Inspired by @vinomino and their Kaji arranged marriage one shot
Word Count: 2,236
It was safe to say that your future had been planned out the moment your mother had learned she was pregnant with you. There had been two outcomes.
The first one, and your father’s preference, was you were born a son, not the eldest, but another heir he would be able to ensure takes over some political aspect he would hand off when he passes, someone to speak with the same ire that he holds, someone to wield his power as harshly as he does.
The second, your mother’s fear, was you were born a daughter, a much less powerful pawn, but a pawn none-the-less, someone to be married off to the highest bidder, so to say.
It appeared that the gods wished to laugh the day you were born, your father leaving the delivery room once he learned you were a daughter, the second, of his five children, and the youngest of all.
Your mother named you, your older sister, though a mere four years older than you, took a shine to your chubby cheeks and quiet giggles.
As you grew the normal childlike curiosity that your older brothers had been allowed was punished out of you, instead lessons regarding lady-like things filled your days.
Your entire life, the mere sixteen years you had lived them, all lead up to today; learning who you were to be wed to.
Your sister had been married four years prior, though the man was quite older, she got lucky; he was respectful, he was powerful and rich, he had concubines, but from the letters you got, all the women were rather kind, treating your sister with respect. You were happy for her, if not a tad bit envious.
You had met many of your father’s business partners, men his age who leered at you for far too long, and you had to fight the urge to take refuge in your mothers arms like you would as a child.
Your name was called, and you lifted your head, hands folded in your lap as your father continued reading whatever letter he had been sent, and you waited, with a level of patience you’d been forced to learn. Your mother looked anxious, face pale and eyebrows pinched.
“I have found a husband for you,” He spoke without looking your way, and your mother lowered her mug of tea, hands trembling ever so slightly; you were the last child in your home.
“He’s from the East hemisphere. He’s recently come into power, but his people seem to follow him almost blindly. He’s got strong connections, many that shall be beneficial regarding trade of resources and weapons.” He finally looked up from the letter, gaze as bored as if he were discussing the weather and not his final child’s future, “He and I have been in contact for a few weeks, you shall sail out at the end of this week. I expect to hear from you the moment your wedding night is over.”
He said nothing more, barely bidding you and your mother a goodbye or a goodnight as he left, handing the papers off to be dropped in his office. Once he was out of earshot you turned to your mother, tears building in your eyes.
“Mother— the East hemisphere?” Your voice shook, and she was quick to move from her seat, hurrying over to you, her own trembling hands caressing your face, smoothing your hair.
“I know darling,” She tried smiling at you, but with her own budding tears it looked rather forced, pained even, “Your father barely spoke to me about it before he told you. If I had known…”
The sentence lay empty because you knew— she could have fought and screamed at your father, but it would have all been for nothing. She took a shaky breath, taking your hands and pulling you to stand, arm in arm as you two walked back to your room.
“I don’t know much about him,” She admitted, “Only the parts your father cares about. He’s powerful and wealthy, he has connections and access to things we do not.”
“It’s transactional to him,” Your voice was quiet but cold, you weren’t his child you were his pawn, “Nothing more.”
She nodded apprehensively, “But some of the servants have told me he reads as a kind man, his words are thoughtful. I shall let you know more as soon as I find it.”
She kissed your forehead, leaving you alone at your bedroom door.
That week flew by, far faster than you could have ever hoped. Your clothes were packed away, any jewelry and makeup you wished to bring as well. Soon your room— your old room— lay bare, sans the bed. You were grateful that you had been allowed to bring your cat, a cuddly girl you found in the garden when you were thirteen, Cherry.
Your send off was a blur; your brain was in a fog as your mother held you, silently sobbing. Your oldest brother, who still lived nearby, his wife and his children had come as well. He was almost a stranger to you, stiffly wishing you a safe voyage, and a happy marriage. Your sister in law, pregnant with her fourth child, kissed your cheeks, telling you she hoped for your health.
Your father merely sent you off with this: “Do not disappoint me.”
Your days at sea were long, the ocean still. You had witnessed storms destroy the docks in your hometown, and feared the worst, but she allowed you a peaceful voyage.
You spent your time playing with Cherry in your bunker, writing letters you’d send off to your mother the moment you were able, and imagining your life ahead.
