SilentMike

Jake:

who would be able to leave this poor hyena waiting in the rain.

“I’m a therapist and keep this poster in my waiting room, apparently it’s saved a few lives.”

I don’t like the phrase “a cry for help.” I just don’t like how it sounds. When somebody says to me, “I’m thinking about suicide. I have a plan: I just need a reason not to do it,” the last thing I see is helplessness.

I think your depression has been beating you up for years. It’s called you ugly, and stupid, and pathetic, and a failure, for so long that you’ve forgotten that it’s wrong. You don’t see any good in yourself, and you don’t have any hope.

But still here you are: you’ve come over to me, banged on my door and said, “HEY! Staying alive is REALLY HARD right now! Just give me something to fight with! I don’t care if it’s a stick! Give me a stick and I can stay alive!”

How is that helpless? I think that’s incredible. You’re like a marine: trapped for years behind enemy lines. Your gun has been taken away, you’re out of ammo, you’re malnourished, and you’ve probably caught some kind of jungle virus that’s making you hallucinate giant spiders.

And you’re still just going, “GIVE ME A STICK. I’M NOT DYING OUT HERE.” “A cry for help” makes it sound like I’m supposed to take pity on you, but you don’t need my pity. This isn’t pathetic. This is the will to survive. This is how humans lived long enough to become the dominant species.

With NO hope, running on NOTHING, you’re ready to cut through a hundred miles of hostile jungle with nothing but a stick, if that’s what it takes to get to safety.

All I’m doing is handing out sticks.

Ryuu: …*snoring*…..*moving a little* mrghm….hmm…hmm? Why does this bed feel…*opens his eyes*…wha…*looking around, feeling wood, and water* W-what the?!

Haida: Oh, good! You’re awake! There’s a fishing pole for ya.

Ryuu: WHA?! *he realizes…he’s on a raft, in a large body of water, next to the wedding venue* WHAT THE FUCK AM I DOING OUT HERE?!

Haida: Fishing! What does it look like?

Ryuu: ….WHY am I fishing?

Haida: Because I figured it was high time you and I had a chat. You don’t want to see Retsuko?

Ryuu: …no.

Haida: Alright. So you’ll see me.

Ryuu: I don’t get a choice, do I?

Haida: Well, unless you’re an athletic swimmer.

Ryuu: …of course. I never get a choice until I push the right buttons.

Haida: Like how you didn’t want to be a part of the wedding?

Ryuu: Exactly. They just expect me to go along with it, just because I’m the younger brother. It annoys the hell out of me!

Haida: Huh. You’re reminding me a bit of myself at that age.

Ryuu: Yeah?

Haida: Yeah. I’m the youngest in my family. And…well, my sister was always kinda better at everything than me, and got a bit more attention than me. At the time, I did kinda resent her a bit. But…I guess over time, I came to realize she wasn’t all perfect, neither did she want to be. We started hanging out more, and things kinda simmered.

Ryuu: ….huh. Does she sometimes turn into a freakish monster, like mine?

Haida: Well, firstly, kinda rich coming from someone who literally turned into that yesterday.

Ryuu: Shut up.

Haida: Secondly, no. At least, not in the way Retsuko can be. She could be a bit…arrogant, I guess is the right word for it. She definitely has a lot of energy, like Retsuko, but she uses it up differently….was there a point to this? I can’t remember.

Ryuu: Look, if you’re trying to get into my good graces, or whatever, don’t bother.

Haida: …look, dude. I get it. There’s some tensions going on. You don’t want anything to do with her. But like…that’s family, man. She doesn’t even hate you! She doesn’t know what she did to rub you the wrong way!

Ryuu: I thought she did? Last time we met up?

Haida: ….you mean what happened with Ryoko? That’s what did it?

Ryuu: Well…yeah.

Haida: Why’s that?

Ryuu: …it’s just after that day, nothing ever felt right. I could just barely look at her the same way, ever again. It was like that with dad, for the longest time too. I just…thought he was doing something right. Like something was wrong with her…now I wonder if there’s something wrong with me too…

Haida: ….well….it depends on how you view it.

Ryuu: …huh? I-look, I get it, you’re marrying my sister, but…you can’t be so biased that you can’t see the problems here.

Haida: Oh, I see them. I know what can happen. That doesn’t change my view on the whole thing.

Ryuu: …why?

