It's been several months since Kurasame proposed to me, and planning for a wedding was a somewhat difficult task: even if it was a small one. I was looking at pictures of flower arrangements while waiting for class to start. Hmm…what flowers would be best. King leaned over and looked at the photos on my desk.
"Do you know which flowers you want?" he asked.
I shook my head, "There are so many. It's making my head hurt."
"I like the arrangement with the lilies." A voice behind me said.
I turned around and saw Kurasame standing there looking at the pictures. "Why the lilies?" I asked curiously.
"Oh look, it's time for class to start." He chuckled as he walked away.
I shook my head and giggled. Silly man, but you're my silly man. I pulled out my notebook and began taking notes.
Class went by quickly and I rushed off to meet the lady who was making my wedding dress. I barely made it in time for my appointment. "I'm here!" I huffed out.
The old woman smiled at me and laughed, "Why don't you sit for a moment and catch your breath?"
I nodded and sat down, "Thank you."
While I was catching my breath, she began to take out her tools. "Your wedding is coming up soon, isn't it?" She asked me.
"Yes it is, it's only a week away." A smile made its way to my face as I thought about it.
The old woman laughed and helped me into my dress. "We'll get this last fitting done, then the dress is yours."
I nodded and stood still while she finished the last few details on my dress. She patted my back and had me look at it in the mirror. "It is absolutely beautiful." I said as I examined it. Kurasame will love it. I smiled as I thought about the look on his face when he sees me in it. "It's perfect."
It was finally the day of the wedding and I was freaking out. I can't believe it. My wedding day is here! I'll go to sleep as Lily Susaya. My heart fluttered at the thought of having his last name. Even though it was not normal, Kurasame and I agreed that Nine and King should be the ones to walk me down the aisle. I had no father and those two are my closet family.
I had just finished changing into my dress when there was a knock on the door. "Lily, can we come in?" King's voice came from the other side.
"Yes!" I called out to him.
Nine and King entered the room and looked me over. "You look beautiful." King said.
"Like a goddess, yo." Nine added.
I giggled and hugged them both. "Thank you two for everything; you guys are the best brothers anyone could ask for. Thank you for doing this for me today. It really does mean a lot to me."
They smiled and patted my head. "It's time to go."
They walked me to the closed doors, waiting on the other side was Kurasame and our friends. I took a deep breath as I heard the wedding march sound out.
The doors open and we walked through them. I saw my siblings there, smiling and giving encouragement. I also saw some of our friends: Kazusa and Emina were there, as well as Naghi, Mutski, Reid, Quon, and Carla. At the end of the aisle was my husband-to-be. He made the choice to not wear his mask today, even though I told him that he could wear it. He said that he wanted no barriers during our wedding. I smiled at him as the distance between us became smaller and smaller. He held out his hand to me and I placed mine in it.
The officiant asked, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"
King answered, "Her siblings do." I turned to them and smiled.
Kurasame and I turned to face the officiant. He continued, "Today there will be no dearly beloved, no betrothed, and no ancient rhyme of the married. Today there are no dead languages to solemnize vows that are very much alive and will remain so for a lifetime.
Today promises become permanent and friends become family. However, this day is not about the words spoken or the rings exchanged, nor is it about grand pronouncements and recessional marches. This day – the day of Lily and Kurasame's wedding – is about love. Lily and Kurasame, your breathless tale has only just begun. If love is not all, then it is nothing. All you have to do is simply love one another and that love shows through in everything you do for one another, how you treat each other, in good times and bad. Love isn't just a word; it's an action. Love isn't something you say, it's something you do. Love is genuine, honest, and open, compassionate and kind, passionate and blind, love doesn't know space or time, nor look through jealous eyes. Love never dies. There are many different kinds of love, almost if not all of which are represented here today. There is romantic love, the love of brothers and sisters and family, and love among friends. Not only do Lily and Kurasame love one another romantically – and they do, you can see it in every look, every touch, every moment they're together – they also love one another as friends. In fact, they're best friends, constantly giggling and taunting and teasing and very plainly and obviously having fun together. That love and enjoyment of each other as best friends will sustain them through this marriage. In addition, the love collectively in this room, from friends and family, will help sustain and support the promises they make today. All of us here will help solidify this bond, as these two individuals are joined as husband and wife. This new journey will be at times richly rewarding and extremely difficult, but, most importantly, it will be a journey you take together. You are promising, in front of all these people you love, that you want to be with each other and only each other for the rest of your lives, and that you will do everything in your power to honor the promises you are making here today."
