Whispers in the Winter Wind

The morning of the wedding arrived, with Yasushi and all the guests gathered within the confines of Ginsukimura, Japan. A few hours remained before the ceremony, allowing everyone a window to unwind and suppress the building tension.

Catherine was escorted by the women, intending to soothe her nerves before the monumental occasion of her marriage with Furuya. Meanwhile, Yasushi's group whisked Furuya away to explore the city, attempting to alleviate his anxiety.

Ironically, it was Furuya, not Catherine, who felt the weight of nervousness. This outing was primarily to calm him down.

They meandered through shops, admired architectural structures and even entered the sole arcade that still stood. The intention being that these activities would provide him with some much-needed ease before the wedding.

Currently, they were inside that very arcade. Furuya locked himself in a battle with Bhaqui on an old, retro fighting game. Their attention was completely captured. Bhaqui was leading 2-1, and the current round would determine whether he would secure a win, or if they would be tied.

The competitive energy in the air intensified, their concentration only on the pixels moving on the screen, the world around them momentarily forgotten.

"Agh!" Furuya exclaimed in frustration, slumping as Bhaqui's victory was confirmed by the game's flashing text. Bhaqui erupted into unrestrained laughter, his voice echoing through the arcade. Guo Tianyu, Jamie Doliver, and a few other mutual friends, having witnessed the match, moved on to another machine.

They drifted from one game to the next, the sounds of digital gunfire and chiptune music providing a soundtrack to their casual conversation. After a while, they decided to move from the arcade, the tension that once gripped Furuya completely gone.

One of his friends commented, "Didn't expect you to be this nervous, Furuya," a playful smirk spreading on their face.

Another nudged Furuya with their elbow, adding, "What about that 'I'm gonna be a total badass prince at my wedding' boast you made back in college?"

Furuya groaned, a wave of embarrassment crashing over him. He buried his face in his hands, the memory of his past foolish confidence making him want to disappear. "Talking about it and actually going through with it are worlds apart!" he mumbled, attempting to salvage his pride. His defense was met with another wave of laughter from his friends, their amusement not letting up.

Their exploration of the city continued, as they moved from one location to another, before finally settling at a small bar for some food. By this point, Furuya's usual demeanor had returned, the nervousness that had been plaguing him now completely gone.

They enjoyed their meal and had some casual conversation for a short while, before deciding to make their way back. Yasushi offered Furuya a ride and once they arrived at Furuya's temporary home, Furuya got out of the car. Yasushi then paused, his eyes fixed on Furuya.

"What? Is there something on my face?" Furuya asked with a raised eyebrow, holding the door open.

Yasushi grinned, "Oh, just wanted to remind you, I still have some presents for you both. You'll get them later…during the reception, I reckon."

Before Furuya could respond, Yasushi winked, a mischievous glint in his eye, then closed the car door and sped off. He shouted out that they would meet again at the wedding, leaving Furuya with a confused yet amused look on his face.

+-+

Another hour drifted by, leaving only sixty minutes until the wedding ceremony was due to begin. Everyone had now finished dressing, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. Yasushi stood before his room's mirror, adjusting his clothes.

He smoothed down his attire, making sure he looked presentable. "Ready," he murmured to himself, a small smile playing on his lips. This day held importance, it was a day of celebration for his best friend's marriage, as well as his very good friend, Catherine.

"Ready!" three voices chimed in unison, interrupting his thoughts.

Yasushi turned around to find his little sister, Himari, and his two daughters, Advika and Yue, standing there, their faces bright with happy expressions. Even after all this time, they were still extremely affectionate towards him.

A sudden pang of sadness hit him as he realized that this time was finite, that one day they would not cling to him this way.

He understood that his little sister and daughters' childhood was only a brief moment for them, but for Yasushi, it was something he intended to keep close to his heart. He hoped with all his being, that they would still be close when they grew up, as he enjoyed being depended on, after all.

He smiled warmly at them, his heart full, then gently ruffled the hair on top of each of their heads. "Alright, let's head out. Remember, everyone needs to be on their best behavior today, okay?" he instructed, and all three girls nodded enthusiastically, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

They then walked from the bedroom and descended the stairs, joining the rest of the waiting guests. Everyone was ready, a final sweep completed to ensure all was in order. They all proceeded towards the two cars that were available to them.

