My Legacy, My Decree, My Will (BNHA x AOT)

=========================================================

Aiden stood at the grand doors of the Takahashi manor, the warm glow of the evening lights spilling onto the driveway. Toru and her parents accompanied him, her mother wearing a soft, knowing smile, while her father maintained a composed expression with a hint of amusement.

Toru herself looked reluctant to see Aiden leave, her cheeks still tinged with the blush from their earlier moment in the garden.

"Thank you for having me," Aiden said, bowing his head slightly out of respect. "This was... well, not how I thought today would go, but it turned out better than I could have imagined."

Emiko chuckled softly. "You're welcome here anytime, Aiden. And thank you again for everything you've done for Toru. You're truly one of a kind."

"You've got our gratitude, young man," Hiro added, his voice steady. "And our trust."

Aiden gave a lopsided grin. "I'll do my best to live up to that."

Toru stepped closer, her green eyes meeting his. "You're really going now?"

"Yeah," he said, his tone softening. "But hey, I'll see you at school, right?"

She nodded but hesitated. Then, before she could second-guess herself, she leaned up and kissed him softly on the cheek. Aiden blinked, surprised, before his usual confident smirk appeared.

"Guess I've started a trend," he teased.

"Goodnight, Aiden," Toru said, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her smile.

As he turned to leave, Aiden paused, a mischievous glint in his glowing eyes. He spun around, cupped Toru's cheek gently, and gave her a quick but affectionate kiss on the lips.

The reaction was immediate. Toru froze, her face turning a shade of pink that rivalled the sunset. Her mother gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in surprise, while her father raised an eyebrow but said nothing, though a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Goodnight, Toru," Aiden said with a wink, stepping back before anyone could recover fully.

"You—" Toru started, but before she could finish, Aiden had already dashed off, laughing as he made his way to his car.

Sliding into the sleek driver's seat, Aiden activated the vehicle's systems with a quick voice command. The car, a marvel of 22nd-century engineering, hummed to life, the dashboard lighting up with a soft blue glow.

"Set destination: home," Aiden instructed.

"Destination set," the car's AI replied in a smooth, neutral voice. "Engaging auto-drive."

The vehicle began to glide down the long driveway, the motion so smooth it felt like floating. Aiden reclined his seat, letting the headrest cradle him as he let out a long, contented sigh.

The events of the day played through his mind like a vivid movie. Toru's astonished expression when she saw her reflection for the first time, the joy and tears of her parents, the lively atmosphere of the manor, and, of course, the kiss.

His lips curled into a grin as he replayed that moment.

"Man," he murmured, running a hand through his hair, "didn't think I'd have the guts to do that in front of her parents."

His thoughts wandered back to the feast, the laughter over their board game victory, and the way Toru's smile seemed to light up every corner of the room.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride—not just for creating the gadget that made her visible but for being a part of her happiness.

"She really is beautiful," he said aloud, as if affirming it to himself.

The car's AI, programmed to respond to any statement, chimed in. "Acknowledged. Toru is beautiful."

Aiden laughed, shaking his head. "Thanks for the confirmation, buddy."

He closed his eyes, allowing the hum of the car and the gentle motion to lull him. The stars above twinkled faintly through the sunroof, their light matching the warm glow of the city in the distance.

Memories of the group photo surfaced—the sheer number of people gathered, all smiling and laughing, the way Toru seemed to radiate joy at the centre of it all.

It was a snapshot of happiness, one he knew he'd treasure.

And then there was the garden. That quiet moment under the stars, the softness in Toru's voice as she thanked him, and the way her lips felt against his. Aiden's grin softened into something more genuine, a mix of contentment and awe.

"I've gotta step up my game," he muttered. "Can't let her think she's the only one who can surprise me."

The car AI interrupted his thoughts. "Alert: approaching destination."

Aiden opened his eyes, the faintest hint of sleep lingering in them. The cityscape outside had transformed into the familiar streets leading to his neighbourhood.

"Cancel alert," he said, sitting up and stretching. "I'm awake."

As the car pulled into his driveway, Aiden let out another sigh, this one heavier with the weight of the day's emotions.

Stepping out of the car, he paused for a moment, gazing up at the night sky.

"Goodnight, Toru," he whispered to himself, a soft smile still lingering on his lips.

He headed inside, already looking forward to the next day.

...

As Aiden stepped into the grand foyer of his home, the comforting warmth of the place enveloped him. He stretched lazily, still basking in the afterglow of the day. However, he wasn't two steps into the hall when Celeste's voice rang out.

"Well, well, look who finally decided to come home," she teased, stepping out from the sitting room, her golden-trimmed glasses catching the light.

