One hand playing catch with a small matchbox that Reiner left on the wooden surface. "I can't say I'm sorry that you're getting married, man. Even if it's to someone you've never met."
Reiner let out a humorless, throaty chuckle as he exhaled a long draught of smoke from his lips. "That's rich coming from someone who's been keeping his feelings for a girl that is in front of his face after all these years." Seriously, standing next to Porco was like standing next to the best friend that he lost.
'Rest in peace, Bertolt.' The small voice inside his head prodded an old memory.
Both of his best friends had or were holding back feelings for the female Titan Shifters in their division. If Porco takes any more time, he might end up exactly like the former holder of the Colossal Titan. Bringing his love to the grave along with death. Never to be shared, never to be fulfilled.
To Reiner, the only girl who had managed to spark his interest was all the way in Paradis but even then he knew it was only a fleeting crush that dissipated with his suffering in time.
When he returns to Paradis, maybe he could bring Krista back with him to Marley in order to ensure her future. Maybe he could finally fulfill the promise he made to Ymir more than five years ago.
"You might not have more than 2 years left to live, but you now have an opportunity to experience life as how it's supposed to be: get married, have a kid and have a hero's end. Your name will be mentioned in history as the man who united Marley and Hizuru and even as the father of the next crown heir. If you ask me, I won't have any more regrets. A Warrior's life is a lonely road if you don't make full use of the cards life is dealing you right now," said Porco, who had a cigarette dangling on the edge of his lips and successfully lighting it with a spark courtesy of a single stroke of the match's flint.
But then again, the question remains:
Would he even have the guts to break the heart of a young woman who, by tomorrow, will be bound to him? Destined to carry not just his family name but his unborn child as well?
When the ship finally reached the main port, they were personally welcomed and greeted by Lord Hosokawa. With his mother riding in the carriage with Magath and Pieck, he rode on a single dark horse, Porco to his left and Lord Hosokawa to his right, leading his humble entourage. They slowly moved through the pathway from the port, crossing villages and the main town. He felt, yet again, another small wave of memory tugging at his heart for reasons he was unable to clarify.
When he saw all the town villagers - men, women, elderly and children all flocked by the main road, expecting his entourage with sheer curiosity, during that small moment his brain conjured up an image from the past.
He remembered when he was a Survey Corps member, preparing to head out of the gate of Wall Rose for an excursion beyond the walls. If they were destined to lose their lives in that expedition, faces filled with fear and disappointment would be the last image that they would ever see before meeting the end of their lives.
Reiner's amber eyes glanced around at the village folks around them. However, instead of fear, he saw only sunny, cheerful expressions on their faces. Far from the contempt he had imagined earlier. As his horse trotted along the dirt road, his ears couldn't help but caught snippets of conversations exchanged amongst the villagers.
"Is that the Warrior from Marley? He looks so tall and handsome!"
"I'm so happy that it wasn't an old man they sent for the Princess's hand."
"I heard he's the Armored Titan. I don't know what the Azumabito family was thinking! Don't they care about how the Princess feels? She's marrying into misery!"
"She doesn't deserve to marry only for her to be a widow so soon."
"Shhh….keep it down. He'll hear you!"
Porco shook his head, calming his good friend as he too, overheard the menacing whispers. "Keep it calm, buddy. It's nothing new."
Despite a nagging feeling ebbing away inside him after hearing that very particular bothering sentence from one of the village elders, he continued riding his horse regardless, occasionally waving and smiling at the young children he saw looking up towards his direction. He found temporary comfort when the little tykes waved jovially back towards him. That was one of the reasons why he truly loves being in the presence of children - their pureness, free of any judgmental bones inside their bodies.
His subconscious slowly pushed aside his uncertainty with the hammering of his heart inside his chest as their entourage moved all the way up the pebble-riddled route leading towards a large castle uphill in the heart of Hizuru's capital. Its vicinity alone would defeat Liberio's size much easily from sheer vision. Lord Hosokawa mentioned that it was a mansion but it was no different than a castle with very intricate oriental details adorning every inch of its roofs, gates and even windows.
The hustle and bustle of the castle attendants running back and forth in order to prepare for the arrival of their guests and celebrated groom did not stop as soon as the entourage from Marley arrived within the grounds of the Azumabito stronghold.