Kurasame and I looked at each other and smiled. I can't believe this is happening! I'm marrying the love of my life. We reached the wedding vows and Kurasame recited his to me first.
"I promise to love and care for you, and I will try in every way to be worthy of your love. I will always be honest with you, kind, patient and forgiving. But most of all, I promise to be a true and loyal friend to you. I love you." He promised.
Now it was my turn to say my vows. ""You are my lover and my teacher, You are my model and my accomplice, And you are my true counterpart. I will love you, hold you and honor you, I will respect you, encourage you and cherish you, In health and sickness, Through sorrow and success, For all the days of my life." I promised.
The officiant asked for the rings and gave them to us. On each of our turns we said, "With this ring, I thee wed." And slipped the rings on the other's ring finger.
The words I had been waiting to hear finally left the officiant's mouth. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me close. My heart soared as we shared our first kiss as husband and wife.
***We chose to spend our honeymoon in Concordia. The land there is beautiful and gave us enough distance from everyone else. Our little cottage was absolutely perfect for the week we would spend there. I unpacked my suitcase and changed into something more comfortable. I sat on the edge of the bed and watched Kurasame unpack. I giggled as I watched him do this. Not surprisingly, Kurasame was very organized. He separated his clothes by type and color. If he put something in the wrong place, he fixed it right away. That is so adorable. I'm getting to see a whole new side of him. I didn't think it was possible, but I'm falling more and more in love with him everyday.
We didn't get the chance to look at any sights because we arrived in Concordia late, so we decided to go ahead and head to bed. I hopped in the shower and cleaned up. I dressed in my pajamas and brushed my hair and teeth. When I exited the bathroom I noticed Kurasame was already in bed. I approached timidly and got in the bed. My embarrassment would not allow me to get past the edge of the bed. I laid there on the edge with my back to him, hoping it would hide my blush from him. I felt the bed move and my body was slowly pulled away from the edge and closer to him.
"Lily," he said gently, "look at me."
I shook my head and tried to scoot away from him, but he wouldn't let me.
"Please." He asked longingly.
Not wanting to make him sad, I reluctantly rolled over and faced him. I could feel the blush creeping its way to my ears as I met his gaze.
He chuckled softly as he stroked my hair. "You're red as a tomato." He joked.
I stuck my lip out and pouted, "Don't tease me."
He apologized and and pulled me against his chest.
My heart began to beat wildly. "I love you." I told him.
He smiled and kissed me gently. "I love you too."
The next morning, I awoke to a strange sensation. My body felt a warmth that it wasn't used to. I opened my eyes and saw that I was cuddled against Kurasame's chest and his arms were around me. I looked up at his sleeping face and smiled. He looks so innocent and vulnerable when he's sleeping. I never imagined I would get to see this face. He really his handsome, I am so happy that he trusts me with this side of him. I looked at the clock and my eyes widened. Wow! We really slept in late, I can't remember the last time I stayed in bed this long. I pressed my lips to Kurasame's affectionately.
"Mmm, I can't think of a better way to start my day." He said, opening his eyes.
My eyes widened in shock when I realized that he had been awake this whole time. My face flushed red and I jumped out of bed. I made my way to the dresser and began looking through my clothes for an outfit to wear today.
Kurasame rolled over and propped his head up on his arm. "Why are you blushing?" He laughed.
I turned around to glare at him. "Don't tease me." I replied.
He laughed and got out of bed. He approached me slowly and wrapped his arms around me. "Sorry, you're just too adorable. I couldn't help it." His kissed my forehead gently.
I buried my face in his chest and muttered, "Meanie."
We got ready and headed out for the day. Kurasame and I walked hand in hand as we looked around the cute little market by the cottage. There wasn't much food stocked in the cottage, so we decided to pick up some extra food. The two of us went stall to stall choosing the food we wanted. We came upon a stall run by an elderly woman.