Haida: Because deep inside her rage, I know Retsuko for who she is, and who she wants to be. And both of those sides, I find to be absolutely wonderful. She may get super pissed off, and hard to control, but when she’s calm, and collected…she’s one of the kindest, joyous people I’ve ever had the good fortune of meeting. When she’s happy, it just warms me up so much. There are many times, either when she’s being a mother to Ikari, my girlfriend, my fiancee, or just being herself, that I could engrave into my memories because of how wonderful she is in my eyes. I know you and her don’t get along much, but there has to be at least one good memory with her, right? I hope so.

Ryuu: ……y-you know, yeah. Yeah, there was this one time.

Haida: Oh?

Ryuu: I was REALLY little. Like…1 or 2. Probably 2, I feel like that was when I started to really remember stuff. Me and Riko were outside playing, but a big storm was coming. The family was scrambling to get the house ready for the storm, and my mother picked us up. I guess she had to help dad, and was hurrying, because she just put me down on the floor. I just started walking around a little. I didn’t think much of anything, until I heard this loud bit of lightning. I was just so frightened, I screamed, and ran around, trying to find somewhere to hide. I just happened to be near Retsuko’s room, and so I hid under her bed. She happened to find me, and held me close to her. I was petrified of the thunder that was rumbling outside, but she managed to calm me down. It was weird, it was like I was suddenly so relaxed by her. I was at peace. Even as I kinda…I guess hated her, that memory still resonated with me. I often wondered why I kept that memory if I suddenly hated her so much.

Haida: …maybe you didn’t after all?

Ryuu: …I guess that would make sense. I don’t know. I-I probably messed up everything. I don’t know. She said I was out of the wedding, so I dunno what I’m doing here.

Haida: Well, the thing is, I think she’s wanting to call the whole thing off unless you were there.

Ryuu: What? Why?

Haida: I’m not sure. But that’s what she was telling me. I guess, even with the animosity, you’re still her little brother, and she would like to have you there.

Ryuu: …oh…so, is that why I’m out here?

Haida: For the most part, yeah. Sorry if it annoyed you, it’s just…I really have been wanting to marry her for some time, and I didn’t want to see it go to waste.

Ryuu: ..no, no, it’s fine. Listen, this…this was actually kinda alright. I…I’ll do the wedding. I’ll go in.

Haida: You sure?

Ryuu: Yeah. It was my fault anyway. I might as well go fix it.

Haida: But you didn’t even get a fish!

Ryuu: I hate fish anyway.

Haida: Well, alright. *puts up his fishing rod, and grabs the oars to start paddling*

Ryuu: To be honest, I’m kinda surprised you’ve been so cool with me during this. Given I…well, slapped your kid.

Haida: By all intents and purposes, I probably should kill you for that, but eh, I gotta be a bigger man here.

Ryuu: You and me both. *they eventually reach the shore, and quickly begin exiting the boat* Thanks for trying to help. You don’t seem like such a tool like before.

Haida: Hey!

Ryuu: Just sayin’! I…wait, is that…?

Haida: …it does look like it. *they both see Retsuko walking towards them, family and friends behind her, with a smile on her face*

Retsuko: You two had a good time out there? :)

Haida: Um, yeah! I think so!

Retsuko: Good! *to Ryuu* You doing okay?

Ryuu: Erm…yes? What’s going on?

Fenneko: Check the boat, dumbass. :3

Ryuu: Huh? *looks over the raft…and sees a mic* …the conversation was recorded?

Fenneko: Sorry about that, hombre. We just had to let Retsuko hear you two.

Ryuu: Oh. *sees Retsuko* …*sigh* big sister, I…I heard you didn’t want to go on with the wedding without me, and…well, look, I want to apologize for acting like I did. You’ve grown up, and…well, truthfully, I still have a long way to go. If it means you will get married, I would like to be a part again.

Retsuko: ….I mean….truthfully, I was gonna go on without you anyways?

Ryuu: …what?

Haida: B-but I thought-?

Retsuko: Oh, don’t get me wrong, I was devastated! I blamed myself for acting like I did, and kinda felt I was no good as a bride. So I WAS planning on canceling the whole thing…then Fenneko and Tsunoda kinda showed me the bill, and um, yeah, I couldn’t really cancel it.

Tsunoda: You could’ve made us waste a bunch of money, buster!

Ryuu: Ah…

Retsuko: But the fact you want to make things right makes me feel better about things, for certain. Of course you can be back in! And if it makes you feel any better, I still have a lot of growing up to do too. :)

Ryuu: Heh. Again, I’m really sorry. To you, and to everyone.