Porco smirked at a group of fair, blushing girls peering behind the curtains of one of the castle's windows. He winked at them cheekily, causing them to disburse with hearty giggles. He snuck a quick glance at the blonde-haired Titan shifter. "Come to think of it, now that we're here, maybe there are some good things in Hizuru. I could definitely sample some of the local specialties later. Can't let you be the only one who has all the fun exploring exotic territory tonight." Porco chuckled to himself.
Reiner rolled his eyes in disbelief. "Can you not think with your dick right now, Galliard?"
Porco leaned in and whispered to his left ear in response. "Have you look at the girls just now? If those were just the castle maids, damn, I can imagine how much more beautiful your bride would be. If you're having cold feet, Braun, I'm more than happy to switch places with you right now if it's possible."
"You're unbelievable," Reiner grunted as he purposely steered his horse further upfront, away from his good-intentioned yet deliberately outrageous comrade. Moreover, Porco's untimely crude humor only made his nerves jittered annoyingly, even more than before.
His inner predicament stayed undivulged with him all while he was requested to change out of his Marley formal uniform to a pair of montsuki, a traditional wedding attire from Hizuru. Its crisp black and white cotton blend material fit snugly to his build even with the large sleeves, enhancing his Warrior's strength, like a domineering bushido from the ancient times. At least that was what the description intended to be, according to the kind old tailor who personally traveled all the way to Liberio to hand-make his montsuki, a day after Lord Hosokawa's visit.
He looked at the forlorn face of the man reflected on the large standing mirror inside the holding room: a fierce, steadfast man of authority, a war dog but with well-concealed fears and insecurities.
Would the Princess treat him like he is a lesser being?
She wouldn't know how life was like for him. She couldn't understand what he has gone through even if he told her everything.
Would the Princess accept the fact that he could never truly open himself up or offer his heart to her?
Love needs time and time is running short for him.
Maybe he should keep his distance from his bride and only communicate with her when it is truly important. He would only touch her when it's necessary. Nothing more beyond that.
It was no way to live but it would hurt less when his time is up and he had to leave this world for good. He has no time in his life to care for a wife or a child who he, won't even permit himself to love.
Porco was right. A Warrior's life is a broken, lonely road.
Maybe this marriage was more a curse than a blessing after all.
A sigh escaped his thin lips in a long exhale. He's been doing that a lot lately. As if the weight of the whole world was literally weighing him down. Ever since his return from Paradis.
Planning to apologize to his soon-to-be wife on their wedding night, and preempting her to a life full of suffering, was not a part of his plan. But then again, what else was new? He was born to break things -- walls, friendships, trust and now, a stranger's heart.
His eyes occasionally darted on his best man, who was lounging and freely abusing the liberty of the welcome spread prepared by their host: too much wine for too little guests from Marley. The Jaw Titan holder was perched on the velvet settee at the center of the room, helping himself to the fresh fruits and desserts served by the stewards of the castle.
"Porco, when are you going to tell Pieck how you really feel about her?" uttered Reiner as he let one of the family attendants adjusted the ties around his hakama, to which his friend's eyes widened in confusion.
"Where the fuck did that come from?"
"I mean you've known her since like forever, don't waste another day of life without truly living when we're on borrowed time."
"Jeez man, you're only getting married. It's not your funeral. Stop talking as if you're going to drop dead on your marriage bed tonight. Pfft…" Porco scoffed. "Besides, Pieck knows it. I know it. There's no need for us to proclaim it out loud for the whole world to know. That's enough."
"If I'm not getting a happy end, at least I know you both get to have yours. That's how much I care about you two."
"Shit man, I don't need to get married to Pieck to be happy. Let's face it - having a family will never be in our books. What's the point of having a child if you won't live long enough to raise them -- I mean if both of us are not going to be around." His voice felt like it was stuck in his own throat as he realized that he did not keep his words in check. Again. "Well, you know….that it's totally different than your situation though. Your bride will live till she's grey and old, raising your kids and grandkids. She can even afford to raise the next three or four generations of the Braun family with the riches she has right now." Porco shrugged as he took another sip from the wine glass in his hand. He almost bit his tongue off because of his blunder, considering Reiner's situation. "At least for all of us, the 'chosen Eldians', we won't get to live long enough to see our legacy. Not in this lifetime."
The blonde-haired Titan shifter averted his gaze in an understanding of the painful, heavy meaning that lied within Porco's words.