All you had learned about your future husband was that he sounded kind, that he spoke of you respectfully and promised your father you’d be safe in his home. Your father hadn’t even asked about that, only caring to learn of what benefits he’d receive. But your future husband had made sure to discuss more about ensuring your safety and wellbeing.
You had slowly started growing used to the rocking of the sea when you all docked upon land, and you were ushered from your bunker, Cherry purring in your arms as you walked on shaky legs onto the docks.
It was… beautiful there.
So similar yet different than you were used to. The trees there were in bloom, pink petals and flowers floating around in the warm breeze. You stood for a moment, observing the land around you, the workers bustling past with your few boxes of things, mostly crates of gifts from your father to your future husband and his clan.
“Are you alright?”
You jumped, blinking as you turned your attention to the small group of men standing before you. You were always grateful that you had been privileged to learn a multitude of languages throughout your life, and nodded slowly.
“Yes. I apologize it’s… quite beautiful here.”
The man before you smiled softly, bowing slightly as you stepped closer, “I’m Hiragi Toma, I’ll be escorting you to your new home.”
You smiled, swallowing back nerves, “Thank you, Hiragi. It’s a pleasure.”
He held his arm out, indicating you to walk forward, and the leftover group shifted, allowing the pair of you to walk through them.
“I imagine you have questions,” His voice broke you out of the beginning of your thoughts, and you looked down to Cherry, who looked up at you with a slow blink.
“Many,” You admitted shly, “But—”
“Ask away,” The pair of you had gotten to what appeared to be a carriage, but there was no roof, and only two horses appeared to be pulling it.
He helped you in, taking a seat across from you, as two more men piled in, one with light blonde hair, and another with dual colors; a feature you had never seen in person.
“Ask?”
The horses pulled off, and the four of you lurched lightly, Hiragi raised an eyebrow at you, “Yes. We may not be able to answer them all, but we can answer a few I imagine.”
Your lips pursed, petting over Cherry’s fur to calm the spike of nerves you felt.
“What’s wrong?”
You cleared your throat, “Forgive me… My father had taught me not to ask questions.”
The dual-haired man snorted, and your attention turned to him, before your gaze flickered back to Hiragi.
Hiragi offered you a soft smile, “I find we handle things differently here than most other places, even on this side of the world. If you have questions you are more than welcome to ask.”
“My husband,” You blurted out before you could stop, “What’s… he like?”
The three stared at you, and silence fell, the only sound of the horses walking.
“You… hadn’t read any of his letters?”
“I’m not allowed to read letters my father receives, it’s private information I’m not privileged to witness.”
Hiragi shook his head, and the blonde next to you clicked his tongue, “And here we thought you were so stuck up you weren’t responding to him.”
“Kaji,” Hiragi hissed his name, face pinched, before he sighed, “I suppose that answers some of our questions then. His name is Hajime Umemiya, he’s…”
He trailed off, as if unsure what to say or how to describe him. The other man, who the more you studied the more his hair reminded you of Cherry’s fur, decided to step in.
“He’s strong.” His voice was firm as he spoke, “Took his position like it was absolutely nothing. I aim to pass him one day.”
“And take his wife in the process?” Kaji questioned, and that notion had both of your faces burning red.
“No!” He leaned forward, “I want the spot— not his damn wife!”
Kaji rolled his eyes, “Sure.”
“I have no intention of ever getting married, and if I did!” He pointed a finger in your direction, “I’d want a wife who can hold her own in a battle! Not someone weak!”
As harsh as his words were, and you did your best to hide a wince, he wasn’t wrong. Your brothers had all been trained mentally as well as physically, but you and your sister could only watch in curiosity, never allowed to train with them.
“Sakura!” Hiragi moved, a hand smacking the side of his head, “You don’t insult guests in front of them, and especially a lady!”
He turned to you, forcing the others head down in as much of a bow as he could in the carriage, “I apologize. On behalf of both of them.”
You shook your head, “It’s okay! Really!”
He sat up, letting go of Sakura, who looked annoyed and embarrassed, turning to stare along the scenery.
“He isn’t wrong though, Umemiya is a very strong man. He rose in power quickly, and he helped clean up our nation more than many before him. We’ve had connections with past rivals, new trades and relationships flourishing under him,” He smiled at you, eyes soft as if he were aiming to calm your racing heartbeat, “But he didn’t get there alone. He’s a man who rules for his people, and everyone loves him, respects him. He’s got a soft heart, and is protective of those he holds close. He’s not cruel in anyway of the word, either.”