Ryota: Don’t be! *chuckles, and pats his son* I was probably being a little harsh on you. It’s all a bit sudden, I realize.

Ryuu: I guess.

Retsuko: …I gotta say, I’m surprised you remembered that whole thing in the rain! You were so young back then!

Ryuu: Believe me, I couldn’t figure out how either. But…I’m glad I did. It kinda brought me back, I feel.

Retsuko: I’m glad too. *hugs her young brother*

Haida: …ya know, there IS someone you’re forgetting.

Retsuko: Hmm?

Fenneko: Your kid. :3

Retsuko: Oh! That’s right, where is-*feels her leg being tug on* Huh? Oh! *picks up Ikari* There you are!

Ikari: Mama! *turns and sees Ryuu* *GASP!* *cowers on his mother’s shoulder*

Retsuko: Aw, Ikari! It’s okay! He won’t hurt you.

Ryuu: It’s alright, buddy. I’m sorry.

Ikari: …*looks at Ryuu, nervously*

Ryuu: *smiles awkwardly, trying not to seem like an idiot*

Retsuko: *seeing Ikari turn his head to her* …it’s okay, sweetie. He’s fine. :)

Ikari: …*looks at Ryuu again*……..*stretches out his hand, to reach*

Ryuu: *grabs Ikari, and holds him* …s’up, little fella? :D

Ikari: ….*tilts his head in confusion*

Ryuu: ….um….what’s up? How’s life?

Retsuko: *laughs* Ryuu, he can barely form words!

Ryuu: W-well, I know that! I just, um….*sticks his tongue out* bleh!

Ikari: ….*begins smiling, and giggles*

Retsuko: Aww, he’s starting to like you! :D

Ryuu: Heh, that’s, um…that’s good, I think.

Retsuko: That’s very good. ^^ *sees a car pulling up to the building* …who’s that?

Fenneko: I think that’s one of the invitees. *the car door opens, revealing Resasuke* Yyyyep.

Haida: Wow! Good ol’ Space Cadet!

Resasuke: *walks towards everyone* Hey.

Retsuko: *gives Resasuke a hug* Resasuke! I’m so happy you could make it!

Resasuke: I mean, I was invited, so…

Retsuko: True! *to her parents* Mom, dad! I’d like you to meet someone!

Rie: Oh, honey, we know hi-

Retsuko: This is my ex-boyfriend, Resasuke!

Ryota: ….

Rie: ….e-ex-boyfriend?

Retsuko: Yeah. I kinda was crushing on him at our work place, but it ended up not working out. But we’re still good friends.

Rie: …..well, uh…it’s probably a good thing that it didn’t work.

Retsuko: …huh? Do you guys not like him?

Rie: N-no, it’s not that! It’s just-

Retsuko: Oh, boy. Look, I agree, we weren’t really all that compatible, but you can’t just decide not to approve of him! We already went out, it doesn’t really work when you break it off-

Ryota: Retsuko, that’s your cousin.

Retsuko: …………what?

Ryota: Your mother’s side.

Rie: Aunt Rumi? That’s her son.

Retsuko: …………………..

Resasuke: ….you know, I THOUGHT you looked familiar when we were going out. Couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but yeah. What’s up, cousin?

Retsuko: ……………………….I………………..

Haida, Ryuu, Riko, and Hiroko: ………………..PFFFFFFT, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Ryuu: *in rage mode, being held back by Riko and Hiroko* LET ME GO, DAMMIT, LET ME GO!

Riko: NO! Agh, where are they?!

Hiroko: Tsunoda said they are on their way! But man, they better hurry-WHOA! *the two girls are suddenly launched in the air, and land flat on the floor!* ….ow.

Ryuu: GAAAAAAGH! *runs off, to wreck more stuff*

Hiroko: This is not good…*sees the engaged couple, the parents, Ikari, and Fenneko running in, with Tsunoda* Retsuko! Bro! Um…yeah, this PROBABLY doesn’t look great.

Retsuko: What happened here?!

Riko: I-I don’t know! He was fine one second, and then he just snapped!

Tsunoda: He’s ruining everything!

Retsuko: Come on! If we can catch him, we can probably cool him down! *Riko points to the direction of her brother, and Retsuko follows after him* Ryuu!

Ryuu: *overseeing the chapel, before turning his head towards Retsuko, growling* WHAT?!

Retsuko: H-hey! It’s okay! What’s the matter?

Ryuu: YOU, THAT’S WHAT!

Retsuko: Wha-calm down! Why are you acti-*sees Ikari crawling towards him* H-honey, no!