Yasushi settled behind the wheel of one, while a staff member took control of the other vehicle. He briefly glanced back to check everyone was there, a brief confirmation with the other driver, and then they finally drove away from their temporary residence, starting on the drive to the wedding venue.

The drive, while short, seemed to take an age given the anticipation of all in the cars. Yasushi was lost in his thoughts, as was his friends, minds racing with the fact that one of them was getting married.

The group had known each other since high school, their bond strengthening through the years. Now, seeing one of their own about to take this new step in life felt incredibly surreal.

Finally, their arrival at the venue put an end to the restless anticipation. The chosen site was one of the shrines dedicated to Hakufubuki, the goddess who watched over and protected their city.

Hakufubuki herself was present, among a few other deities, to witness the wedding. She had given her blessing to the couple to hold a traditional Japanese-style wedding at one of her shrines, a great honor for the families.

The cars were parked, and everyone began to exit their vehicles, Yasushi scrambling to rejoin the group. He glanced down at his watch and realized they still had five minutes until the ceremony. He rushed to his assigned position, joining the rest of the attendees in waiting.

Traditional Japanese weddings did not include a bridal party like groomsmen or bridesmaids. The core participants were the bride and groom, a priest, a shrine maiden, both sets of parents, a mediator, witnesses, and the rest were the guests. Yasushi, along with the rest of his friends, had the role of witnesses. Other friends and family of the couple were either in the parents' or guests' section.

The shrine grounds were still, filled with anticipation. Guests, in their formal clothing, had found their places, their conversations reduced to soft sounds. The air held both nervous energy and happy expectation. Yasushi stood with the witnesses, looking at his friends, their faces showing happiness for Furuya.

Minutes passed, then the shrine maiden, in her white and red clothing, stepped forward, her actions precise and elegant. She started the preparations, creating an atmosphere of respect.

The priest, in his solemn robes, followed, his presence commanding regard. He stood in front of the small altar, and a deep silence came over everyone. The parents of the couple entered, their faces showing pride and hope for their children. They took their places to the side, their eyes already on the entrance.

The mediator, an older person respected by both families, moved to his position, his calm manner adding to the feeling of order. Then, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived.

The shrine doors slowly opened, showing Catherine. She was beautiful in a white kimono, the fabric shining softly. Her dark hair was styled with care, decorated with flowers and pins, highlighting her features.

She moved with grace, her expression calm, though a light blush suggested her emotions. She walked slowly, her eyes down, toward the altar. Her father walked beside her, giving her support. The guests watched with awe.

At the altar, the priest began his chants, his voice filling the grounds. The old verses he spoke created a somber and beautiful sound. "Oh, spirits of the past, and protectors who watch over us," he said, his voice deep and strong, "we come together today under your blessing, to witness the joining of two souls." Catherine reached her spot, her father releasing her hand as she knelt before the priest and altar.

The silence that followed the priest's chants was heavy, until the doors opened again, showing Furuya. He looked composed, wearing a formal black kimono and hakama, his presence showing traditional Japanese strength.

His eyes were on Catherine, full of love as he came to her side. Yasushi watched his friend, remembering their shared adventures, and a small smile came to his face. The thought of the once carefree man getting married was both funny and heartwarming.

When Furuya reached the altar, the priest offered a prayer for the couple's happiness. "May this joining be blessed with good fortune, health, and lasting joy," he said. The shrine maiden started her offering, her actions elegant, as she prepared the ritual.

She offered the sake, and both the bride and groom took three sips, a symbol of their bond. The mediator gave them paper and brushes, and Catherine and Furuya each signed their names, marking their marriage agreement.

Following this, the parents joined their children, standing on each side of them. The priest began the family promises, each family member confirming their love for the couple and promising their help.

It was a nice and solemn vow, making the family bonds even stronger. Yasushi felt a feeling, imagining his daughters in this position one day. "May your families become one," the priest stated, "joined by love and respect."

A moment of quiet followed, and then the priest offered the wedding rings. The rings, simple gold bands with detailed designs, were given to Furuya and Catherine. Furuya put the ring onto Catherine's finger, her hand delicate in his, while Catherine placed the ring on Furuya's finger, her smile soft. The love between them was almost visible. "May these rings show the lasting bond you share," the priest said.