You nodded, leaning back into the seat. Hiragi seemed trustworthy, he seemed kind, if not a bit tired.
“He had been writing to you once he and your father finalized your betrothal.”
“I- I never received any of the letters.”
“I imagine your father kept them, though I can’t guess why. Umemiya imagined something like that was the reason, he had faith you weren’t turning your nose up at him when others thought that to be the case.”
Safe to say your father just didn’t care enough to give you the letters, seeing no reason behind them.
“He’s rather excited to meet you,” Hiragi continued, “Been bouncing around this whole week.”
You giggled lightly at that, “It’s hard to imagine a grown man this excited over marriage.”
Kaji scoffed, “He’s still a kid at heart,” Muttering something that sounded like “annoying” under his breath.
Hiragi’s eyebrows furrowed a bit, “He’s freshly eighteen,” Your eyes widened at that fact, “And your sixteenth birthday was a few months ago, correct?”
You nodded, and he smiled, “You don’t have to worry about him, I doubt your father realized he wasn’t as old as he thought at first.”
The carriage stopped moving, and someone rushed to open the door, Sakura and Kaji hoping out, followed by Hiragi, who paused and waited for you, holding your hand to help you down.
His voice was low as the carriage door shut behind you, “You’ll be safe with him,” You turned to look at him, but he was looking forward, “I promise. He’s a good man.”
You followed after the three, the gardens outside of your new home beautiful and breathtaking. Standing at the entrance, clad in a beautiful looking kimono, as you learned on your voyage over, stood a man, tall and smiling. His hair was as white as winter snow, and it almost appeared ethereal against the setting sunlight.
“Welcome!” His voice was loud and booming, and Hiragi sighed from in front of you.
As you grew closer you realized that this man was Hajime Umemiya; your husband.
α/ɳ: I started this with no plot in sight, and as I was writing (cause I always have a lot to say) realized... this won't all fit into one one shot. So then I was like-- okay two parts? Three parts? We'll see!
ρα૨ƭ ƭωσ
ρα૨ƭ ƭɦ૨εε
fιяѕт ∂αтєѕ (нєα∂¢αиσиѕ)
Incl: Ren Kaji, Tasuku Tsubakino, Toma Hiragi, + Hajime Umemiya
α૨૨αɳɠε∂ ɱα૨૨เαɠε; µɱεɱเყα א ૨εα∂ε૨ ρα૨ƭ ƭωσ ρα૨ƭ ƭɦ૨εε
As the youngest in your family, you knew your entire life would lead up to whoever your father could marry you off to. You just never expected the man you were to marry lived on the opposite side of the world, nor did you anticipate to fall in love with him when your entire life you'd only known loveless marriages.
αƒƭε૨ ɱเ∂ɳเɠɦƭ; ƭรµɓαҡเɳσ א ૨εα∂ε૨ א µɱεɱเყα
Ditched by your not-so-date at a club, Tsubakino and Umemiya want to show you your worth more, and give you a better night than he ever could.
ɓεα૮ɦ ∂αყ
My girl can wear what she wants cause... I Can Fight; Incl. Kiryuu, Kaji, Umemiya, I Am Scared of Her; Incl. Nirei, Sakura She's a Hoe and I Knew That Before We Started Dating; Incl. Hiragi, Choji
૨εรρσɳรεร ƭσ: เ ωαɳƭ α ɓαɓყ (ƭεאƭ ρเ૮ƭµ૨εร)
ωɦαƭ ƭɦεყ ∂σ ωɦεɳ ყσµ'૨ε รเ૮ҡ (ɦεα∂૮αɳσɳร)
Incl: Umemiya, Hiragi, Tsubakino, Choji, Togame
Incl. Ren Kaji, Tasuku Tsubakino, Toma Hiragi, + Hajime Umemiya
Apologies some are longer than others!
ℝ𝔼ℕ 𝕂𝔸𝕁𝕀
ʰᵉᵃᵈᶜᵃⁿᵒⁿˢ:
This man spends the entire day before your date staring in the mirror at himself and screaming into a pillow because; hello? He asked you on a date? And you agreed?