Ikari: Bwabwa? *looking at Ryuu*

Ryuu: ….GET HIM AWAY.

Retsuko: Ikari, get back! C’mon!

Ikari: Eyeh? *reaching towards Ryuu*

Ryuu: FUCK OFF! *SLAPS Ikari!*

Retsuko: *GASP!*

Ikari: ….*sniff*…*whimpers*….waaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!! *starts crying loudly*

Retsuko: …*looks at Ryuu* You. Are. DEAD! *goes into her rage, and pounces at Ryuu, knocking over several tables!*

Ryuu: AGH! DAMN YOU! *throws Retsuko through a door outside!* URGH… *follows her*

Retsuko: *coughs* WHY YOU-! *the two grab each other by the wrists, as she begins swinging him around*

Both Retsuko and Ryuu: RRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHH! *the two violently pull on each other, until she lets go, and sends Ryuu flying and crashing into the wedding cake, falling to the ground!*

Retsuko: *pants*…..*turns back to normal, but still very angry*

Tsunoda: *running out, with everyone following suit* *GASP!* *runs towards Retsuko* Retsy, what did you do?! Why is the cake ruined?! At this rate, your wedding will just be a disaster! Heck, it already is!

Retsuko: I don’t care. *storms her way towards her cake-smothered brother, and yanks him up* You done? >:(

Ryuu: …I think so. *shoves her off, and begins walking away*

Retsuko: Wha-what is wrong with you?! *trying to follow him, with Ryota following suit*

Ryuu: *while walking* Like I said, you! I didn’t want to be a part of this, all because of you!

Retsuko: Well, if you could explain why, maybe I could understand!

Ryuu: What the hell could I say that could possibly make ANY of you understand?! You even got dad on this whole joke! DAD! I expected better of him!

Ryota: EXCUSE ME?! Expected better?!

Ryuu: Yeah! Instead you’re on HER side! You both make me sick!

Retsuko: Well, you know what, you can just be off the wedding! You don’t want to be in it? FINE!

Ryuu: *stops, and turns around* Oh, yeah? Wonderful. *gets up close to Retsuko* I’d hate to see the wedding of a monster like YOU.

Retsuko: ….w-what?

Ryuu: You heard me, MURDERER. I HATE YOU! *storms off*

Retsuko: …..w…..I…..*tears begin to swell up*

Ryota: R-Retsuko, it’s okay! He’s just being a brat, we’ll get over i-

Retsuko: That’s not it, dad! I…that’s my brother! My own little brother said he hated me! That I’m a murderer! Which I am! I….*runs back*

Ryota: Retsuko!

Retsuko: *runs into Haida, and buries her face in his suit, crying*

Ikari: *in his father’s arms, rubbing his own cheek* …mama?

*later that night…*

Fenneko: *checking her phone* …this is NOT good.

Tsunoda: Uh, understatement of the century much?! That brute messed up a bunch of the decorations! At this rate, their wedding will be an absolute trainwreck!

Fenneko: No, actually, at this rate, there won’t even BE a wedding.

Tsunoda: Yeah, exa-….what do you mean?

Fenneko: Take a look. *hands Tsunoda her phone revealing texts from Haida*

Text #1: Fenneko please help

Text #2: without Ryuu Retsukos going insane

Text #3: she doesn’t want the wedding if everyone isn’t there

Text #4: I think shes gonna call the whole thing off

Text #5: Im trying my best but she wont budge

Text #6: Please Help I’m getting desperate…….

Tsunoda: …..oh, no.

Fenneko: I called up Retsuko. Apparently that whole fight left her somewhat jaded about the event. If we somehow got Ryuu to change his mind, that may get this thing back on track.

Tsunoda: Well, we don’t even know where he is!

Fenneko: We do. I got word he was staying with some friends in town.

Tsunoda: ….he has friends?

Fenneko: Shocking, I know. But he probably wouldn’t respond to Retsuko.

Tsunoda: …Haida, maybe?

Fenneko: …well, he probably doesn’t have as much resentment towards him. I reckon he would just be more annoyed with him than anything. Which, granted, is a natural reaction towards being around Haida. :3

Tsunoda: Mhmhm! …you know, when I was younger, my father used to take people he got into fights with out to fish. His philosophy was that fishing was so relaxing, tensions can be relieved by the end of the fishing trip.