The last part of the ceremony was here: the couple's promises. Catherine's voice was soft yet clear as she spoke, "Furuya, today is a fresh start for us, a promise to love and help you always, and to accept every part of you. My heart has always been yours, and will always be with you." Her eyes held his, full of feeling.

Furuya took a breath, his voice slightly rough, as he replied, "Catherine, you are my strength, my best friend, the one I have always looked for. Every step I take is with you in mind. I promise to love you, cherish you, and be with you, forever." He reached for her hand, his touch gentle.

The priest then announced them husband and wife, his words filling the shrine. "By the blessings of the gods, and the witness of everyone here today, I now pronounce you husband and wife," he said, stepping back.

Immediately after his announcement, Catherine and Furuya turned to face each other, their eyes showing the depth of their love. They shared a tender kiss, sealing their promises and their new life.

"Finally," Jamie whispered to Yasushi, a grin on his face, "Took them long enough to get here."

Guo chuckled, shaking his head slightly, "Yeah, those two really are something."

Guo Noelani, Guo Tianyu's wife, playfully nudged her husband, "I thought you'd be more emotional, Tianyu!"

Tianyu laughed, "I save my tears for action movies, honey."

Yasushi nodded in agreement, "I'm honestly surprised Furuya didn't pass out from all the nervousness."

"He probably would have, had he not been trying so hard to act calm," Bhaqui added, the group nodding.

Alicia leaned over to Laura, "I bet they'll have such beautiful kids one day!"

Laura giggled, "Hopefully they'll be calmer than Furuya."

Reina's younger brothers whispered to each other, pointing at the couple with wonder, "They look so happy!" "I hope to get married one day."

Yinhaie, standing close by with Yue, whispered to her daughter, "Look, Yue, isn't Furuya handsome?"

Yue nodded her head, her eyes wide in fascination, "Yes, Yinhaie! He looks like a prince!"

Nandini, holding Advika's hand, smiled. "They look happy, don't they, Advika?"

Advika nodded, her attention captured by Catherine's beautiful kimono, "She looks like a fairy princess!"

Kohana, Yasushi's Mom, nudged Yuji, her husband, softly, "Remember when we got married?"

Yuji chuckled, a smile on his face, "Like yesterday. They'll have a long life together, just like we did."

Xinyi, standing with her parents, said, "They look perfect together, Mom."

Xinyi's mother wiped a tear from her eye, replying, "Yes, they do, sweetheart. It's beautiful."

Layena, standing close to Jingliu, softly commented, "They both have a beautiful future ahead."

Jingliu, Yasushi's fiancé, watched Catherine with admiration, "She is beautiful, Yasushi. They're both so happy."

Yasushi nodded, his hand finding Jingliu's, "They deserve every bit of happiness."

Himari tugged on Yasushi's sleeve, "Are they really married now?"

Yasushi smiled down at her, "Yes, Himari, they are."

Amaterasu, watching from a higher place, nodded to Shiva, "They have a powerful love, Shiva. A truly beautiful thing."

Shiva nodded in return, "Indeed, Amaterasu, it warms my spirit."

Catherine and Furuya then turned to face their guests, Catherine's face radiating joy, and Furuya's softened, full of love.

+-+

Once the wedding ceremony concluded, everyone walked to a nearby open area that had been reserved for the reception. The reception was mostly outdoors, but there was an indoor area available, just in case the weather took a turn for the worse or when the temperature dropped at night, so everyone could move inside.

The guests arrived at the reception area and began mingling, the air soon filled with laughter and chatter. Food and drinks were passed around by the event staff. Furuya and Catherine had discussed the idea of a traditional toast, but decided to forego it, wanting to keep things from getting too predictable or formulaic.

The children in attendance were now running around, playing games and enjoying the space. Yasushi, while keeping a watchful eye on them from the corner of his eyes, knew that the area was safe. He finally made his way towards the newly married couple, a wide smile stretching across his face.