He is definitely the kind of guy who, when panicked, ghosts people. Not maliciously, but solely because when he's anxious he just avoids the situation in its entirety. You can thank Hiragi he doesn't do that this time.
Doesn't wear his headphones on your date, but does keep them around his neck, and if you're quiet enough you can faintly hear music playing from them. He keeps them close enough to focus on if he gets too anxious or too upset, but not on so he can hear you when you talk.
He keeps the suckers though; but if you had ever mentioned a favorite flavor of yours you'd be surprised to notice that these ones he's eating happen to be your favorite flavor.
You find yourself at an arcade with him; nothing too jam-packed because dealing with large crowds would not be fun, but it's not so empty that it feels awkward.
He definitely overthought it before you two arrived there, and is overthinking it while you two are there.
But he pays for all the tokens, buys you both sodas or waters or whatever you want, plays whatever games you want to or suggest, and it takes the third game for you to tell him to stop going easy on you and give you an actual challenge.
He ends up kicking your ass at almost every game you two played, but you win 2/5 rounds of air hockey, so you count that as a win.
Combines all your points/tickets at the end and sends you away so he can choose a prize for you; he ends up with fewer tickets than he thought so he ends up with a small, plushie of a whale. He's embarrassed, but it's soft and has the cutest beady eyes.
The date lasts for a few hours, and he walks you home, awkwardly brushing his pinky against yours before you take the initiative and take his hand.
Drops you off at your place with a kiss on the cheek
You text him a selfie of you in your PJs later that night, holding your whale plushie and he makes it his wallpaper almost immediately,
𝕋𝔸𝕊𝕌𝕂𝕌 𝕋𝕊𝕌𝔹𝔸𝕂𝕀ℕ𝕆
ʰᵉᵃᵈᶜᵃⁿᵒⁿˢ:
Is the definition of looking cool on the outside, looking cool on the inside.
Is more excited than anything, no room for nerves, you on the other hand?
Who wouldn't be nervous? Have you seen Tsubaki?
He helps the pair of you plan your outfits days before, matching colors and patterns, hairstyles, and accessories.
The moment you two are out and about together you already look like a power couple; and with the confidence he holds your hand all your nerves disappear.
He takes it slow and simple; taking you for coffee and sweets, sitting outside on their cute patio to talk for literal hours.
He's the type of guy who wants you to try a sip of his drink and a bite of his food and is holding out his fork with a little bit of pastry on the end for you to eat. When he puts his fork down he tells you you have some icing on your face and wipes it off with his thumb, and then he puts his thumb in his mouth, it's such a small, and simple thing but your face is red can you tell who my favorite is?
You two go through a handful of drinks and sweets while sitting there, and for each new order he insists on going up and ordering for you, paying, and taking cute pictures of your drinks together whenever they're served really cute
Once you two are done at the cafe, and Tsubaki has plenty of new selfies with you and candids of you, you two go to a clothing shop that he had found, something small and locally owned, and I can imagine you two doing fashion shows for each other
My friends and I used to do this; but you two pick out outfits for each other, trying to make outfits that fit each others style or outfits you think the other would look amazing in
You take turns trying them on and showing them off; and no matter what Tsubaki is wearing he looks so absolutely amazing you forget how to breath a few times
You go with the notion that you’re window shopping and just trying clothes on for fun, but little do you know he buys himself your favorite outfit he wore and you your favorite outfit your wore
You try and argue against this but he just shuts you up with a kiss; hand cupping your jaw, tilting your head up softly, looking at you so soft and sweet before he’s leaning down to press his lips against yours, so feather light and sweet before he pulls back
You’re stunned into silence, face red and lips tinged the same shade as his lipstick
He tells you you both can wear the outfits on your next date, and takes your hand in his, continuing to a pastry shop that’s nearby
𝕋𝕆𝕄𝔸 ℍ𝕀ℝ𝔸𝔾𝕀
ʰᵉᵃᵈᶜᵃⁿᵒⁿˢ:
He is the definition of looking cool on the outside, is terrified on the inside.
He had an entire box of gas-kun10 in the twelve hours before your date, and it takes everything out of him not to bring out a box on your date.
A gentleman; brings you flowers and picks you up early enough so you can put them in a vase of water before you leave.