Fenneko: …huh. That…might actually work. Get the two dweebs on a boat, there’s a body of water that we can use, get them to relax, maybe chat about this, it’s a win-win! We get a mic on them, we can get info to Retsuko, and she might not be so down! Hot damn, Tsunoda, that’s some smart thinking of ya!

Tsunoda: O-oh! Thank you! You have his address, right? I doubt he’ll be willing to do this.

Fenneko: Oh, I have it. I’ll convince his friends to get him while he’s sleeping. You let Haida know about the plan, and we’ll get this plan going.

Tsunoda: Got it~! *pecks Fenneko on the cheek, and runs off….causing the fennec fox to blush a little*

*Fenneko and Tsunoda is touring the families around the venue*

Fenneko: Okay, so now we’ve reached the main room itself. This is basically where all the magic happens.

Hisoka: It’s pretty big!

Fenneko: PLEASE. When I was looking for a good venue, there were tons bigger. Even a megachurch! …buuuut that’s in South Korea, and I ain’t paying for plane tickets. This ended up doing the job.

Tsunoda: If you ask me, I could’ve done much better if I was in charge of all the operations!

Fenneko: Your initial plan called for the whole wedding to be moved to Aruba.

Tsunoda: It’s lovely this time of year!

Fenneko: Well, in any case, this is our base of operations, whether you all like it or not.

Rie: I think we like it, thank you. ^^

Fenneko: Awesome. So, once the wedding goes off, we’ll start having the reception. Lucky us, this place allows for both, so we can party almost immediately. Also, this is nothing necessarily noteworthy, it’s just an aesthetic thing, but there are a bunch of cherry blossom trees around here, and the owners informed me they’re start blooming big come the wedding day. So it’ll be extra purdy around here.

Tsunoda: …oh. Kinda wished you told me, before I started criticizing this place.

Fenneko: Shoulda been paying attention.

Ryota: Ah, it’s nice to hear that news. Nothing brings to mind a classic Japanese wedding quite like the sight of cherry blossoms!

Ryuu: …yeah…

Fenneko: …*turns to Ryuu* You alright, muh dude?

Ryuu: Hmm? Um….yes.

Fenneko: …alright. I trust you.

Ryuu: Good to know, I guess.

Rie: You have to understand, he has some…reservations about the wedding.

Fenneko: Ah, gotcha. A little scared about your sis getting married?

Ryuu: …not really scared, necessarily.

Fenneko: …huh. Aight. So, um, yeah. That’s basically the basic idea. We’ll probably start rehearsing proper within the next few days. Until then, just kinda…hang out, I guess.

Ryota: Actually, where is Retsuko? Or Haida, for that matter?

Fenneko: They’re testing out wedding attire, for photos and stuff.

Rie: Can we go see them?

Tsunoda: Well, wait! What about the rest of the tour? I got stuff for the siblings!

Hiroko: …erm, does that include me, or just the twins?

Tsunoda: Both.

Fenneko: Tell ya what, I’ll just take the parents for a few minutes, to go see the lovebirds. We’ll be right back.

Tsunoda: Well, alright.

Ryota: Riko, keep an eye on your brother.

Riko: Yes, sir!

Hiroko: Ah, don’t worry! With me, he won’t be able to do much.

Ryuu: Murgh…

Fenneko: ….*to Tsunoda* lemme know if he acts up at all.

Tsunoda: Got it.

Fenneko: *to the parents* C’mon, let’s go. *they head out*

*a short while later, at a dressing room, in a clothing store nearby*

Retsuko: *getting dressed, with Haida and Ikari waiting outside* Good god, must these things always be so tight?!

Haida: Sorry, sweetie! You need help?

Retsuko: No, I think I got it.

Haida: You sure?

Retsuko: ….actually, I’m not sure.

Haida: Ah, alright. Lemme help. *gets up, and turns to see Fenneko with company* Oh! Hey, Fenneko! Hi, mom! Hi, dad!

Ryota: Heh, what, no hellos for us?

Retsuko: Oh, no, I’m not ready! Ugh, hang on!

Rie: …is she trying on a wedding dress?

Haida: Yyyyep.

Rie: *sigh* Hang on, sweetheart. Let me in. *Retsuko unlocks the door, and Rie sneaks in* …oh, you just have one last notch! Hang on….there! Ready, everyone?

Haida: Ready!

Ikari: Boh!

Retsuko: *sigh* Here goes. *they open the door, revealing Retsuko in a very lovely, pearly white dress, looking rather bashful*

Rie: *beaming with joy* What do you think, huh? :D

Haida: *his mouth agape: ………………..