The chief steward of the household, a polite and respectful man, Kagetsuna Akayama, someone who Reiner believed might only be slightly older than he was, appeared from the doorway and approached the spot where he was standing. The attendant from earlier was almost finishing the final touches to his haori and tidied up any seams that were out of place. His hair was combed back in a neat pull compared to his usual side parting.
A feminine hand grasped at his shoulder. Reiner turned around and saw the sunny, smiling face of his aged mother. She was dressed in a custom-made dress from Hizuru, its color combination of pink flowers on light purple silk made her look regal. Befitting for a mother-in-law to a royal Princess. "Are you nervous, Reiner?" She asked as she dusted a stray lint away from his bell-shaped sleeves.
His golden eyes reflected the rays from the beautiful, warm sun, slipping in through the open shoji windows. "A bit, Mother. I hope I won't embarrass myself in front of everyone. I mean - I don't even know her name." For a twenty-one-year-old young man, he could still feel the anxiety he experienced when he was an eleven-year-old boy. His tone of voice, however, was quite contradictory to his tall, confident posture. Self-doubting and unsettling.
"My son, she would love you as you are. Maybe not as much as I do but in time, she will care for you. I haven't had the opportunity to meet her earlier but Madam Kiyomi, the Hizuru ambassador personally told me that the Princess IS the perfect match for you. In every way. So, should we question our host in their very own home, Reiner?"
Reiner let out a nervous smile. "Of course not, Mother. Never."
"Thank you for bringing honor to our family. If only Gabi was here, she would've been happy to share this moment with us."
"I promise I will bring Gabi home soon. Just hold on for a little bit longer."
Kagetsuna bowed down to the mother and son, addressing them both after staying aside in respect of their private conversation. "Lord Reiner, Lady Karina. The ceremony will begin shortly. Allow me to guide you to the gardens."
Reiner took in a deeper breath and nodded as the occupants of the room finally made their way out of the guest room.
-o-O-o-
The backyard of the Azumabito family mansion was large enough to host the wedding ceremony. Overlooking a river and the vast lands of townhouses, the garden was decked with a combination of white lily flowers and pink tuberoses along the aisle, separating two different parties involved in the wedding. Loose pink rose petals were strewn across the dark red carpet covering the walkway, where the bride will be making her grand entrance. The sound of slow, beautiful music could be heard coming from a group of seasoned musicians with traditional local instruments in their hands, enhancing the merriment of the guests present.
The handful amount of representatives from Marley couldn't help but be infected with the joy and laughter from the local guests. Various local high-ranking officers and ministers could be seen socializing with Madam Kiyomi and Lord Hosokawa. Magath seemed more than content to be rubbing shoulders with extremely important people from the East Sea country. Meanwhile, Pieck, sitting in between Karina and Porco, gave a small smile to Reiner, who was sitting patiently on the velvet dais right upfront. He looked surprisingly ready for the biggest moment that, according to Magath again and again, would be the most notable event in world history.
The Cart Titan holder wished for her longtime friend to finally spend the remaining time he has left with true happiness.
Reiner's marriage to the Princess of Hizuru today would not only signify the union between two nations, but it would also set a lifelong alliance in stone, one that will transcend beyond time and generations.
The holder of the Armored Titan remained calm, sitting cross-legged and hands resting against his hakama. His right fingers, however, were fidgeting restlessly against the dark fabric. To his right was the priest of Shinto faith, a religion that was adopted by the locals and was recently embraced by his bride. The old man, garbed in his traditional robes, could be heard offering prayers to the deities above.
Reiner wasn't a believer of any spiritual figures of the sort but he would not disrespect the Princess' faith in any way, thus that was why he consented to have the main wedding ceremony performed according to Hizuru's customs.
Out of the blue, there was a uniform silence across the venue. Soon after, one by one, the guests all stood up and turned their bodies towards the direction of the aisle. All eyes were fixed against the main door of the hall leading from the inside of the mansion.
The bride, dressed in a bridal kimono of pure white, stood straight and poised with her face hidden by a sheer veil. In her fair hands was a bouquet of pink oriental flowers, complimenting the silk embroideries on the lower parts of her own haori.
White against black.
She was the equivalent of light to his darkness.
Her pureness and innocence to his sins and imperfections.
Or so he thought.
