Syphon's Peace

Chapter 22: Bachelorette Party

The next few days flew by in a whirlwind, the arrival of the bride and groom kicking things in high gear as the wedding approached. The arrangements were done by Wednesday after hours and hours of putting them together, and when Thursday rolled around, Reina was running around like a madwoman to make sure everything was in its place for the next day. Toshinori helped where he could, though decorating was not his forte, as made clear by the poor flower arrangements that had to be redone. So he was mainly there for moral support.

Everyone who was going to attend the ceremony had arrived and the house was fully occupied at this point. It wasn't a large gathering, Dave's parents, Hana's mom and step father with her sisters and little brother, Gregory, and a couple of Hana's work friends making up the guest list. Things were lively around the cabin, as everyone mingled and chatted, excited for the following day.

That night, after Reina had finally sat down on the porch outside, watching the sun set over the horizon as she enjoyed the peace and quiet for a moment, she heard the sliding door open and Gregory stepped out.

"Is this seat taken?" She shook her head, smiling as she patted the seat next to her.

"Of course not, my good sir."

He chuckled as he sat down gingerly beside her, resting his hands on the cane he had been using for a few months due to a knee surgery earlier in the year. He turned to her, assessing her with those warm brown eyes for a moment before he nodded to himself with a smile, seeming to confirm something in his mind.

"You know, Reina, in light of everything going on, you still have that glow of happiness about you." He smirked at her. "I take it the boy finally confessed."

She blushed but smiled at him, earning a chuckle as he reached over and patted her on the knee. "I'm glad. You deserve all of the happiness in the world, my dear. And quite frankly, so does he. There's something in his eyes, he's been through a lot and seems to have taken the whole weight of the world on his own shoulders."

Oh Gregory, if only you knew just how true that statement is.

She smiled, watching Toshi through the window as he placed a star on one of the three christmas trees before turning and scanning the room, obviously looking for her. His hair was pulled back into a bun, just like she had done for him on Thanksgiving, almost stealing her breath away by just how handsome he was.

"I love him." She admitted just as Toshi caught sight of her through the window, a smile spreading across his face as he made a beeline towards the door. "More than should be possible."

Gregory chuckled to himself as the door opened and the blonde hero stepped out, a blanket draped over his arm. "Quite the gentleman. Careful, child, you might make me swoon." Gregory cackled when Toshi wiggled his eyebrows and held his arms wide.

"I just can't help myself, professor. Your charm is just irresistible."

Gregory laughed as he rose from his seated position with a grunt. "Yeah, yeah. I'll leave you two to it. These Tennessee winters are hellacious on my old bones. Best be getting in where it's warm." With a wave, he made his way back inside, thanking Toshi for holding the door open for him as he passed.

"Hey you." she said quietly and he gave her a crooked half smile, walking over to the bench and sitting next to her.

"Hello." He unfolded the blanket and spread it across their laps. "Taking a break from the excitement, I see."

"Mhm. All of this decorating has got me beat." she said as she leaned her head against his arm. "You know, big guy, tomorrow is Christmas."

He hummed, watching the sun disappear behind the mountains. "I never would have guessed. I thought they had me decorating the trees just so Hana's sisters could stare at my butt."