Retsuko: …….Haida?

Fenneko: Yo, yeen boy. You alright?

Haida: ….*turns to Ryota* ..sir…..t-thank you so much! *to Rie* Thank you so much too! *bows to both*

Ryota: Uh…what for?

Haida: For allowing me to marry such an angel, of course! :’D

Retsuko: *face red like a tomato* H-Haida! >////<

Fenneko: Hahahaha, say whatever you will about Haida, he always knows how to get her flustered. :3

Retsuko: Hehehe! …hey, where are the others?

Fenneko: Tsunoda’s watching over Hiroko, Riko, and the ticking time-bomb.

Retsuko: Oh. How is Ryuu?

Ryota: Well, he seems to be calm right now. But I don’t know…

Retsuko: …well, maybe he just needs a little time to himself. Or maybe someone to chat with. We’ve all been a bit busy. *closes the door, to get undressed, and get back into her regular clothes*

Fenneko: My advice? Do it quickly, before he snaps on the big day. *her phone starts ringing* Ooh, Tsunoda! Gimme a sec, guys. *answers* Y’ello? ……………uh-huh…..uh-huh…….shit. Alright, hold him off for a few minutes. Alright, thanks. *hangs up* Okay, scratch that, your brother’s in meltdown mode right now.

Retsuko: *open the door, fully dressed in civilian attire* He’s WHAT?!

Fenneko: Yeah, he just started wrecking shit, apparently.

Rie: Oh, no! *they run out, to get going* Come on!

Haida: ….*quickly runs back to the cash register, with the wedding dress* this was paid for, right?

Cashier: Yes, sir, it was paid.

Haida: Wonderful.

Retsuko: HAIDA!

Haida: Coming! *runs out*

OHHHH, WE’RE HALFWAY THERE, WHOOOOOAAA, ….I CAN’T THINK OF A GOOD RHYME WITH THERE!

*at the train station, the red panda, and fennec fox wait, with food in tow*

Retsuko: *sigh* …never thought I would actually be overjoyed to see my dad again.

Fenneko: Ah, yeah…grandma killer. :3

Retsuko: Hey!

Fenneko: Ah, I’m messin’ around…to be honest, though, it’s pretty damn weird you have this whole backstory to ya. I always just assumed you were some boring chick with some weird anger problem.

Retsuko: Well, it definitely goes deeper than that…don’t know when it started, but it went back a while.

Fenneko: Hmm. Interesting. *sees the train pulling in* Here comes the calvary. Look alive!

Retsuko: Oh, boy! *the train doors open, with a bunch of people walking out, and in…with two particular families walking out* Mom, dad! :D

Ryota: Retsuko! *walks over to her, as she jumps to, and hugs him* AAAUGH! Aw, man, I forgot how tight you can hug people!

Retsuko: Ooh, sorry! *breaks the hug* Oh, I’m so happy you guys are here!

Rie: Well, of course, sweetheart! You think we would miss your wedding?

Ryota: Wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Ryuu: I would.

Ryota: RYUU.

Ryuu: Ugh!

Fenneko: …charming. :3

Harumi: Hello, Retsuko!

Retsuko: Hi, Harumi! Hi, Hisoka!

Hisoka: Pleasure to meet you again!

Hiroko: What, no love for your future sis-in-law? :D

Retsuko: Ah, sorry!

Riko: Don’t worry, she forgot all about her little sister!

Retsuko: I’m sorry, Riko! Just…ah, a bunch of stuff going on all at once, you know?

Rie: Honey, we understand. A wedding is a lot of work!

Hisoka: Heh, don’t let Harumi tell you about our wedding. I couldn’t remember where it was taking place, even on the day!

Harumi: Hehe! Some groom you were…actually, speaking of, where’s Haida?

Hiroko: Hell, where’s Ikari? Little fella hiding from his auntie?

Fenneko: The two dorks are off to get suits. They’ll meet us at the hotel.

Ryota: Ah, that will be just fine. Let’s just get everything over there.

Retsuko: Right! Onwards!

*everyone starts heading out of the train station….except for Ryuu*

Ryuu: ……

Ryota: RYUU!

Ryuu: Ugh, coming! -_- *follows suit*

*a short while later, the families are eating dinner at a hotel*

Retsuko: So, that’s when I decided energy drinks were not for me!

*the group all laugh, sans Ryuu*

Rie: Mhmhm! Well, I’m at the very least happy life has been going well for you.

Retsuko: Yeah…it’s weird, I never anticipated any of this.