He could hear the throbbing of his own heart as his bride took precise, composed steps towards the dais in a slow yet fluid movement. Her head hung low as she allowed her legs to carry her body gracefully. Trailing behind her were four ladies-in-waiting, all dressed in matching ensembles. The first girl held a golden tray with a ceramic jug and a small drinking cup. The other three seemed to be carrying similar trays but with a blade nestled in their sheaths, each in a different color - black, dark blue, and red.
Reiner then kept his head straight ahead when the Princess finally reached the dais. Yet it didn't escape the observation out of the corner of his eyes on the unusual height of his soon-to-be wife. She towered above the other ladies in the garden, he realized.
After she had finally settled right in front of him, only then the priest began the initiation of the ceremony.
"We offer our prayers to the great deities, Izanagi, and Izayami. We seek thy blessings for our gathering today and bless the union of these two souls; Lord Reiner of the Braun family from Marley and the Lady Mikasa of the Azumabito family."
Reiner looked at the old man in confusion. Did he just say, Mikasa?
Maybe it was a common name in Hizuru after all.
What were the odds he would be marrying someone who has the same name like the girl he used to respect, albeit in fear when he was younger?
"We will begin the ceremony with san san kudo , where the bride and groom will drink from the same blessed sakazuki, to signify the union between two hearts, two souls, two families, and two nations. Lord Reiner, will you please lift the bride's veil?" The priest's words guided him and Reiner followed suit, bending forward while using the tips of his fingers to pull the sheer fabric of his bride's veil upwards.
When his eyes finally took in the revealed face of his mysterious bride, his heart stopped for a second, frozen inside his chest.
WHAT THE HELL???!
Another curse word could also be heard coming from the guest's direction, in particular, the other male Warrior from Marley, as he came to the same realization as the groom did.
'Ackerman??' Porco subconsciously gripped Pieck's hand that was next to him, prompting the raven-haired Titan shifter to react towards the small action.
"Porco, what's wrong?" asked Pieck but she received a wordless response as Porco tightened his grip on her hand that he was holding.
Reiner, on the other hand, was struggling to breathe at that point as his eyes never moved away from the face that was staring back at him with a mutual expression.
This was the SAME girl he had grown to fear years and years ago!
How could he ever forget the very last face imprinted on his memories on Paradis? The very same face that religiously haunted him in his nightmares which began five years ago?
How could he ever forget the hateful gaze in those indifferent eyes right before she shoved what had been an equivalent of a small explosive projectile to his Titan's face?
How could it be her?
At that particular moment, all of the puzzle pieces finally fit themselves together and made sense inside his messed up brain. The undisclosed name, the mysterious origin. How could Hizuru's princess even be all the way in Paradis?
He had heard from Porco that she was there at Liberio ten days ago, but he wouldn't have been able to recognize her during his delirious state. Yet now that he was up close to her, he would definitely remember the distinctive exotic feature and the scar that marred the upper cheekbone of her right cheek. Those steel grey eyes of hers…they still hold the same resentment for him.
-o-O-o-
You….
Mikasa's irises widened in obvious shock herself when the veil was lifted by the man in front of her and her heart thundered inside her ribcage mercilessly. She instantaneously turned her head towards Kiyomi, who nodded her head, indirectly reassuring her to remain calm and understanding. Reminding her that she was doing this for Paradis and there was no other way but to go through with the ceremony.
Is this some kind of a sick joke? He's Reiner Braun?
She looked back at the blonde-haired man in front of her - the very same monster who destroyed her home nine years ago. He was the very same enemy she had to fight against face to face four years later. The very same person she had called as a plague of humanity in genuine disappointment. Kami...he is the same man from the alley in Marley! Oh Sasha...you had been right all along.
He was looking equally surprised as she was, thoroughly obvious to her, from the way the outline of his thin lips shivered nervously. He had lost a lot of weight, his figure a lot leaner than she last remembered from four years ago and his cheekbones were a lot more prominent than before. His jaw was a lot sharper and like most of the men she had grown with, he was sporting a thin line of facial hair around his lips, making him appear a lot older than the young boy she remembered in Paradis. No wonder she couldn't recognize him when they first met that day!
But why is he acting as if he'd never seen her days before the assault?
"Milord, milady, shall we proceed?" The priest's voice took her away from delving deeper and deeper into Reiner Braun's solemn amber eyes. The same pair of eyes that she couldn't get out of her mind ever since the day he helped her in front of that pâtisserie.
The priest instructed the first handmaiden, Akane, to pour the sake into the flat saucer-like cup on the tray.
He looked at Reiner. "Milord, will you take the first drink?"
