Into The Rose Garden (Seidou x Kanae/Karren)

Chapter One hundred and fifteen - Frieden (Finale)

Note: This chapter contains sexual content between two consenting adults, while also somewhat touching on emotional and mental vulnerability, viewer discretion is adviced. 

"I-Is everything in order, Shuu...?" Shuu rolled his eyes at the brunette male. "For the eleventh time Seidou, yes. You can quit being such a nervous Nelly!" Seidou sighed deeply. "I-It's just...the wedding is coming up really soon, a-and everything has to be in order!" Seidou's face is quickly taken a hold of by a sort of plumage that also resembled gemstones of blue coloring.

His chest heaving, walking back and forth as he went on and on. "T-This doesn't just have to be perfect for us, it has to be for the guests! Are you certain that blues and reds should be the theme color here?! What if everyone else thinks it's tacky? What if-?!"

Shuu grabbed a hold onto Seidou, looking him dead in the eye. "Seidou, keep your composure in check. You're breaking out again, just...breathe...

Seidou chooses to listen to the simple and yet active advice, pulling himself away and breathing rather deeply. His bouncing heart staying in place as it had been soothed by the slow and calm rhythm from his lungs. Like a soothing lullaby from a mother easing her children's anxieties. Each breath deeper and slower than the last. Shuu also took this time to take his own breaths of fresh air, allowing for a soothing environment. 

Seidou then huffed, smiling meekly at the soon-to-be distant cousin through marriage. "Thanks Shuu, I needed that... But what should we work on now?" Seidou had crossed his arms as he asked this mundane question. 

"Well, if you don't mind me asking, I am rather curious on...who is to show up for this union." Seidou huffed, walking forward, at a slow pace for he and Shuu to continue this conversation.

"Because truth be told, Seidou Takizawa, I am a man of class, but I do wish to prepare myself for the unexpected." Seidou giggled softly in small amusement. "W-Well...Kari and I...we had to think a lot on that. As you already know, Kari...she didn't get the comfort to have her family, and it can be seen from space how tough that really is. I can never picture what life without my own family could ever be like... But, I think...that's why she wants you all there." Shuu's eyes widened. "Us?" "Yeah, you're the closest thing she's ever had to family, the household. She loves each and every one of you, it was only fitting to invite you all."

Shuu smirks. "Oh, that's awfully sincere of you. I know we're...not the greatest of friends, but I find pride in considering you my own. Thank you for that chance." Seidou bopped his head, leaning against the nearest wall. "There's a lot going on, and I know that Kari is working on herself." "Who else is coming?" Seidou scoffed lightly. "You're still on that?" "Well of course, you seriously expect me to believe that it is only the Tsukiyama household that is to take attendance?"

Seidou rolled his eyes, standing back up. "Well, there's my own family, my friends...that includes Hide and my old pals from middle school...." "What about your dove-? I mean...your CCG allies?"

Seidou again sighed, shrugging. "I...barely had any... The closest I had to friends were Hide, Amon, I guess Mado, a-and-!" "Houji?" Seidou blushed softly, pulling his hair back, taken completely by surprise.

"H-How do you know that name?! Have I ever-?!" "Chie took Karren out for drinks recently, Karren was really drunk and let loose about it... She didn't mention much of anything else to her, don't you worry! But...is there something I should know about him?" Seidou kept on walking along, Shuu followed suit. 

"Not a lot, not really. We were partners, not friends... You know, when we were trying to hunt you down." Shuu lowered his head in silence. "It's a weird situation he and I have, it is. We're not friends, like at all, and yet he's always been so kind to me, even after the whole case with Rushima. I really do look up to him, and I did consider inviting him, even Kari was considering it for my sake! But in the end...I thought it would be a little too weird." Seidou chuckled nervously. "I-I mean he's still an investigator, and I used to be one, and here I am about to marry 'the enemy'. It wouldn't feel right!" Shuu nodded, placing a hand onto his side. "I can understand where you are coming from, a complicated situation truly." "Still, it isn't just that, it's... I don't know, weird I guess..." Shuu chuckled warmly. "With my years of experience with the art of gossip and drama through high society, I trust your judgement on that. But why not your other friends?"