"Celeste," Aiden greeted, trying to maintain his composure. He knew that tone.

"Don't 'Celeste' me," she said, folding her arms. "Details. Now."

Before Aiden could respond, Elara appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dishcloth. "Aiden's home? Perfect timing. I was just about to make something. Sit down, dear; you're going to tell us everything while I cook."

Aiden groaned but couldn't hide his grin. "You guys are relentless."

"Of course we are," Celeste quipped, dragging him toward the sitting area. "You've been gone the entire day on a 'project,' and now you come back looking like you've conquered the world. Spill it."

Aiden plopped onto the couch, his posture relaxed but his expression amused. "Fine. Where do you want me to start?"

"How about why you were grinning like an idiot when you walked in?" Celeste suggested, raising an eyebrow.

"I wasn't grinning like an idiot," Aiden countered.

"Yes, you were."

Elara's voice called from the kitchen. "I second that."

Aiden leaned back, rubbing the back of his neck. "Okay, maybe I was. It's just been... a good day."

Celeste tilted her head, her black-and-white locks falling over her shoulder. "Good how? Did Toru like the gadget?"

"She loved it," Aiden said, his tone softening. "Her parents hadn't seen her face since she was a baby. It was a whole emotional thing. Even the butler cried."

Celeste's expression softened for a moment, but then her curiosity reignited. "And Toru? How did she react?"

Aiden smirked. "She hugged me. A lot. Jumped on me, actually."

"Did she now?" Celeste asked, leaning closer, her spectacles glinting. "Anything else happen?"

Before Aiden could answer, the doors swung open, and Kaela burst in, her usual energy lighting up the room. "What's this I hear about a hug?" she asked, practically bouncing into the room. Seraphine followed, her armoured cloak swishing lightly, her expression a mix of curiosity and exasperation at Kaela's antics.

"Aiden was just telling us about his date," Celeste informed them, her tone sly.

"Date?!" Kaela exclaimed, her eyes widening. "Oh, this I have to hear!"

"It wasn't a date," Aiden insisted, though his faint blush betrayed him.

Kaela plopped onto the couch beside him, grinning. "Sure, it wasn't. Start from the top. Did you hold hands? Did you confess your undying love? Wait—did you kiss her?"

Aiden's face turned red. "Kaela!"

Seraphine took a seat gracefully and chuckled. "Let the man breathe, Kaela."

"But he's blushing!" Kaela pointed out.

"That's because you're all ganging up on me," Aiden muttered, though the grin tugging at his lips ruined his attempt at indignation.

The interrogation continued as Aiden recounted the day, from presenting the gadget to Toru's visible delight and the emotional reactions of her family. He told them about the group photos, the lively manor, and even the unexpected feast.

When he hesitated over the final part of the evening, Celeste's sharp gaze zeroed in on him. "You're skipping something," she said.

Kaela gasped dramatically. "He kissed her! I knew it!"

Aiden groaned, burying his face in his hands. "You guys are impossible."

Seraphine smirked. "Did she kiss you back?"

Aiden peeked out from between his fingers, his expression sheepish. "Yeah."

The room erupted with cheers and laughter. Kaela jumped up and did a little celebratory dance, while Celeste shook her head with a fond smile.

"Well done, Your Highness," Seraphine said, raising an imaginary glass.

"Okay, okay," Aiden said, waving them off. "You've had your fun. Can we move on now?"

At that moment, Elara entered the room, carrying a tray laden with steaming dishes. "Dinner's ready. Let's continue this over food."

The group gathered around the dining table, the aroma of Elara's cooking filling the air. As they ate, the conversation drifted between teasing Aiden and discussing their plans for the week.

"Are you going to make another gadget for Toru?" Kaela asked, her mouth full.

Aiden nodded. "Maybe something smaller this time. Something she can keep with her all the time."

Celeste adjusted her glasses. "Practical and thoughtful. You're learning."

Kaela grinned. "Or he's just whipped."

Aiden rolled his eyes but laughed. "Keep it up, Kaela. I'll remember this the next time you need help with something."

"You wouldn't dare," she challenged, though her grin suggested otherwise.

Seraphine, ever the voice of reason, interjected. "I think it's sweet. It's good to see you happy, Aiden."

Aiden looked around the table, at the people who were more like family than anything else, and smiled. "Thanks, Sera."

The night wound down with laughter and full stomachs. As Aiden finally excused himself to head to his room, he felt a warmth in his chest.

Today had been more than just a success. It had been a memory, one he knew he'd carry with him for a long time.

And as he flopped onto his bed, still smiling, he couldn't help but think about tomorrow—and all the tomorrows after that.

=========================================================