His hands reached out to the medium-sized ceramic offered by the young girl, the dark red liquid threatening to spill at the edges due to his trembling.
Porco was almost standing up to run to his friend's aid but another pair of hands shot up to grasp against Reiner's own, giving the much-needed support.
To everyone's surprise, the hands belong to none other than the bride.
Mikasa clutched the back of Reiner's larger hands, steadying them as she guided the saucer to his lips and he took the sweet liquor in small sips, still taken aback with her action. She didn't need to assist him but she did.
Kiyomi was looking at the interaction with relief. Lady Mikasa has already begun to perform her duty as a wife effortlessly. Supporting her husband in the public eye and protecting him from what could have been a potentially embarrassing moment where hundreds of pairs of eyes were watching, were judging the worth of a marginalized Eldian for their own royal heir.
Akane refilled the cup and Reiner took the turn in guiding the cup towards Mikasa's direction in return.
After three rounds of the drink sharing, only then the first ritual completed. Akane withdrew herself and settled next to Mikasa's side.
The priest was smiling peacefully upon witnessing the serene interplay between the new couple. He continued, "Milady, as a century-old tradition of your ancestors in Hizuru, you may present the family heirloom, the three blades of the Azumabito family symbol; the ever-vigilant Muramasa, the loyal Mitsunari and the formidable Masamune, to your groom. Masamune represents the man, Mitsunari the wife and Muramasa to protect the firstborn prince and heir, soon to be born to the empire."
Hana, the second handmaiden, moved forward with the blade sheathed inside the dark blue velvet wrapping on the tray she was holding. She then shifted the blade unto Mikasa's awaiting hands. The Shinto priest then gently guided her open arms with Masamune resting on the flat of her palms, as befitting as an offering it should be. The weathered, aged man of faith beckoned her to move slightly closer to the taller, blonde-haired man as the priest continued his words when he turned his head towards the groom. "Young lord, Masamune has been protecting the Azumabito family years and years before our times. Its blade, forged from the finest steel and a precious stone, had bathed itself with the blood of the family's enemies."
Whatever words that came out from the old priest's lips passed through his hearing without so much as a comprehension, due to the tremors coursing through his body. It almost felt exactly like it did during the night of the assault from Eren Jeager. The dire weight of this whole situation finally sunk in.
His past ghosts would never stop coming back to haunt him.
"As the new consort to our youngest noble, War Chief Reiner Braun of Marley, do you pledge your unwavering loyalty to Hizuru, its rulers and its people? To respect the Lady Mikasa, to uphold your duty as her lord husband, through light and darkness, through illness and health? Will you be the blade to her sheath? To defend her honor, to become her protector and father to her unborn children that will be conceived through this union, above all else, until death do you part?"
I don't.
"I do. Without a doubt." His grip became tighter against the blade. He couldn't deny the possibility of his new bride slaughtering his neck with the very own blade she was trusting him with, any time now.
"Lady Mikasa Azumabito of Hizuru, on the namesake of your great ancestors, Masamune, Mitsunari and Muramasa, do you pledge your unwavering loyalty to Marley and its people? To respect Lord Reiner, to uphold your duty as his lady wife, through light and darkness, through illness and health, like our divine deities, Izanagi and Izayami? To uphold his honor and authority, to be the sheath to his blade, mother to his unborn children that will be conceived through this union, above all else, until death do you part?"
I don't know.
"I do. With all my heart." Mikasa, hold your head high and whatever happens, remember, you are doing this for Eren, Armin, Historia and everyone in Paradis. Even surrendering yourself to the very monster who destroyed your home and initiated everything from the very beginning.
Amber eyes clashed with ashen colored orbs in a mixture of deep confusion, fear and uncertainty. Her face, although it was a brilliant porcelain mask of cold expression, Reiner could strongly feel that she herself was struggling to remain her own composure. There was no way in hell that a girl like Mikasa, could ever leave behind the only person she devoted herself to back in Paradis, unless she had an extremely great reason for her to do so.
A reason that Reiner still couldn't deduce yet.
What exactly happened between you and Eren, Mikasa?
Meanwhile, Mikasa could somehow perceive the blood slowly draining out of his gaunt and somewhat weary face as she also snuck a glance at the other two Warriors, seating on the front row on the groom's side. Both of them, with matching shock on their pale faces as concealed wrath was reflected inside their eyes and that was targeted especially to her. The male one practically seethed at her.