Harumi: Nobody ever does! But once it hits, it’s hard to ignore.

Hiroko: Lemme tell ya, when Haida was first warming up to ya, I was the first person he usually told about it to. And when you two started going out, ohohoho, man! He just would ramble on for what felt like hours! The dweeby little bro I knew turned into a big ol’ romantic!

Retsuko: O-oh, wow!

Ryota: Hehe! Ah, I probably was the same way with Rie…maybe. I don’t know. My brain isn’t as focused as it used to be!

Rie: You were a little more reserved, but yes, you could get quite gushing. ^^

Retsuko: Hmhm! *looks outside the main door, and sees two familiar figures walking towards them* Oh, look who we have here!

*it’s Haida and Ikari, as the little one starts running happily to his mother*

Ikari: Mama! :D *jumps into his mother’s arms*

Retsuko: *picks up Ikari* Awww! How are my two favorite boys today?

Haida: Well, we got a suit for me, and a suit for him, so I’d consider today a success!

Retsuko: *gasp!* *to Ikari* Really? You have a suit?

Ikari: Aah! :D

Retsuko: *bounces him up and down, with him giggling* Yaaaaay!

Haida: Hmhm. ^^ *to everyone else* Hey, guys!

Hiroko: Hey, bro!

Ryota: How have you been?

Haida: Oh! Uh, alright! Just…been working.

Hisoka: To the bone, I imagine.

Haida: Eugh, regrettably.

Retsuko: Well, as long as we have a roof over our heads, I guess.

Ikari: *wandering around the family members* Gabadubagoo…*comes to Ryuu* eh? :D

Ryuu: ….please leave me alone.

Rie: Ryuu, come now. He’s just a child.

Ryuu: I don’t care.

Retsuko: Well, that’s okay. C’mere, sweetie!

Ikari: Ah! *waddles to Retsuko*

Ryuu: Hmph.

Ryota: *sigh* He’s still as stubborn as ever.

Hiroko: Ah, little bros are always the worst like that, he’ll warm up eventually!

Retsuko: Well…*looks at her young brother, concerned* I hope so…

Ryuu: …*only looks down, out of annoyance, and disappointment*

Haida: …Hiroko, I’m right here.

Hiroko: I know. You want me to go into detail about your past to your fiancée?

Haida: …..er……no.

*at the venue of the wedding, Retsuko, Tsunoda, and Fenneko are browsing the area, discussing the details of how the event should go*

Tsunoda: Hmm. So, I’m wondering if we should go with eggshell white, or pearl white, for the table clothing. What do you think?

Retsuko: ….here I was, thinking the white was for the dress. :T

Tsunoda: We’ll get to that, soon enough! For now, I’m focused on the culinary.

Retsuko: I mean, I guess it doesn’t matter. A cake, some meat, a salad, that’s all you really need, right?

Tsunoda: *GAAASP!* Retsuko! For SHAME! This is your wedding! Your own celebration of love! And your response to such a thing as important as food is, “it doesn’t matter”?!

Retsuko: …um…yeah?

Fenneko: Tsunoda, it’s a wedding. Not a damn religious ceremony…..well, actually, it is, in some cultures, but that’s besides the point. It’s her wedding, let her do it how she wants to do it.

Tsunoda: Um, well, if she wants to have the most underwhelming wedding in existence, that’s her choice. But my job is to add some umph to this drab disaster area.

Fenneko: A disaster area I paid for, because I thought it would be good.

Tsunoda: I hope you kept the reciept!

Fenneko: Ugh. The point is, she’s the one getting married, she, of the three of us, should have the most say in what goes on here.

Tsunoda: I agree! I just hope that she knows what she’s doing here!

Retsuko: Well, frankly, you’re not helping with your egging on!

Tsunoda: I’m just saying! If you want the perfect wedding, you need to have a vision behind it!

Retsuko: Okay, here’s my vision! “Haida and I get married, our friends and family are there, people eat food, and have fun, a little dance or two, the end.” That’s it! Nothing else!

Fenneko: Exactly. You don’t need intricate details to the venue, to make something like this beautiful. The mere thought of marrying someone you love should be enough.

Retsuko: For certain! And even if I didn’t take that into account, I just wanted a wedding that didn’t really break the bank!

Tsunoda: Well, that’s a tall order! You either go broke, or go for a shitty wedding.

Retsuko: Give me shitty, then! I don’t care!