"You actually did it, huh? You guys beat me to the punch, getting married first. Congratulations man, I'm so serious" he said, patting Furuya heartily on the back. He then shifted his gaze towards Catherine, his grin softening. "You too, Catherine. I sincerely hope the rest of your life is filled with happiness."

Catherine returned Yasushi's smile, then pulled him into a warm hug. "Thank you, Yasushi... especially for that amazing gift of yours." She then stepped back, wiping away a tear that threatened to escape.

One of Yasushi's lavish gifts to them was the complete funding of the entire wedding and reception. This included everything from the staff, food, and other essentials. The other gift was a fully-paid honeymoon to any location they wanted.

Furuya and Catherine had chosen Ireland as their destination, which initially surprised Yasushi, but he was still happy to cover the expenses. For an entire month, the newlyweds would have the opportunity to explore and experience the country by themselves. Yasushi still had two more presents for them, but decided that he would wait until later to hand them over, knowing that they would certainly be worth the wait.

"It's no problem at all, you guys are my friends, after all. Got to make it easy for you two to get a proper jump start in life, right?" he said jokingly. All three of them broke out into laughter at his attempt at a light-hearted comment.

They continued their lighthearted conversation for a bit longer, until finally they parted ways. Furuya and Catherine had other guests to greet, and Yasushi did not want to monopolize all of their time. As he walked away, however, he noticed Xinyi and her parents approach Furuya and Catherine, along with the older couple who had taken Xinyi in many years ago.

From a distance, Yasushi could see that it was a very emotional reunion, filled with tears of joy and heartfelt congratulations. He smiled softly, witnessing the scene before him. Then Jingliu and her parents made their way over to them, offering their own emotional congratulations.

Yasushi stood back, observing the celebrations from his spot. He couldn't help but draw a comparison between his current life and the one he lived before his reincarnation. The difference was so vast, so profound, that it almost felt like a dream.

He was not alone anymore. He was surrounded by friends and family. He had a good life, one filled with joy and companionship. The more that Yasushi thought about all of this, the more grateful he felt, yet at the same time he could feel a strange knot forming in his stomach.

It was a strange anxiety about the future that was building inside him, a future that was completely unknown to him. He had not managed to live this long in his previous life, before the reincarnation.

Everything that was about to happen, was completely new, a new experience that brought both a sense of excitement and a twinge of fear. However, before these thoughts could consume his mind, one of his daughters, Advika, tugged at his sleeve.

He looked down at her and picked her up, his smile widening as he held her close. "What's wrong, sweetheart?" he asked, kissing her cheek gently.

Advika giggled, enjoying her father's affection, and hugged him back. "You said that you'd give us some piggyback rides... can you do it now?" she asked, pointing towards where the other children were, he noticed his little sister, Himari, was holding his other daughter Yue's hand.

Yasushi let out a small sigh, but decided to go along with their request. He walked over to them, giving each of the children a piggyback ride, causing them to burst into delighted laughter. Some of the adults watched with amusement, smiling as they witnessed the scene of playful innocence.

The piggyback rides continued for a few minutes, until each of the children had taken their turn, before running off to play another game. Yasushi let out a soft sigh, a gentle smile still on his face, before heading off to where Shiva and the other gods were.

"Hello, thank you all for coming today," he said, extending a polite greeting to them.

Shiva turned his attention to Yasushi, a mischievous smirk on his face. "Have you figured out the riddle I gave you all those years ago? If you have, speak to me telepathically now, and I'll either confirm or deny it," he suddenly said, catching Yasushi off-guard.

The gods present all looked between the two, curious. Yasushi shared his thoughts with Shiva telepathically, which only caused the god's smirk to widen. "Correct. I'm going to guess you assumed the other thing at first, right?" Shiva asked, and Yasushi nodded in response, making the god laugh. "I don't blame you, that would have been my initial guess as well."

Hakufubuki then came up behind Yasushi and wrapped him in a friendly hug, acting like an affectionate aunt. "So, when is it going to be your and Jingliu's turn?" she asked playfully, a teasing tone to her voice.

Yasushi gave a gentle smile and replied, "I'm not really sure. I'm waiting for Jingliu to feel completely ready for it. But she did mention that it would happen soon."