All she could think of in that tiny little headspace inside her head was an imagination of Eren standing up amongst the audience and bellowed his objection loudly.
Alas, it would never happen.
"Dear honored guests, I present to you the newlyweds, Lord Reiner Braun of Marley and now, Hizuru, with his wife, Lady Mikasa Azumabito. My Lord and Lady, may your marriage be blessed until death and your souls are bound together as one for all eternity."
Her mind was a blank canvas, drawing nothingness from all the happenings around her. She couldn't help but blame herself for not objecting to her own vows earlier.
Those vows that she just took would be forbidding any ill thoughts or actions that she wishes to execute against her then enemy and now husband.
Her vows would save him from death at her own hands.
He held out his hand for her to take, finally conscious of the warm softness of her skin against his own as he helped her up. There was only a deafening, awkward silence between them as she quickly pulled her hand away from his grasp. Meanwhile, Mikasa still couldn't shake away the ephemeral afterthought inside her head which agreed that his hands had still been as reassuring against hers. Despite now knowing that he was their enemy all along, she wouldn't allow herself to be lost in the possibility of her having harbored a potential intriguing attraction to this heartless man.
One by one, the guests came to congratulate the newlyweds on their fresh beginning. Reiner and Mikasa could at the very least, managed a small smile and a thank you. After giving way to the other important guests, Hosokawa finally had the opportunity to approach them, with Karina following closely behind. The military veteran from Hizuru leaned in to speak to Reiner in a low, hushed yet steely voice. "I will tell you the same exact words I have told our Princess the day she returned to Hizuru: matter naught what your pasts were compared to your futures that are at stake. Congratulations, your Highnesses." He ended his words with a handshake, a clap against Reiner's broad shoulder and a bow to both the newlyweds.
Reiner eventually realized at that point: Hosokawa indirectly disclosed that he had full knowledge of the young couple's history and directly partaking in the orchestration of the alliance and he was in full cahoots with the matriarch of the Azumabito family all along.
Karina, who was oblivious to the whole bigger picture, couldn't even be happier. She was grinning from ear to ear as she was accompanied by Kiyomi to give their blessings and congratulations to the new couple. She enveloped her own son in a long hug.
Kiyomi gave a meaningful look towards Mikasa. "Lady Mikasa, may Izanagi and Izayami bless you and our new Lord with joy and love for all eternity." Mikasa nodded weakly, like the obedient figure that she had grown to be ever since she returned to her ancestral home.
"This is Lady Karina Braun, your lord husband's mother," introduced Kiyomi, much to Reiner's nervousness. His mother must never know about Mikasa's origins. Ever. He was also afraid of the younger woman's reaction to his own mother.
However, his new wife conjured up a smile before bowing down in respect towards the older woman. "Mrs. Braun…"
Karina quickly corrected Mikasa's greeting politely. "Please, your Highness. You can call me Mama if you want. I am sorry to hear that you have lost your own mother at such a young age." The older Marleyan woman drew Mikasa's taller figure into her welcoming embrace. "Do know that you have a mother again now, my dear."
Mama…..
How long ago was the last time she ever called someone with that word?
Tiny droplets of tears trickled down her cheeks without her consciousness. Maybe it was due to the pent-up stress she had been keeping to herself for the past ten days, or maybe she had never realized how much she had been missing her own mother and Mrs. Jeager after all these years. Or the fact that she had been yearning to call someone 'Mama' again and she finally could, even if that person was the one who gave birth to the monster who destroyed her home and killed many innocent lives in the past.
She would take anything. If it was only for this moment.
"Oh dear me, it seems that I've made your wife cry, Reiner." Karina laughed nervously as she looked at her son while rubbing gently on the back of her new daughter-in-law.
The corners of his lips curved upwards in a nervous smile. It was not possible for Mikasa to act the way she was right now. The girl he used to know and remember might not have worn her heart on her sleeves before but he knew those tears were not made up. The Mikasa Ackerman he remembered was anything but pretentious.
Time had certainly changed them.
But, would this be an ending or a beginning?
Reiner was not sure himself but he knew all the answers lie within the younger woman standing right in front of him.
He sent a quick glance towards Porco, Pieck and Magath's directions as they were apparently standing by, for any signs of distress from him in any way. He only shook his head, imploring them to stand down and that the situation was still under his control.