Tsunoda: Hmph! That’s a big mistake, I will let you know! *walks away*

Retsuko: Ugh…you know, I knew this would be a big deal, I didn’t think it would be THAT big.

Fenneko: It isn’t. People just make it that way. For the life of me, I will never understand people who absolutely have to go above and beyond for a wedding. I get a little effort, you don’t want a complete shitshow. But…millions of yen? Traveling to other parts of the globe? All in the service of ONE day, where you guys get married? Which could end with a divorce anyways? Like, what’s the point of going to those measures? I get honeymoons, but weddings? Nah, man, keep it simple.

Retsuko: …

Fenneko: …sorry, just had to get that out.

Retsuko: It’s fine…I’m just gonna be happy when that day finally comes. Like, I don’t care about anything else at the moment, just getting to that day, getting wed….*sigh* it’s gonna be great, I can feel it. ^^

Fenneko: That’s the spirit. :3 When are your folks supposed to be coming to town?

Retsuko: Later this afternoon.

Fenneko: Excellent. Right on schedule. We should probably grab some grub for everyone to have tonight, and then head down to the station.

For you and your internet friends! 💙

Retsuko: Okay! We got the families settled, Fenneko found a good place for the wedding, now all we have to do is get invitations ready!

Haida: Alrighty…who do we invite? Aside from, obviously, family and friends.

Retsuko: ……well, that’s a problem, who do we classify as a friend?

Haida: I…..hmm. Well, Fenneko, obviously.

Retsuko: Of course. Gori and Washimi are friends of mine.

Haida: Okay, they’re in.

Retsuko: …um….Tsunoda?

Haida: …..I mean…if you want. I dunno, I don’t think much about her.

Retsuko: Yeah, but she’s helped me out in a few places, and it would feel weird to have a gathering like that without her…plus, we KNOW Fenneko and her are going out.

Haida: Eh, true. Erm…Ookami?

Retsuko: ….I kinda forgot he existed, honestly.

Haida: Same. But, ya know. He’s always nice to us.

Retsuko: I suppose. How about Resasuke?

Haida: …

Retsuko: …….Haida? Are you still bitter over what happened?

Haida: Firstly, was never bitter about it.

Retsuko: Suuuure.

Haida: Second….I dunno, that sounds a little weird, doesn’t it? Your ex attending your wedding? I mean, I have nothing against the guy, but still. :/

Retsuko: That’s true. But…I dunno, I know he means well. He’s a good guy. It just didn’t work out.

Haida: Well….oh, alright. :)

Retsuko: Mhm! Ton-

Both: Nope.

Haida: Komi-

Both: NOPE.

Retsuko: Tsub-

Both: NOPE.

Retsuko: Oh! Puko! Gotta get her in.

Haida: Okay….Kabae?

Retsuko: ……….eh, sure.

Haida: Okay. Now we got those, and our folks….hmm.

Retsuko: …something wrong?

Haida: …ah, it’s nothing. Just…for some reason, the fact your brother doesn’t like me is kinda bugging me.

Retsuko: Oh, Ryuu? Ah, he’s just a teen. He’ll get over it soon enough. He used to worship my dad from the ground he walked on. So, hopefully, with dad warming up, he’ll do the same.

Haida: He literally tried to attack me again as we were leaving.

Retsuko: …baby steps, Haida.

Haida: Does 16 count as “baby”?

*the next day, the two begin sending out the invitations*

Puko: Bitchin’! Awesome, Retsuko! I’ll try to make it there!

Kabae: EEEEEEEEE! Oh, boy, I can’t wait! I always knew you two would make it!

Ookami: Oh. Cool. Yeah, I could make it, probably.

Resasuke: …………could I bring a plant?

Haida: ….um….sure?

Resasuke: Great. See you then.

Washimi: Absolutely. It would be an honor to attend.

Gori: WOO-HOO! You go, girl! Of course I can make it there!

*and finally…*

Tsunoda: …an invite to your wedding, huh?

Retsuko: Y-yeah! You know, if you WANT to go…

Tsunoda: …mhmhm! You two are silly! I don’t need an invite, *starts walking away* I’m already helping with it!

Retsuko: …wait, you’re helping?

Fenneko: *pops in* Oh, I forgot to mention, Tsunoda effectively forced herself into the wedding party committee.

Haida: …she what?!

This show is on a different level. I deal with a lot bullshit at work and so do each of the characters here. I can relate to this and that’s why I love it.

Metallica

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Misfits

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Slayer

Motörhead

Iron Maiden

Rammstein

Slipknot

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