Part 24

Dabi stretched as he woke up. He then groaned when he heard the fighting. "So this is what Hino was hearing." He trudged into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. "Do you even know what it felt like growing up constantly hearing your parents argue and fight? And then have one of them blame you?" "No one is fucking blaming you!" "Really? Between you bing pissed at me for simply liking a guy, and dad's whole 'I wouldn't have been raped' you don't sound too convincing." Dabi nearly dropped his mug. "H-how do you know about that?" "I asked around." She began to tear up. "I want you there at my wedding. But not like this. I can't sit by while I'm blamed for your mistakes." Hinokuma walked to the front door. "I won't stop you from coming to the wedding, but I can ask that you not show up." And with that she left. Dabi dropped to his knees. "Hino." Dabi tried to cover his eyes. "Baby bird."


Hinokuma paced in the room. She hated wearing dresses but this was a special occasion after all. "Now you do look beautiful, but I think you'd look better wearing a smile. It's your wedding day. And your parents?" Hinokuma didn't answer. "I see. You know, when I married my late wife, my family was against it as well. She was a strong beta. Spoke her mind. And didn't care that I was an alpha. I think that's what I loved about her. I had a falling out with my parents over it. And my son has grown up without knowing who they are." Chisaki spoke softly. "I'm not saying they were in the right, but I am saying that I regret leaving things like that with them. You're parents have fought so hard for you. Did you know you were the only one Dabi wanted to keep?" "There were more?"  Chisaki nodded. "Many. All forced by alphas. When he found he was pregnant with you though, something changed. He wanted to raise you. And he tried to fight society to do it. And Keigo, he was terrified of being a father. But he found out about you and was with a Dabi every step of the way. I'll agree, their relationship was rushed, but they made sure it worked out for you." Hinokuma tired not to cry. "I'm not telling you what to do, I'm simply saying you may regret them not being here." Chisaki got up. "Now. To check on that boy of mine."


It was time for Hinokuma to walk down the aisle. She tried to steady her breath, but her father-in-law's words cut deep. She felt a few tears fight their way down her face, smudging her makeup. She jumped when she felt a hand hold on to her arm. "Deep breath, snowbird. We're here." "Before you ask, Chisaki." The trio walked down the aisle. The reception lasted all night. Hinokuma sat with her parents. "I'm sorry!" She sobbed as she hugged them. "We weren't the best examples, but maybe you can learn from our mistakes."


Hinokuma sat at the table holding her husband's  hand. "Everything ok, Hino?" She nodded. "I almost made the biggest mistake of my life. I'm glad it worked out." The two shared a loving kiss. "I'm glad this worked out between us as well." "Yasashi, I love you." "I love you too, Hino." Hinokuma watched her parents dance as she saw a shooting star. But there was nothing for her to wish for. She had everything she wanted. She looked at the wedding gift from her parents. It was by far her favorite. A photo album with a pair of wings on the cover. In good letters, read the phrase "Patchwork of Feathers" and she felt it couldn't be more true of this family that started out so small.

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