-o-O-o-
They were both politely ushered - her by her handmaidens, him by his personal attendants from the mansion - towards their respective holding rooms, as soon as the long line of guests slowly made their way into the main hall of the large family dwelling. As they walked together side by side in the large hallway, they still haven't exchanged even a single direct word between them. It wasn't because of the lack of privacy, what with a group of people trailing all around them - the stewards, attendants and handmaidens. He just wasn't sure what was the right first word to ever say to her.
After the much-welcomed surprise lunge by Hange who had managed to shoot a contingency Thunder Spear into the other side of the Armored Titan's jaw, Mikasa took heed of the cue by her Squad Leader and quickly ran along the arms of Reiner's Titan form, aiming straight towards its now dislodged jaw with the Survey Corps' final disposable Thunder Spear, locked on her right hand.
"Wait. Are you-?!" Reiner finally realized what the female soldier was trying to do. His life has finally reached its end as he saw her aiming the weapon straight into his physical body's direction.
She gritted her teeth, her face burnt with pure anger. "Reiner. Come out."
The last words they ever said to each other kept on replying inside his head all the while he was changing into his Marley formal military overcoat. As he dismissed an attendant's offer to assist him with his necktie, he found himself in more doubt than ever. He did not marry a stranger but a girl whom he had a history with - as a friend, as a comrade and a known enemy, at least until today. Right before they pledged their loyalty to each other and their respective nations. If she was a stranger, everything would be a fresh slate but with her, there was the issue of his betrayal and the trust he had broken so hard that rebuilding it would be an impossible feat.
But pleasing her would be the only way for his people to be safe and protected especially right now when Liberio is close to becoming a total wasteland and his own people are suffering.
As if the Universe had perfect timing, they finally met each other again just as they stepped outside their respective doors.
He was not prepared for anything. He was not prepared for his wedding and he was not prepared to see this woman in a different light.
The moment his nose caught wind of the light floral fragrance coming from his new bride, he shook his head as it somehow oddly triggered a sense of inexplicable familiarity. As if he had come across this scent before but he couldn't remember when or where.
He remembered an image of the younger girl in front of him from four-five years ago within the wreckages of her old home in Shinganshina. Garbed in her Survey Corps uniform, standing afloat with her omnidirectional maneuver gear, looking down at him with repulsion. He was also looking up at her with a reciprocated intensity.
The young woman who was standing right in front of his eyes at that very moment, however, was like a picture painted to perfection, shedding behind the remainders of her adolescence. As she stepped forward in a white western-style wedding dress, the sheer lace fabric that wrapped against the bodice only accentuated the solid, athletic frame that she had built so well over the years. The flowy skirt complimented the long legs underneath, their outlines visible with every step that she took. While the simple diamond tiara bedecked with tear-shaped jewels nestled between her short midnight hair and the flowy veil highlighted her slender neck. It felt different but he felt a minor relief when he realized that after all this while there had been a necessary missing piece - her emblematical crimson scarf.
It was a pathway to her past and he truthfully desired for it to be indefinitely disposed of if they were to move towards their future
Lord Hosokawa was right. It mattered naught what their pasts were compared to their futures that are at stake.
No more time for regrets.
He had known her as Mikasa Ackerman.
But from today onwards until the day he dies, he will know her as Mikasa Azumabito Ackerman Braun.
His wife.
Reiner finally mustered up the courage to ask, "May I please have a moment with my wife?"
Everyone stopped fast in their tracks as they slowly turned their gazes towards the bride, only advancing forward and stopping at a respectful distance away from the newlyweds, after receiving a nod of approval from Mikasa, who was slightly taken aback with his request.
She dropped her gaze away from his face and spoke in a low tone. "I owe you no explanation." The light scent of fresh pine assaulted her senses when his head dropped down slightly next to hers.
He whispered. "So do I."
"What do you want, then?"
"To be able to look at you in the eyes and to tell you that..." There was a slight pause in his sentence as she tilted her head up slightly to look at his face, anticipating his next sentence. Their faces were too close for her own preferences but not that she would ever allow him to see how capable he was in making her flustered. Something that he wasn't able to do before.
".....you look beautiful in white." He pulled himself back and extended his arm towards her.
For Marley.
She didn't put up a fight - not to his offer and not to the blush that somehow managed to color her cheeks the moment they touched for the first time.
For Paradis.
They hated each other for so long but how could this feel like it was naturally meant to be?