I agree with a lot of head-canons that say he seems more traditional? In the gentleman, chivalry sense; and I agree
He holds his arm out for you to hold when you leave; walking closer to the street so you’re further away from any cars (regardless of how few) and any bikes going by
He definitely follows the movie and dinner thing; having genuinely, subtly found a movie coming out that you had wanted to see and taking you to a mid-afternoon showing
He buys your favorite drink and snacks
I imagine he also makes sure to bring his jacket (and hope you forgets yours) so in case the theatre is chilly he can lend you his jacket
It is chilly, and he does lend you his jacket
He also puts his arm around your shoulders while watching the movie; and everything he does is so cliche but dear god is your heart fluttering
He takes you to a nice restaurant afterwards, and you two have a quiet little table, talking about the movie, about the other Furin boys, about your school life and friends
He remembers your friends names and family members names and asks about how they are and just makes you feel so listened to
When he drops you off at home he literally asks if he can kiss you
Brushes your hair behind your ear, fingers trailing down your jawline, resting at your chin as he tilts your head upwards
He kisses you softly and slowly, no expectations behind the kiss; he lets you lead the kiss, lets you end the kiss when you want
It was a simple kiss yet the man leaves you winded
Calls you later that night to talk and unwind, planning another date for the following week
ℍ𝔸𝕁𝕀𝕄𝔼 𝕌𝕄𝔼𝕄𝕀𝕐𝔸
ʰᵉᵃᵈᶜᵃⁿᵒⁿˢ:
I think he barges into Pothos to panic to Kotoha because he's never been on a date?
She helps as much as she can before kicking him out.
He debates a lot of ideas, literally has a list on his phone of ideas and pros and cons for each place, and he's read them out to literally everyone.
Poor Sakura almost had an aneurysm, Sugishita nodded along to every idea thrown his way, and Hiragi swore he had a stomach ulcer.
He picks you up in the early afternoon, and takes you to a local café; not Pothos (Kotoha threatened him to go somewhere else where his friends don't hang out); and you two snack on sweets, coffee, and tea before you go to the next place.
I imagine that this man still has to include some of his own interests, so he had found an open garden type park nearby— someplace with lots of flowers in bloom, butterflies and honey bees flying all around
It’s a beautiful place really; and he pays for a special bouquet for you, wrapped with a cute ribbon
You carry it around, and it ends up being the only thing he allows you to carry
He’s carrying your jacket, your purse, any bags from things you buy (he pays for, regardless of how much you argue)
The garden has little areas to sit and relax, and he’s offering to buy you any drinks or snacks, and turns the garden date into a mini picnic as well
He’s definitely the kind of guy to sit there and watch you, leaning on his hand with a dopey look on his face while you talk about anything— and the look on his face makes you feel so vulnerable and warm you find yourself stuttering and stammering without him even saying a word
When the sun starts setting he walks you home, and he’s the kind of guy who has an arm wrapped around your shoulders as you two walk, the tips of his fingers brushing against your bicep in an almost tickling way
He’s so sweet and happy when he drops you off at home, walking inside to put your stuff down because he still won’t let you carry any of your stuff, and he even starts putting any leftover food away without you asking
Like Hiragi, he asks if he can kiss you, and as soft as he was on the date, his kiss is closer to smoldering
It’s heavy, it’s fast, and it’s over so quick that your brain is reeling
He grins at you like he didn’t just physically steal your breath away, telling you goodnight, kissing your forehead before leaving
He texts you later that night, cute little plant pictures and promises for another date
𝔸/ℕ: I am very well aware that Tsubaki is in love with Umemiya (he and me both) BUT I am also way too in love and invested in the Great King that is Tsubakino so he's included. Also, this is my first go at writing for Windbreaker, so if anything is OOC or bad... I'm so sorry. I’ll hopefully get better! >.<
who is it voicing kaji in the english dub??? i cannot freaking TELL
i’m re-reading the manga and have some comments :) slight spoilers ahead i guess?
i wanna know 1. does someone at the school paint these and 2. WHO???
i just love him
they’re so proud/fond of their little first year
i love this trio
BOYFRIENDS YOUR HONOR! SOULMATES EVEN!
kiryuu said “you WILL be in this heart felt moment”
i know all his tattoos may have some type of meaning but… who is Frank? Franky? is this equal to when americans try and get things in different languages tattooed but get it wrong?