The other gods were clearly caught off-guard and started to talk about it among themselves, but Yasushi quickly put a stop to it, asking them to place their focus back on Furuya and Catherine and not their future wedding.

To his surprise, they agreed to his request. He never thought that they'd actually listen to a human, but the fact that he was close to Shiva, made his words hold more weight than he would have thought.

They then began discussing the wedding, commenting on the venue, the ceremony itself and how glad they were that the two had decided to do a traditional wedding whilst in Japan. There were discussions on the topic between the gods, many had different opinions, but none of the differences escalated into anything more than a civil debate.

+-+

As the afternoon's warmth began to fade, giving way to a cool evening, the wedding's energy started to settle into a peaceful calm. Guests were still present, having just finished delivering the speeches they had prepared. Now, everyone was enjoying a quieter dinner, the atmosphere more subdued and relaxed.

Conversations continued to be held, with guests talking amongst themselves in smaller groups, the earlier excitement giving way to a more relaxed ambiance. Soft, calm jazz music now filled the reception, adding to the peaceful mood.

Yasushi and Furuya stepped outside, seeking a moment of calm from the ongoing festivities, letting the cool evening breeze wash over them. Each held a glass of wine as they stared up at the star-speckled night sky above their city, illuminated by soft snowfall. "I'll tell you about the rest of the gifts I have for you and Catherine," Yasushi stated, catching Furuya completely off guard.

Furuya nodded slowly, his interest growing. He waited, his gaze fixed on Yasushi, anticipating the reveal of what other surprises his friend had in store for him and his new wife.

"First," Yasushi started, turning to face his best friend, "the house that you and Catherine picked out has already been bought and paid for by me, my parents, Jingliu, her parents, Xinyi, and her parents."

This startling revelation left Furuya speechless, his eyes widening in disbelief as he stared back at Yasushi, words failing him. He and Catherine had been looking at houses in Ginsukimura recently, and had finally found one that they both liked, that would be perfect for them and their future family. He was completely floored by a present like this, it was beyond what he could have ever hoped for.

"Second, your future children, a maximum of four, will also have their entire education paid for by all of us. It will not matter where it is in the world, if they decide to pursue it, we'll cover the full expenses. And finally…for you," Yasushi stated, pulling out a small bag filled with video games.

Furuya stared blankly at him for a moment, before bursting into laughter, a mixture of shock and amusement filling him. He took the games from Yasushi, examining the collection, it was mostly games for handheld consoles, a small bag overflowing with different titles.

Furuya had certainly anticipated a gift of some kind, but he had never expected video games! As he looked inside the bag, however, the full reason behind the gift became clear. The bag contained a collection of games for all of the consoles that he owned, games that he had never had the chance to buy, due to a lack of both time and funds.

He had pooled all his money towards his upcoming wedding and honeymoon, not knowing that Yasushi would be taking care of those.

After his laughter subsided, Furuya looked at Yasushi, a sincere smile on his face. "I was expecting things to get more ridiculous, but I'm actually glad it didn't. Thanks, man, I've actually been wanting to get these," he said, feeling incredibly grateful.

Yasushi chuckled, taking another sip of his wine. "I can see how your thought process went. Anyway, Catherine will be told about her presents by the girls. She'll also get her own individual presents from them, just like how you got those games from me. How does it feel to have a much easier future now?" he asked, grinning playfully at his friend.

Furuya smiled, a sense of relief washing over him, and they both resumed looking up at the snowy, cloud-covered night sky. "It does take a massive burden off my shoulders. Before any of these incredible gifts were given to me, I thought I'd have to work nonstop for the rest of my life just to achieve any of this. I didn't want to rely solely on Catherine's income from working for Xinyi, because I wanted to be her equal, but now…"

He stopped speaking, unable to continue, and Yasushi understood what he was trying to say. They remained outside for a while longer, talking about old memories from their childhood, before Furuya eventually asked, "So, when will you and Jingliu tie the knot?"

Yasushi smiled faintly and replied, "Soon. I'm giving Jingliu the final say, I'll do it whenever she feels that she wants to."

Furuya nodded, understanding the significance of what his friend was saying. After a few more minutes of casual conversation, they finally went back inside, finding it had gotten too cold to stay out any longer, continuing the wedding celebrations with the rest of the guests.