Letting Go

Skipper felt his heart sinking, but he faked a smile anyways. "You look beautiful, Heart... You remind me of your mother on her wedding day."

Heart giggled. "Really? Thanks, Dad!" She turned to the mirror and twirled around in her white wedding dress. "I can't believe it... I'm getting married..."

"Yeah... either can I..." It seemed it was only yesterday Heart was a routey tween, too caught up in her seriousness to even think about love. Skipper could picture her when Marlene brought Ace and Heart home. Heart was so small... so innocent... a bundle of jou. He kept telling himself Heart would leave and get married one day, buy that only caused Skipper to cling to his daughter more.

Just the, Ace poked his head through the door. "Is it normal for me to have butterflies in my stomach when it's not even me that's getting married?"

"No," Heart joked, "You're just a freak like that."

Ace rolled his eyes. "Whatever. You look less bad than you usually do, by the way, Heart."

"Gee, Ace. Thanks," she said, half sarcastically. She turned to Skipper who was walking out the door. "Dad?"

"I'll be back," he promised.

***

"Dad... please stop crying. The wedding hasn't even started yet," Tyler sighed.

Julien blew his nose in a tissue. "I'm just so sad and proud! Sad because Shade isn't here to see you, but proud that you've found someone!"

Tyler smiled as he hugged his dad. "I love ya, Dad... and I'm sure Mom can see me from the sky."

There was a knock at the door, then Skipper entered. "Julien, may I speak with Tyler alone?"

"Huh? Sure, I guess," He turned to his son and smiled one last time before leaving.

When Julien was gone, Tyler opened his mouth to speak, but Skipper cut him off.

"Love her. Love lover forever. Treat her better than Julien treats his feet and admire her more than the most valuable jewel. Always tell her she's beautiful and special and never break her heart or I'll break your bones. Most importantly... never let go of her... Never, ever let go."

Tyler never felt a sense of fear and happiness together before. "I will, Skipper." he promised, making Skipper feel relieved. "Just think," Tyler added, "In mere moments, we'll be in-laws!"

Now Skipper was filled with dread. That also ment Julien would be Heart's in-law! ...Maybe it wouldn't hurt to give Julien a talk too... For now, thought, Skipper once again faked a smile. "Oh... I can wait..."

"Don't you mean 'can't'?"

"No."

"Oh..."

Silence.

"I'm not like my father, if that's what you're worried about," Tyler said seriously.

"I know... In some part of my mind, I know..."

***

Music played and Skipper walked his one and only daughter down the aisle. Glancing to the right, Skipper could see Marlene crying in joy and Ace standing close to Tyler since he was the best man.

"Who gives this girl away?"

Skipper's voice felt dry as he replied; "Her mother and I do."

Heart smiled, but it faded when Skipper still had his flipper wrapped around her arm. "Ah, Dad.... it's time to let go."

Yes... She was right. He had to let go. Skipper released his grip. She was free...

Heart turned around and quickly kissed his cheek. "I'll always be your girl, won't I, Dad?"

Skipper smiled for real. "That's right, Heart...Always."

***

At the final words, Heart and Tyler kissed, sealing their marriage.

Julien had finally stopped crying only to shout out; "You can do it! You can do it all night long!"

"Dad!" Tyler yelled as he and his new wife blushed.

Skipper slapped the back of Julien's head hard.

"Ow! What was that for?"

"That's for giving me a very horrid imagine in my head, ya idiot."

---

A/N: Awwwww! Another TylerxHeart (AKA Tart)one shot! This is becoming one of my most fav fanfic couple...Well, it's in a tie with KowalskixRune... Anywhoz, I just felt like writing a lil father-daughter moment. This is when Heart and Tyler are older. ^,^

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