"Hello, how may I help you?" She asked kindly.
I smiled and answered, "We're just looking around."
The old woman smiled fondly, "Are you two by chance, newlyweds?"
I blushed and nodded.
"I remember that time in my life. My husband and I couldn't be separated. I'll never forget the happy feeling I got just knowing that we would spend the rest of our life together." She reminisced.
"Where is your husband now?" Kurasame inquired.
She replied sadly, "He passed away a few years ago. Sometimes I will go to tell him something, and remember that he's no longer here. It has been an adjustment."
"I'm sorry for your loss." He told her.
She shook her head, "I have my memories. I'd be lost without the , so treasure each other for as long as you can."
I smiled and nodded, "I will." I squeezed Kurasame's hand affectionately. I looked down at her wares and asked, "How much is your fruit?"
"For a lovely young couple like yourselves, they're on the house." She held out two pieces of the fruit, and I placed them in the basket I was carrying.
"Oh, I couldn't possibly let you do that. Please, let me pay you something for it." I responded.
She smiled and shook her head, "You've reminded me of the beauty found in love, that is payment enough for me. Enjoy the rest of your time here."
"We will. Thank you!" I waved at her as we walked away.
After our shopping trip, I put all the food away and began making dinner. As I was cooking on the stove, Kurasame approached me from behind and wrapped his arms around me. "I love you." He whispered in my ear.
"Eeep! That tickles! Don't don't do that while I'm cooking!" I exclaimed.
He laughed and nuzzled my neck affectionately. "Sorry, can I help you speed things along?"
"Will you set the table for me? I'm almost done." I smiled. I turned to give him a peck on the lips. "Thank you, my love." We talked of various things over dinner and what we were going to do during the rest of our time in Concordia. He helped me clean up dinner and we relaxed until bedtime.
The rest of our time in Concordia was perfect. I couldn't think of a better way to start off our married life together. We returned home and were greeted by my siblings.
"Welcome home!" They all shouted as Kurasame and I entered the classroom. I was hugged by my siblings and questioned as to how we enjoyed Concordia.
"It was absolutely beautiful!" I told them. "We got to see dragons and meet many new people. I had so much fun!"
Nine sniggered, "I'm sure you did."
"Shut up Nine, don't be crude." I snapped.
King laughed and hugged me. "I'm glad you guys are home safely. We have a surprise for you."
"A surprise? What is it?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
"You'll have to follow us!" Cinque exclaimed.
Kurasame and I followed my siblings out of the classroom. The two of us became very suspicious when they lead us out of Akademeia's main gate. Not too far outside the campus, we saw a little house that was not there before.
"What is this?" I asked, confused as to what was going on.
King placed keys in my hand and said, "We asked the leader's of Akademeia to do this because you both have served this school faithfully. You deserve a little place of your own."
Tears fell down my face, I was touched by the sweet gesture from my siblings. "Thank you guys so much! This is so kind of you!"
"Well, go look inside!" Jack called out excitedly.
I looked at Kurasame and smiled, "Shall we?" I unlocked it the door and opened it, but before I could do anything else my feet had left the ground. I found myself in Kurasame's arms.
"Traditions, right?" He asked.
I giggled and wrapped my arms around his neck, "Yes!"
He carried me through the doorway and set me down gently. The house was just right for the two of us. It had two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room. Along the walls in the living room were various picture of Kurasame and I. "It's wonderful." I said to Kurasame.
He nodded, "You have really kind siblings."
"Yeah. I love them to death." I responded.
My siblings entered the house and smiled at us. "Do you like it?" Deuce asked.
"I love it!" I exclaimed. I hugged each of my siblings to thank them. We all sat and talked for a while until Kurasame said, "We need to get you back to Akademeia before curfew, or you'll be in trouble." I unpacked our stuff while he was gone. When he got back, we dressed in our pajamas and climbed into bed. I cuddled up against him and kissed his cheek. "I look forward to the start of a new season in our life."
He kissed my forehead and replied, "I'm happy as long as I'm with you."