i just love all the little tidbits of the class being friends and silly goofy
anzai
anzai please you’re choking him
just
windbreaker chat log appreciation :)
i love these boys
okay but when the class learns when sakura’s birthday is they ask what he did for his bday before school started
and when he gets all confused cause like? he’s literally never celebrated his birthday?
and everyone is just basically heartbroken to learn that sakura has never 1. had his birthday celebrated or 2. been invited when others have celebrated their birthdays
even though it’s LATE and other birthdays are near they agree that they’re gonna throw a sakura birthday party on the rooftop
hiragi is in charge of making sure umemiya doesn’t get so excited he foils the surprise
tsubaki is in charge of decorations
kotaha is in charge of food
suo makes sure they remember that this is sakura and he wouldn’t want a “balloons, streamers, party poppers, big blow out” party
nirei is in charge of spreading the word without spreading the word to sakura— it isn’t hard but he doesn’t want to admit that
kiryuu is making a playlist that fits sakura and fits the party
just—
everyone buying him these meaningful gifts and they’re a bunch of teenage boys so their wrapping skills are subpar (except tsubaki and suo)
i just *clenches fist*
and imagine sakura’s lil face when he shows up and learns what everyone did and jUST DO YOU SEE MY VISION???
please someone add to the thoughts
fuck it
I wrote one
you know what i need?
more fics that focus on sakura and tsubakino
like please give me sibling dynamics between them i’ll sob
do i gotta start these fics??? cause i will
you know what i need?
more fics that focus on sakura and tsubakino
like please give me sibling dynamics between them i’ll sob
do i gotta start these fics??? cause i will
LOOK (minor spoilers?)
I KNOW IT WAS A SERIOUS AND HEARTBREAKING MOMENT
BUT
YOU DONE PUNCHED HIS EYES IN TWO DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS
shit had me cackling
Ernesto Jason Liebrecht should voice Endo in my opinion. He’s, to me, known mostly for voicing Dabi in BNHA. I just… have a vision.
when it comes to voice acting and voice actors I am rather Autistic about it
I have a full spread sheet of animes I watch and their voice actors so when I watch something and someone sounds familiar I can cross reference to see who it is and where I know them from
anyways
when it comes to Wind Breaker characters in the dub (yes I am a dub girly, I take no criticism) I have some hopes/opinions on who should play a few people once they’re introduced to the anime
I feel like, if he does his voice similar to how he does it as Osamu in the Haikyuu dub, Daman Mills could voice Ren Kaji
he also voices Wirth Madi in Mashle, Legato Bluesummers in Trigun Stampede, Cherry in SK8 the Infinity, Shintaro Midorima in Kuroko’s Basketball, as well as plenty of others
I’ll have more later but I’m tired and this is what I have so far
reading through the manga and wanna drop some of my fav lil expressions
that’s all :)
when it comes to voice acting and voice actors I am rather Autistic about it
I have a full spread sheet of animes I watch and their voice actors so when I watch something and someone sounds familiar I can cross reference to see who it is and where I know them from
anyways
when it comes to Wind Breaker characters in the dub (yes I am a dub girly, I take no criticism) I have some hopes/opinions on who should play a few people once they’re introduced to the anime
I feel like, if he does his voice similar to how he does it as Osamu in the Haikyuu dub, Daman Mills could voice Ren Kaji
he also voices Wirth Madi in Mashle, Legato Bluesummers in Trigun Stampede, Cherry in SK8 the Infinity, Shintaro Midorima in Kuroko’s Basketball, as well as plenty of others
I’ll have more later but I’m tired and this is what I have so far
spot the difference— level impossible
my dad and I were actually talking about this (he and I watch a lot of shows together) and he had the idea that once the kids graduate that people in the town get them jobs at their shops/businesses, even if that’s in town or moving out, since it’s a town that takes care of themselves :)
and honestly I adore that idea
DO THESE BOYS IN FURIN ACTUALLY HAVE CLASSES?? Where are the teachers?? Are they getting an education? Do they just hang out in this abandoned school and wear school uniforms? I am worried about their future.
my children 🥹
FURIN HIGH SCHOOL FIRST YEARS
i started reading wind breaker recently!!! i think i’m going to write a post dedicated to umemiya soon! he’s become such a comfort character for me :)